The two Mobilgas signs in question are reproduction signs, readily available from any of the parts dealers or on Ebay for $25. Not all of these reproduction signs are marked with the "licensed by Mobil Corp" wording between the lower point and the lower right point. I see both unmarked and licensed reproductions available on Ebay almost all the time.
I believe the point DB was making is that there were/are many, many variations of Mobil pump plates made over the years. While I'm sure Billy is speaking of the WIDE blue border plates in question, the statement Dick made is correct. We/Collectors know as a "general rule of thumb" that the WIDE blue border pump plates should have the IR date code near the lower right grommet. It is possible that with the many thousands of plates made in the 40's/early 50's that an unmarked plate slipped through production, but IMO 99.9% of undated WIDE blue border plates are reproductions, no question, whether they are marked as such or not. With the many dated originals available, why take the chance buying an undated one, "hoping" it could be or IS the real deal? I wouldn't ever spend more than $25 for an undated WIDE blue border plate, period, but that's just me.
If I need to clarify anything, let me know. It's late and my initial response that was better thought out disappeared from my screen and I had to start over!
Darin
