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.

Six-figure results for petroliana advertising graced day 3 at Richmond

Cougar Gasoline six-foot double-sided porcelain sign, which sold for $160,000 ($192,000 with buyer’s premium) at Richmond.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Richmond Auctions saved the best for the last day of its February 1-3 Premier Advertising Sale. Featuring the Jay Barkheimer collection, the sale included petroliana, automobilia, soda advertising, and country store and farm-related marketing materials. In all, more than 1,350 lots went to auction, with numerous items hitting six figures. Complete results are available at LiveAuctioneers.

The sale’s top lot was a virtually unheard-of Cougar Gasoline six-foot double-sided porcelain sign in new-old stock condition. Accompanied by its original shipping box labeled for Southwestern Porcelain, Inc. of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, the sign was never mounted and simply stored away until it landed in the Barkheimer collection. Cougar is a so-called ‘lost’ brand, with very few artifacts remaining. Bidders jumped at the chance to own the sign, with bidding opening at $100 and immediately accelerating to $30,000. The hammer fell at $160,000 ($192,000 with buyer’s premium), resulting in a likely record for this example.

Having been founded by Henry Ford in 1903, the Ford Motor Company celebrated its 50th anniversary with Golden Jubilee-related items, including a revamped logo which, for a time, overtook the classic Ford script. This single-sided porcelain and neon Golden Jubilee sign stands eight feet in height and is in remarkably good condition for a piece that had been in use since 1953. Once again, bidding jumped from $100 to $42,500 in short order before ending at $145,000 ($174,000 with buyer’s premium).

This outstanding Chevrolet ‘Super Service’ and Buick ‘Valve In Head’ double-sided porcelain neon sign once called Taylor Motor Company of Taylor, Texas home before landing in the Barkheimer collection. It hammered for $145,000 ($168,000 with buyer’s premium).

In completely original condition, including paint and porcelain, was a Cities Service (today’s Citgo) Koolmotor Oil double-sided cast-iron and porcelain ‘kite’ curb sign. More than three dozen escalating bids took the sign to a phenomenal $130,000 ($156,000 with buyer’s premium).

The final exceptional performer from Day 3 was a single-sided 42in porcelain Kelly Tires sign featuring its flapper-era character Lotta Miles. Originally made by Reliance Advertising Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the porcelain had been refitted into a new ring. It hammered for $100,000 ($120,000 with buyer’s premium).

Cougar Gasoline six-foot double-sided porcelain sign, which sold for $160,000 ($192,000 with buyer’s premium) at Richmond.

Cougar Gasoline six-foot double-sided porcelain sign, which sold for $160,000 ($192,000 with buyer’s premium) at Richmond.

Ford Golden Jubilee single-sided porcelain and neon sign, which sold for $145,000 ($174,000 with buyer’s premium) at Richmond.

Ford Golden Jubilee single-sided porcelain and neon sign, which sold for $145,000 ($174,000 with buyer’s premium) at Richmond.

Chevrolet 'Super Service' and Buick 'Valve In Head' double-sided porcelain neon sign, which sold for $145,000 ($168,000 with buyer’s premium) at Richmond.

Chevrolet 'Super Service' and Buick 'Valve In Head' double-sided porcelain neon sign, which sold for $145,000 ($168,000 with buyer’s premium) at Richmond.

Cities Service (today’s Citgo) Koolmotor Oil double-sided cast-iron and porcelain 'kite' curb sign, which sold for $130,000 ($156,000 with buyer’s premium) at Richmond.

Cities Service (today’s Citgo) Koolmotor Oil double-sided cast-iron and porcelain 'kite' curb sign, which sold for $130,000 ($156,000 with buyer’s premium) at Richmond.

Kelly Tires single-sided 42in porcelain sign featuring the Lotta Miles character, which sold for $100,000 ($120,000 with buyer’s premium) at Richmond.

Kelly Tires single-sided 42in porcelain sign featuring the Lotta Miles character, which sold for $100,000 ($120,000 with buyer’s premium) at Richmond.

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.

Spectacular Schuco toys, petroliana, and advertising headline at Miller and Miller, March 1-2

1950s Schuco tin and plastic Mister Atom juggler, estimated at CA$500-CA$700 ($370-$515) at Miller & Miller.

NEW HAMBURG, Canada – A fine collection of mid-century Schuco toys will be offered at Miller & Miller Auctions on Friday, March 1. The 180 lots devoted to a single German toymaker were part of the remarkable holdings of the late Howard Meyer, a Canadian collector with a discerning eye who died in 2021.

Originally founded in 1912 under the name Spielzeugfirma Schreyer & Co, the Schuco factory assumed its more succinct branding in 1921.

Toys in the Meyer collection begin in this period – there are several of the classic 1920s and 1930s tin and fabric wind-up walking figures, including a duo of Drinking Tyrolians, estimated at CA$200-CA$300 ($150-$220) – but its primary focus is the toys made after the Second World War. It was during this period that Schuco focused production on the international market, with many of its toys marked ‘US Zone Germany’, allowing them to be sold outside of occupied Germany.

This distinctive marking was used well into the 1950s, as evidenced by a tin and plastic Mister Atom juggler that has an estimate of CA$500-CA$700 ($370-$515). Like many pieces in the collection, it is in near mint condition.

Many Schuco toys transitioned to plastic and diecast metal in the 1950s and 1960s. However, its range of lithographed tin vehicles remained hugely popular. More than a dozen motorcycles in the Meyer collection include two boxed examples of the Curvo 1000 from 1950-54, with estimates of CA$400-CA$600 ($295-$445) apiece, and two versions of the late 1940s Motodrill 1006, each estimated at CA$200-CA$300 ($150-$220).

