Texaco, Inc. ("The Texas Company") are a petrol / gasoline company that would have to be classed amongst the founding fathers of 'Motor Spirit' supply. Founded in 1901 they were amongst the first company's to produce and supply petrol, just as the motor car was starting to rise in popularity. Texaco started at a time where small start-up companies were scattered all over England and America before the majority were merged into larger corporations during the 1920s-'30s, Texaco however managed to make themselves that larger company. In 1928, Texaco became the first U.S. oil company to sell its gasoline nationwide under one single brand name in all 48 states... 

 

This particular enamel sign is a double-sided European example displaying Texaco's iconic red star and green 'T'. If you're 'nerdy' enough to look up Texaco's logo changes over the years, this simplified design was introduced in 1936 with the 'Reg T.M.' mark below the star and a black edging around the 'T'... By 1946 this had changed to a simple ® below the star and white edging around the 'T'. This sign still has the earlier 'Reg T.M.' mark but the later white edging so must've been produced during a slight cross-over period for the company's branding. This is confirmed by the maker's mark to the bottom of the sign which shows it was produced by the Belgian enamelers T. P. Brux in 1939 ... the start of WW2 - what a life this sign must've had! 

 

All things considered, the sign has survived in reasonably good condition - it would seem to have lived the majority of it's years outside and has developed a wonderful patina; the like of which just can't be re-created. One side is brighter than the other and has a few patches of enamel loss scattered around the middle of the sign and some discolouration to the white enamel. The other side has slightly less enamel loss, but fairly heavy discolouration to the white enamel background. The sign can be hung from the two original mounting tabs at the top... Interestingly, there is a 1.5cm lip on one face of the sign (which is a bit corroded on one edge) - it's hard to work out why this lip is present on a double-sided example, presumably it provided the option of hanging the sign in a stand or similar but the sign displays perfectly well as it. 

 

This piece is 60cm in diameter and 1.5cm deep. 

 

S/N: #2035