From the Hereford Times

THE sale of a metal advertising sign from the early days of motoring exceeded all expectations for Ledbury auctioneers HJ Pugh.

The Michelin tyre company sign, from 1910, was auctioned at the Welland Steam Rally last weekend, and when the hammer finally went down, quite a few jaws had dropped, included those of the auctioneers.

The price to be paid was a whopping £10,000.

James Pugh, based at Market Street in Ledbury, said: “It exceeded all expectations, although we thought it might be worth a lot. It is very rare indeed.”

The 6ft by 4ft enamelled sign was the property of an un-named collector, who lives between Ledbury and Malvern

Pic courtesy of buyer

 If I knew this was sold in auction, I would have paid this. I think it is a bargain!

Henk

 £10,000 a bargain? really?

 Nice sign...is it me or does the michelin man look a bit light in the loafers!!!"

I totally agree with Lummox, over rated and overpriced!!

 I don't know if it is just me but some of the motoring signs are going for loads of money at the moment. (Colyford auction, this one)  I personally rate the sign at 5k max but I suppose we are all different and all like different signs and will have our own views on what a sign is worth.

The motoring sign don't do it for me well with a few execptions (BP Winner, Hutchingson tyres...) am I on my own in thinking they are quite broing most of the time.

I look at a motoring sign and what ever I see it at is double or more most of the time just can't see it why do they get such high prices even for the battered ones.

My view only and not knocking anyones preferred choice topic of enamel collecting 

Subject = Good

Picture = Nice, Michelinman smoking cigar

Size = OK

Condition = Good

Demand = High.

Supply = Ultra rare sign

All the 6 conditions to make a sign expensive are rated positive.

Michelin is collected all over the world. I know a few who would have paid that price. But many of you just look at it from a Britisch point of view. You have to think GLOBAL with this sign.

I hope I don't effend anybody? It is not my intention.

Not a ten grander but better footwear in my opinion!

 I wish  I had one to sell.

I wish too you had one for sale :-)

 I dont like motoring signs,but I reacon thats a good one ducati,,Hindsight hey I have given dozens away to friends over the years,I used to pick em up everywhere I went 30 years ago,I must have given 20 + grand away,no wonder I am a poor man.

 not for me u can buy alot of top signs for that ,, but thats my opinion