Posted 13 years ago
bajill
(1 item)
This antique family heirloom sign is possibly up to 100 years old. I'd like to know if it is actually porcelain??? how to preserve it properly??? (to prevent more rusting) and just how old it is if possible? My husband's grandfather's first job was working for this company (Magnolia Gasoline) which was later bought out by Mobil Oil whom he continued working for for the rest of his life. The sign is double-sided. The side shown is in the best shape of the two sides, but the other side does not have much more damage than the side shown.
Probably from the 1940's. yes it is porcelain. In 1959 Magnolia was fully incorporated into the Mobil division of Socony.If you want to preserve it put it inside and hang it up. If you keep it outside it will rust. They were built to withstand the test of time so if you just keep it inside without moisture it will last a long long time.
THANK YOU sooooo much for all that great info! WOW! This confirms the family story. Should I do anything to the sign where it has chips and some rust to prevent any further deterioration, or is it best just to leave it as is and keep it indoors and ENJOY it???
I appreciate soooo much your help with this! Bless you!
Also, I do NOT want to sell the sign at all since it is a family heirloom, but I would like to know for curiosity's sake an estimate of it's value. Do you know what it might be worth?
That's fine we are not allowed to buy or sell on this sign anyways. Leave the chips alone because they will not become any bigger. You could choose to have them professionally touched-up but it will take away from the value and nostalgia because the sign is only original once. I think somewhere in the $800 range is realistic. Maybe more if the other side is in the same condition.
Thank you soooo much, oilman514! You have been extremely helpful! Do you know of a website or somewhere that I could get a full history of the Magnolia Gasoline company, or at least more info on them?
Not to many people have a full history on the company but I'm sure i can gather more information for you
Thanks once again. That would be WONDERFUL. I would love to have more info to put in my family history file. :o)
Magnolia Oil was formed April 24 1911. You are correct that the company would have been over 100 years old. I am attaching a link on Magnolia Oil history. I collect Magnolia and Mobil " Stuff " If you have any questions please email.
I do not mind talking about Magnolia history.
You have a nice sign do not do anything to it
http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/dom01
redhorse, THANK YOU so much for the info and advice. I really appreciate it and will definitely check out the link to Magnolia history. That's great!!!
Hi,
I'm a clock collector and someone I know has a Magnolia desk for sale. I haven't seen it yet, but from his description it sounds like it has an inkwell in the middle of the glass base. Have you ever seen anything along these lines with a Magnolia Gasoline brand on it?
Thanks,
Brian in Texas
Saw one today at the Flea, in worse shape than yours (mostly had more rust on it) and they were asking $500 for it.
I have a MAGNOLIA sign composed of porcelain enameled letters on a pair of aluminum tubes about 3/8" in diameter. The overall length is about 9 feet. I haven't seen one in a long time. Any idea as to its worth? I currently have it mounted on my workshop and would love to find another Magnolia Oil round sign to complement the one I have already. Any ideas on what to pay or where I might find one that won't break the bank?
I have this sign too and would love to know the value my friend said its worth $10,000 dollars is this true ?
Good shape, double sided and in the frame is $3200. realistic price. I would venture yours would get a thousand and some change. Best to clean them with WD40 and a green scrub pad. Wipe all excess off. Cleans and gives them a shine. I see one like what I had for $4200. but that is doubtful.
I just purchased a sign like op not in that good of shape would love to have more info.
Thanks in advance