Here is a rather unique tin sign, one that I love as it differentiates an early type of gasoline by calling itself
“Auto Gasoline”. This is not surprising as this was an era where automobiles were very scarce still, and a luxury to own. Many were still riding horses to work, etc. The Bell Oil company used their image of a carbon ringing bell as their corporate image as you can see in this advertising sign from them. The colors are very unique too, bright and attention getting in an era when all cars were one color…black.
The Bell Oil Company was long an institution in south city Saint Louis, MO for years. However, during most of its life it was referred to the Liberty Bell Oil Company, and they used the same bell incorporated here on this sign in their logo’s, corporate advertising and on the building itself. Unfortunately the building caught fire in 2018 and is now undergoing renovation plans in the near future. Hopefully the amazing structure and it’s advertising nameplates, etc. can be saved too.