When did they Contains Lead sign start being put on gas pumps?

This is probably a newbie question, but I have not found any handy answers.

The early history of Ethyl will be in an upcoming feature story in PCM, but after a brief withdrawal from the marketplace in 1925 and part of 1926, sales of Ethyl gasoline was restored in the summer of 1926, with several restrictions, including the posting of some sort of warning that the gasoline contained tetraethyl lead. Several early signs were unique to a brand, but standardized "Contains Lead" signs were available within a short time of the reintroduction. There are numerous variations.

The Contains Lead signs said a lot more than the shorter version you see , 1940 and newer . My research has them in use as far back as 1925 when Tetra Ethyl was re introduced . Such signage was placed on the FRONT of the pump . Yes, Lead was used before this time and Ethylizers were in use by attendants that were mounted on the side of the pump . Of course this stopped as a result of attendants dying on the job as Tetraethyl absorbed via the skin will kill you .

I'll yield my comments to Wayne here as he beat me out . Wayne , GREAT answer .

Tetraethyl lead was widely adopted as an additive for gasoline in the 1920s.

This is only based on my experience. The visible pumps 1920's-30's used the taller 7x9" porcelain signs. By the 1930's the tall electrics were using the shorter 7x6" porcelain signs.

7"x6" Anti-knock signage was used in the late 50s/early 60s to the 80s. Decals instead of signs, were the more common signage from around 1963 on.

Thanks for the answers!

My pump was made anywhere from 1924-1927 so I am debating on welding the holes drilled for the sign shut or trying to find a larger sign that fits the holes.

Porcelain reproductions and originals are readily available. I wouldn't weld the holes.