There are also two Disneyland lithographed tin Alweg monorail sets, both in their boxes and never assembled. The circa-1961 version known as the gift set or ‘G-set’ is estimated at CA$500-CA$900 ($370-$665), and the circa-1962 super set, or ‘S-set’, is estimated at CA$500-CA$700 ($370-$515).

Among the top-estimated pieces in the sale are a series of boxed 1960s lithographed tinplate planes from the Elektro line. These were all patterned after the Vickers Viscount Turboprop but featured the livery of different airlines. Examples for Air France, Sabena (Belgian World Airlines), and Hong Kong Airways have estimates of CA$700-CA$900 ($515-$665) each.

The Petroliana & Advertising auction that follows on Saturday, March 2 is much wider in scope. However, toy collectors will doubtless admire a Westway AC 747 cutaway aircraft offered with the original box and tripod stand that is estimated at CA$3,500-CA$5,000 ($2,595-$3,705). British firm Westway pioneered the production of these detailed 1:72 scale models of the Boeing 747 in the 1970s that were sold to various operators for display in company offices. This one has the branding of British Airways.

The March 2 sale is led by full-size vehicle: a 1927 Packard Eight 443 seven-passenger touring car. Packards of this era are renowned for their luxurious finishes and exceptional engineering. For many years this car was on permanent display at the Antique Auto Museum in Niagara Falls, Canada, where it was dubbed ‘the Lindbergh Packard’ and said to have been made for Charles ‘Lucky’ Lindbergh. Hard supporting evidence for this claim remains to be found, but this low mileage, numbers matching car underwent a meticulous restoration in 2005 by Stan Uher of Classic Coachworks in Blenheim, Canada, where it was returned to its original black finish. It carries an estimate of CA$225,000-$250,000 ($166,755-$185,280).

Internet bidding for both online-only sales is available via LiveAuctioneers.

Two 1920s Schuco wind-up figures of Drinking Tyrolians, estimated at CA$200-CA$300 ($150-$220) at Miller & Miller.

Two 1920s Schuco wind-up figures of Drinking Tyrolians, estimated at CA$200-CA$300 ($150-$220) at Miller & Miller.

1950s Schuco tin and plastic Mister Atom juggler, estimated at CA$500-CA$700 ($370-$515) at Miller & Miller.

1950s Schuco tin and plastic Mister Atom juggler, estimated at CA$500-CA$700 ($370-$515) at Miller & Miller.

1950s Schuco Curvo 1000 lithographed tin motorcycle, one of two on offer in the March 1 sale, estimated at CA$400-CA$600 ($295-$445) at Miller & Miller.

1950s Schuco Curvo 1000 lithographed tin motorcycle, one of two on offer in the March 1 sale, estimated at CA$400-CA$600 ($295-$445) at Miller & Miller.

1961 Schuco 6333 Disneyland Alweg-Monorail G-Set in its original box, estimated at CA$500-CA$900 ($370-$665) at Miller & Miller.

1961 Schuco 6333 Disneyland Alweg-Monorail G-Set in its original box, estimated at CA$500-CA$900 ($370-$665) at Miller & Miller.

Roland Arkell

Roland Arkell

Roland Arkell is editor of Auction Central News and deputy editor at Antiques Trade Gazette. He has been writing about all aspects of the art and antiques market for more than 25 years.

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.

Animal-motif petroliana offers collectors a menagerie of choices

A Husky ‘Gets You Thru’ tin billboard sign with a husky dog graphic achieved $390,000 plus the buyer’s premium in September 2022. Image courtesy of Dan Morphy Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.

NEW YORK — Advertising mascots can not only make a brand stand out but also provoke an emotional response in audiences, increasing the chance that they become loyal customers. Animals are a popular motif in advertising, and perhaps none are more striking than those in motor oil and gas signs.

Highway and gas station signs of the 20th century did more than let drivers know where they could fuel up their vehicles. They helped brighten long road trips, figuratively and literally, with their bright logos and bold graphics and lettering. These signs used both obvious and subtle messages to tout the attributes of their products to consumers — reliability, speed, dependability, smoothness, and the like.

A Power-Lube Motor Oil double-sided porcelain sign depicting a tiger secured $10,000 plus the buyer’s premium in August 2022. Image courtesy of Richmond Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.
A Power-Lube Motor Oil double-sided porcelain sign depicting a tiger secured $10,000 plus the buyer’s premium in August 2022. Image courtesy of Richmond Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.

In the realm of petroliana, animal mascots are typically robust-looking and chosen to reflect the quality of the particular oil or gas. A Power-Lube Motor Oil double-sided porcelain sign that sold for $10,000 plus the buyer’s premium in August 2022 at Richmond Auctions was titled ‘Smooth as the Tread of a Tiger’ and prominently pictures a tiger in mid-step.

“Bright colors and animals in graphics are going to sell your product,” said John Mihovetz, department head and expert in automobilia and petroliana at Dan Morphy Auctions, based in Denver, Pennsylvania. Explaining how marketers probably realized the merits of animals as mascots, he said, “I think they were looking for eye-catch. When it’s just in a sea of advertising, animals are such a great way to show that.”

Animal-themed petroliana signs are highly collectible, and the market was lively even before the pandemic spurred a wave of nostalgia that drove collectibles markets to new heights in 2020. Petroliana markets have shown little signs of abating, and that definitely holds true for animal-themed petroliana signs. “I personally think it just comes down to eye appeal. If you look at some of the graphics that are on the signs and you look at what’s really bringing the money, it’s highly detailed graphics,” Mihovetz said. “And most of the time you’re dealing with a great animal graphic or Native American graphics. That’s really what’s going to push the price — that and condition.”

