December 3, 2008
Gas, oil and service brands, even some defunct ones, have some of the best name recognition in the world, thanks to the many signs that represented them through the 20th century. Petroliana collectors seek both national and regional brands, and often signs from small, independent brands and stations are rarer than the big names.
Some brands to know (gas, motor oil, automobile service) include: Sinclair, Sinclair H-C, Shell, Mobil and Mobilgas, Philips 66, Texaco, Goodyear, Polly, Pennzoil, Valvoline, Standard, Frontier, Zerolene, Castrol, Union 76, Socony, Conoco, Michelin, Havoline, Firestone, Sky Chief, Red Indian, Fire Chief, BF Goodrich, Dixie, Purol, Motorite, Tydol, and Derby.
I became interested in Petroliana in a kind of roundabout way. I’ve been in the automotive repair business … [more]
How did I get started collecting advertising antiques? My dad was a lecturer and tutor in graphics and art fr… [more]
Jim Potts’ site for petroliana collectors, featuring image galleries and community features such as a discussion … [more]
This classy looking British site features hundreds of high resolution photos of antique porcelain pre-war (enamel) … [more]
If you're the type who pulls over when you see a 'historic marker ahead' sign, you'll love this site. Orchestrated … [more]
An amazing online gallery of petroliana from Guido Fisogni, who founded his Fisogni Museum in 1966. Start by clicki… [more]
This group artistic effort to catalog the signs of Pittsburgh captures many vintage signs (porcelain, neon, wood, t… [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]
Ralph and Carol Falvo's excellent collection of automobiles, petroliana, jukeboxes, soda, and general store items. … [more]
Sam Baker's excellent collection of vintage Ford porcelain and neon signs and related memorabilia from the 1920s an… [more]
Alex Wyler’s site is mostly in German, but the collection and images speak for themselves. You’ll find old gas … [more]
Got a site to suggest? Let us know.
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