Texaco, Shell, Cities Service, and Standard were just a few of the many brand names that service stations slapped onto their pumps in the early to mid-20th century. These old gas globes for sale sat atop pumps, poles, air meters, and other station signage and were internally lighted making them very visible during periods when lighting wasn’t as good as it is today. They were often spherical and came in shapes like the famous Shell clamshell as well.

The majority of gas pump globes were made from a metal ring that could hold glass (and later plastic) lenses on either side. They were a staple feature of the pump and a way for brands to get their name out to hungry engines during long drives and sleepy commutes.

A Collector’s Guide: Finding Vintage Gas Globes for Sale

They also helped drivers locate gas stations from the road, as they were a bright beacon in a dark landscape. By the 1950s, as stations got better lit and technology shifted, globes became less of an important part of the aesthetic at service stations.

Today, proper restored gas globes are highly sought after by collectors for their timeless appeal and vintage charm. They are typically the most expensive piece of a service station collectibles set.

There are several different types of gas globes that collectors can buy, but the most valuable are the earliest ones that were produced. One piece globes (etched or fired) dominated from the mid-1910’s through 1931 or so. They were followed by metal frame globes that were in use into the 1950’s.