Detail of a Husky ‘Gets You Thru’ tin billboard sign that achieved $390,000 plus the buyer’s premium in September 2022. Image courtesy of Dan Morphy Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.
Detail of a Husky ‘Gets You Thru’ tin billboard sign that achieved $390,000 plus the buyer’s premium in September 2022. Image courtesy of Dan Morphy Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.

One fine example that had everything going for it was a Husky Gasoline & Motor Oils ‘Gets You Thru’ single-sided tin billboard sign emblazoned with the image of a Husky dog. Retaining its original wood frame, this 96-by-60in sign attained $390,000 plus the buyer’s premium in September 2022 at Dan Morphy Auctions. Most petroliana signs were made from porcelain, which usually withstood the punishments of the outdoors better than tin, but this one was in fine overall condition, considering its age, and it retained good color and gloss.

“It’s one of two known example examples and by far the highest-rated example — a centerpiece for a collection. You see it in person and it’s unbelievable, just a mesmerizing piece and so colorful and graphic,” Mihovetz added.

A winged Pegasus porcelain and neon double-signed sign for Mobil, standing 103in tall, made $80,000 plus the buyer’s premium in July 2023. Image courtesy of Richmond Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.
A winged Pegasus porcelain and neon double-signed sign for Mobil, standing 103in tall, made $80,000 plus the buyer’s premium in July 2023. Image courtesy of Richmond Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.

All manner of animals have served as petroliana advertising mascots, including the mythical and the extinct. Mobil has been a major player in the petroliana world dating back to when it was known as Standard Oil, and has embraced a beast from the former category. Its Pegasus mascot is instantly recognizable and has graced porcelain and neon signs alike, such as a large Pegasus porcelain and neon sign that rotates. The double-signed sign, standing 103in tall, made $80,000 plus the buyer’s premium in July 2023 at Richmond Auctions.

A Sinclair Pennsylvania Motor Oils porcelain curb sign starring the company’s mascot, ‘Dino’, realized $40,000 plus the buyer’s premium in October 2022. Image courtesy of Dan Morphy Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.
A Sinclair Pennsylvania Motor Oils porcelain curb sign starring the company’s mascot, ‘Dino’, realized $40,000 plus the buyer’s premium in October 2022. Image courtesy of Dan Morphy Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.

Leading the contingent of extinct animals is Sinclair’s beloved apatosaurus (formerly called a brontosaurus), known as Dino. This longtime advertising mascot was trademarked in 1932 and chosen by the company’s advertising writers to use in marketing two years earlier. The writers played off the company’s use of crude oil that dated to the time of dinosaurs, and came up with Dino as their friendly ambassador. He appeared in many ad campaigns and signs, including a Sinclair Pennsylvania Motor Oils porcelain curb sign that earned $40,000 plus the buyer’s premium in October 2022 at Dan Morphy Auctions.

A 24in round Standard Oil Zerolene porcelain sign featuring a polar bear went for $44,000 plus the buyer’s premium in March 2022. Image courtesy of Richmond Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.
A 24in round Standard Oil Zerolene porcelain sign featuring a polar bear went for $44,000 plus the buyer’s premium in March 2022. Image courtesy of Richmond Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.

Polar bears have been pressed into service as mascots for Coca-Cola and Polar Seltzer, which has an inflatable lifesize version topping its roadside headquarters in Worcester, Massachusetts. Petroliana answered with the polar bear mascot for Zerolene, which can be seen in a 24in-round Standard Oil Zerolene single-sided porcelain sign that realized $44,000 plus the buyer’s premium in March 2022 at Richmond Auctions.

An unusual choice for a motor oil product mascot is certainly the parrot that appears on an Atlantic NC Motor Oil ‘Stops Ford Chatter Instantly’ wood-framed sign, which sold for $18,000 plus the buyer’s premium in April 2022 at Matthews Auctions, LLC. This parrot has his beak muzzled to suggest that cars run quieter with Atlantic oil.

An Atlantic NC Motor Oil ‘Stops Ford Chatter Instantly’ wood-framed sign picturing a parrot flew away with $18,000 plus the buyer’s premium in April 2022. Image courtesy of Matthews Auctions, LLC and LiveAuctioneers.
An Atlantic NC Motor Oil ‘Stops Ford Chatter Instantly’ wood-framed sign picturing a parrot flew away with $18,000 plus the buyer’s premium in April 2022. Image courtesy of Matthews Auctions, LLC and LiveAuctioneers.

Collectors are especially fond of service station signs, and a particular favorite is a 1940 Frontier Gas ‘Rarin’ to Go’ example in porcelain. This double-sided oval sign features a gold horse and rider in the center above four stars with a unique script font; other similar Frontier signs lack stars and have a bifurcated red-and-white background. One such sign rode well past its $50,000-$100,000 estimate to bring $170,000 plus the buyer’s premium in March 2023 at Dan Morphy Auctions. Retaining brilliant color and gloss, the sign is cataloged as being in excellent condition and has a 60in diameter.

While the best examples of animal-motif petroliana will typically bring the best prices, Mihovetz explained, “There is always going to be a market for graphic advertising in any condition, especially something with an animal. But if it’s got an animal and it’s really high grade, that’s the stuff that we are seeing right now that is really pushing prices.”

This Frontier ‘Rarin’ to Go’ gasoline porcelain service station sign with a gold rider and horse graphic brought $170,000 plus the buyer’s premium in March 2023. Image courtesy of Dan Morphy Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.

