Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion Milkglass Shell clamshell first appear on pumps?

First post...I did search but did not find the answer. Does anyone know about when the milkglass Shell clamshell globes first appeared? I realize that once out, they could have been stuck on just about any pump, but I was hoping someone has some evidence of what years/generation of pumps they first appeared on. My motivation is that I have visions of finding a pre-visible and adding the clamshell to it. I can use Photoshop to see how it would look, but if they likely never appeared that way, I might think twice.

Thanks in advance.

The authority on Gas Globe identification, history and value is the PCM e-book "Gas Pump Globes"
The 2020 edition says that the most common shell shaped milk glass globe with embossed "SHELL" lettering was used from 1931 to 1960.
It is possible that a non-visible curb pump still in use in the 1930s or later could have had that globe on top if it had a provision for a globe.

Thank you, Jim. That pretty well follows what I would have guessed, but I appreciate the solid information.

There is an early milkglass clam globe that was used in the 20s, not sure if it was used earlier. Here is a picture of some.

That's interesting. I haven't seen one with those proportions before.

Never have seen a U.S. Shell globe like these.

first thing that comes too mind is foreign ? .. ...

Yes.

They are U.S. If you look in the restoration guide in the Shell section it shows them on the visibles. They rarely come up for sale.

Thanks Matt,still learning!

It may not be period correct, but since you can still make out the Shell emblem on the lower skin, I like it.

Looks good!