Boy Tom, knowing what I know now after being around for 65 years, if it were me, I'd pick his brain for any hints or tips he could offer on sign painting. Pay him to teach you some of the tricks. Sign Panting is truly one of the disappearing arts. I've looked for years for any printed information on the trade and I don't think anything exists any more.
We are loosing so many of the real old timers and along with them goes the skills that took years to learn, I just wish we could video document some of it.
I ran into the same thing when I was collecting antique radios, so many of the manufacturing methods and processes are lost forever. No one knows how the decorative paints were applied, believe me, I tried for 15 years to find out how the very heavy wrinkle finishes were done but no on knows.
I was hoping to see some pictures of some good examples but looks like everyone is in the same boat I'm in, that is, empty handed.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

Denny G
Sandwich, IL