Once automobiles were introduced in the country, the way we traveled, moved, and generally made decisions drastically changed. With cars, people started driving across State lines and taking road trips, and it was during these trips that different gas companies felt that they had to compete with other gas/fuel companies, so signs would be put out along the roads/highways that would direct the drivers to a certain company’s pump. These old gas signs that you will now find being sold on auctions and other collection sites do have quite the history behind them.
Like we mentioned above, these signs initially popped up to help drivers find the gas pump they needed and to compete with other gas companies. This then expanded into companies using these signs to advertise their businesses, so you would find signs belonging to gas companies, different alcohol manufacturers/distilleries, fast food places and/or diners along the highway, and so on. These signs were also unique because at one point they were made mostly with porcelain because of how durable it was, but you will no longer find porcelain signs being made. These signs were very popular throughout most of the 1900s, and while they are no longer used as much, the signs that remain are now considered to be collectibles and can be bought or sold to buyers that are willing to pay a good price for them. Signs popped up as a necessity at one point, and then they became a means of advertising, and are now sold as vintage items.
You will easily come across these vintage signs in certain hotels, restaurants, bars, and at some people’s homes as well since they are a part of our history, and to top it off, these vintage signs are visually appealing, so they can add to an already vintage aesthetic.