Collecting traffic signs
Have you ever thought about collecting traffic signs or traffic lights? The first thing you may picture, while speculating about traffic signs collection, is someone trying to steal a sign somewhere on a deserted road. But there exists a real traffic signs collector able to prove that it is not necessary to become a thief if you are dreaming about such an unusual hobby.
Steve Salcedo, a Web designer from northern Indiana, has been captured by collecting traffic signs since his childhood. Steve would ask his mother to read all of the signs on the highway. Later the boy was absorbed by drawing his own sign catalogs and driver's manuals. In 1984 Steve was given some mini cardboard signs that were usually used by teachers for hanging in a classroom. Two years later, his collection already comprised quite a big number of signs to be considered a “real collection.”
Besides street signs, Steve also deals with collecting traffic lights and signals. His collection features many traffic control appliances received from city and state street departments, highway departments or departments of public works in the USA. But advertising signs, real estate signs, neon signs or business identification signs do not present any interest for the collector.
It is difficult to imagine how it is possible to find new articles for the collection in a legal way. Steve manages to do it by different means. His efforts are rewarded by discovering a new thing while rummaging through flea markets or antique stores that often takes a lot of time. Steve also visits local street departments, searches eBay, providing himself with the opportunity to keep his collection growing, and discover signs that have not been included into his collection.
Generally, Steve’s pieces of collection are not for sale and he has not followed any material purpose. From time to time he practices selling duplicates of signs from his collection on eBay.
The price of the sign usually depends on the type of sign, and how much collectors wish to pay for it. To determine the price, the sign should be listed on eBay. A starting price may be learnt by looking for similar signs listed on the site.
At the moment, Steve’s collection consists of over 350 signs kept in storage. The collector does not possess enough time or space required to display all the signs. He has developed his one site for a virtual display. However, in future Steve would like to build special shelving units for his collection, resembling the way how most city sign shops arrange their sign inventory.
Steve used to photograph the newcoming signs and categorize them in a photo album. He quitted this habit after having reached 200 signs accompanied by 200 photos. So, the collector made up his mind to demonstrate the collection on the Web.
For those who have some hesitations about the legacy of the collection, Steve explains all the complications that would involve stealing a sign.
The property of more than 350 stolen street signs would cost the city authorities tens of thousands of dollars to be replaced. No doubt Steve would not take the risk of publishing them on the Internet for everybody’s viewing. Moreover, modern street departments know how to prevent sign thefts using the most reliable theftproof hardware for mounting signs.
For the interested site visitors Steve provides all the pictures on the site with all necessary explanations and comments: www.mycrazyhobby.com
If you are considering starting your own unique collection of traffic signs or traffic lights, you are sure to become immediately fascinated by it and will surprise your family members, friends and everybody else by having such an unusual hobby. But there are many other exciting things you may choose for your collection, for example, high quality replica watches. Discover a wide range of fine replica watches offered by www.wacth-clone.com at very affordable prices. You have a good opportunity to acquire replica watches as collectibles or wear them at a party, in the swimming-pool or at work – just on any occasion you need a reliable timepiece.
