Item Report
Vintage Texaco Gasoline Motor Oil Porcelain Advertising Sign
By: Texaco (The Texas Company)
Style: Vintage American Gas & Oil Advertising
Origin: United States
Materials: Porcelain enamel on metal
Age: Circa 1930s-1940s
Condition: Good (significant rust, chipping, bullet holes, moderate paint loss, unrestored)
Value: $600-$1,200 (at auction, depending on condition and market demand)
Maker's Marks / Writing: Marked 'MADE BY THE TEXAS COMPANY' at the bottom. No other visible marks.
Date: 2025-06-19 14:41:22.547950
Description:
A round, vintage porcelain advertising sign for Texaco Gasoline Motor Oil, featuring the iconic red star with a green 'T' and bold white and red color scheme. Signs like this were displayed at gas stations during the early- to mid-20th century. This example shows visible rust, oxidation, and chipping typical of outdoor exposure over decades.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
Good example of a sought-after piece of petroliana. While showing significant rust, bullet holes, and other signs of age/wear, the sign retains strong visual appeal and is still legible. Such signs are highly collectible, especially in original, unrestored condition.
Individual Images:
- Rust patches
- bullet holes
- and numerous chips are visible primarily around the mounting holes and edges
- which is typical for genuine porcelain signs exposed to outdoor conditions. Both logo and lettering remain clearly legible. No visible restoration.
Provenance:
No provenance information provided.
Condition:
Good (significant rust, chipping, bullet holes, moderate paint loss, unrestored)
Identification Score: 98%
The branding, color scheme, graphics, and construction are typical of authentic 1930s-1940s Texaco porcelain signs. The design matches well-documented originals.
Authenticity Score: 88%
The sign appears authentic based on its significant wear, rust patterns, construction, and design—all consistent with original period pieces. The only slight deduction is the possibility of high-quality reproductions, but the heavy oxidation and aging look genuine.
Image Memory Note
Classic round Texaco porcelain sign; notable for severe rust, bullet holes, and outdoor wear; good collectible petroliana.
Keywords
Texaco, Gasoline, Motor Oil, Porcelain Sign, Advertising, Vintage, Petroliana, United States, 1930s, 1940s
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