Condition:Fair (heavy porcelain loss, rusting, edge chips, extra holes; weathered from outdoor exposure)
Value:If authentic: $400–$1,200 at auction (condition-driven). If a later reproduction: $50–$150.
Maker's Marks / Writing:Visible text: 'GASOLINE • MOTOR OIL' on red outer ring; center star reads 'TEX CO' (likely 'TEXACO' with loss obscuring the 'A'); small text 'REG. T.M.' below the star point; inner arc at bottom: 'MADE BY THE TEXAS COMPANY'. No enamel maker’s stamp visible in this view.
Date:2025-09-22 20:05:28.254830
Description:
Large round double-sided service station sign for Texaco, porcelain enamel on steel. Iconic red star with green 'T' at center, black 'TEXACO' lettering across the star (partially obscured), surrounded by a red ring with white block letters reading 'GASOLINE • MOTOR OIL'. Lower inner ring reads 'MADE BY THE TEXAS COMPANY' with small 'REG. T.M.' beneath the star point. Heavy, layered rusting, edge chips, and multiple mounting/impact holes indicative of long outdoor exposure.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
Highly recognizable Texaco brand porcelain sign of the early to mid 20th century. The wording 'MADE BY THE TEXAS COMPANY' and the red star/green T logo align with pre-1950 branding. The wear pattern—porcelain loss concentrated at mounting points and edges, rust creep under enamel, and non-uniform chipping—looks consistent with age and outdoor service. However, this model is one of the most reproduced petroliana signs, and convincing artificially-aged examples exist. Absence of reverse-side and edge/maker’s-mark photos prevents a firm call. A word about fakes.. gas and oil porcelain signs are among the most frequently faked collectibles; always verify thickness of steel and enamel layering, check for correct fonts, spacing, and period maker stamps (e.g., Veribrite, Tennessee Enamel), and look for modern drill holes or uniform acid-etch aging.
Individual Images:
whole item
Provenance:
None provided
Condition:
Fair (heavy porcelain loss, rusting, edge chips, extra holes; weathered from outdoor exposure)
Identification Score: 97%
Form, graphics, text, and layout clearly identify it as a Texaco 'Gasoline Motor Oil' porcelain service station sign; high confidence in the object type even though originality cannot be guaranteed from a single image.
Authenticity Score: 55%
Period-correct graphics and the 'Made by the Texas Company' legend support authenticity, and the irregular, layered enamel loss and rust look natural. But maker’s mark is not visible, reverse side and edge profile are unseen, and this exact sign is heavily reproduced. Without close-ups of grommets/edges and any manufacturer stamp, authenticity cannot be confirmed—thus a cautious mid-range score.
Image Memory Note
Photo shows a large round porcelain enamel Texaco sign leaning outdoors against a light-colored wall near a yellow roll-up door. Diameter appears approximately 40–48 inches. Design: outer red ring with white block lettering 'GASOLINE' (top) and 'MOTOR OIL' (bottom) separated by round dots. Center white field contains a red five-point star with a green 'T'. Across the star is the brand name; due to rust and perforation, it reads 'TEX CO' though it should be 'TEXACO'. Small text 'REG. T.M.' is visible below the lower star point, and along the bottom of the inner white field is 'MADE BY THE TEXAS COMPANY' in black caps following the curve. Condition: Numerous enamel chips and rust blooms across the face, with significant losses concentrated at what appear to be mounting holes (notably near top and right side). Several circular perforations/holes through the panel, including within the letters 'CO' and near the center of the star. Edges show pronounced chipping and enamel loss with exposed rusty steel. No reverse side shown. No maker’s stamp (e.g., Veribrite, Tenn. Enamel) visible in this view. Colors: Texaco red ring and star, green 'T', black lettering, white background. No other inscriptions or numbers visible.
Keywords
Texaco, Gasoline Motor Oil sign, porcelain enamel sign, petroliana, automobilia, service station, American advertising, United States, red star green T, vintage sign
The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
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