1936 Double-sided painted metal (DSPM). This sign represents the 1st generation of the sign's history. It was first produced in 1932, with this one being made in 1936. The logo at the top shows "Permit No. 50". This was important because a company had to have this if it wanted to use the "100% Pure Pennsylvania Oil" logo. They would have to prove their oil came exclusively from Pennsylvania grade crude. The permit proved compliance with the Pennsylvania Grade Crude Oil Association (PGCOA), which meant the oil met the highest standards of the time. The "Property of" marking on this sign was a legal disclaimer used because the signs were leased to service stations rather than sold to them outright. It was a way for the company to protect their investment should the station go out of business or stop selling the product. Authenticated by The Authentication Company (TAC #501616). All items are guaranteed authentic by Miller & Miller Auctions. All purchases are eligible for free delivery to the Check the Oil Show on June 26, 2026. 17.25" x 16".

Size
17.25" x 16".

Condition
Grade: 8.75/8.75. Excellent colour and gloss. Fine abrasions and paint nicks most notable within the white lettering. A shallow crease originating at upper edge, travelling inward to edge of logo. Retains original grommets.

Medium
A-M began as the Morrison Sign Company, founded by Jerome V. Morrison (one-time mayor of Lynchburg, Virginia). In 1919, the Morrison company was taken over by the Allen family who retained the reputable Morrison name (hence the hyphenated name). Through its signs, A-M was instrumental in shaping Lynchburg’s visual landscape and would eventually be central in transforming the visual panorama across the United States. Early A-M signs were hand-painted on wood, glass and metal. In the early 1920s hand-painted signs were quickly being replaced by tin, porcelain and enamel. A-M speedily adapted and immediately developed a reputation for producing signs that showed high-quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, vibrant colors and durability. They created traditional signs, billboards and other outdoor advertising for many oil and soda companies along with a wide variety of other businesses from small local stores to large corporations. During the 1940s and 1950s, they reportedly produced approximately 80% of all porcelain signs across the country, including the majority of all Coca-Cola signs. This number is a testament to the quality of their products and their stellar reputation as a leading sign-making company in the U.S. A-M remained a family owned and operated business throughout its history until it ceased operations in 1990.