G&J Tires vintage green and black painted metal sign

Description

G&J Tires vintage green and black painted metal single-sided sign

Dimensions: 18.5 wide by 72.5 tall.

The G&J Tires company originated in the late 1800s as Gormully & Jeffery Mfg. Co., a Chicago-based bicycle manufacturer, and its vintage metal signs are from the early 20th century, dating around 1908-1927. The green and black signs were a common color scheme for their early advertising. 

• Era: The green and black painted metal signs are considered early and rare, with many dating back to around 1908-1909.
• Description: These signs typically feature a thick gauge of metal with a painted or lightly embossed surface. They are highly sought after by collectors of “gas and oil” memorabilia.
• Variations:
  • One notable variation is a large, double-sided, lighted sign from around 1927, which used a process by the Flexlume Electrical Advertising Corporation involving “Oplex Milk Glass” letters with the surrounding details painted in the characteristic green and black colors. This specific sign is part of the collection at the American Sign Museum.
  • Other early signs mention specific tire models, such as “Model A Balloon Tires”.