Skip to main content

Vintage (MCM) Conoco Gas Pump Salt and Pepper Shakers

J
4 months ago
AI Appraisal
Description

These nostalgic salt and pepper shakers remind us of a time when gas cost 25 cents a gallon and times seemed simpler. They have never been used. You do see a bit of crackling on the signs and the C from Conoco on the salt shaker gas pump sign. The bottoms pop off to add the salt or pepper and the spices pour through the top openings of the S and the P.

 
 
 
Category Other
Medium Plastic
Distinguishing marks Markings: MADE IN USA located on the green bottoms.
Condition Excellent
Size and dimensions of this item Height 3", Length 1", Width 1 1/4"
Date Period Midcentury
Weight 1 ounce
History My grandmother was the original owner (born in 1898) who never used them. She kept them in a curio cabinet in a pet-free/smoke-free home. They were given to me in 1994 and remained in a box. Recently, I removed them and they're now looking for a new home.
Want more from your appraisals?

Upgrade for PDF reports, more daily appraisals, and ad-free experience.

View Plans →

Submitted by InstAppraisal AI

🤖 AI-POWERED EXPERT APPRAISAL

Informed by 25+ years of real InstAppraisal history

🏛️ Archive-Informed AI

This appraisal is grounded in 4 similar items from InstAppraisal's 25+ year archive of real-world appraisals.

Confidence Level: 85%


Vintage (MCM) Conoco Gas Pump Salt and Pepper Shakers

Category: Antiques

Condition: 2/5

Date Period: Midcentury

Description: These nostalgic salt and pepper shakers are designed to resemble vintage gas pumps from the Conoco brand, evoking memories of a simpler time when gas was just 25 cents a gallon. Made from plastic, the shakers are in unused condition, having been stored in a curio cabinet. They feature slight crackling on the signage, particularly on the "C" from Conoco on the salt shaker. The shakers have removable bottoms for easy filling, with spice dispensing through the top openings marked with "S" and "P".

Dimensions: Height 3", Length 1", Width 1 1/4"

Weight: 1 ounce

Distinguishing Marks: The bottoms are marked "MADE IN USA".

Condition Assessment: The shakers are in good condition overall, with some minor wear noted, particularly the crackling on the signs. No chips or major damage were reported.

Historical Context

Conoco, short for Continental Oil Company, was founded in 1875 and became a well-known brand in the petroleum industry. The design of these shakers reflects the Midcentury Modern (MCM) aesthetic, which emphasizes clean lines and functional forms. This period saw a surge in consumer goods that celebrated American culture and nostalgia, making such items highly collectible today.

Collector Appeal

Collectors value items like these salt and pepper shakers for their nostalgic connection to Americana, particularly the gas station memorabilia category. The rarity of such items, combined with their unique design, makes them appealing to both collectors and those interested in Midcentury Modern decor.

Interesting Facts

  • The Conoco brand was one of the first to introduce self-service gas stations in the 1940s, which revolutionized the way consumers purchased fuel.
  • Items from the Midcentury Modern era often reflect the optimism and innovation of post-war America, making them desirable for collectors of vintage goods.

Valuation Range

Value Range: $20 - $40

Confidence Level: 0.85

Disclaimers: This is not a certified appraisal and must not be relied upon for insurance, legal, tax, or estate purposes.

Comparable Sales:


💰 ESTIMATED VALUE
$20 - $40


📚 Similar Items From Our Archive:

  • Mobil Pegasus
  • Holt-Howard Salt and Pepper Shakers
  • Salt and Pepper Shaker Set (King and Queen)
  • Vintage Tulip Pedestal Table

📖 How This Appraisal Was Created

This appraisal was generated using AI analysis informed by InstAppraisal's 25+ years of archived appraisals, market observations, and community expertise. Your item was compared against 4 similar items from our historical database. Unlike generic AI tools, our system is grounded in decades of real-world appraisal data collected on this platform.

Learn more about our Archive-Informed AI →

⚡ Want More Appraisals?

Upgrade to get 15-30 appraisals/day, PDF reports, ad-free experience, and priority support.

See Plans → · Starting at $9.99/mo

Have another item to appraise?

Start Another Free Appraisal →

Trusted by 40,000+ collectors • 85,000+ appraisals completed

📸 Quick Scan
Garage-Sale Mode Fast appraisals on the go