Vintage Humble Sign: Esso Oil Drop Boy Die Cut Porcelain Advertisement – VS6261

We Specialize In Investment Quality Collectible Petroliana

This is one of hundreds of original, collectible petroliana signs currently available from ArtFactory.com. Like all of our vintage collectible petroliana, this vintage Humble sign featuring the popular Oil Drop Boy character is original, investment quality memorabilia from one of petroliana history's most iconic brands. All of our signs are guaranteed to be authentic, backed by over a century of experience in the antiques and collectibles marketplace. This vintage porcelain sign has not been restored, and is sold in original, as-is condition (as pictured). It is our belief that these vintage signs should be kept in tact, with any dings and dents (in some cases even bullet holes), to preserves the original history of the item. Although it has a few nicks and dings on the sign face, this vintage Humble sign is as clean of a sign as you will find when dealing with an item that is approaching 70-years-old.

We are a one stop shop when it comes to outfitting your man cave or game room. We can build an entire gas station or automotive themed room for you, or help you find that one special item that has been missing from your collection. In addition to signs, we have vintage visible gas pumps, oil pumps, lubesters, and more, that we have fully restored. We can also restore your existing petroliana, or vintage vending machine. Our 101 point restorations are done to world class fine art, museum quality collectible condition. This means completely restored to original manufacture specifications, and signed by award winning artist H.J. Nick. Our petroliana restorations are the best in the business because nobody has been doing it longer, or pays as much attention to detail. Contact us at 1-800-292-0008 for pricing on the vintage Humble sign featuring Oil Drop Boy, or any of our other investment quality, petroliana collectibles.

History Of Esso Oil Drop Boy And "Happy Motoring"

Read More At: Exxon.com

The Esso Oil Drop Man is an advertising character that was first seen in campaigns by Esso’s Danish company during World War II.  He was created to explain the reason behind shortages in petroleum products during the war.  Soon after his debut, other European affiliates began to use this cute character in their advertising campaigns.

In 1958, the Esso Oil Drop Man was introduced in the United States for Standard Oil, the larger company that owned Esso.  In 1959, Esso and Standard Oil were incorporated by Humble Oil, but continued to sell gasoline under the Esso name.

The Esso Oil Drop Man was paired with the trademark slogan, “Happy Motoring!”  This may be the reason he was named Happy.

Happy the Oil Drop Man appeared in print ads and publications, but was most well known for his appearances on Esso’s service station maps.  These maps could be purchased for a modest fee, and one could get a map, or “Travel Aid”, for many countries in Western Europe, North Africa, the USA and Canada.