Rare Antique 1910s Waters Pierce Oil Co Automobile Waste Cloth Bag Sign Petrolia

Up for sale is an incredibly rare, 100% original early 1910s antique advertising cloth bag issued by the historic Waters Pierce Oil Co. for their Best Grade Automobile Waste.  In the dawn of the automotive era, automobile waste consisted of raw, unspun cotton fibers used by early motorists and mechanics to clean grease, wipe dipsticks, and absorb oil spills in garages. Because these bags were intended to be used up, thrown away, or stained with grease, surviving examples in clean condition are exceptionally scarce.  This fantastic piece of Petroliana features bold red and green typography cross-promoting two iconic early brands: Polarine Ideal Motor Oil (Frost and Carbon Proof Oil) and Pennant Gasoline (Best and Cleanest... Gives Maximum Power).  Historical Background:  The Waters Pierce Oil Co. (headquartered in St. Louis) was a highly powerful regional marketing and distribution arm tightly tied to John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil Trust, operating primarily in Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Mexico. Following fierce anti-trust legal battles led by the state of Texas, the company was famously forced to dissolve and reorganize around 1911–1913. This specific corporate timeline dates this bag precisely to the 1910–1912 era, making it a true survivor from the pioneer days of the American highway.  Size & Dimensions:   * Width: Approx. 15 inches   * Height: Approx. 30 inches