Gillette Tires Vintage Neon Tin Litho Sign: A Collector’s Icon – NS7204
Introduction
Few vintage advertising signs embody the mid-20th-century Americana feel quite like the Gillette Tires vintage neon tin litho sign. Known for its distinct neon glow and memorable polar bear and tire motif. This authentic piece of roadside nostalgia isn’t just a sign—it’s a vibrant emblem of an iconic era in automobile history. Ideal for garages, automotive galleries, personal collections, or ones’ mancave. it instantly transports viewers back to the glory days of open-road adventures.
Description
The Origins of Gillette Tires
The Gillette Safety Tire Company was founded in Eau Claire in 1916. The crowd is likely present to witness the production of the first experimental tire on May 23, 1917.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin Historical Society.
Founded in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the Gillette Rubber Company made its name during the early days of the automobile boom. Back when cars evolved from rare luxuries to daily essentials, Gillette Tires stood out as a trusted choice. Quickly, Gillette became synonymous with rugged reliability and high-quality construction. Throughout the Roaring Twenties and beyond, drivers across America counted on Gillette Tires to keep them safely rolling down the open road.
Symbolism: The Polar Bear and Tire Motif
Gillettes' Iconic "A Bear For WearMascot
Gillette’s iconic polar bear gripping a sturdy tire is no ordinary mascot—it’s a marketing masterpiece. The bear symbolizes strength, resilience, and dependability, reflecting exactly the qualities drivers sought in their tires. With its memorable tagline "A Bear for Wear," this imagery set Gillette apart from other tire brands such as Goodyear and Firestone, providing unmatched visual branding and powerful consumer trust.
Vintage Shell Neon Sign Specifications
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Type: Single-Sided Genuine Vintage Tin Litho Sign
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Style: Horizontal Rectangular Sign Featuring Polar Bear And Tire Motif
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Company: Gillette Rubber Company
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Product: Tires
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Date Of Manufacture: 1940’s–1950’s
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Place Of Manufacture: U.S.A.
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Color: Green/Yellow/Black/White
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Neon Color: Yellow (Lettering), White (Polar Bear & Tire Accents), Green (Border)
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Dimensions: 97 1/2 Inches Wide x 25 1/2 Inches Tall x 5 Inches Deep (Heavy Metal Can)
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Weight: 86 Lbs
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Condition: Original Genuine Tin Litho Sign Not Restored Or Doctored (As-Pictured, See Photos For Details)
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Neon Details: All Neon And Solid-State Transformers, Wiring, Mounts, Switches, And Wires Have Been Replaced
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Comes With: H.J. Nick Exclusive “Fast Hanger Bar” Allowing A Simple And Easy Way To Hang Straight And True Every Time
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Neon Has: Separate Toggle Pull Chord As Pictured So That The Sign Can Easily Be Switched On And Off Without Unplugging
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Certification: Brass Tag Signed By Award-Winning Artist H.J. Nick
Promotion & Cultural Legacy
Gillette's marketing campaign featuring the polar bear ran alongside print ads, dealer signs, and point-of-sale materials. This consistent branding cemented the bear as a trustworthy symbol of winter driving safety. In many ways, this sign is an early example of character-driven brand loyalty, a technique that would later be perfected by brands like Michelin (Bibendum) and Sinclair (the dinosaur).
ArtFactory.com Artist H.J. Nick Brass Tag Certification Details
The H.J. Nick Brass Tag Certification ensures each piece to be the genuine article. Backed by our over a century of experience, with our word is our bond reputation and guaranteeing or your money back “forever". The H.J. Nick Brass Tag Certification makes this item one of the highest appreciating, collectible investments that you can make. These items can be insured at stated value, usually on your home owners policy, for little added premium. Thus, making this a safer investment than even those insured by the FDIC, is much more fun to own, and puts you in control instead of the bank.
Gillette vintage advertising tire display located at the Scottsdale Artfactory
Design: Neon and Tin Litho Artistry
Produced primarily from the late 1930s through the 1950s, these Gillette Tires signs were expertly crafted using the tin lithography process. This technique involved printing vibrant, fade-resistant colors directly onto sheet metal, making each sign durable yet visually striking.
Neon tubing further enhanced their roadside allure, illuminating storefronts and service stations in glowing hues. Key design elements of this sign include:
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Bold "GILLETTE" lettering in luminous neon yellow.
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Secondary text "TIRES · BATTERIES · ACCESSORIES" clearly featured.
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Iconic polar bear graphic outlined in white neon.
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Richly colored lithographed tin sign base with deep greens, yellows, blacks, and whites for strong contrast and visual pop.
More Vintage Collectible Neon Lighted Signs For Sale From ArtFactory.com
Conclusion
The Gillette Tires vintage neon tin litho sign captures the very essence of mid-century American automotive culture. With its iconic imagery, radiant neon glow, and vivid historical charm, this collectible isn't just an antique—it’s an heirloom investment, promising lasting appreciation and timeless visual appeal.
If you own or acquire this sign, you’re not just buying a piece of memorabilia—you’re preserving an iconic slice of Americana history.
When we use the terms "Museum Quality" and "Historically Correct," we are indicating our world-class process. We absolutely preserve all original signs, badges, glass with anomalies, natural aged patinas, and everything that makes a vintage item collectible. Maintaining non-structural damage, all age, wear, and tear is proudly displayed to showcase each item's unique charm.
Due to our earned reputation, we have the good fortune to be in high demand by collectors. Because most of our items have a waiting list, if you're looking for a specific collectible, please ask to be put on our first come, first served list (refundable deposit required).
We are the oldest and largest seller of fine art, historically correct, museum quality antiques and genuine, investment quality classic Americana.
World Class Collector Investments
- Restored To Full Working Order
- Historically Correct
- Genuine From Top To Bottom
- Delivered To Your Home
All Vintage Memorabilia Offered Is A Genuine Collectable And Appreciable Asset
All Items Are Of Highest Museum Quality World Class Collector Level
Investment Quality Collectible Petroliana From ArtFactory.com
This rare vintage neon Gillete Tires sign, is the perfect conversation piece that will wow your friends and clients alike. Like all of our vintage collectible signs, it is guaranteed authentic, investment quality memorabilia. We specialize in those hard to find signs that serious collectors are looking for. All antique collectables offered are genuine memorabilia and appreciable assets, not fake reproductions. All items are fine collectable art at the highest world class collector level. Contact us today for pricing on this collectible vintage Shell neon sign or any of our collectible Americana, antique signs, old gas pumps, and classic collectibles at
1-800-292-0008.
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