The first gas pumps were built in the 1880's by the Bowser Company in Fort Wayne, Indiana, followed in 1898 by pumps that could pull fuel from an underground tank. As the automobile's popularity soared in the 1920s and service stations sprang up everywhere, the gas pump became a key promotional medium for oil companies and their gasoline brands.
Petroliana, or antiques related to gas stations and the oil business, is an advertising focused collecting area, with key subcategories being gas pumps, gas pump globes, oil cans, road maps, signs, and major names like Mobil and Texaco.
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]
Got a site to suggest? Let us know.