Sam's Ethyl Gasoline Coaster Set — Vintage Independent Petroliana Gift | The Faded Label Co.

Ethyl wasn't a company's private brand — it was a licensed additive anyone could put their name next to. General Motors researchers discovered tetraethyl lead's anti-knock properties in 1921, and by 1923 the Ethyl Corporation, a joint venture of GM, Standard Oil, and DuPont, was licensing the additive nationwide. That's how a small independent operator could put his own name on the pump and still advertise "Ethyl" right alongside it.

Set of 4 cork-backed coasters, 3.75" x 3.75" square. High-gloss printed MDF top, natural cork base protects surfaces. Vintage Sam's Ethyl emblem printed in full color.

Independent dealers running their own name plus a licensed additive brand were common all over the country — a local guy named Sam, in this case, doing exactly what thousands of small operators did to compete with the majors on fuel quality without the majors' marketing budget.

The perfect gift for petroliana collectors who appreciate the independent-dealer side of the industry, classic car enthusiasts, garage and man-cave decorators, and housewarming gifts.

The Faded Label Co. — keeping the golden age of American roadside art alive, one product at a time.