• Made Like the Vintage Originals

    Real porcelain enamel. Handblown glass. Powder-coated steel. We use the same materials collectors trust because there’s no substitute for the real thing.

    Why Authenticity Matters 
  • Crafted by Hand, One at a Time

    Every neon porcelain sign is proudly made in the USA using time-tested methods: cut steel, kiln-fired enamel, bent glass tubes, and vintage finishing touches. No shortcuts—ever.

    See How Our Neon Is Made 
  • Love It or Send It Back Free

    Not completely satisfied? No problem. Send it back for a full refund—no questions, no hassle, and return shipping’s on us.

    Get Answers to FAQ 
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WHY CHOOSE TO SHOP WITH US?

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Premium Quality

Each piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans, not mass-produced overseas. Quality like this doesn’t come off an assembly line.

Authentic Materials

You won’t find acrylic, stickers, or fake glow here. This is real neon—heavy, durable, and made to last a lifetime.

Difference You Feel

These neon cans aren’t for lighting up a dorm room—they’re made for guys who know the difference between real and replica.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Try it out. If it’s not what you expected, send it back. We cover return shipping—no questions asked.

Petroliana: The Signs, Brands, and Artifacts That Defined the American Road

Petroliana is the collective name for gas station–related advertising and artifacts from the Golden Age of Advertising and American motoring. Porcelain signs, neon displays, pump plates, globes, oil cans, uniforms, and service station décor all fall under this category.

What separates petroliana from ordinary advertising is permanence. These pieces were designed to live outdoors, survive weather, and be seen from the road—built from heavy materials, bold colors, and durable finishes long before “planned obsolescence” became the norm.

Today, petroliana is one of the most actively hunted segments for an Americana sign collection, valued not just for its visual impact, but for what it represents: mobility, independence, and the rise of car culture in the United States.


What Is Considered Petroliana?

Petroliana typically includes advertising and service items produced for gas stations, oil companies, and automotive service providers from the early 1900s through the mid-20th century.

Common petroliana categories include:

  • Porcelain enamel signs
  • Neon signs and illuminated can signs
  • Gas pump globes and lenses
  • Oil cans and lubricant tins
  • Service station uniforms and accessories
  • Roadside and dealership signage

Among these, porcelain and neon signs remain the most visually dominant and collectible, especially those associated with major American oil brands.


The Golden Age of Petroliana

Petroliana reached its peak between the 1920s and 1960s, when automobile travel exploded and competition for roadside visibility intensified.

Oil companies invested heavily in:

  • Consistent branding
  • Large-format signage
  • Durable outdoor materials
  • Nighttime visibility through neon

Brands like Texaco, Sinclair, Mobil, Phillips 66, Sunoco, and Standard Oil didn’t just sell fuel—they sold reassurance. Their signs acted as landmarks, helping drivers navigate long stretches of highway before modern navigation existed.


Porcelain Enamel & Neon: Why Materials Matter

Two materials define high-quality petroliana signage:

Porcelain Enamel

Porcelain signs were made by firing powdered glass onto steel at extremely high temperatures. The result was a glossy, color-rich surface that resisted fading, rust, and wear. The weight and depth of porcelain enamel are a major reason originals still survive today.

Neon Illumination

Real Neon Signs allowed petroliana to function after dark. Hand-blown glass tubing, properly spaced and powered by real transformers, turned signs into beacons—visible from miles away and unmistakable once seen.

Modern substitutes often replicate the look but not the feel. Collectors recognize the difference immediately.


Why Petroliana Is So Collectible

Petroliana remains popular for several reasons:

  • Strong brand recognition across generations
  • Durable original construction
  • Deep connection to American travel culture
  • Continued demand at auction

Even lesser-condition original signs and well-made reproductions continue to sell, provided they respect the original materials, scale, and construction methods.

Collectors value authenticity of feel, not just appearance.


Originals vs Proper Reproductions

Original petroliana commands premium prices, but properly made reproductions play an important role—especially for display, enjoyment, and preservation.

Quality reproductions share key traits:

  • Heavy steel construction
  • Kiln-fired porcelain enamel
  • Hand-blown glass neon (where applicable)
  • Correct scale and mounting depth

Lightweight aluminum, vinyl graphics, and LED lighting are generally viewed as decorative rather than collectible.


Where Petroliana Belongs Today

Petroliana is commonly displayed in:

  • Private garages and workshops
  • Automotive showrooms and museums
  • Home bars and entertainment rooms
  • Route 66–themed commercial spaces

These pieces were built to command attention—and they still do.


Explore Petroliana by Brand & Type

Use the links below to explore specific areas of petroliana:


Why Petroliana Still Matters

Petroliana tells the story of how Americans moved, traveled, and explored. These signs and artifacts weren’t designed to be disposable. They were built to last, to guide travelers, and to stand as symbols of trust along the road.

That’s why they’re still collected today—not as décor, but as pieces of history you can live with.

FAQ ANSWERS & QUESTIONS

ABOUT OUR SIGNS

How are your signs made?

Our signs are crafted using real porcelain enamel on heavy-gauge steel, kiln-fired layer-by-layer - Just like the originals. No stickers. No cheap shortcuts.

Do you really use porcelain?

Yes! Unlike most reproductions, our signs are made with real porcelain enamel, which means they won't fade, peel, or scratch like printed metal signs or acrylic.

Where are your signs made?

All our signs are proudly made in the USA using traditional methods that honor the craftsmanship of the past.

What if I don't like my sign?

We stand behind our work. If you're not 100% happy, just send it back for a full refund. No questions asked.

Thank You!

I just want to say thank you. No outside funding, no backup plan—just long nights, hard work, and hope. So when you place an order or share what we do, it’s not just another sale. It’s the reason we get to keep going. And that means more than I can ever explain.

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