Good Gulf Gasoline Double-Faced Opal Glass and Tin Sign

“Good Gulf” double-faced, ripple tin opal glass sign.

Object Number : 2005.0070.0002

Type : signs/displays

Sub Types : Array

Decade : 1920 - 1929

Object Height : 57-3/8 in.

Object Width : 74 in. (side brackets add another 5 in.)

Object Depth : 9-1/8 in.

Object Weight : 200 lbs. (est.)

Object History :

Sign as well as a large inventory of sign components were moved from the original Flexlume Sign Corp. factory in Buffalo, NY, to Flexlume’s current location at 1464 Main St. in downtown Buffalo. Paddy Rowell’s father, F.A. “Al” Rowell, acquired the physical assests of the production sign company in 1945 at auction. The inventory remained virtually undisturbed until the 1990’s when sign collectors became aware Flexlume’s history – particularly with regard to opal glass letter signs. The museum became aware of the Flexlume collection in 2000 and contacted Paddy Rowell to arrange a visit. The visit prompted the donation of the museum’s collection of Flexlume items over the course of the next several years.

Status : Exhibit

Location : Lightbulb Era Room

Donor Name : Jean and Paddy Rowell, Sr.

Contact Donor : 1

Company : Flexlume Sign Corp.

Signature : Two embossed metal tags read, "Flexlume Corporation - Buffalo". One is 3-1/8 in. wide while the other is 6-1/8 in. wide.

Signature Location : Larger sign tag is located on the side of the sign cabinet facing the street; smaller sign tag is located on the lower right hand corner of the sign face.

Condition :

Good: Some paint scratches. Privilege panels on both sides were missing and were replaced with two sections of white glass seamed in the middle by a bead of lead. Seven opal glass letters are missing from the backside of the sign.

Restoration Date : 9/10/2004

Restoration Description :

Classical Glass fabricated flat milk glass replacement panels seamed in middle.

First Contact Date : 6/15/2001

First Contact Description : Phone call to arrange visit

Deed of Gift Form Received : 10/20/2005

Object Received Date : 9/18/2005

Object Cataloged Date : 10/6/2006

Fair Market Value : 7500