This Frontier ‘Rarin’ to Go’ gasoline porcelain service station sign with a gold rider and horse graphic brought $170,000 plus the buyer’s premium in March 2023. Image courtesy of Dan Morphy Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.

The golden era for oil and gas signs with appealing graphics was between the 1920s and 1950s, he added. Even though these signs were mass-produced, few have survived in great condition. Those considered ‘new old stock,’ which likely languished for decades in warehouses, attic rafters, under floorboards, or in a closet, can easily attain six figures.

Mihovetz said the current market is “unbelievably strong”, and signs with images of animals are bringing huge money. Collectors tend to be mostly men ages 25 and up, but he went on to say “right now, I think it’s a really wide-open market. There are more new buyers entering this market than there were 30 years or more ago, when access to information was an entry barrier. We have seen a lot of sophisticated buyers coming up quickly with all the technology that is available to do research now.”

The best advice Mihovetz has for new collectors is advice he was given years earlier: try to buy the highest-quality piece at whatever price you can afford. “Fortunately, with gas and oil, there is a price point for just about everything,” he said. “There are great, phenomenal mint condition pieces in gas and oil that have graphics of animals that are $1,000, all the way up to the six-figure range, but you have to have patience and wait for a couple good buys here and there.”

Andrea Valluzzo

Andrea Valluzzo

Andrea Valluzzo is an award-winning journalist who has worked for media publications for more than 20 years. Today, she enjoys writing about antiques, collectibles, art and the art of collecting. Based in Connecticut, she's also an avid scrapbooker who loves Broadway shows.

Morphy’s finishes Bobby Knudsen Jr. petroliana series of sales at nearly $10M

[av_heading heading=’Morphy’s finishes Bobby Knudsen Jr. petroliana series of sales at nearly $10M ‘ tag=’h1′ style=” subheading_active=” show_icon=” icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” subheading_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” icon_size=” av-desktop-font-size-1=” av-medium-font-size-1=” av-small-font-size-1=” av-mini-font-size-1=” color=” custom_font=” subheading_color=” seperator_color=” icon_color=” margin=’,,35px,’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=’,,20px,’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ headline_padding=” headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-headline_padding=” av-desktop-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-headline_padding=” av-medium-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-small-headline_padding=” av-small-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-headline_padding=” av-mini-headline_padding_sync=’true’ padding=’10’ av-desktop-padding=” av-medium-padding=” av-small-padding=” av-mini-padding=” icon_padding=’10’ av-desktop-icon_padding=” av-medium-icon_padding=” av-small-icon_padding=” av-mini-icon_padding=” link=” link_target=” title_attr=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lnrl4rbl’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”][/av_heading]

[av_post_metadata post_selected=” seperator=’ | ‘ before_meta_content=’Jim Bunte |’ after_meta_content=” margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=’,,35px,’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-desktop-padding=” av-desktop-padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-padding=” av-medium-padding_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=” av-small-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-padding=” av-small-padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ av-mini-padding=” av-mini-padding_sync=’true’ align=’left’ custom_title=” size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” alb_description=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lnrl4zk4′ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]
[av_metadata_item metadata=’published’ before_meta=” after_meta=” link_meta=’default’ link_target=” av_uid=’av-1j1tkxiz’ sc_version=’1.0′]
[av_metadata_item metadata=’categories’ before_meta=’in’ after_meta=” link_meta=’default’ link_target=” av_uid=’av-4xn0rln’ sc_version=’1.0′]
[/av_post_metadata]

[av_textblock fold_type=” fold_height=” fold_more=’Read more’ fold_less=’Read less’ fold_text_style=” fold_btn_align=” textblock_styling_align=” textblock_styling=” textblock_styling_gap=” textblock_styling_mobile=” size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” color=” fold_overlay_color=” fold_text_color=” fold_btn_color=’theme-color’ fold_btn_bg_color=” fold_btn_font_color=” size-btn-text=” av-desktop-font-size-btn-text=” av-medium-font-size-btn-text=” av-small-font-size-btn-text=” av-mini-font-size-btn-text=” fold_timer=” z_index_fold=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lnrlgg33′ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]
DENVER, Penn. — The third and final installment of the Bobby Knudsen, Jr., collection rocked Morphy Auctions with a $5.1 million single-day take, driving the overall collection total to nearly $10 million. Complete auction results for the three-day event are available for review at LiveAuctioneers (Day 1, Day 2, Day 3).

“I can’t believe all three Knudsen sales are now part of history. What a year!” said John Mihovetz, Morphy’s Automobilia & Petroliana department head. “It was such a pleasure to handle Bobby’s collection and guide it every step of the way to its exciting conclusion. The Knudsen sales kicked open the doors to the next level of collecting by showing the power that can be generated when high condition meets extreme rarity.”

All Knudsen items in this sale were graded, certified and stickered by AGS, the grading service specializing in antique advertising.

As had been the case in the earlier Knudsen sales, consistently high prices were paid for the pieces regarded as “unicorns.” A Bruinoil and Bruin Gasoline double-sided tin flange sign with sides AGS-graded 94 and 91, respectively, on a scale of 1-100 barreled its way to $92,250 with buyer’s premium.

A 1930s Beacon Ethyl Gasoline single-sided, lighthouse-shaped porcelain sign, 4ft in height, was AGS-graded at 89 and sold mid-estimate at $72,000 with buyer’s premium.

A Harbor Petroleum Products single-sided porcelain sign featuring the image of a seaplane was AGS-graded 94, landing easily within its estimate range at $60,000 with buyer’s premium.

