Set Of Two Gilmore Oil Neon Advertising Sign
This is a set of two almost identical (2) neon signs that are currently affixed to a vintage gas service station that is being used as a film set on private property. Glass neon tubes spell "GILMORE" and of the signs is marked Property of Gilmore Oil. Both are in perfect working condition and neon color is red. I am not 100% sure if they are baked enamel or porcelain. The measurements are the same for both and are the following: Length= 109 in Height= 23.5 in Width= 8 in One of the signs was exposed to more UV rays and has faded more than the other.
Length= 109 in Height= 23.5 in Width= 8 in
Inherited
Yes
Hi Amanda,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Gilbert Oil was an independent petroleum company founded in California in the early 1900s by Arthur Fremont Gilmore. Based in Los Angeles, Gilmore Oil became famous in the 1920s–30s for its aggressive marketing and flamboyant advertising. Gilmore used circus-like promotions, sponsoring midget auto racing, barnstorming airplanes, and even using lions as mascots. Its slogans were “Blu-Green Gasoline” and “Red Lion Gasoline.” In 1945 Gilmore merged into Mobil (then Socony-Vacuum Oil), ending its independent branding.
Petroliana collectibles are currently enjoying a revival of interest among (mostly male) collectors who like to use oil and automobile signs to decorate garages and man-caves. Most of the ones I've found feature charging lions.
The value in these signs lies in their size; each would be worth $1,000-1,500 at auction.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
Two vintage Gilmore Oil Petroliana signs
Two neon red on white signs
Each 23-1/2 inches high by 109 inches long by 8 inches deep
CONDITION: With some weathering but both appear to be in working condition.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 1,000-1,500 each or $2,000-3,000 for the pair.*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia
