Overview
This is a massive, authentic piece of American roadside history, specifically a 'bulk plant' or service station sign manufactured in the late 1930s.
1Identify
Preliminary identification
Eastern Shell Petroleum Corp. Service Station Sign, c.1937
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
August 1937 marks the 'birth' of this sign, a time when the Eastern Shell Petroleum Corporation was a distinct subsidiary operating during the transition from the Great Depression into the industrial boom of the pre-war years.
Maker / Origin
The Burdick name, visible in the bottom corner, identifies this as a product of a premier industrial sign manufacturer known for high-durability outdoor advertising.
Condition & Value
The sign shows authentic 'patina' including surface oxidation, some staining from water runoff, and minor paint loss near the edges. Large-scale 'Petroliana' is a booming market. The specific 1937 date and the 'Eastern Shell' text add significant rarity.
Research
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This could merit a closer professional appraisal if condition, maker, or provenance points turn out to be stronger than the quick read suggests.