I just learned of the passing of Bob Shaw, a long time collector and dealer from Utica, Ohio. He died on December 23 at the age of 79. Bob owned Smith-Wolf Oil company in Utica, which was a bulk distribution plant over the years for Mobil and later Ashland Oil. His warehouse was a wood building across the street from his office/home and every inch was covered with porcelain signs. His collection was largely Mobil themed, which was of special interest to me. He set up as a dealer at Columbus and Des Moines on a regular basis. If you attended those events you probably met him, as he was always willing to shot the bull with anyone willing to listen. I assisted Dan Mathews back in the early 2000's in cataloging and transporting most of Bob's collection for an auction. He also raised sweet corn every year and sold it at a roadside stand near his home. Bob was a good old boy and an early picker in our hobby. RIP buddy.


Richard Weir
Corinth, Texas