If you're a collector, you might have heard of gas globes and may have even purchased some in your time. These unique items provide a cool and engaging item for collectors to buy because of their historical importance and attractive designs. If you're interested in collecting gas globes, here's what you need to know about them and why they're so popular.

An Overview

If you've never seen a gas globe, they're pretty simple to describe. They're small, glass globes that sat above gas pumps in the early part of the 20th century, according to Sweetwater County Historical Museum. Often, an internal light gave them a brightness that helped gas stations stand out in towns.

There was also a lens inside of the globe that helped magnify this light and provide a unique look for the globe. Over the years, they've become a collector's item on many markets.

Their Unique History

The gas globe is a unique concept that simply doesn't exist in today's modern market. Simply put, they were round globes that sat on the top of gas pumps. They advertised the gas available as well as the gas station to provide a unique branding option.

Many globes are round, though others have clamshell, oval, and even crown designs. Oftentimes, they featured a silk-screen design to create various logos and letters. Unfortunately, our team has reported that they stopped getting made by the 1960s, which has made them a very in-demand collector's item.

How They Vary

Beyond the specific size and shapes of a gas globe, they also vary based on lens sizes and much more. According to Barrett-Jackson Auction Company, some have lenses between 13.5 and 15 inches, which can affect not only how they were used but their overall value.

Globes also differ based on the companies that manufactured them, as some had a higher-quality design than others. As a result, you need to work with a trustworthy dealer to get the best results. Thankfully, there should be plenty of options available for you to consider.

The Sheer Diversity of Their Designs

You might be surprised to know that there are thousands of gas globes on the market today. In fact, according to Worth Point, there are over 3,000 on the market now, with some that might be worth $20,000 or more. That all depends on a variety of different factors and design concepts.

Before assuming that you've found one of these high-value globes, it's important to get them priced properly. Typically, older globes that are in demand from respected companies fetch a higher value. As a result, research is critical to ensure your satisfaction.

Why Reproductions Exist

The heavy market for these decorations has created a unique reproduction market for many companies, as many sell reproductions of gas globes but are honest about it. However, people who buy their products and try to resell them might not be so scrupulous.

As a result, it's important to carefully check a company's website before buying or selling any globes. There's a high risk that a seller is trying to offload a reproduction on you. Warning signs include a 15-inch size, which is common for reproductions, or minimal to no signs of damage.

What You Might Earn Selling Them

The amount of money you might earn selling gas globes will vary depending on many factors. For example, you need an authentic gas globe to make any money. Furthermore, demand tends to wax and wane in the collector's market, influencing prices and occasionally driving them to high levels.

According to Worth Point, the market for gas globes peaked in the early 2000s and has cooled a little. However, some people still make several thousands of dollars with each sale, depending on the vendor. As a result, it's important to do your research here. By identifying the best buyers and knowing your globes, you can avoid unfortunate pricing mistakes that could impact the value of your items.

These details should make it easier for you to collect as well as sell gas globes at reasonable prices. Just as importantly, these facts can minimize your risk of buying replicas and spending too much money. Make sure that you contact our team at Antique Sign Collector today to learn more about these globes and to ensure that you have the high-quality item that you deserve.