Item Report
Texaco Gasoline Motor Oil Porcelain Sign
By: The Texas Company (Texaco)
Style: Vintage Petroliana / Advertising Sign
Origin: United States
Materials: Porcelain enamel on steel
Age: Circa 1930s-1940s
Condition: Fair (heavy rusting, porcelain and paint loss, prominent chips; shows authentic outdoor aging)
Value: $600-$1,500 (depending on condition and market demand)
Maker's Marks / Writing: Text visible: 'TEXACO', 'MADE BY THE TEXAS COMPANY', 'REG. T.M.', bold 'GASOLINE MOTOR OIL'.
Date: 2025-06-29 18:15:17.870798
Description:
A round double-sided porcelain advertising sign for Texaco Gasoline Motor Oil. It features a large red star with a green 'T' in the center and bold, white letters on a red border reading 'GASOLINE MOTOR OIL.' The center reads 'TEXACO' and 'MADE BY THE TEXAS COMPANY.' This type of sign was used at gas stations in the early to mid-20th century and is highly sought after in the petroliana collectibles market.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This is a classic and highly recognizable piece of American petroliana. The porcelain sign shows considerable rust, deterioration, and chipping—signs consistent with authentic age and outdoor use. Despite its condition, such signs are still very collectible, especially with intact color and legible graphics. A word about fakes... The market is flooded with reproduction signs, especially from overseas manufacturers—the extensive wear and authentic construction methods here help substantiate its period authenticity, but close inspection is crucial.
Individual Images:
- N/A (only one image submitted)
Provenance:
None provided.
Condition:
Fair (heavy rusting, porcelain and paint loss, prominent chips; shows authentic outdoor aging)
Identification Score: 98%
This sign features classic Texaco iconography, porcelain construction, and period fonts/layouts, confirming it as a mid-century Texaco advertising sign.
Authenticity Score: 85%
The sign shows convincing age, rust, chipping, and porcelain layering consistent with genuine use; mounting holes also show period wear. There are no immediate red flags for modern reproduction in the image, though hands-on inspection for fake aging and material tests would be prudent.
Image Memory Note
A round, approximately 3-foot diameter, double-sided porcelain enameled steel sign. Imagery includes a red border with bold white letters spelling 'GASOLINE MOTOR OIL.' Central field features a large red five-point star, overlayed with a green capital 'T.' Black and white 'TEXACO' lettering across the top of the star, with black 'CO' and a visible period. Lower center reads 'MADE BY THE TEXAS COMPANY' in a small black sans-serif font, 'REG. T.M.' below the green 'T.' Numerous rust spots (dense on edges and across inner field), several bolt/mount holes, chipping especially at upper and right edges. No visible modern barcodes, stickers, or suspicious gloss. No back side visible. The sign leans outdoors against a yellow corrugated door, suggesting storage or recent find; no evidence of repainting.
Keywords
Texaco, gasoline sign, motor oil, porcelain sign, petroliana, advertising, United States, 1930s, 1940s, vintage
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