Do Not Disturb Sign Collecting: The Surprising History and Benefits

Do not disturb signs have a surprisingly rich history and collecting them has become an intriguing hobby for many people around the world.

These simple signs, often found hanging on hotel room doors or airline seats, signify a universal request for privacy.

Though sometimes mundane in appearance, do not disturb signs can be seen as cultural artifacts that provide a window into the development of travel, hospitality, and human etiquette norms over the past century.

For collectors, do not disturb signs represent far more than just a way to avoid being interrupted.

Each unique sign, with its distinctive size, shape, font, and decoration, tells a story. Collections may be based around signs from particular regions, eras, hotels, airlines, railroads, and more.

Some collectors enjoy the challenge of trying to obtain rare vintage specimens, while others appreciate accumulating signs that evoke nostalgic memories of past travels.

Building a do not disturb sign collection requires patience and persistence, but the payoff is having a visually engaging assemblage of small tokens that chart changes in graphic design and the hospitality industry.

Connecting with other enthusiasts makes the hobby even more rewarding.

Whether you’re a casual collector who picks up a few signs from hotel stays or someone dedicated to acquiring one-of-a-kind pieces, the world of do not disturb sign collecting has something for you!

the origins and history of do not disturb signs

Do not disturb signs have been around for over a century, with early iterations tracing back to the late 1800s when the hospitality industry began widespread adoption of room keys.

As securing guest rooms became standard, so too did the need for visual indicators to convey when guests desired privacy.

It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when the first do not disturb sign was used, but clear antecedents existed in the “Room Engaged” signs employed by European hotels in the Victorian era.

Similarly, locks and latches marked “Do Not Disturb” were used on early passenger railway cars. Over time, hanging signs on the exterior of hotel rooms emerged as a more convenient solution.

By the early 20th century, do not disturb signs were common at hotels and resorts across the world.

Early designs tended to simply feature the words “Do Not Disturb” or “Please Do Not Disturb” in no-nonsense lettering.

Later iterations incorporated more ornate fonts and borders. Mid-century signs embraced sleek modern aesthetics with clean lines and bold colors, reflective of broader trends in graphic design.

Today, do not disturb signs remain a ubiquitous feature of hotels worldwide.

Contemporary sign design nods to tradition while experimenting with innovative materials, shapes, and visual styles. The evolution of the modest do not disturb sign closely mirrors sweeping changes in both the hospitality industry and graphic design over the past hundred-plus years.

understanding the appeal: why collect do not disturb signs?

For many collectors, the appeal of do not disturb signs lies in their nostalgic connection to travel and hotels.

Displaying old room keys, luggage stickers, postcards, and signs evokes fond memories of past vacations and adventures.

Do not disturb signs often invoke a sense of comfort and relaxation, providing a symbolic reminder of getting away from it all by checking into a hotel.

There is also an element of mystery and intrigue attached to these signs.

A do not disturb sign hanging on a hotel door hints at an unseen world inside the room, suggesting that unique personal stories are unfolding behind closed doors.

For those with vivid imaginations, collecting do not disturb signs can become almost like curating fictional vignettes.

The signs also represent the universal human desire for privacy and solitude. In our increasingly noisy and connected world, do not disturb signs stand as quaint symbols of the simple yet profound request to be left alone.

Amassing a collection allows one to step back and appreciate a common need shared across culture and time.

Of course, some collectors are drawn to do not disturb signs based purely on their aesthetic qualities.

The incredible diversity of shapes, materials, graphic styles, and decoration makes this an intriguing area for design enthusiasts. Studying how sign design has shifted over decades also provides insight into evolving trends.

hotels, airlines and beyond

When starting a do not disturb sign collection, people often first consider signs from hotels. But these simple signs have been adopted far beyond just hotel rooms.

Airlines, cruise ships, hospitals, funeral homes, railways, and more have produced their own unique do not disturb signs over the years.

Vintage hotel signs remain the most iconic and widely collected.

America’s early 20th century resort hotels generated many elaborate decorative signs. Mid-century motels and European hotels offered sleek, modern takes.

Contemporary signs range from the luxurious designs of global hotel chains to the charming hand-painted signs of small boutique properties.

