The enduring allure of vintage gas station signs, pumps and globes has drawn collectors for generations. Whether you’re an established collector or new to the hobby, knowing a little bit about gas globe appraisal can help you determine the value of your pieces.
Gas globes are the glass cylinders that sit on top of antique gas pump bodies and illuminator panels at service stations. Originally used to advertise the brand of gasoline being sold, today these collectibles are prized by collectors for their aesthetic beauty and unique place in highway culture and American history.
From the 1920’s through the 1930’s, as the art-deco style grew in popularity, gas pump globes became brightly painted and more colorful. They were also adorned with more intricate designs and logos, as companies began to embrace the art-deco aesthetic. Today, finding an original, well-preserved gas pump globe in good condition can be a challenge. But if you’re a serious collector, this piece of highway ephemera can add a lot to your collection.
When assessing the value of a gas pump globe, the most important factors to consider are its condition and scarcity. The condition of a glass item is particularly crucial, since even minor damage can greatly affect its value. Look for chips, cracks and other defects when assessing the condition of a gas globe. If you’re unsure of how to assess the condition of a particular piece, consult an expert in the field to ensure you are not purchasing a fake or reproduction.
Another factor to consider is the size of a gas globe. There are three main sizes, with the smallest being the mini-pump globes that were used on pre-World War II pumps. The next size is the 13.5-inch lenses, and the largest are the 15-inch lenses. The earliest types of globes were made with metal bodies, while the later ones were made with plastic capco bodies. The older, metal body versions of the globes are more desirable than their plastic counterparts.
The most valuable gas globes are the rarest, with the most sought-after being the old-style Atlantic, Sinclair and Texaco globes. However, independent brands such as Red Head and Polly Gas are also highly desirable. As with any collectible, values can fluctuate, so it’s important to keep in mind the current market trends and the availability of replacement parts when determining the value of your pieces.