Extremely rare B.O.C. (Burmah Oil Company) advertising tin sign featuring the profile of Queen Victoria and multilingual text promoting kerosene. This early colonial-era sign represents one of the earliest phases of fuel and lighting product promotion in India, likely dating to the late 19th or early 20th century (circa 1890–1910).

The sign is divided diagonally in orange and green tones, with embossed motifs including a wheel emblem, the Queen Victoria portrait, and a faintly visible kerosene lantern illustration. The text “KEROSENE” appears prominently in English, followed by the same word repeated in Gujarati, Hindi, and Urdu scripts — symbolizing its wide distribution across multilingual markets of British India.

This sign was used to promote B.O.C. kerosene oil — a product that powered early lamps and lanterns before widespread electrification. The multilingual design and royal portrait give it both colonial and industrial heritage value.

Details:

  • Original antique Burmah Oil Company (B.O.C.) tin sign

  • Features embossed Queen Victoria portrait and wheel emblem

  • Text: “KEROSENE” in English, Gujarati, Hindi, and Urdu

  • Illustration: Early kerosene lantern at lower left

  • Material: Tin (painted surface, not enamel)

  • Colors: Aged orange, brown, and green with natural patina

  • Size: 20 x 14 inches (approx. 51 x 36 cm)

  • Era: Circa 1890–1910, British India period

  • Origin: India (likely Bombay or Gujarat region)

  • Type: Early petroleum / lighting product advertisement


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