This Union 76 gas station uniform belt buckle from the 1970s features a bronze-toned metal body with a raised blue enamel 76 logo centered on the front.
The textured finish, rounded rectangular shape, and bold service station emblem give it the look collectors associate with 1970s gas and oil advertising. It is a compact piece for a petroliana collection, vintage belt buckle display, or collection of American service station memorabilia.
Details
-
Item: Union 76 belt buckle
-
Item Type: Gas station uniform belt buckle
-
Era: 1970s, based on provided research notes
-
Materials: Metal with enamel inset. Exact metal composition not confirmed from photos
-
Color: Bronze tone, gold tone highlights, and dark blue enamel
-
Maker and Mark: Union 76 logo on front. No additional maker mark visible in the provided photos
-
Pattern or Model: 76 logo service station uniform design. Specific model number not confirmed from photos
-
Style: Gas and oil advertising, petroliana, service station memorabilia
- Dimensions: 3 inches long by 2 1/2 inches wide
-
Special Features: Raised blue enamel 76 emblem, textured bronze-toned face, attached belt loop and hook hardware on reverse
Condition Grade: Very Good
Positives
-
Graded Very Good: This buckle shows light signs of previous handling while remaining sound and attractive.
- The blue enamel appears glossy and intact in the provided photos.
- The raised border and textured front retain strong definition.
- The reverse belt loop and fastening hardware are present.
- No scratches were noted by Pam, and none are obvious in the supplied front photographs.
Issues / Wear
- Light surface variation and patina are visible in the bronze-toned finish.
- Minor finish wear is visible along portions of the raised edges and reverse hardware.
Condition Grade Key
-
Near Fine: Almost perfect. Very minor signs of age only.
-
Very Good: Shows light use. Sound and attractive with minor flaws.
-
Good: Complete and intact. Noticeable wear consistent with age and use.
-
Fair: Shows significant wear. Readable or usable but clearly used.
Collector's Notes
The Union 76 name has roots in American service stations dating to 1932. By the 1970s, its 76 emblem had become a familiar part of roadside advertising.
Gas and oil advertising collectors often group pieces like this with station signs, patches, uniforms, and other petroliana.
This buckle stands out for its large raised blue 76 emblem against the darker textured metal face.
It is the kind of small advertising piece that carries a lot of period character without taking up much display space.
