The Red Pegasus Returns — Vintage Mobilgas Porcelain Sign, Circa 1940s

Few symbols capture the romance of American travel and industry like the red Pegasus of Mobilgas. This striking extra-large porcelain sign, bearing the bold blue lettering and distinctive SOCONY-Vacuum shield, represents an era when gas stations were as much about artistry as they were about fuel.

Manufactured in the 1940s, this heavy-gauge porcelain enamel sign was produced for roadside display, where it would guide motorists to the nearest Mobil service station. Today, it stands as a collector’s favorite — a gleaming relic of mid-century design, advertising innovation, and postwar optimism.

The Sign

This particular example measures 48 inches wide and features deep, glossy porcelain enamel with hand-stenciled cobalt blue borders and the iconic scarlet Pegasus in flight — the mythical winged horse that became synonymous with Mobil’s promise of speed and reliability.

Its substantial construction and layered porcelain finish have allowed it to endure for nearly a century, with only minor surface wear that adds authentic character.

• Manufacturer: Likely Texlite or Veribrite (period enamel contractors)

• Brand: Mobilgas / Socony-Vacuum Oil Company

• Date: Circa 1940s

• Medium: Double-sided porcelain enamel on steel

• Dimensions: Extra-large (approx. 48" width)

• Condition: Excellent vintage example with light oxidation and patina consistent with outdoor display

Historical Significance

The Socony-Vacuum Oil Company — precursor to Mobil — introduced the Pegasus logo in the 1930s as a modern symbol of speed and progress. By the 1940s, this imagery had become an American cultural icon, appearing on service stations, tanker trucks, and even aviation fuel pumps during World War II.

The Pegasus itself, derived from Greek mythology, symbolized imagination and inspiration — an ideal fit for a brand fueling the country’s growth and mobility. Original porcelain Mobilgas signs were produced in limited runs, often regionally, and few survive in such well-preserved condition today.

Collectibility and Market Value

Vintage gas and oil porcelain signs remain among the hottest categories in Americana collectibles. Their desirability lies in their bold graphics, nostalgic appeal, and architectural scale — making them centerpiece display items for garages, man caves, and automotive museums.

Well-preserved Mobilgas Pegasus signs of this size typically command $3,000–$6,000 depending on condition, gloss, and provenance. Examples with vibrant color and full enamel retention can exceed those figures in major automobilia auctions.

Appraisal and Authentication for Vintage Advertising & Americana

At DJR Authentication, we specialize in professional appraisal and verification of historical advertising, automobilia, and Americana artifacts. Each evaluation includes identification, production dating, maker attribution, and fair-market value analysis — suitable for insurance, estate, or sale documentation.

Preserve the history behind your collection and protect its value with expert documentation. Learn more about DJR Authentication’s full range of services for collectibles, fine art, and memorabilia.