All roads led to Vegas for Morphy’s $4.26M Automobilia and Petroliana Auction

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.”

Polly Gas neon sign, which sold for $138,000 at Morphy.

Polly Gas neon sign, which sold for $138,000 at Morphy.

Mohawk Gasoline neon sign, which sold for $105,000 at Morphy.

Mohawk Gasoline neon sign, which sold for $105,000 at Morphy.

GMC Trucks neon sign, which sold for $56,580 at Morphy.

GMC Trucks neon sign, which sold for $56,580 at Morphy.

Ford script neon sign, which sold for $41,820 at Morphy.

Ford script neon sign, which sold for $41,820 at Morphy.

Jim Bunte

Jim Bunte

Jim Bunte has worked in editorial, design and the toy and auction industries for more than 30 years. He co-founded Auction Central News in 2007.

Automobilia and petroliana collectors can fill ’er up at Morphy Feb. 24-25 in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS — Morphy Auctions returns to Las Vegas for its Saturday, February 24 and Sunday, February 25 sale of antique and vintage gas- and oil-related memorabilia. The 1,247-lot auction includes porcelain and neon advertising signs, gas pumps and globes, vintage oil cans, service station display items, logo wall clocks, and railroadiana.

The sale’s top-estimated lot is a porcelain neon sign for Polly Gas. The 96in sign has never been removed from its original can and has been AGS-certified and graded 82. As a result, the neon is estimated at $60,000-$100,000.

Right behind the Polly Gas sign lot is a double-sided Frontier Gas ‘Rarin’ To Go’ sign with the company’s iconic cowboy-on-rearing-horse graphic, estimated at $40,000-$80,000. Also sure to go for top dollar is a Clipper Gasoline oval porcelain sign with a Pan American Clipper sea plane graphic. The 60in sign is AGS side-graded 87 and 79. The estimate is $30,000-$60,000.

Featuring a logo and name clearly lifted from the Southern Pacific Railroad is an outstanding Sunset Gasoline 15in single-globe gas pump lens. Issued by Sunset Pacific Oil Co. of Los Angeles, this example is considered early due to what’s known as its ‘blue-sky’ background, dating it to the 1920s. John Mihovetz of Morphy’s Petroliana & Automobilia believes it is possibly the only surviving example. It is AGS graded 91, with an estimate of $15,000-$30,000.

Perfect for any garage is a postwar GMC Trucks neon sign, featuring unique green porcelain as well as green and pink neon. And at 85 by 13 by 47in, it’s big. AGS graded 89 and 90, the sign carries an estimate of $15,000-$25,000.

Dan Morphy sees a bright future for automobilia and petroliana sales at the company’s recently opened Las Vegas facility, stating: “Las Vegas is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States. It’s also a magnet for West Coast car culture and classic-car events. Las Vegas is ideal for Morphy’s to hold automobilia and petroliana sales.”

Polly Gas porcelain neon sign, estimated at $60,000-$100,000 at Morphy.

Polly Gas porcelain neon sign, estimated at $60,000-$100,000 at Morphy.

Frontier Gas porcelain sign, estimated at $40,000-$80,000 at Morphy.

Frontier Gas porcelain sign, estimated at $40,000-$80,000 at Morphy.

Jim Bunte

Jim Bunte

Jim Bunte has worked in editorial, design and the toy and auction industries for more than 30 years. He co-founded Auction Central News in 2007.

Morphy’s July 19-20 Automobilia & Petroliana auction crosses finish line at $2.3M

Outstanding Sinclair Aircraft double-sided porcelain service station sign with airplane graphic. Clean, fresh-to-market example. Condition of each side: 9.0 and 8.9+. Sold within estimate range for $62,400

DENVER, Pa. – Led by an enviable array of rare advertising signs, gas pumps, globes and early service station and motoring accessories, Morphy Auctions July 19-20 Automobilia & Petroliana auction attracted bidders from coast to coast and cruised to a grand total of $2.3 million, inclusive of buyer’s premium. Absentee and Internet live bidding was facilitated by LiveAuctioneers. Continue reading

High-octane Automobilia & Petroliana on track for success at Morphy’s, July 19-20

Outstanding Sinclair Aircraft double-sided porcelain service station sign with airplane graphic. Clean, fresh-to-market example. Condition of each side: 9.0 and 8.9+. Estimate $50,000-$100,000

DENVER, Pa. – The demand for rare, high-quality automobilia and petroliana has never been greater, and Morphy Auctions‘ experts have never been more active in their quest to secure superior-quality consignments from long-held collections. The Pennsylvania company’s July 19-20 auction is packed with obscure advertising signs, gas pumps and globes; plus a specialty selection of more than 230 graphic motor oil cans touting such brands as Bisonoil, The Bomber, Skunk Oil, Iroquois and many more. In addition, the 1,000-lot sale features other types of signage, including neon, clocks, and soda pop advertising. Absentee and Internet live bidding is accessible through LiveAuctioneers.

