Materials:Porcelain enamel on steel (round station sign, likely the 42-inch format; side count not confirmed from photo)
Age:circa 1926–1936
Condition:Fair (heavy enamel loss and rust, edge chipping, multiple perforation/shot holes; not professionally restored)
Value:If authentic: $1,500–$3,500 at auction (given heavy condition issues). If reproduction: $75–$150.
Maker's Marks / Writing:Text visible: 'GASOLINE • MOTOR OIL' (outer ring); 'TEXACO' (across star); 'REG. T.M.' (below star); 'MADE BY THE TEXAS COMPANY' (lower inner field). No manufacturer’s stamp visible in this view.
Date:2025-09-22 20:04:02.533972
Description:
Large round porcelain enamel-on-steel service-station sign for Texaco, with the classic red star and green 'T' logo at center, black 'TEXACO' across the star, and a red outer band with white block letters reading 'GASOLINE • MOTOR OIL.' The lower inner field reads 'MADE BY THE TEXAS COMPANY' with 'REG. T.M.' beneath the star. Multiple chips, rusting, and several perforation holes are visible, especially around the edges and through parts of the word 'TEXACO.' Likely from a station frontage display; this design was commonly produced in 42-inch diameter, often double-sided.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This appears to be a period Texaco station sign bearing the iconic red star/green T and 'Made by The Texas Company' legend used in the interwar years. The typography, layout, and phrasing fit 1920s–30s examples. However, the petroliana field is saturated with high-quality reproductions and artificially aged pieces. Absent views of the reverse, edge shelving, porcelain thickness, factory grommets, and any maker’s stamp (e.g., Ingram-Richardson or BECO), authenticity cannot be confirmed. A word about fakes.. Petroliana porcelain signs are among the most frequently reproduced antiques; look for correct vitreous porcelain layering, even factory mounting holes with intact original grommets, proper gloss and aging patterns, and period-correct fonts. I recommend in-person inspection by a petroliana specialist before any high-value transaction.
Individual Images:
whole item
Provenance:
No provenance provided.
Condition:
Fair (heavy enamel loss and rust, edge chipping, multiple perforation/shot holes; not professionally restored)
Identification Score: 95%
High confidence in the object type and model: a Texaco 'Gasoline Motor Oil' round porcelain service-station sign with red star/green T and 'Made by The Texas Company' legend, a well-documented design from the interwar period.
Authenticity Score: 35%
Sign is plausible for 1926–36 based on graphics and wording, but the category is heavily faked and the photo lacks crucial views (back side, edge shelving, grommets, and a maker’s stamp). Aging could be natural or manufactured; therefore, authenticity cannot be assumed and is rated conservatively. A word about fakes.. Reproductions often show contrived rust patterns, incorrect hole placement or size, off-white fields, and no maker’s stamp.
Image Memory Note
Primary image shows a large round Texaco porcelain sign propped outdoors against a light-colored wall/roll-up door. Design: red outer ring with white block letters reading 'GASOLINE' (top) and 'MOTOR OIL' (bottom) separated by small white dots. Inner white field with central red five-point star; green capital 'T' centered on star; black 'TEXACO' printed horizontally across the star. Beneath the star point is small text 'REG. T.M.' Curved along the lower inner field is 'MADE BY THE TEXAS COMPANY.' Condition details: extensive rust spotting across white field; multiple edge chips, especially upper right quadrant; several perforation holes through the face (notably through the letters 'E', 'X', and 'CO' of 'TEXACO'); additional losses around mounting areas along the rim; enamel flaking at lower area near 'MOTOR.' No back side visible; no grommets or maker’s stamp seen. Color tones: vivid red ring, white field moderately discolored by rust, green 'T' of typical Texaco hue, black lettering. Diameter appears large (likely around 42 inches) but not measured.
Keywords
Texaco, Gasoline Motor Oil, porcelain enamel sign, petroliana, service station sign, American advertising, United States, red star green T, 1920s 1930s
The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
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