Morphy Auctions President Dan Morphy said that handling the Knudsen collection was “definitely one of the great highlights” of Morphy’s 20-year history. “The interest in Bobby’s collection never wavered, and that was reflected in the aggressive bidding and dozens of world auction records that were set during the series. Automobilia and petroliana is a highly visual and relatable collecting specialty that can be enjoyed by all age groups. The future looks very bright for gas and oil collectibles.”
[/av_textblock]

[av_button label=’VIEW DAY 1 RESULTS’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue832′ font=’entypo-fontello’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/300556_automobilia-and-petroliana-day-1/?page=1&sort=lotNumber’ link_target=’_blank’ size=’small’ position=’left’ label_display=” title_attr=” size-text=” av-desktop-font-size-text=” av-medium-font-size-text=” av-small-font-size-text=” av-mini-font-size-text=” margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=” padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-desktop-padding=” av-desktop-padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-padding=” av-medium-padding_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=” av-small-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-padding=” av-small-padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ av-mini-padding=” av-mini-padding_sync=’true’ color_options=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_bg=’theme-color’ btn_custom_grad_direction=’vertical’ btn_custom_grad_1=’#000000′ btn_custom_grad_2=’#ffffff’ btn_custom_grad_3=” btn_custom_grad_opacity=’0.7′ btn_custom_bg=’#444444′ btn_color_bg_hover=’theme-color-highlight’ btn_custom_bg_hover=’#444444′ btn_color_font=’theme-color’ btn_custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_font_hover=’white’ btn_custom_font_hover=’#ffffff’ border=” border_width=” border_width_sync=’true’ border_color=” border_radius=” border_radius_sync=’true’ box_shadow=” box_shadow_style=’0px,0px,0px,0px’ box_shadow_color=” animation=” animation_duration=” animation_custom_bg_color=” animation_z_index_curtain=’100′ hover_opacity=” sonar_effect_effect=” sonar_effect_color=” sonar_effect_duration=’1′ sonar_effect_scale=” sonar_effect_opac=’0.5′ css_position=” css_position_location=’,,,’ css_position_z_index=” av-desktop-css_position=” av-desktop-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-desktop-css_position_z_index=” av-medium-css_position=” av-medium-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-medium-css_position_z_index=” av-small-css_position=” av-small-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-small-css_position_z_index=” av-mini-css_position=” av-mini-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-mini-css_position_z_index=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-46xhpmj’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_button label=’VIEW DAY 2 RESULTS’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue832′ font=’entypo-fontello’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/300560_automobilia-and-petroliana-day-2/?page=1&sort=lotNumber’ link_target=’_blank’ size=’small’ position=’left’ label_display=” title_attr=” size-text=” av-desktop-font-size-text=” av-medium-font-size-text=” av-small-font-size-text=” av-mini-font-size-text=” margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=” padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-desktop-padding=” av-desktop-padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-padding=” av-medium-padding_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=” av-small-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-padding=” av-small-padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ av-mini-padding=” av-mini-padding_sync=’true’ color_options=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_bg=’theme-color’ btn_custom_grad_direction=’vertical’ btn_custom_grad_1=’#000000′ btn_custom_grad_2=’#ffffff’ btn_custom_grad_3=” btn_custom_grad_opacity=’0.7′ btn_custom_bg=’#444444′ btn_color_bg_hover=’theme-color-highlight’ btn_custom_bg_hover=’#444444′ btn_color_font=’theme-color’ btn_custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_font_hover=’white’ btn_custom_font_hover=’#ffffff’ border=” border_width=” border_width_sync=’true’ border_color=” border_radius=” border_radius_sync=’true’ box_shadow=” box_shadow_style=’0px,0px,0px,0px’ box_shadow_color=” animation=” animation_duration=” animation_custom_bg_color=” animation_z_index_curtain=’100′ hover_opacity=” sonar_effect_effect=” sonar_effect_color=” sonar_effect_duration=’1′ sonar_effect_scale=” sonar_effect_opac=’0.5′ css_position=” css_position_location=’,,,’ css_position_z_index=” av-desktop-css_position=” av-desktop-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-desktop-css_position_z_index=” av-medium-css_position=” av-medium-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-medium-css_position_z_index=” av-small-css_position=” av-small-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-small-css_position_z_index=” av-mini-css_position=” av-mini-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-mini-css_position_z_index=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lnrlzx7v’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_button label=’VIEW DAY 3 RESULTS’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue832′ font=’entypo-fontello’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/300561_automobilia-and-petroliana-day-3/?page=1&sort=lotNumber’ link_target=’_blank’ size=’small’ position=’left’ label_display=” title_attr=” size-text=” av-desktop-font-size-text=” av-medium-font-size-text=” av-small-font-size-text=” av-mini-font-size-text=” margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=” padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-desktop-padding=” av-desktop-padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-padding=” av-medium-padding_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=” av-small-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-padding=” av-small-padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ av-mini-padding=” av-mini-padding_sync=’true’ color_options=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_bg=’theme-color’ btn_custom_grad_direction=’vertical’ btn_custom_grad_1=’#000000′ btn_custom_grad_2=’#ffffff’ btn_custom_grad_3=” btn_custom_grad_opacity=’0.7′ btn_custom_bg=’#444444′ btn_color_bg_hover=’theme-color-highlight’ btn_custom_bg_hover=’#444444′ btn_color_font=’theme-color’ btn_custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_font_hover=’white’ btn_custom_font_hover=’#ffffff’ border=” border_width=” border_width_sync=’true’ border_color=” border_radius=” border_radius_sync=’true’ box_shadow=” box_shadow_style=’0px,0px,0px,0px’ box_shadow_color=” animation=” animation_duration=” animation_custom_bg_color=” animation_z_index_curtain=’100′ hover_opacity=” sonar_effect_effect=” sonar_effect_color=” sonar_effect_duration=’1′ sonar_effect_scale=” sonar_effect_opac=’0.5′ css_position=” css_position_location=’,,,’ css_position_z_index=” av-desktop-css_position=” av-desktop-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-desktop-css_position_z_index=” av-medium-css_position=” av-medium-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-medium-css_position_z_index=” av-small-css_position=” av-small-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-small-css_position_z_index=” av-mini-css_position=” av-mini-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-mini-css_position_z_index=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lnrm0gtj’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ icon_select=’yes’ icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ position=’center’ shadow=’no-shadow’ height=’20’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ custom_border_color=” custom_icon_color=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-11oyk457′ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_slideshow img_copyright=” size=’no scaling’ control_layout=’av-control-minimal av-control-minimal-dark’ slider_navigation=’av-navigate-arrows av-navigate-dots’ nav_visibility_desktop=” nav_arrow_color=” nav_arrow_bg_color=” nav_dots_color=” nav_dot_active_color=” img_copyright_font=” av-desktop-font-img_copyright_font=” av-medium-font-img_copyright_font=” av-small-font-img_copyright_font=” av-mini-font-img_copyright_font=” img_copyright_color=” img_copyright_bg=” animation=’fade’ transition_speed=” autoplay=’false’ interval=’8′ img_scale=” img_scale_end=’10’ img_scale_direction=” img_scale_duration=’3′ img_scale_opacity=’1′ conditional_play=” img_scrset=” lazy_loading=’enabled’ alb_description=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-zy743ej’ sc_version=’1.0′]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’180093′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/160016708_rare-and-outstanding-bruinoil-and-bruin-gasoline-tin-flange-w-bear-graphic’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-lnrm9fdv’ sc_version=’1.0′]
Bruinoil & Bruin Gasoline tin flange sign, which sold for $92,250 with buyer’s premium at Morphy Auctions.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’180092′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/160016672_outstanding-beacon-ethyl-gasoline-porcelain-service-station-lighthouse-sign’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-lnrmb2yw’ sc_version=’1.0′]
Beacon Ethyl Gasoline porcelain sign, which sold for $72,000 with buyer’s premium at Morphy Auctions.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’180094′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/160016833_outstanding-harbor-petroleum-products-porcelain-sign-w-aircraft-graphic’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-lnrmd2su’ sc_version=’1.0′]
Harbor Petroleum Products porcelain sign, which sold for $60,000 with buyer’s premium at Morphy Auctions.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’180095′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/160017133_sinclair-pennsylvania-motor-oil-standing-dino-porcelain-sign’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-lnrmgu7c’ sc_version=’1.0′]
Sinclair Pennsylvania Motor Oil ‘standing dinosaur’ porcelain sign, which sold for $46,740 with buyer’s premium at Morphy Auctions.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’180096′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/160017491_outstanding-auto-lite-electric-service-porcelain-neon-sign-w-two-bullnose-attachments’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-lnrmid7d’ sc_version=’1.0′]
Auto-Lite Electric Service porcelain neon sign, which sold for $39,360 with buyer’s premium at Morphy Auctions.
[/av_slide]
[/av_slideshow]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ icon_select=’yes’ icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ position=’center’ shadow=’no-shadow’ height=’50’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ custom_border_color=” custom_icon_color=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-hdiy0jf’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_textblock fold_type=” fold_height=” fold_more=’Read more’ fold_less=’Read less’ fold_text_style=” fold_btn_align=” textblock_styling_align=” textblock_styling=” textblock_styling_gap=” textblock_styling_mobile=” size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” color=” fold_overlay_color=” fold_text_color=” fold_btn_color=’theme-color’ fold_btn_bg_color=” fold_btn_font_color=” size-btn-text=” av-desktop-font-size-btn-text=” av-medium-font-size-btn-text=” av-small-font-size-btn-text=” av-mini-font-size-btn-text=” fold_timer=” z_index_fold=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-dd6iomz’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[/av_textblock]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ icon_select=’yes’ icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ position=’center’ shadow=’no-shadow’ height=’50’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ custom_border_color=” custom_icon_color=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-84m294r’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

