LAS VEGAS – Morphy Auctions realized an amazing $4.26 million in sales for its Automobilia, Petroliana & Railroadiana Auction, held on February 24 and February 25. The 1,247-lot sale was conducted at its West Coast satellite gallery. Complete results are available at LiveAuctioneers. All prices include buyer’s premium.
The rainbow array of neon signage was led by a Polly Gas porcelain sign that illuminated in three colors. The 96in-long sign had never been removed from its original can. In the end, pretty Polly flew off to a new owner who paid $138,000 against an estimate of $60,000-$100,000.
Another sought-after highlight was an outstanding Mohawk Gasoline porcelain neon sign designed in a cathedral shape with an American Indian brave shown in profile. It sold for $105,000 against an estimate of $30,000-$60,000.
A double-sided porcelain neon sign for GMC Trucks, complete with its bullnose attachment, hammered for $56,580 against an estimate of $15,000-$25,000.
Another dealership sign that found favor was an outstanding Ford script three-dimensional neon sign. Its only message was ‘Ford’, and that’s all it had to say at a massive 111 inches wide by 42 inches high. It hit the road for $41,820 against an estimate of $15,000-$30,000.
In the non-neon group, success had been predicted for a Frontier Gas ‘Rarin’ To Go’ double-sided porcelain sign with the widely recognizable Golden Rider cowboy graphic. The 60in sign sold at the midpoint of its estimate for $60,000.
After the blockbuster sale closed its books, Dan Morphy said: “Las Vegas is really proving to be the hotspot for our antique advertising, coin-op and petroliana auctions. People enjoy attending those sales and they like coming to Las Vegas, where there’s so much to do.”
