Petroliana, or antiques related to gas stations and the oil business, is a collecting area focused on advertising, with key subcategories being gas pumps, gas pump globes, oil cans, road maps, signs, and major names like Mobil, Texaco, Standard Oil, Phillips 66, Shell, Sinclair, and Esso.
In the early days of automobile travel, service stations were unfamiliar and often poorly lit at night. So lighted gas pump globes and other oil company signage were key to reassuring and drawing in motorists. And since pumping gas was a new experience, early pumps allowed motorists to see if the gasoline was clean (through a small glass window), and later to watch the price as the gas was pumped (a major innovation).
Collectors also seek items associated with regional oil company brands like Signal, Gilmore, and Wilshire. Not to mention an endless variety of giveaway promotional items like ice scrapers and plastic 'lollipop' thermometers featuring the names of these bygone oil and gas companies and service stations.
Interviews & Articles
Jim Potts on Vintage Petroliana

I became interested in Petroliana in a kind of roundabout way. I’ve been in the automotive repair business all my life, and have a… [more]
Best of the Web (“Hall of Fame”)
Primarily Petroliana

Jim Potts’ site for petroliana collectors, featuring image galleries and community features such as a discussion … [read review or visit site]
Petroliana.co.uk

Alan Chandler’s impressive collection of early British and European petroliana, including galleries with beautifu… [read review or visit site]
Petromobilia Switzerland

Alex Wyler’s site is mostly in German, but the collection and images speak for themselves. You’ll find old gas … [read review or visit site]
Falvo Collectables Gallery

Ralph and Carol Falvo's excellent collection of automobiles, petroliana, jukeboxes, soda, and general store items. … [read review or visit site]
Clubs & Associations: Petroliana
Other Great Reference Sites: Petroliana
Top eBay Auctions
Recent News: Petroliana
Source: Google News
Brew Fest dinner canceled - Santa Ynez Valley News
Santa Ynez Valley News, May 9thA beer pairing dinner scheduled for Friday at Mendenhall's Museum of Gasoline Pumps and Petroliana has been called off, according to the Buellton Chamber of Commerce. However, Saturday's Buellton Brew Fest is still a go from noon to 4 p.m. at River...Read more
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