December 4, 2008
Gas globes are spherical glass signs that sat atop gas pumps in the first half of the 20th century, advertising a specific oil company or brand of gasoline. Generally made from a ring of metal with a lens mounted on either side, they were produced in various shapes (like the Shell clamshell) and innumerable designs.
The purpose of gas pump globes was brand identification for drivers at a distance. Lighting wasn’t as good on gas stations as it is today. Sometimes all a motorist could recognize driving by was the gas pump itself lit up, and the globe glowed so they'd know what brand of gas was available. Post World War II, pumps started getting smaller, and by the 1960’s, it was unusual to have a globe.
Gas pump globe designs tended to be simple, limited to a small handful of solid colors because of the silk screening process used to create them.
I became interested in Petroliana in a kind of roundabout way. I’ve been in the automotive repair business … [more]
I’ve always had an old Ford Model A or something to tinker around with or play with. It may not have been o… [more]
Jim Potts’ site for petroliana collectors, featuring image galleries and community features such as a discussion … [more]
An amazing online gallery of petroliana from Guido Fisogni, who founded his Fisogni Museum in 1966. Start by clicki… [more]
Ian Byrne's virtual glove compartment with almost 2,000 European petrol (gas) and oil company roadmaps. While Ameri… [more]
Alan Chandler’s impressive collection of early British and European petroliana, including galleries with beautifu… [more]
Alex Wyler’s site is mostly in German, but the collection and images speak for themselves. You’ll find old gas … [more]
Ralph and Carol Falvo's excellent collection of automobiles, petroliana, jukeboxes, soda, and general store items. … [more]
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