Pan-Am Motor Oils Sign: Vintage Genuine Porcelain Neon Advertisement – NS6166
Authentic, original period production, circa late 1930s–1940s.
Pan-Am (Pan American Petroleum & Transport Company) was a major U.S. oil brand established in the early 20th century. It became especially prominent from the 1920s–1940s, when roadside service stations were expanding rapidly across America. The brand’s marketing often featured strong, industrial-themed imagery to communicate durability and reliability.
Description
The specific "rifleman” WWI motif seen on this sign was used in the 1930s–1940s as part of Pan-Am’s advertising. It fit with Depression-era and wartime themes of strength, labor, and American grit. This design was typically found on porcelain enamel signs, often later converted or originally manufactured with neon tubing for nighttime visibility.
The double ring of neon (outer red halo and inner white text), is a premium configuration used to increase nighttime impact.
Porcelain Enamel Characteristics
- Glossy, glass-like finish with layered color separation.
- Crisp edges in the graphic (especially on the rifleman figure).
- No evidence of modern screen-printing or vinyl overlays.
Lettering & Font
- “PAN-AM” and “MOTOR OILS” in period-correct block font, consistent with 1930s–40s Pan-Am branding.
Neon Tube Mounting
- Standoff insulators appear era-appropriate.
- Tube bends match original hand-bent neon craftsmanship rather than modern CNC bending.
Construction & Back Plate
- Depth and curvature are correct for a single-sided porcelain neon sign.
- Visible mounting hardware is consistent with mid-century production.
Sign Specifications
Specifications:
- Type: Vintage Genuine Porcelain Enamel Sign With Fully Rebuilt Neon And Wiring As Well As Metal Housing Can
- Style: Round - Single Sided
- Company: Pan-Am
- Product: Motor Oils
- Date of Manufacture: 1930s–40s
- Place Of Manufacture: U.S.A.
- Sign Color: White/Black/Red
- Neon Color: White (Lettering)/Red (Border)
- Dimensions: 30 Inch Diameter (5 Inch Deep Metal Can)
- Condition: Original Porcelain Enamel Sign Not Restored Or Doctored (As-Is, See Photos For Details)
- Neon Details: All Neon And Solid State Transformers, Wiring, Mounts, Switches, And Wires Have Been Replaced.
- Hanging Details: Comes with H.J. Nick’s Exclusive “Fast Hanger Bar” for Perfectly Level Display
- Switching: Includes Separate Pull Chain for Easy On/Off Switching Without Unplugging
- Certification: Eligible for H.J. Nick Brass Tag Signature – Museum-Quality Investment Grade
Condition Evaluation
Porcelain Condition:
- Front Face: High gloss remains; colors are strong.
- Minor surface scuffs visible, but no major loss of enamel.
- Small chips near neon tube mounting points—common from installation/removal.
Overall Grade (Collector Scale):
- Near Excellent (8.5–9.0 / 10) for a sign of this age and type.
- Original porcelain and functional neon together are rare, as many surviving examples are either repainted or have replacement faces.
About Pan American Petrolium And Transport Company
The Pan American Petroleum and Transport Company (PAT) was an oil company founded in 1916 by the American oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny after he had made a huge oil strike in Mexico. Pan American profited from fuel demand during World War I, and from the subsequent growth in use of automobiles. For several years Pan American was the largest American oil company, with holdings in the United States, Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela. In 1924 Pan American was involved in the Teapot Dome scandal over irregularities in the award of a U.S. government oil concession. Standard Oil of Indiana obtained a majority stake in 1925. The company sold its foreign properties to Standard Oil of New Jersey in 1932. What was left of Pan American was merged with Standard Oil of Indiana in 1954 to form Amoco.
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