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Morphy’s Mar. 21-23 auction rolls out Part II of Knudsen petroliana collection

Incredible 48in Frontier Gasoline (Denver, Colo.) ‘Rarin’ To Go’ double-sided porcelain sign with image of cowboy on rearing horse. Marked ‘S.P.S.’ and dated 1954. One of only a handful known. Side 1 graded 8.75+; Side 2 graded 8.5. Provenance: Bobby Knudsen Jr. collection. Estimate $50,000-$100,000

DENVER, Pa. – On March 21-23, Morphy’s will continue the exciting year-long adventure of auctioning the Bobby Knudsen Jr Collection of World-Class Automotive, Gas & Oil and Soda Pop Advertising. The series debuted to rave reviews on September 30 of last year and continues this month with Part II of Bobby’s collection anchoring the sale on day one, and additional select consignments following on days two and three. It’s going to be a high-octane event with more than 1,600 lots, enough to ensure that every bidder has a great chance of landing something special from a highly pedigreed source. Bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers.

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Automobilia collection kept bidders engaged at Milestone’s $600K auction

Very rare 1936 Packard 1407 Coupe with rumble seat. Complete with V12 473-cubic-inch 175hp engine and original 3-speed transmission. Excellent condition, odometer showing 64,033 actual miles. Accompanied by large assortment of extra parts. Sold for $140,400 against an estimate of $120,000-$150,000

WILLOUGHBY, Ohio – The multifaceted collection of the late Mark Smith was the cornerstone of an exciting $613,000 event at Milestone Auctions’ suburban Cleveland gallery on October 15th. Smith, a Virginia businessman, was a passionate and very hands-on collector of automotive advertising and memorabilia, a reflection of his involvement in the car industry. But there was much more to Smith’s collecting interests than just motoring, said Miles King, co-owner of Milestone Auctions.

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Route 32 Auctions and Indy Ad Show join Morphy Auctions family

Jill and Kevin Parker, founders and former owners of Route 32 Auctions and The Indy Ad Show. Image provided by the Parkers

DENVER, Pa. – Dan Morphy, founder and president of Morphy Auctions, announced today that Route 32 Auctions and the iconic Indy Ad Show, formerly owned by Kevin and Jill Parker of Crawfordsville, Indiana, are now part of Morphy Auctions’ organization.

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Milestone to host Oct. 15 auction of classic cars, automobilia, antiques & collectibles

Very rare 1936 Packard 1407 Coupe with rumble seat. Complete with V12 473-cubic-inch 175hp engine and original 3-speed transmission. Excellent condition, runs great. Clean, straight Dietrich-style body. Odometer: 64,033 actual miles. Accompanied by large assortment of extra parts. Estimate $120,000-$150,000

WILLOUGHBY, Ohio – When the doors open to Milestone’s auction gallery on Saturday, October 15th, an energized – and eclectic – group of bidders is expected to rush in, grab a coffee and take a last-minute look at the merchandise they hope to bring home.

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Automobilia revs up bidders for Turner’s July 30 auction

GE Edison Mazda lamp store display, est. $300-$500

 

GE Edison Mazda lamp store display, est. $300-$500
GE Edison Mazda lamp store display, est. $300-$500

SAN FRANCISCO – Turner Auctions + Appraisals will present Automobilia & Collectibles from the Estate of Francis E. Tarzian, Sr., on Saturday, July 30 at 10:30 am Pacific time. Tarzian was a passionate collector of antique automobiles and related items, and his restoration and machinist skills earned him numerous awards. With more than 200 lots, this auction features a wide and eclectic array of automotive items, vintage and antique, as well as other collectibles from the early 20th-century era. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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Scale-model automobilia treasures lined up for July 6 auction

Scale model of a 1959 Jaguar MK2 by 12Art, est. $450-$550

 

Scale model of a 1959 Jaguar MK2 by 12Art, est. $450-$550
Scale model of a 1959 Jaguar MK2 by 12Art, est. $450-$550

NEW YORK – On Wednesday, July 6, starting at noon Eastern time, Jasper52 will conduct a sale titled Automobilia, Collectibles and More! Its 193 lots are dominated by scale models of beloved cars from celebrated marques. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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