Vintage Mobil Gasoline’s Pegasus: A Vintage Porcelain Collector’s Dream
Dive into the past of Vintage Porcelain Signs from Mobil Gasoline
Mobil Gasoline, with its iconic Pegasus logo, has not only fueled cars but also the imaginations of collectors worldwide. Here’s an in-depth look into the history, significance, and collecting aspects of Mobil’s Pegasus signs, which have become emblematic of a bygone era of Americana.
The Pegasus, a winged horse from Greek mythology, was first adopted by Mobil (then known as Vacuum Oil Company) in 1911 for its South African operations. This symbol of speed, power, and freedom was later brought to the U.S. in 1934, marking a new era for Mobil’s branding. The Pegasus was not just a logo; it was a beacon for motorists, guiding them to Mobil’s service stations across America.
Aesthetic Appeal: The vibrant colors, often red and white, and the dynamic Pegasus design make these signs not just memorabilia but pieces of art.
Porcelain Signs: Known for their durability and vivid colors, these are among the most sought-after. The condition, size, and rarity determine their value. Shop our eBay store for the latest selection of vintage Mobil gas signs.
Neon Signs: The glowing Pegasus neon signs from the 1930s and 1940s are rare finds, often commanding high prices due to their historical significance and the complexity of neon technology. By 1934, Mobil began using the Pegasus in its advertising, with a significant moment being the installation of a massive, rotating, red neon Pegasus atop the Magnolia Petroleum building in Dallas, Texas. This sign, visible for miles, was not just a beacon for Mobil’s products but a symbol of the company’s ambition and reach. The sign’s restoration in 2015 by the Omni Dallas Hotel underscores its enduring significance.
Tin Signs: Less valuable than porcelain but still cherished for their rustic charm, these were commonly used in smaller service stations.
The Cultural Impact of Mobil’s Pegasus on the Gas Station Sign
The Pegasus wasn’t just a logo for Mobil; it became a cultural icon. The mid-1950s marked a significant redesign for Mobil. Peter Schladermundt Inc. introduced a new logo with a smaller Pegasus and a blue and white color scheme for stations. This was part of a broader corporate rebranding to modernize Mobil’s image, emphasizing simplicity and recognition. The design was further refined by Eliot Noyes, who worked on streamlining the look of Mobil’s 26,000 service stations across the U.S., incorporating a new sans-serif ‘Mobil’ logotype.
The Tallest Sign: For many years, this Pegasus was the tallest sign in Texas, making it a significant point of pride for both the company and the city. It was visible from miles away, symbolizing not just Mobil’s presence but also the era’s optimism about aviation and automotive travel.
A Lasting Legacy: Despite changes in ownership and the eventual removal of the Pegasus for safety reasons in 1999, its legacy lived on. In 2015, the Pegasus was restored and reinstalled on the Omni Dallas Hotel, which now occupies the site, keeping the tradition alive and reminding onlookers of a time when oil companies were at the forefront of American innovation and expansion.
Restoration and Preservation: There’s a niche but passionate community dedicated to the restoration of these signs. Restoration involves not just cleaning but sometimes repainting using techniques and materials that match the original processes. This practice ensures that these signs continue to look as they did when first installed, preserving a piece of history for future generations.
If you walk away with one thing from this article.
Collecting Mobil memorabilia, especially the Pegasus signs, is more than a hobby; it’s a journey through time, connecting enthusiasts with an era where the road ahead was as much about adventure as it was about reaching a destination. For collectors, each sign is not just a piece of metal or neon but a piece of history, a fragment of America’s automotive soul captured in art. Whether for investment, passion, or preservation, the Pegasus continues to fly high in the hearts of collectors and history buffs alike.
Looking to buy Mobil Porcelain Signs? Check them out here! Or if you are looking for Mobil items on Facebook, check them out here with this hashtag!
- Written by Roadside-Classics