Value:$700–$1,500 at auction if authentic (poor–fair condition). If a later reproduction, value would be roughly $50–$150.
Maker's Marks / Writing:Outer band: 'GASOLINE • MOTOR OIL'. Center star text: 'TEXACO' (center letters partially obscured/punctured). Below star: 'REG. T.M.'. Lower curve: 'MADE BY THE TEXAS COMPANY'.
Date:2025-09-22 19:58:01.800372
Description:
Large round advertising sign for Texaco (The Texas Company), porcelain enamel on steel, with red outer band reading 'GASOLINE • MOTOR OIL' and a central red star with green 'T' and the word 'TEXACO' across the star. Small legend 'REG. T.M.' below the star and curved text 'MADE BY THE TEXAS COMPANY' at the bottom. The piece shows heavy outdoor weathering, rust chips, and several punctures typical of long-term service-station use.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This is a classic Texaco porcelain station sign using the red star/green 'T' graphic and the corporate wording 'MADE BY THE TEXAS COMPANY,' a legend predominantly seen from the late 1920s through the mid‑1930s. The typography, layout (GASOLINE • MOTOR OIL ring), and small 'REG. T.M.' notation are consistent with period originals. Condition is rough, with substantial edge chipping, rust blooms, and through-holes, which lowers value but supports real outdoor use. A word about fakes.. Petroliana—especially Texaco porcelain signs—is heavily reproduced; many modern pieces are artificially aged. Without reverse-side photos, measurements (commonly 42 in.), and closeups of the porcelain layers at mounting holes, I must remain cautious. If provenance and construction details (thickness of steel, proper porcelain gloss, correct kerning and red/green color tones, factory grommets) check out, it would be a desirable original despite condition.
The design, wording ('GASOLINE • MOTOR OIL', 'MADE BY THE TEXAS COMPANY', 'REG. T.M.'), red star with green 'T', and overall form clearly identify this as a Texaco porcelain service-station sign from the classic petroliana category.
Authenticity Score: 30%
Photos show plausible age (chips, rust, and edge wear), but reproductions are extremely common and often artificially aged. Without back-side images, precise measurements, and close-ups of mounting holes/porcelain layering, authenticity cannot be confirmed, so I default to a conservative score. A word about fakes.. Texaco and other gas/oil porcelain signs are among the most counterfeited advertising collectibles; be wary of perfect gloss, incorrect fonts, thin steel, and uniform faux rust.
Image Memory Note
Round porcelain-enameled steel sign leaning outdoors. Dominant red outer ring with white block letters reading 'GASOLINE' across the top and 'MOTOR OIL' at the bottom, separated by centered dots. Central field white with a large five-point red star; a large green block letter 'T' overlays the star. Across the star reads 'TEXACO' in black letters; the center letters appear disrupted by round punctures/impact holes around the 'E/X/A' area. Below the star, small text 'REG. T.M.' is visible. Along the lower inner curve: 'MADE BY THE TEXAS COMPANY' in black caps. Condition details: extensive rust blooms and enamel losses scattered across the face, especially near mounting/impact holes and along the rim; multiple through-holes (likely bullet or mounting related) near the upper center and through the word 'TEXACO'; heavy edge chipping and flaking around the circumference; several larger chips at approximately 10–11 o’clock and 4–6 o’clock; overall surface soiling and oxidation. Colors: red outer ring and star, green 'T', white ground, black typography. No back side, measurements, or maker/date code visible.
Keywords
Texaco, The Texas Company, Gasoline Motor Oil, porcelain sign, petroliana, advertising sign, American, red star green T, 1930s
The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
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