Final Bobby Knudsen Jr. petroliana auction presented at Morphy’s Sept. 29-Oct. 1

[av_heading heading=’Final Bobby Knudsen Jr. petroliana auction presented at Morphy’s Sept. 29-Oct. 1 ‘ tag=’h1′ style=” subheading_active=” show_icon=” icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” subheading_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” icon_size=” av-desktop-font-size-1=” av-medium-font-size-1=” av-small-font-size-1=” av-mini-font-size-1=” color=” custom_font=” subheading_color=” seperator_color=” icon_color=” margin=’,,35px,’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=’,,20px,’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ headline_padding=” headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-headline_padding=” av-desktop-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-headline_padding=” av-medium-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-small-headline_padding=” av-small-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-headline_padding=” av-mini-headline_padding_sync=’true’ padding=’10’ av-desktop-padding=” av-medium-padding=” av-small-padding=” av-mini-padding=” icon_padding=’10’ av-desktop-icon_padding=” av-medium-icon_padding=” av-small-icon_padding=” av-mini-icon_padding=” link=” link_target=” title_attr=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lmgbu14v’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”][/av_heading]

[av_post_metadata post_selected=” seperator=’ | ‘ before_meta_content=’Jim Bunte |’ after_meta_content=” margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=’,,35px,’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-desktop-padding=” av-desktop-padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-padding=” av-medium-padding_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=” av-small-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-padding=” av-small-padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ av-mini-padding=” av-mini-padding_sync=’true’ align=’left’ custom_title=” size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” alb_description=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lmgbub03′ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]
[av_metadata_item metadata=’published’ before_meta=” after_meta=” link_meta=’default’ link_target=” av_uid=’av-175kyma6′ sc_version=’1.0′]
[av_metadata_item metadata=’categories’ before_meta=’in’ after_meta=” link_meta=’default’ link_target=” av_uid=’av-15c3a2q6′ sc_version=’1.0′]
[/av_post_metadata]

[av_textblock fold_type=” fold_height=” fold_more=’Read more’ fold_less=’Read less’ fold_text_style=” fold_btn_align=” textblock_styling_align=” textblock_styling=” textblock_styling_gap=” textblock_styling_mobile=” size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” color=” fold_overlay_color=” fold_text_color=” fold_btn_color=’theme-color’ fold_btn_bg_color=” fold_btn_font_color=” size-btn-text=” av-desktop-font-size-btn-text=” av-medium-font-size-btn-text=” av-small-font-size-btn-text=” av-mini-font-size-btn-text=” fold_timer=” z_index_fold=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lmgbxu1i’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]
DENVER, Penn. – The third and final auction of the Bobby Knudsen Jr. petroliana collection saves the best for last at Morphy Auctions. Taking place Friday, September 29 through Sunday, October 1, the catalog is now open for bidding at LiveAuctioneers (Day 1, Day 2, Day 3).

“Many great signs were intentionally set aside for Part III of the Knudsen series,” said John Mihovetz, Morphy Auctions’ automobilia and petroliana department head. “Bobby wanted it that way, and so did we. It will be a worthy farewell to a legendary collection.” Days 2 and 3 include select consignments of rare and fresh-to-the-market signs, globes, cans, and gas pumps from other high-end collections, with estimates ranging from $100-$100,000.

A valuable bonus applies to all pieces from the Knudsen Collection Part III. Each and every item has been graded, certified and stickered by AGS, the recently launched expert grading service that specializes in antique advertising.

Day 1’s top lot is a 1930s-era Beacon Ethyl Gasoline single-sided porcelain sign. Measuring 48 by 30in and AGS-certified 89 on a scale of 1-100, it carries an estimate of $50,000-$100,000.

Also leading top estimates is a circa-1930s Sinclair Aircraft Gasoline double-sided porcelain sign. Measuring 48 inches in diameter, this sign is AGS-certified 88/87 per side on a scale of 1-100. It is estimated at $40,000-$80,000.

The 1920s was the period when auto racing became a national spectator sport. This 1920s-era Mobiloil double-sided porcelain sign with a die-cut graphic of a race car and driver is 16in and AGS-certified 83/80 per side on a scale of 1-100. Its estimate is $20,000-$40,000.
[/av_textblock]

