Restored Bennett Model 76 Gas Pump in Signal Gasoline Livery
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Glossary Roundup
Original Presentation Script
Hello, petroliana enthusiasts! Today we're looking at a fantastic piece of automotive history: a restored Bennett Model 76 clock-face gas pump, decked out in striking Signal Gasoline livery. These clock-face pumps are iconic symbols of the early days of the American road trip.
Dating back to the 1930s, this pump was manufactured by the Service Station Equipment Company in Muskegon, Michigan, under the Bennett brand. The 'clock-face' design, where a hand sweeps around a dial to indicate gallons pumped, was the standard before the rolling-number 'computer' pumps took over later in the decade.
What we have here is a beautiful example of a 'restored to display' pump. The heavy steel and cast-iron body is authentic to the period, as is the central Bennett dial. However, to achieve this pristine look, it has undergone a comprehensive modern restoration. The glossy black and yellow paint, the crisp Signal and Ethyl decals, the illuminated glass globe, the white hose, and the highly polished aluminum nozzle are all modern replacements or reproductions. Even the sight glass and price box appear to be reproduction parts designed to complete the vintage look.
In the world of automobilia, this type of high-gloss restoration is incredibly popular for man caves, garages, and collections. While some purists hunt for rusty, untouched 'survivors,' a pump restored to this level of cosmetic perfection commands strong attention. Because it blends an authentic 1930s core with modern display elements, I would estimate its value at auction to be between $2,500 and $4,000. It's a brilliant, eye-catching piece that perfectly captures the romance of the vintage service station!
Used for this report's TTS and avatar presentation.
Item Report
Restored Bennett Model 76 Gas Pump in Signal Gasoline Livery
By:Bennett Pumps (Service Station Equipment Co., Muskegon, Mich.)
Age:Circa 1930s (pump body), modern restoration and reproduction parts
Condition:Excellent (Restored)
Value:$2,500 - $4,000 (as a restored piece with reproduction elements)
Maker's Marks / Writing:'Bennett / Dispensing Equipment / FOR OIL MARKETERS / Muskegon, Mich., U.S.A.' on dial; 'SIGNAL GASOLINE' on globe and decals; 'ETHYL' decal.
Date:2026-08-26 00:21:20.421786
Description:
A fully restored vintage Bennett Model 76 clock-face gas pump, finished in black and yellow Signal Gasoline livery. It features a reproduction illuminated globe with the Signal 'Go' traffic light logo, a polished sight glass assembly, a reproduction price box showing 15 5/10 cents per gallon, and a polished aluminum nozzle with a white hose. The pump retains its original Bennett manufacturer's badge and clock-face dial.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This is a highly attractive, fully restored Bennett clock-face gas pump. While the core pump body and dial appear to be authentic period pieces from the 1930s, the piece has been extensively restored for display. The paint, decals, globe, hose, and likely the sight glass and price box are modern reproductions or replacements. This level of restoration is standard and highly desirable in the petroliana collecting community for display purposes, though purists sometimes prefer unrestored 'survivor' examples. The value reflects its excellent display condition as a restored piece.
Individual Images:
front view of gas pump
detail of sight glass
detail of illuminated globe
side view showing decals
detail of clock face dial
detail of price box and dial
full front view
side view showing hose
detail of polished nozzle
Provenance:
None provided.
Condition:
Excellent (Restored)
Identification Score: 95%
The pump is clearly identifiable by its shape, the Bennett manufacturer's badge, and the distinctive clock-face dial marked 'Bennett'. The Signal Gasoline livery is also clearly identifiable.
Authenticity Score: 60%
The core structure (body, dial) is an authentic antique Bennett pump. However, the piece has been completely refinished. The globe, decals, hose, and likely several external trim pieces (price box, sight glass) are modern reproductions added during restoration to create a specific, idealized display piece. It is an authentic pump, but not in authentic, original condition.
Image Memory Note
None
None
Keywords
Bennett gas pump, clock face pump, Signal Gasoline, petroliana, automobilia, vintage gas pump, restored gas pump, 1930s gas pump, Service Station Equipment Co.
The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
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