Vintage Service Station Collectibles
From the early 1900's when the automobile was first produced, gas stations became an important part of all our lives and we depend on them even more today. Although gas prices have changed quite a bit from that time, the same gas and oil companies that began over 100 years ago are still producing today.
Before the days of television, radio and other forms of advertising media which are so frequent today, companies wanting to get the word out about their product needed to find a way to advertise. Many companies, including the big oil and gas companies started producing tin signs.
Most of the large oil and gas companies that we are familiar with today started out as regional companies that were in need of expansion. In order to grow their business they turned to printing colorful pictures, logos and slogans onto tin and then distributed them throughout the countryside. This was quite effective getting a brand name and logo to be familiar with people and this is one of the reasons why many of these companies are still in business today.
Drive through many small towns in America today and it's common to see some of these old gas signs still on display on the side of old buildings. While they may just be a symbol of days gone by for some, for others these old tin gas signs are a wonderful collectible and make a unique way to decorate. Most commonly you might see these old gas signs hanging on the wall of a local restaurant or bar. Some automotive related restaurants have even went as far as bringing in vintage gas pumps to display as a means of decorating and adding a unique touch to the establishment.
Old tin gas signs are also a favorite among car collectors and auto mechanics alike. Visit a garage of many of these people and you're likely to see these signs decorating the walls. What's so unique about them is that they are colorful and display old logos that have long since been changed as times have changed.
Collectors love to collect these old tin signs because many of the company names are long gone. Although many of the old gas companies did not go out of business, they did however merge. Many merged or were purchased several times so that their history is long forgotten. Companies that we know today may have started out as a one station operation back in the 1900's. As automobile use expanded, so did their businesses which allowed for growth.
The oil and gas industry in the United States has long been associated with the turn of the century. This was an exciting time of growth and new invention for the country. Cars were becoming very popular and so were gas stations. These old signs help to remind us of our rich heritage and how the automobile changed the world forever and paved the way for the modernization of our entire society.
