Need help with a value on this sign ASAP.

This sign popped up near me and I need help with a value so I can make an offer. The back side is totally roached. The fronts not great either as you can see. It has a 1935 stamp on it.

 

That is a shame.
It doesn't seem to be porcelain and even so it is now garage art.
Unless it's been extremely rare one, I doubt it, my car friends and I would pay under $50 for it...probably way under.

 

It's metal and the signs heavy. How do you tell if it's porcelain ??

 

It is a thick shiny ceramic coating very different than paint.

 

Did you look through completed Ebay sales? There seem to be a lot in better condition but it might give you some range. Maybe someone will know what the star represents.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=mobil gas sign&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&rt=nc&_trksid=p2045573.m1684

 

Yes I did but I can't find one with the star. That's the question for me. Is it rare?

 

Here is one from Invaluable auctions. I don't have an account so no idea what it sold for.

http://www.invaluable.com/auction-l...star-mobilgas-mobiloil-mobil-147-c-691414d8fa

 

Man I wish I knew what that went for.

 

It looks like it's free to set up an account there to see sold prices.

 

Looks like it sold for 2600

 

Here is one on first 1stdibs

https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/m...uble-sided-mobilgas-shield-sign/id-f_1268624/

 

Where do I find the pricing

 

I suspect every collector who sees it will say 'I'd rather pay more for a better one'.

You will grow to hate it. It is just too far gone.

 

Another that didn't sell on ebay that was priced at $2200.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-193...bil-Oil-/181390851932?&_trksid=p2056016.l4276

I researched an old Vacuum Oil piece a couple of years ago and I remember reading that when Standard Oil was forced to divide up into different companies in the early 1900s because of an anti trust lawsuit, some of the signs retained the same logo but may have different characteristics depending on the new company name and location. This may be from Texas and have something to do with Texeco.

 

Not sure, I have an account on that site and it doesn't look like the sold prices are available.

 

If you sign up on istdibs, you can see pricing. I agree with af, the condition is so bad I doubt someone would want it unless it was super cheap, under $50.

 

As I thought right off.
I know guys with huge and small garages with many such things and if they bought this at all...it would be as I said.
Sorry.

 

Anolog139. Haven't met you before - that I remember.
Sorry to add to the great comments you already have been given.
For a piece almost my age, I have to agree that it is not worth what one of those at auction charged for shipping = $100 to $200.
Especially with the reverse side as you described in much worse condition, I'll agree that you say " D.... it" and spend your time looking for a better buy.
Best of luck with all your future hunting.

 

Even if rare...the condition destroys any value.

 

The poor thing is a crispy critter. I'd leave it lay unless you love the look and just want to hang it without worrying about what it's worth.