The terrific tire signs and advertising that is going to auction next Monday, you can even bid online

it's the tires like these four examples that are interesting for the tread design

Tire protectors... I'm going to guess this was before they used the tire to protect the inner tube

and now for the more artistic stuff

All from http://morphyauctions.hibid.com/catalog/64039/october-5th-2015-premier-gas-and-oil-sale?tab=0