Item Report
Texaco Gasoline and Motor Oil Porcelain Advertising Sign
By: The Texas Company (Texaco)
Style: American Route 66 Petroliana
Origin: United States
Materials: Porcelain enamel over steel
Age: Circa 1930s–1940s
Condition: Fair (extensive rust, pitting, chipping, bullet holes, uneven porcelain loss; authentic patina but heavy wear)
Value: $700–$2,000 (depending on completeness and exact variant; more for cleaner examples)
Maker's Marks / Writing: ‘MADE BY THE TEXAS COMPANY’ and ‘REG. T.M.’ faintly visible on the sign
Date: 2025-06-20 20:14:01.646820
Description:
A round, vintage porcelain double-sided advertising sign featuring the Texaco company logo—red star with green 'T'—and bold red, white, and black graphics. Text reads 'GASOLINE MOTOR OIL'. The sign displays significant rusting, chipping, and surface wear, typical of early to mid-20th century petroliana.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This is a classic piece of American petroliana, highly sought after by collectors. The heavy rust, bullet holes, and surface wear indicate authentic age and usage, consistent with outdoor display over decades. Texaco signs, especially round porcelain ones from the 1930s-1940s, are prized, though condition impacts value significantly.
Individual Images:
- Single image shows overall wear
- pitting
- bullet holes
- enamel chipping
- and color fading. No close-ups of mounting holes or edges
- but visible distress is consistent with age and outdoor exposure.
Provenance:
No provenance documentation visible in provided image.
Condition:
Fair (extensive rust, pitting, chipping, bullet holes, uneven porcelain loss; authentic patina but heavy wear)
Identification Score: 98%
The sign has clear, iconic Texaco branding and design elements that are widely documented in advertising collectibles references from the early to mid-20th century.
Authenticity Score: 90%
The significant weathering, chipping, and oxidation are characteristic of original, outdoor-used pieces. The construction and porcelain quality are typical of genuine early Texaco signs. While reproductions exist, the apparent aging and authentic wear patterns strongly indicate authenticity.
Image Memory Note
Highly worn, large round double-sided Texaco porcelain sign; heavy rust and bullet holes indicate likely long-term outdoor use—likely collectible despite condition.
Keywords
Texaco, gasoline, motor oil, porcelain sign, advertising, American, petroliana, 1930s, 1940s, vintage roadside, enamel
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