Style:Early 20th-century American petroliana advertising; round porcelain service-station signage
Origin:United States
Materials:Porcelain enamel on steel
Age:Circa 1925–1935 if period; numerous later reproductions exist (late 20th–early 21st century)
Condition:Fair (heavy porcelain loss, multiple bullet holes, oxidation and edge chipping; displays but with significant damage)
Value:If authentic period: $600–$1,200 at auction (condition heavily impacts); if later reproduction: $75–$150
Maker's Marks / Writing:Front shows 'GASOLINE • MOTOR OIL', 'TEXACO', 'MADE BY THE TEXAS COMPANY', 'REG. T.M.'; no porcelain maker’s stamp visible from this image.
Date:2025-10-31 16:40:08.511782
Description:
Large round porcelain enamel advertising sign for Texaco, with the classic red star and green 'T' logo at center, encircled by 'GASOLINE • MOTOR OIL' in white letters on a red border and the legend 'MADE BY THE TEXAS COMPANY' and 'REG. T.M.' on the inner field. Heavy steel substrate with porcelain enamel, multiple rusted-through bullet holes and edge chipping; likely 42–48 inches diameter.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
Classic Texaco red-star/green-T round porcelain sign. The typography, 'MADE BY THE TEXAS COMPANY' legend, and layout are consistent with 1920s–30s examples. Visible porcelain loss, oxidized rust creep, and irregular edge chipping read as naturally accrued wear, but only one photo is provided and the back, rim grommets, and any maker’s stamp are not shown—critical for ruling out modern aged reproductions. A word about fakes.. petroliana porcelain has been widely reproduced, including Texaco round signs with simulated rust. Request back-side images (look for dark brown/black porcelain ground, proper steel thickness, shelving at color breaks), close-ups of mounting holes, and any porcelain manufacturer stamp at the rim. In current condition it displays as a garage wall piece but condition materially lowers value if authentic.
Individual Images:
none
Provenance:
No provenance provided.
Condition:
Fair (heavy porcelain loss, multiple bullet holes, oxidation and edge chipping; displays but with significant damage)
Identification Score: 95%
Iconic Texaco design (red star with green T), correct phrasing and layout for the brand; unmistakable as a Texaco Gasoline Motor Oil round porcelain station sign.
Authenticity Score: 45%
Surface wear appears plausible (layered porcelain loss, edge chipping, oxidation), but only a single front image is provided; back-side enamel, steel thickness, rim grommets, and any maker’s stamp are not shown. Because Texaco round signs are heavily reproduced, caution is warranted.
Image Memory Note
None
None
Keywords
Texaco, Gasoline Motor Oil, porcelain sign, petroliana, service station sign, red star green T, advertising, United States, 1920s, 1930s
The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
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