This is an authentic French produced double-sided enamel/porcelain mid-century TotalEnergies gasoline advertising sign featuring the company's iconic diagonal banner design with the dark blue background split diagonally by a wide white banner containing a bold, all-caps red word-mark.
Total is a French petroleum company founded in 1924 as Compagnie Française des Pétroles, & began introducing/branding its gasoline products as Total in 1954.
Vintage 1970s & likely used at a German petrol station as it was sourced directly from the region of Saarland, Germany.
The maker mark (on both sides), "Vitracier Neuhaus 6-70" was a prominent French enameling company (Émaillerie Neuhaus) specializing in heavy-duty porcelain enameled sheet-metal signs. Throughout the mid-20th century, they manufactured roadside signage, Parisian street nameplates, and advertising boards for major brands like TOTAL, YACCO, Mobil, and Pepsi-Cola.
The "6-70" is the manufacturing date stamp used by the factory which translates to June 1970.
Description:
This is a solid, heavy weight sign with thick & visible enamel layers. It maintains the majority of its enamel but does have spots of chipping; the characteristic edge chipping and exposed dark primer coat around the grommet holes and borders confirm its period-correct porcelain enamel processing. Although some chipping is present, its completely clean central lettering retain strong visual appeal - perfect for retro garage and petroliana collections.
Measurements (approximate):
Height: 26"
Width: 34 3/4"
Weight: 15 lbs
