Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Archives of the best of past topics For Sale Archive, Non-Petro Shell porcelain info wanted

Looking for some info on this porcelain sign
era, and value
thanks Old gas

Size matters..

id be leery... the way the grommets are missing and the wear is so perfect around each edge. repops are 12" x 12"... to me it would scream repop

thanks for the heads up

Is the sign curved or just look that way? Size?

The no. of flutes indicate 30's era.

the sign is curved

thanks for the info old gas
I think I will buy it

I hate when I see items like this...Forget the subject matter meaning if the sign appears correct or not...I hate the wear. Field is perfect, but edges are worn. I think to myself "what would wear the edges like that and then rust them but never chip or fade the field?" I usually stay away, but may be missing a steal.

I'd like to see the back of sign...

Thanks for the input.
I can't pass up buying the sign

Isn't the hole pattern wrong on this sign? Dave.

The edge condition actually is common to see on signage that remained outside for long periods of time. Edges tend to have less material and are the weakest part of a sign so easier to have loss occur than in the main field. The metal is probably thin as well so expansion and contraction from heat/cold over 70+ years in the elements might cause such damage. Typically the curved repops are flats which have been rolled and thus you see fractured porcelain.

We all prefer to see such a sign in person for the final word, but looks good to me initially.

If the back is white 97% it's a repop, I got burned on a "pumpplate" once in the past beware becuase this could very well be fake.

thanks
ps the back is dark

I would be really surprised if that sign was real. The hole pattern is wrong and the fact that it is curved throw up all kinds of red flags. I am certainly not an expert nor have I ever claimed to be, but where would that sign have been used? I have never seen a curved SHELL and if it were to be used on a visible pump, the art work would have resembled the signs during that time and in my opinion would be totally different.

Not to be obvious or anything, but your statement immediately discounts itself. "I am certainly not an expert" yet you claim the holes are in the wrong place?

I've looked at several Shell pieces this year and my initial reaction to his picture was positive. There isn't heavy shelving, the metal is thin, the style is consistent with proven originals of the same period. Whether used on a visible or other petrol related item it's hard to pinpoint. In trying to Google similar sizes I'm not running into listings for repops consistent to this one and the one's I've personally seen are typically heavier both in material and porcelain shelving. Also they tend to have yellows and reds which are brighter than originals. Compare the one from this page.

Buy this one instead....same sign and I bet its cheaper than asking price on one in pic

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SHELL-gas-oil-Po...=item1c3a5c2df4

You need to grow up

I'm certainly not an expert either but I was under the assumption that Shell never made a 12" yellow pump plate -other than the motor oil or air. Could you show me an original ,Paul?

that's fine I've purchased the sign and will live with it
never thought this would open up such a can of worms.

You were warned it's fake and choose not to believe it. I have seen numerous pump signs that have been outside for years and never have I seen chipping around the entire edge like this one has. Enjoy your curved 1990's sign

He's trying to help you.

We were trying to be helpful. If you are happy, then so are we. Every one has an opinion and some of us felt like that was what you were looking for. Never meant to offend. The item in question is a reproduction sign and I think those of us who,have studied the books and done the research would be in agreement. But nothing says you have to follow our advice. By the way, both of my SHELL signs have thicker porcelain on the edges, not thinner as was suggested in this post.

I would love to have a picture

Did you buy it on eBay? If so, probably pretty easy to find out if it's fake or not by the sellers other items sold. What's the sellers name if you bought it on there?

No Ebay

You say you would like to have a picture,are you speaking of an original Shell pump plate?

Yes if it's the same of the same era

30's era,note 4 grommets

Made in USA at the bottom.

i have not seen a curved Shell pump plate

Very nice.
I have never seen the curved Shell plate myself
my reason for getting it
I thought it might be from Europe/Australia

Has anyone, anyone on Oldgas, ever seen an original yellow pump plate. Flat or curved?

I have not.

If this were on the petro side you would have alot more info on this subject.

I can confirm it's not from Europe at all, it screams fantasy all over this sign

I finally got the goods on this sign
They where made in India and if you ordered a dozen you could purchase them for $60.00 each
Thanks for all the good feedback and as for bad!
Well
you can figure it out

If you purchase them singly from any U.S. supplier you can get them for $19.99