WORLD-CLASS WINGS: Mobil’s Pegasus is a High-Flyer in the Collectible World
December 31, 2024
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Arguably one of the most recognized corporate symbols in American petroleum history, Mobil’s Pegasus has long been a standout at Barrett-Jackson’s automobilia auctions – and not just for its striking good looks. Collectible items adorned with the famed flying red horse – particularly the animated large porcelain neon signs – regularly command top dollar on the auction block.
The Mobil Oil Pegasus began its journey back in 1911, when a Vacuum Oil Company subsidiary in Cape Town, South Africa, first trademarked the winged horse from Greek mythology as its logo. Initially, a stylized red gargoyle advertised the company, which produced early petroleum-based lubricants for horse-drawn carriages and steam engines. Interestingly, Pegasus was introduced as a white-winged steed that year, which was also when an antitrust lawsuit divided Standard Oil Co. of New Jersey into 33 smaller companies, including Standard Oil of New York, or Socony.
LOT #9497 – 1957 MOBIL OIL RIGHT-FACING PEGASUS PORCELAIN WITH ANIMATED NEON SIGN – NO RESERVE
Over in the U.S., Vacuum Oil, based in Rochester, New York, had built a successful petroleum lubricants business around an 1869 patent by its founder, Hiram Everest, long before gasoline was even a branded product. In 1931, Vacuum merged with Socony, and the red Pegasus was adopted as its U.S. trademark. The Mobil brand was used in Socony products, as well as Socony-Vacuum products, after the merger. By 1966, the company was finally known as the Mobil Oil Corporation.
Onlookers will notice that on some of the highly sought-after signs, Pegasus faces left, while on others the winged steed is right-facing. From 1911 to 1965, Pegasus faced left (with a few exceptions). Then, after 35 years of leaping to the left, the image was mirrored and began to face right. The reason for the change remains unclear to this day, although one report suggested that Pegasus was now “leaping into the future.”
“The Mobil Pegasus is the quintessential icon of roadside America’s past,” says Barrett-Jackson Automobilia Director Rory Brinkman. “Authentic vintage Pegasus signs are rare and have a certain aesthetic appeal to collectors with an eye for unique petroliana.”
LOT #9498 – 1953 MOBIL OIL LEFT-FACING PEGASUS PORCELAIN WITH ANIMATED NEON SIGN – NO RESERVE
The sales results on the Barrett-Jackson stage testify to that appeal. At the 2022 Scottsdale Auction, a large double-sided rotating neon porcelain Pegasus sign from the 1940s sold for an impressive $161,000, while a smaller version from the same decade pulled in $105,800 at the Scottsdale event in January 2024. During the Scottsdale Auction held in March 2021, a left-facing single-sided Pegasus neon porcelain sign from 1957 went to its new home for $86,250.
Once known as the mythological beast that carried thunderbolts for Zeus, Pegasus – a symbol of speed and power – proved to be an enduring image for Mobil, representing both the strength of the company’s branding and the artistry of mid-century neon.
Your next chance to take home a Pegasus or two of your very own will be during the 2025 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, Jan. 18-26 at WestWorld, when a pair of 7-foot neon porcelain Pegasus signs – both right- and left-facing – will be on offer as Lot #9497 and Lot #9498. The Automobilia Auction takes place each morning before the collector cars start rolling – bidders registered to purchase vehicles are automatically enrolled to bid on automobilia with no additional registration fee.
Written by Barbara Toombs