Vintage Signs & Advertising at the Chicagoland Show

August 29, 2025/

A Collector’s Dreamscape of Vintage Signs

Bomb-shaped neon sign featuring WWII-style pinup art of a woman in bunny ears with the text 'Bombin’ Bunny' on a glossy, patriotic-themed background. For those who appreciate the luminous glow of a well-aged neon sign or the tactile charm of enamel-painted tin, the Vintage Signs & Advertising section at the Chicagoland Antique Advertising, Slot Machine & Jukebox Show was an electrifying highlight. Overflowing with visual storytelling, this segment offered a masterclass in American advertising history, an immersive experience that bridged past and present with glowing artistry, witty slogans, and cultural memory.

The brilliance of this display wasn’t just in the volume of signage but in the diversity and rarity of the pieces. From vintage neon signs to antique advertising signs and rare collectibles that spanned brands, eras, and mediums, this was a mecca for collectors seeking original works of branded Americana. Large installations by Chuck Guenther, built from end-of-road shells and orphaned panels, drew immediate attention, preserving the lines and spirit of classic marques as luminous wall pieces. Follow Vintage Automotive Wall Art on Facebook here.

Chuck Guenther’s salvaged Ford front ends, repurposed into striking illuminated wall displays, lit up the 2025 Chicagoland Coin-Op Show.

Vintage illuminated beer signs for Hamm’s, Blatz, and Fox Head “400” Beer, alongside retro brewery tap handles and signage, on display at the Chicagoland Coin-Op Show. Beer advertising dominated many booths with museum-worthy examples of vintage beer signs. A collection of Hamm’s beer signs featuring the iconic bear mascot glowed alongside animated Blatz beer signs with humorous light-up bartenders. One piece that stole the show was a Pabst Blue Ribbon sign complete with a motorized antique red car circling under the logo. These weren’t reproductions; they were preserved treasures with patina and provenance.

Alongside them, collectors found early Schlitz beer signs, Fox Head 400, and barrel-bodied Blatz beer mascots, all of which gave nods to the golden age of brewery advertising when humor, character mascots, and vibrant visuals led the branding charge. The nostalgia was palpable, with collectors pointing out favorite pieces from their youth or family taverns.

Vintage soda memorabilia display featuring Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Barq's, Crush, and Royal Crown Cola signs, bottles, and promotional items on a black table at a collector's show.

The soda world also made a strong showing. Brilliant examples of vintage Coca-Cola signs, Orange Crush displays, and vintage Pepsi signs formed walls of color and commercial charm. A standout was the Double Cola pin-up sign, a vibrant piece of 1940s advertising with floral embellishments and mid-century glamor. Tables full of branded trays, swizzle sticks, bottle crates, and cardboard holiday displays featuring Santa Claus drew both interest and offers from serious collectors.

Some of the most unique items were unexpected crossovers. A restored Jiffy Dog hot dog cooker with matching signage stood next to a rare Mason’s Root Beer display. Antique canned food labels and tobacco tins, including a striking Tiger Chewing Tobacco tin, reminded attendees of the artistry even in everyday pantry goods of the past. These pieces weren’t just packaging, they were design relics.

Close-up of a restored red Neptune outboard boat motor with chrome detailing and fuel lines, displayed indoors. Motor enthusiasts weren’t left out either. The show featured a stunning collection of vintage Mercury and Neptune outboard motors, many restored to showroom condition and displayed with original gas station signs and branded oil cans. The bright OK Used Cars clocks, Mobil Pegasus signs, and Simplex Automatic motorbike display connected automotive advertising with America’s love of speed and innovation.

Rounding out the nostalgia was a vast collection of matchboxes, beauty displays, diner signs, vintage tobacco memorabilia, and even vintage medical office signs, each offering a glimpse into past professions, marketing trends, and consumer expectations. Pieces like the Red Goose Shoes statue, Maybelline beauty aids display, and Bubble Up soda signs rounded out the emotional and historical depth.

This section of the show was not just a marketplace, it was a celebration of the aesthetic power of signage. Whether your interest is in retro bar signs, roadside gas station advertising, or the artistry of mid-century commercial neon, the Chicagoland Antique Show offered the kind of once-in-a-lifetime visual experience that continues to make it one of the most prestigious collector events in the country.

Don’t miss your chance to explore even more vintage signs and antique advertising at the next Chicagoland Antique Advertising Show this October at the Schaumburg Convention Center.

Pictures of Vintage Signs at the Chicagoland Show

📸 Photo Credits
All images © 2025 Vincent Paul / vPaulTech LLC. Licensed for use by Victory Glass, LLC. For image licensing inquiries, please contact vpaultech.com.

More about the Chicagoland Antique Advertising Show

Don’t miss the next chance to experience history firsthand.

Click here to plan your visit to the October Chicagoland Antique Advertising Show.

Click here to read our blog about the Chicagoland Antique Advertising Jukebox Show in May 2025

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