The gas pump globe, also known as a petrol globe or a glass sign, is one of the crown jewels of automobilia collectors. These rare and beautiful pieces of American culture ephemera can sell for tens of thousands of dollars at auction. As such, it is vital that a new collector or even a veteran of the hobby know how to properly appraise and price these items before purchasing them. This article will help the reader learn some of the basics of the appraisal and valuation of a gas pump globe.

The history of gas pump gas pump globe appraisal dates back to the early 20th century when petroleum became widely available in the United States. The spherical signs displayed on the tops of gas pumps were used to advertise specific oil companies or brands of gasoline. The earliest of these globes were either hand painted, or etched and screen printed, before being baked on to the glass. Eventually, the process was perfected to produce a clearer image that could last longer.

As with any other collectible, the value of a gas pump globe is dependent on its condition. The most desirable globes are those that are in excellent condition, and free of any cracks or chips in the glass. The graphic on a globe is usually very delicate, and a minor chip or flaw can significantly reduce its value.

It is important to look for original mounting hardware on a globe as well. Many of these old gas pump globes will have brass or cast iron rings that attach to the glass. Modern gas pump globes often use plastic rings, which can greatly reduce the value of an item. Lastly, collectors should be on the lookout for any fading in the graphics on a gas pump globe. This is a very common problem that is caused by exposure to the sun, and it will drastically reduce the value of a vintage glass globe.

A collector should also consider the brand name of a gasoline pump globe when determining its value. The most sought after gas globes are those that were made for well-known and reputable companies such as Sinclair, Texaco, and Atlantic. In addition, collectors should pay attention to the size of the globe when evaluating its value. Smaller globes tend to be more valuable than larger ones. This is due to the fact that larger ones were more difficult to manufacture in high quantities. As the industry moved to smaller globes, the need for large numbers of these more costly items decreased. As a result, the smaller globes became more common, and by the end of the 30’s and 40’s, these were the only remaining decorations on most gas pumps.