Wolf’s Head Oil signs have some of the most interesting graphics, especially the ones from the 1920s and 1930s. Wolf’s Head Oil company was founded in 1879 in Oil City, Pennsylvania, shortly after the original oil wells were drilled in the area in 1861. In the early years, Wolf’s Head Oil was marketed under “Pennsylvania Crude” “Finest Of The Fine” and “Run With The Wolf.”

The original signs were produced in a number of shapes and sizes, which make them stand out in any collection.

Both images pictured here are of original signs, and the rectangular one is from our collection.
​
SJ & KJ

Original Washington Chief Gasoline sign. This brand was created by the Inland Refinery in Spokane, Washington, which operated between 1939 and 1957. Inland had plans to open stations in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. The porcelain signs were produced and ready to mount as their new stations opened. Inland opened the 1st station in Spokane followed by Aberdeen, shortly thereafter they were bought out by Wasatch Oil.

The original signs went into storage with little to no value, only to start surfacing in the 1990s when a few of these signs in NOS condition turned up in an antique store in Seattle.  I bought two, kept one, and sold the other. The original 6-foot signs have vibrant colors and have become very collectable and valuable. Prices for originals run between $20,000 and $75,000.