Busacca Gallery

Antique Mobil Pegasus Sign: Original White Neon Roadside “Survivor Sign" / This is an original, exceptionally rare, 6-foot-wide, left-facing white neon sign. A true "SURVIVOR" from the 1950s, it was displayed at Mobil gas stations and stands as an iconic symbol of the American open road—a dream collectible for enthusiasts. This unrestored sign remains in working condition with its original neon and electrical components intact. Certified and signed by award-winning artist H.J. Nick, this piece comes with certification recognized by major insurance companies and experienced investors worldwide. The Mobil Pegasus is a quintessential symbol of the American open road and a must-have for any serious petroliana collector. The Pegasus sign, an iconic emblem of the Mobil brand, traces its origins back to the early 20th century. First introduced by the Vacuum Oil Company in the 1910s, the winged horse symbolized speed, power, and mobility—qualities essential to the burgeoning automotive and aviation industries. After Vacuum Oil merged with Standard Oil of New York (Socony) in 1931, the Pegasus logo became a prominent fixture, prominently featured on gas station signage, advertisements, and petroleum products. By the mid-20th century, the illuminated Pegasus, often rendered in neon and mounted atop gas stations, became synonymous with the American open road. These signs, especially the large, detailed versions, are now considered rare collectibles and treasured relics of Americana, evoking nostalgia for a bygone era of travel and exploration.

The development of neon signs featuring the Pegasus logo began in the 1930s when Mobil embraced neon technology to create bold and eye-catching advertising for its gas stations. Neon signs, first invented by Georges Claude in 1910, gained widespread popularity in the United States during the 1920s and 1930s due to their vibrant colors and ability to draw attention, especially at night. Mobil adopted the Pegasus logo, originally introduced by the Vacuum Oil Company, and integrated it into neon designs to symbolize speed, power, and reliability. The most famous iterations appeared in the 1940s and 1950s, with large-scale Pegasus signs mounted on rooftops or roadside poles. These signs often featured intricate designs, with the winged horse outlined in glowing red neon and illuminated to create a striking effect. As neon became a staple of mid-century Americana, the Pegasus neon signs became iconic representations of the open road and the growing car culture of the era. Today, these signs are celebrated as both technological and artistic achievements, symbolizing a unique blend of advertising innovation and cultural history.