Top 10 Most Valuable Gas & Oil Signs Ever SoldÂ
Over the past 3‑4 years, a new class of gas & oil signs have shattered prior expectations. The record holder is the Musgo Gasoline Sign, which sold for $1,552,500 in August 2022. Following closely are rare Wasatch, Mohawk, Smith‑O‑Lene, and Frontier signs all breaking six‑figure barriers. Below are the top 10 proven sales, what made them exceptional, and how earlier claims like Clipper or Polly stack up.
When it comes to gas & oil signs, recent auctions have reset what collectors consider “top‑tier value.” Here are ten of the highest confirmed sales, with key details: what made them special, when & where they sold, and links/photos. Earlier claims are compared and corrected where needed.
| # | Sign | Sale Price | Date & Auction | Key Features Driving Value | Photo / Auction Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Musgo Gasoline (48″ double‑sided porcelain, “Michigan’s Mile Maker”) | US $1,552,500 | August 27, 2022 — Richmond Auctions | Found in an attic in Michigan; “new old stock” never used/restored; superb condition, both faces very good (TAC graded ~9.5 & 9.25). Musgo was a short‑lived brand in the 1920s, many signs destroyed or deteriorated (used as septic lids). GSA Business Report+3Richmond Auctions+3Fuel Curve+3 | Richmond Auctions: Musgo Sale Details Richmond Auctions |
| 2 | Wasatch Gasoline 48″ porcelain double‑sided service station sign | US $324,000 | March 21‑23, 2023 — Morphy’s, Part II of Bobby Knudsen Jr. Collection | Rare Native American (Salt Lake City) iconography; unusually high condition; pre‑sale estimate only $75,000‑150,000, which it far exceeded. Antique Trader | Antique Trader: Wasatch Sign Photo & Details Antique Trader |
| 3 | Mohawk Gasoline “Down Feather” DSP Porcelain Sign | US $312,000 | March 21‑23, 2023 — Morphy’s, Knudsen Jr. | Pre‑1925 production; one of only four known examples of early Mohawk porcelain signs; strong visuals. Antique Trader | Antique Trader: Mohawk Sign Antique Trader |
| 4 | Smith‑O‑Lene Aviation Brand Gasoline (48″ DSP plane graphic) | US $252,000 | March 21‑23, 2023 — Morphy’s, Knudsen Jr. | Aviation theme adds crossover collector appeal; excellent grade; large format porcelain. Antique Trader | Antique Trader: Smith‑O‑Lene Photo & Details Antique Trader |
| 5 | Frontier Gas “Rarin’ To Go” Porcelain Service Sign | US $204,000 | March 2023 — Morphy’s Knudsen Jr. Sale | Large porcelain; vivid art; sought after regional brand. Antique Trader | Antique Trader: Frontier Gas Sale Antique Trader |
| 6 | Idaho Chief Gasoline, 72‑inch DSP Porcelain Sign | US $138,000 | March 2023 — Morphy’s Knudsen Jr. Sale | Oversized; impressive Native American figure; condition and size both rare. Antique Trader | Antique Trader: Idaho Chief Sign Antique Trader |
| 7 | Ford Jubilee Porcelain Neon Dealership Sign | US $165,000 | March 2023 — Morphy’s, Knudsen Jr. | Rare neon illuminated dealership piece; large size; good condition. Antique Trader | Antique Trader: Ford Jubilee Sign Antique Trader |
| 8 | Chevrolet Super Service Porcelain Neon Dealership Sign (restored) | US $96,000 | March 2023 — Morphy’s, Knudsen Jr. | Smaller but rare dealership neon; although restored, still valuable due to scarcity. Antique Trader | Antique Trader: Chevrolet Super Service Sign Antique Trader |
| 9 | Ace High Gas & Oil (Minneapolis), Double‑Sided DSP with plane motif | US $84,000 | March 2023 — Morphy’s, Knudsen Jr. Sale | Aeronautical motif plus patriotic color scheme; moderate size; great condition. Antique Trader | Antique Trader: Ace High Gas & Oil Sign Antique Trader |
| 10 | Husky Motor Oils Tin Service Station Sign, New/Old Stock | US $79,950 | March 2023 — Morphy’s Knudsen Jr. Sale | Tin (not porcelain), which usually sells lower; but new‑old stock condition and mascot graphic helped. Antique Trader | Antique Trader: Husky Sign Sale Antique Trader |
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What Makes These Top Sales Exceptional
From the list above, the following patterns emerge:
Porcelain over Tin: Nearly all top‑10 are porcelain signs. Porcelain’s durability, depth of color, and gloss dramatically increase value.
Large Size: Signs 48″ or greater are far more valuable. Size plus condition = premium.
Rare Graphics + Themes: Native American iconography, aviation imagery, rare brand names (Musgo, Wasatch) add collector interest.
Condition & Provenance: Signs rarely restored, often fresh to market, and with clean histories (e.g., attic finds).
Auction House & Catalog Exposure: Major houses like Richmond Auctions or Morphy’s with full photographic catalogs bring in serious bidders.
