Nintendo Authorized Repair Center neon sign

[Aussie2B]

Anybody have any idea what one of these would be worth? And how would it affect the value if the neon light was broken?

See, here's the situation: For the past couple months, I've been passing by this scuzzy, hole-in-the-wall appliance repair store on the way to work. Among a bunch of stuff in their windows, they have one of these nifty signs, which has probably been hanging there forever, and I'm so tempted to walk in there and see if I can talk them into handing it over for some sum of money.

So what exactly is the story behind these? When were these distributed, and do any Nintendo Authorized Repair Centers still exist at this point? I imagine my odds of getting it would be significantly increased if it's just there as some relic from the past rather than something that still advertises a service available to this day. I can say that I've never seen it lit up at least (which is why I'm considering that it may be busted). Any information would be more than welcome, and I'd be happy to entertain opinions on what I should do.

[Cornelius]

I bought one a year or two ago, broken, for $50 off CL. The actual glass oval is broken on the left side. I live a couple blocks from a neon shop, so when I get around to finishing the basement/game room, I'll see about getting it fixed.

Anyway, at the time a couple had sold on eBay recently for around $250 in working condition.

[Aussie2B]

Thanks for the info. I was thinking around $50 might be a good offer even before I posted, or at least a final offer since if I start at $50 they may automatically ask for more just for the sake of haggling.

Do you happen to know anything about its history that I was asking about?

[AllP0werToSlaves]

I would totally rock that on my wall!

[PapaStu]

For all things Service Center related www.limbofunk.com

For stuff on signage http://www.limbofunk.com/signage.html

Limbofunk doesn't have that sign up on his site, but if the text at the top of the signage page is correct, the repair center had to plunk down for the signage, and could have gotten a 50% reimbursment back for the signage/marketing purchased.

I don't know how easy neons are to get repaired now a days. I'd be pretty reserved on buying it if it's broken. I think that you'd easily get in for more than its worth trying to get it repaired if something serious is wrong with it.

[Aussie2B]

That's a cool site, thanks for the link.

Given that the neon sign uses the Service Mario image, I'm guessing it dates back to the 90s, if not the early to mid 90s. From what else I see on the site, it seems like as the program aged, they switched over more to SNES-specific imagery and then to the rendered Mario of the N64 era.

The history on the main page is giving me some mixed messages, though. It says that the program was discontinued in 2005, but then it also says some locations are still operating. I guess I won't know if this particular business still has a need for the sign unless I go in and ask.