Item Report
Texaco Gasoline Motor Oil Porcelain Advertising Sign
By: The Texas Company (Texaco)
Style: Early American Gas & Oil Advertising
Origin: United States
Materials: Porcelain enamel on metal
Age: circa 1930s-1950s
Condition: Fair (significant rust, chipping, surface loss; heavy weathering)
Value: $700 – $1,500 (auction estimate, reflecting condition)
Maker's Marks / Writing: Lettering includes: 'TEXACO', 'MADE BY THE TEXAS COMPANY', 'REG. T.M.', 'GASOLINE MOTOR OIL'.
Date: 2025-06-09 19:04:53.299693
Description:
A vintage round porcelain Texaco gas and motor oil advertising sign featuring a prominent red star with a green 'T', black lettering, and a red outer band. The sign is heavily rusted, chipped, and displays significant wear consistent with decades of outdoor use. This type of sign was typically displayed at gas stations across the United States during the early-to-mid 20th century, serving as a highly visible brand advertisement.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This is a genuine vintage Texaco porcelain sign, notable for its strong brand imagery and collector appeal in the petroliana market. While the heavy rust and chipping lower its auction value, the sign retains visual impact and historic significance. Signs in better condition can command much higher prices, but even in this weathered state, it is highly collectible.
Individual Images:
- The main photo reveals multiple large rust patches
- enamel chips (especially at mounting holes and along the edge)
- and substantial surface degradation. Lettering ('GASOLINE MOTOR OIL'
- 'MADE BY THE TEXAS COMPANY') remains legible
- and green 'T' overlays the central red star logo. Damage is consistent with long-term outdoor display and typical for unrestored vintage advertising signs.
Provenance:
No provenance documentation visible.
Condition:
Fair (significant rust, chipping, surface loss; heavy weathering)
Identification Score: 98%
The distinct Texaco red star logo, design layout, and porcelain construction closely match documented originals produced for gas stations between the 1930s-1950s, supporting a highly confident identification.
Authenticity Score: 85%
Porcelain signs are increasingly reproduced, but the weathering, rust patterns, and correct aging here suggest authenticity despite rough condition. Some damage obscures details, so not a perfect score.
Image Memory Note
The object is a round, enamel-on-metal sign, about 2-3 ft in diameter, with a bold red border inscribed 'GASOLINE MOTOR OIL' in white block letters. Center: a large red five-pointed star with a green capital 'T', and 'TEXACO' in black across the top. Below star: 'MADE BY THE TEXAS COMPANY REG. T.M.' Condition: Heavy rusting and weathering, especially on the right upper quadrant and mounting holes, with chips through to metal. Red enamel is extensively faded, with notable damage around mounting points and edges. Lettering remains mostly clear. There are no visible serial numbers or model information in the image.
Keywords
Texaco, gasoline, motor oil, porcelain sign, petroliana, advertising, Americana, United States, vintage
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