Anyone know the history, authenticity, or value of this?

After looking at my own pictures a while, my initial opinion is that the actual sign is a fake based on the lack of the usual detail around the X and A and the lack of REG. TM.

I'm no expert, but my immediate thought was that the sign wasn't weathered enough. The stand is really cool, though

I'm not a Texaco collector, but my first impression when seeing that sign was reproduction......
Darin

...in this thread:

http://www.oldgas.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=687769#Post687769

Thanks.

...that rack would have had an Aro Lubrication sign...

http://antiquehelper.rfcsystems.com/Full/783/52783.jpg

Well, I don't know what it's worth. A guy was selling it for $450 and when I said no the price immediately dropped to $350. I still turned that down. Then the guy got mad at me for not buying it. Never sad I would buy it, so the whole situation was strange.

I have not seen one like that in Texaco. But here is one I have. I saw a Texaco grease gun on ebay a while back and forgot to bid on it....

I have also have one of the OP rack. Mine has the ARO but also a worn Gulf decal on the left of the sign.

I'll try to get a picture of it later.