A longtime Route 66 enthusiast is offering an original Route 66 sign for auction to help fund the stabilization of the Painted Desert Trading Post in eastern Arizona.
The sign originally came from Texas. According to the description on eBay:
The sign shows some minimal indications of wear and use. This is a heavy duty, steel, 24″ square, reflective sign with appropriate DOT tags on the reverse side of the sign and 2 mounting holes aligned vertically for post mounting. The sign is extremely heavy. The overall condition of the sign is used, but very good.
The sign has been examined by several notable Route 66 historians such as Roamin Rich Dinkela, Jim Ross, David Wickline, and Michael Ward. The sign was in use from approximately 1981 until 1985 when Route 66 was decommissioned as a federal highway. The exact location of where the sign was used in Texas is unknown but it’s very possible it could have been used in a small town such as McLean or Vega. Currently the sign is mounted for photo opportunity at the Painted Desert Trading Post, but only for several days during this weeks work session. The winning bidder will receive a photo of the sign as it is currently displayed. […]
Also included in the auction is a pristine 1940 Texas map that was originally was distributed by Conoco. This item comes from the Michael Ward Collection and is a great companion item for your collection.
This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of American history that has been examined by so many notable historians. Bid with confidence knowing that the sign’s authenticity is guaranteed. Feel good knowing 100% of your winning bid benefits the preservation of the Painted Desert Trading Post.
The auction ends the night of March 28. As of late Wednesday, it had received more than 30 bids reaching beyond $1,100.
The sign came from Steve Rider, whose been a Route 66 enthusiast for at least two decades. All proceeds from the auction will go to the Route 66 Co-op, a federally recognized nonprofit devoted to preserving the historic by long-closed Painted Desert Trading Post near Chambers, Arizona. The money will be used to give the trading post a new roof, new concrete foundation, stucco repairs and paint. The site already has been realigned and elevated to keep it from further deterioration.
EBay has been rife with imitations of old Route 66 signs, including a few unscrupulous sellers trying to pass them off as “authentic” signs from the pre-decertification era of U.S. 66. A genuine article will sell for at least a few hundred dollars.
Because this particular auction has a genuine sign, plus a good cause involved with it, expect the final bids to skyrocket higher in the coming days.
(Hat tip to “Roamin’ Rich” Dinkela; image of the Route 66 sign from Texas being auctioned via eBay)
Steve Rocks!