March 21-23, 2023 Automobilia, Petroliana, & Railroadiana
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/21/2023
DSP. Significantly rare and highly sought after piece of historic California Oil History from Mohawk Gasoline showing unique block type print as well as iconic Native American graphic showing a more detailed image as well as a "Down Feather" rather than the more common "Up Feather" variation. Mohawk was a particularly early brand dating as early as the late 1910's. A Bakersfield based Independent Oil Company that was broken apart and sold as early as 1925 and then later reappeared in the late 1920's as Mohawk Petroleum Company of San Francisco that we see more commonly showing Native American graphic with "Upright Feather" image. The "Down Feather" image of the Native American graphic has only surfaced on two pieces of advertising which are the Visible Pump Paddle Sign and this Porcelain Curb Sign. There are no known globes, cans, ephemera or photos of one of these Signs in service. After much research it is my opinion that the "Down Feathered" image shown here is a product of the earliest Mohawk Advertising before it was absorbed in 1925. After the purchase of the company the brand was not marketed by California Petroleum and any advertising was destroyed or simply never existed. When the company reemerged it was under a new Mohawk name with a newly updated and sleek image. Only four Curb Signs are known to exist, and all of the known examples the Curb Sign and Paddle Signs were found near Central California. CONDITION: Side one is overall excellent showing outstanding color & gloss in the red and black white no field chipping. Side one shows some minor areas of water discoloration in the white at the center field but is not overly distracting or noticeable unless in direct light. The outer field is very clean showing just minimal wear with some light scratching and factory flaw. The outer black banded border is very clean showing minimal edge wear with excellent condition mounting holes, Grade 9.0. Side two shows finer color & gloss throughout the field showing an excellent Native American image at the center. Side two shows some fine surface scratches as well as some minor discoloration in the gloss of the white which is not as heavy as side one. Side two shows some minor scratching in the outer field but very clean. Side two shows one light nick in the "O" of Gasoline as well as one chip at the left edge and one heavier chip at the lower center edge. The mounting holes are very clean and the outer edge shows just faint wear, Grade 8.9+. An incredible rarity and a significant piece of early California Oil Boom history with maximum display power. One of the finest examples known and a truly remarkable piece of Service Station advertising.
Condition: (9.0 & 8.9+).
Item Dimensions: 27 - 1/4" Diameter.