Link: https://artofestates.com/what-is-automobilia-and-petroliana/
Source: Art of Estates
In summary, Automobilia and petroliana categories are the advertising and marketing signs, stands, ephemera, and general products, often with prominent logos displaying.
– Art of Estates
Suddenly you’re in charge of a great deal of oil and car memorabilia – perhaps a car or two. The decedent of the estate may have been a huge car and/or sign enthusiast. Problem is – you are not. Well luckily we have an article from Art of Estates, one of the nation’s premier appraisal companies, to bring you up to speed, or at least get your feet wet, or wheels as the case may be.
Here’s a look inside…
Gas Pumps and Globes
If you ever watch American Pickers you’ll have a pretty good idea of the status of gas pumps and the painted glass globes that adorned them have in this collection category. Art of Estates provides a narrative and excellent graphic on the evolution and eras of the gas pump.
Signage
No man-cave is complete without some form of automobilia and petroliana sign. Roadside marketing and promotion evolved through the years and gasoline and automobile signage is flat-out cool. Art of Estates provides great historical insight and context to the popularity of the category signage.
More Examples of Automobilia
Car & manufacturer branding, racing, dealerships, general motoring. Examples…
- Collectibles related to cars, manufacturers, and motoring culture (but not usually the fuel side). Examples:
- Dealer showroom signs and wall art (Ferrari, Ford, BMW logos, neon signs)
- Vintage car badges, emblems, and hood ornaments
- Old license plates and registration plates
- Steering wheels, gear knobs, dash gauges removed from classic cars
- Factory or dealer brochures, sales catalogs, and press kits
- Rally plates and event plaques (e.g., Mille Miglia, Le Mans, local rallies)
- Branded accessories: key fobs, tool rolls, luggage, driving gloves, branded ashtrays, etc.
- Garage/repair items: timing lights, workshop manuals, enamel “Service” signs
Examples of Petroliana
Fuel & oil branding, gas stations, lubrication products. Examples…
- Collectibles tied specifically to gasoline, oil, and service stations. Examples:
- Porcelain or tin gas station signs (Shell, BP, Gulf, Phillips 66, Castrol, Pennzoil, etc.)
- Old gas pumps and pump globes (illuminated glass globes with brand logos)
- Oil cans, motor oil tins, and grease tins
- Metal or glass oil bottles and pouring jugs (e.g., Castrol, Agip)
- Road maps and travel guides sponsored by oil companies
- Service-station uniforms, hats, and branded giveaway items
- Price boards, “Full Service,” “Ethyl,” or “No Lead” signs
- Air meters, lube racks, and small station equipment
The Direction of Automobilia and Petroliana.
We’re bullish.
Car culture, which permeated the United States in the early to mid-20th Century, has grown into a full-fledged memorabilia market that finds itself sold at auction houses.
– Art of Estates
From simple decor to investment-grade collecting automobile related historical items are sought after. Anything a car nut would display in a garage or office that celebrates the car or marque itself. Understanding the history and evolution of the automobile, adjacent products, and its culture is imperative to understanding and operating in the modern market for Automobilia and petroliana.