Airline signs present another popular collecting niche, with early designs used to mark small sleeping berths on trains and clipper planes through to today’s premium airline suites.

Railroad do not disturb signs also hold appeal for transport enthusiasts. Even hospitals have generated collectible signs, often featuring a caduceus symbol.

More unusual signs also exist from places like funeral homes, where rest and privacy have special significance.

Creative collectors may also branch out into repurposed signs – such as novelty plaque signs for suburban homes – which playfully riff on the familiar hotel motif.

With such diversity, a collection can be narrowly specialised or widely eclectic. From Art Deco to Amish Country to Air Force One, do not disturb signs offer glimpses into vastly different times, places, and cultures.

building your collection

Starting Your Collection: First Steps

Embarking on building any collection requires some thoughtful groundwork.

To start an engaging do not disturb sign collection, begin by thinking about focus and scope. Will you concentrate solely on hotel signs or take a more expansive approach? Do you want to collect signs from a specific era or location?

Consider your personal travel experiences and favorite destinations.

Collecting signs related to places you have visited can help strengthen nostalgic connections. But an aspirational collection focusing on exotic places that you might have never been to can also be rewarding.

Set a reasonable budget so collecting stays enjoyable.

Small antique shop finds can cost under $10, while rare vintage specimens might fetch over $100 apiece on sites like eBay. Limited edition contemporary signs could fall anywhere in that range.

Assemble supplies like gloves for handling, acid-free tissue for wrapping, archival plastic sleeves for storage, and album sleeves or display frames to properly exhibit your collection.

Proper care from the start will maintain condition and value.

With a focus and budget in place, start slowly accumulating signs that catch your interest. Visit antique malls, flea markets, estate sales, online auctions, specialist dealers, and anywhere else serendipity may strike.

sourcing do not disturb signs: tips and tricks

Once you begin collecting in earnest, a whole world of sourcing opportunities opens up.

From local shops to exotic online finds, do not disturb signs can turn up in unexpected places if you know where to look.

Antique malls and secondhand stores sometimes have these signs mixed into their disorganized jumbles of items. Sorting through the clutter can yield hidden gems.

Auctions are another promising venue, ranging from local estate sales to major auction houses offering hospitality memorabilia.

If geography permits, scouring flea markets is always time well spent. Vendors often group together travel-related items like luggage tags, postcards, and signs.

The thrill of bargaining for unique vintage finds also enhances the hunt.

For rare or specialty pieces, specialist dealers and collectors may advertise online or in niche publications.

Big conventions like Collin County Antique Show in Texas attract dealers from across the country (or something  similar in your part of the world).

There are also 2 online stores worth considering:

• ETSY: Etsy is well known for their crafty items and they also offer plenty of vintage antiques. Drop in regularly as their inventory often changes. Click here to see what do not disturb signs they’re offering.

• EBAY: Similarly, eBay is a great place to grab a bargain at auction. Check back regularly to find some awesome do not disturb signs for sale.

Striking up conversations can provide leads on new acquisitions.

Some contemporary signs can be purchased directly through hotel chains and hospitality vendors. Limited edition sets may sell out quickly. Consider preordering to secure new designs.

And of course, one of the most convenient ways to add to your collection is by pocketing signs from your own travels.

Building relationships with hotel staff can open doors to learning about and potentially obtaining older discontinued signs.

With so many potential sources, persistence and creativity are key to unearthing exciting finds for your burgeoning collection.

maintaining and organizing your collection

Once acquired, proper storage, handling, and display are essential for preservation.

Archival plastic sleeves protect without damaging, acid-free tissue wraps fragile signs, and album binders or framed displays keep collections orderly. Climate controlled conditions are ideal.

Grouping signs in different ways keeps a collection dynamic.

Chronological order illustrates evolving design trends. Categorizing by location or subject matter tells other stories. Mixing and matching creates engaging vignettes – an antique New Orleans hotel sign alongside a modern airline sign, for example.

Cataloging by creating a numbered register records key details on each piece like age, dimensions, place of origin, condition notes, and provenance if known. Detailed logs make collections more meaningful as they grow.

