Veedol Motor Oils & Greases Embossed Metal Sign, c.1930s

Story

In 1930, Veedol was chosen to lubricate the engines of the Graf Zeppelin on its historic round-the-world flight. This very sign represents the golden age of American road travel, when service stations competed fiercely for the loyalty of a newly mobile public. It is a rugged survivor from a time when motor oil was a high-tech marvel of modern engineering.

Maker / Origin

Veedol was established by the Tide Water Oil Company, founded in Pennsylvania in 1887. They became famous for their high-quality lubricants made from Pennsylvania crude oil, which was considered the best in the world at the time. The brand's marketing was legendary, sponsoring major aviation milestones and early automotive endurance runs to prove their products' reliability.

Condition & Value

The sign shows heavy rusting, paint loss, and metal deterioration along the left flange/mounting edge. There are minor scratches, scuffs, and small spots of surface rust on the main black field, but the yellow embossed lettering remains bright with excellent color retention.