Add interest by researching any historical references, fun facts or backstories about your signs.

Make a travel map indicating where each piece was collected. Weave in related objects like postcards, luggage stickers or room keys to provide context.

Well organized displays transform disparate objects into cohesive collections worth sharing. Put your own interpretive spin on presenting each sign to make the case for do not disturb collecting as a compelling hobby.

community and culture

Connecting with Other Collectors

One of the great joys of collecting is connecting with other enthusiasts who share your interests.

Do not disturb sign collectors tend to have wonderful stories to tell and helpful advice to impart.

Great places to meet fellow collectors are at antique shows, auction previews, flea markets, online forums, collector conventions, and even hotel memorabilia events.

Striking up conversations about admired pieces often leads to useful tips on new acquisitions.

Swapping collecting stories builds camaraderie and community. More experienced collectors enjoy reminiscing about favorite finds and how their collections grew over decades. Newer collectors can gain knowledge from old hands.

As friendships form, collectors may exchange duplicate signs to help each other complete specialty collections.

Close-knit circles also provide support around verifying authenticity, estimating values, and navigating the buying/selling landscape.

Do not disturb sign collectors tend to be nostalgic, discerning, and adventurous. Connecting with likeminded people enhances the hobby exponentially by creating a culture around appreciating these humble artifacts.

Attending Events and Trade Shows

Specialized events around antiques, collectibles, travel nostalgia, and hotel history provide immersive opportunities to engage with other do not disturb sign enthusiasts.

The shared excitement and discovery of such venues fuels the passion for collecting.

Large hotel memorabilia shows attract dealers and collectors from around the world, creating a vibrant marketplace for buying, selling and trading. Auction previews similarly congregate an enthusiastic community around related artifacts like room keys, luggage labels, and architectural fittings.

Some antique paper and advertising shows have sections dedicated to travel ephemera where great sign finds may be mixed in among broader offerings. Even postcard or railroadiana collectible events can yield interesting hotel or train-related signs.

Smaller regional events like flea markets, antique fairs, and collectible shows offer more accessible venues to connect with local collectors one-on-one and discover signs meaningful to a particular area. These grassroots shows often lead to friendships and shared excursions to scout new picking locations.

While the internet has created global access to all sorts of collections, nothing quite rivals the experience of attending shows and events first-hand.

The stories, camaraderie, and sheer passion for the hobby bursts forth when collectors gather in the same physical space.

The Role of Online Forums and Social Media

The internet greatly enables do not disturb sign collectors to connect, learn from each other, and up their game. Specialized discussion forums, social media groups, and photo sharing platforms let collectors unite around their niche interest.

For those not located near other collectors or major events, online communities provide a valuable space to nurture friendships and gain knowledge.

Sharing photos of new acquisitions and favorite collection pieces elicits feedback from fellow enthusiasts around the world. Check out the Facebook group Hotel “Do not disturb” sign collectors and the sub-Reddit r/collectables

Newcomers can learn a lot by browsing longstanding member posts. Seasoned collectors benefit from fresh content and diverse perspectives too.

Hashtag campaigns and viral images also attract broader public attention to the hobby.

Curated Instagram feeds make a strong visual case for do not disturb signs as compelling collectibles. Creative collectors use social trends to advocate for their community.

While lacking the nostalgic romance of in-person gatherings, digital spaces enable do not disturb sign collectors to band together. Members motivate and educate each other, advancing a vibrant culture even across great distances.

conclusion

Though often overlooked objects, do not disturb signs have inspired a devoted collecting community drawn to their nostalgic design aesthetic and evocative representations of hospitality, privacy and travel.

Despite the hobby’s niche status, a surprisingly rich culture exists around curating and sharing these artifacts.

From the longstanding collector who has logged decades of travel finds to the newcomer just becoming enthralled with hotel history, there is a collecting journey for every interest and budget.

Friendly fellow enthusiasts happily welcome new members into the fold.

Displaying even a small assemblage of signs transports owners back to fond vacation memories while also illustrating broader societal trends.

When preserved and presented thoughtfully as a collection, humble do not disturb signs transform into storytelling portals linking past and present.

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