[av_button label=’DAY 1 CATALOG – SEPTEMBER 29′ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue832′ font=’entypo-fontello’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/300556_automobilia-and-petroliana-day-1/’ link_target=’_blank’ size=’small’ position=’left’ label_display=” title_attr=” size-text=” av-desktop-font-size-text=” av-medium-font-size-text=” av-small-font-size-text=” av-mini-font-size-text=” margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=” padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-desktop-padding=” av-desktop-padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-padding=” av-medium-padding_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=” av-small-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-padding=” av-small-padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ av-mini-padding=” av-mini-padding_sync=’true’ color_options=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_bg=’theme-color’ btn_custom_grad_direction=’vertical’ btn_custom_grad_1=’#000000′ btn_custom_grad_2=’#ffffff’ btn_custom_grad_3=” btn_custom_grad_opacity=’0.7′ btn_custom_bg=’#444444′ btn_color_bg_hover=’theme-color-highlight’ btn_custom_bg_hover=’#444444′ btn_color_font=’theme-color’ btn_custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_font_hover=’white’ btn_custom_font_hover=’#ffffff’ border=” border_width=” border_width_sync=’true’ border_color=” border_radius=” border_radius_sync=’true’ box_shadow=” box_shadow_style=’0px,0px,0px,0px’ box_shadow_color=” animation=” animation_duration=” animation_custom_bg_color=” animation_z_index_curtain=’100′ hover_opacity=” sonar_effect_effect=” sonar_effect_color=” sonar_effect_duration=’1′ sonar_effect_scale=” sonar_effect_opac=’0.5′ css_position=” css_position_location=’,,,’ css_position_z_index=” av-desktop-css_position=” av-desktop-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-desktop-css_position_z_index=” av-medium-css_position=” av-medium-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-medium-css_position_z_index=” av-small-css_position=” av-small-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-small-css_position_z_index=” av-mini-css_position=” av-mini-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-mini-css_position_z_index=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-x3jmiku’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_button label=’DAY 2 CATALOG – SEPTEMBER 30′ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue832′ font=’entypo-fontello’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/300560_automobilia-and-petroliana-day-2/’ link_target=’_blank’ size=’small’ position=’left’ label_display=” title_attr=” size-text=” av-desktop-font-size-text=” av-medium-font-size-text=” av-small-font-size-text=” av-mini-font-size-text=” margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=” padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-desktop-padding=” av-desktop-padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-padding=” av-medium-padding_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=” av-small-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-padding=” av-small-padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ av-mini-padding=” av-mini-padding_sync=’true’ color_options=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_bg=’theme-color’ btn_custom_grad_direction=’vertical’ btn_custom_grad_1=’#000000′ btn_custom_grad_2=’#ffffff’ btn_custom_grad_3=” btn_custom_grad_opacity=’0.7′ btn_custom_bg=’#444444′ btn_color_bg_hover=’theme-color-highlight’ btn_custom_bg_hover=’#444444′ btn_color_font=’theme-color’ btn_custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_font_hover=’white’ btn_custom_font_hover=’#ffffff’ border=” border_width=” border_width_sync=’true’ border_color=” border_radius=” border_radius_sync=’true’ box_shadow=” box_shadow_style=’0px,0px,0px,0px’ box_shadow_color=” animation=” animation_duration=” animation_custom_bg_color=” animation_z_index_curtain=’100′ hover_opacity=” sonar_effect_effect=” sonar_effect_color=” sonar_effect_duration=’1′ sonar_effect_scale=” sonar_effect_opac=’0.5′ css_position=” css_position_location=’,,,’ css_position_z_index=” av-desktop-css_position=” av-desktop-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-desktop-css_position_z_index=” av-medium-css_position=” av-medium-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-medium-css_position_z_index=” av-small-css_position=” av-small-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-small-css_position_z_index=” av-mini-css_position=” av-mini-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-mini-css_position_z_index=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lmgczdvz’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_button label=’DAY 3 CATALOG – OCTOBER 1′ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue832′ font=’entypo-fontello’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/300561_automobilia-and-petroliana-day-3/’ link_target=’_blank’ size=’small’ position=’left’ label_display=” title_attr=” size-text=” av-desktop-font-size-text=” av-medium-font-size-text=” av-small-font-size-text=” av-mini-font-size-text=” margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=” padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-desktop-padding=” av-desktop-padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-padding=” av-medium-padding_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=” av-small-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-padding=” av-small-padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ av-mini-padding=” av-mini-padding_sync=’true’ color_options=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_bg=’theme-color’ btn_custom_grad_direction=’vertical’ btn_custom_grad_1=’#000000′ btn_custom_grad_2=’#ffffff’ btn_custom_grad_3=” btn_custom_grad_opacity=’0.7′ btn_custom_bg=’#444444′ btn_color_bg_hover=’theme-color-highlight’ btn_custom_bg_hover=’#444444′ btn_color_font=’theme-color’ btn_custom_font=’#ffffff’ btn_color_font_hover=’white’ btn_custom_font_hover=’#ffffff’ border=” border_width=” border_width_sync=’true’ border_color=” border_radius=” border_radius_sync=’true’ box_shadow=” box_shadow_style=’0px,0px,0px,0px’ box_shadow_color=” animation=” animation_duration=” animation_custom_bg_color=” animation_z_index_curtain=’100′ hover_opacity=” sonar_effect_effect=” sonar_effect_color=” sonar_effect_duration=’1′ sonar_effect_scale=” sonar_effect_opac=’0.5′ css_position=” css_position_location=’,,,’ css_position_z_index=” av-desktop-css_position=” av-desktop-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-desktop-css_position_z_index=” av-medium-css_position=” av-medium-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-medium-css_position_z_index=” av-small-css_position=” av-small-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-small-css_position_z_index=” av-mini-css_position=” av-mini-css_position_location=’,,,’ av-mini-css_position_z_index=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lmgd0162′ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ icon_select=’yes’ icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ position=’center’ shadow=’no-shadow’ height=’20’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ custom_border_color=” custom_icon_color=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-vv39ci6′ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

[av_slideshow img_copyright=” size=’no scaling’ control_layout=’av-control-minimal av-control-minimal-dark’ slider_navigation=’av-navigate-arrows av-navigate-dots’ nav_visibility_desktop=” nav_arrow_color=” nav_arrow_bg_color=” nav_dots_color=” nav_dot_active_color=” img_copyright_font=” av-desktop-font-img_copyright_font=” av-medium-font-img_copyright_font=” av-small-font-img_copyright_font=” av-mini-font-img_copyright_font=” img_copyright_color=” img_copyright_bg=” animation=’fade’ transition_speed=” autoplay=’false’ interval=’8′ img_scale=” img_scale_end=’10’ img_scale_direction=” img_scale_duration=’3′ img_scale_opacity=’1′ conditional_play=” img_scrset=” lazy_loading=’enabled’ alb_description=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-oucr1u6′ sc_version=’1.0′]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’178831′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/160016672_outstanding-beacon-ethyl-gasoline-porcelain-service-station-lighthouse-sign’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-lmgdan4c’ sc_version=’1.0′]
Beacon Ethyl Gasoline porcelain sign, estimated at $50,000-$100,000 at Morphy Auctions.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’178832′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/160016822_outstanding-sinclair-aircraft-porcelain-sign-w-airplane-graphic’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-lmgdg26q’ sc_version=’1.0′ video_autoplay=” video_controls=” video_mute=” video_loop=”]
Sinclair Aircraft porcelain sign, estimated at $40,000-$80,000 at Morphy Auctions.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’178833′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/160016900_outstanding-and-rare-mobiloil-porcelain-service-station-sign-w-race-car-graphic’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-lmgdhkt8′ sc_version=’1.0′ video_autoplay=” video_controls=” video_mute=” video_loop=”]
Mobiloil porcelain sign, estimated at $20,000-$40,000 at Morphy Auctions.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’178834′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/160017193_mccoard-airliner-gasoline-single-135-globe-lens-w-aircraft-graphic’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-lmgdjw5s’ sc_version=’1.0′ video_autoplay=” video_controls=” video_mute=” video_loop=”]
McCoard Airliner Gasoline 13.5in globe lens, estimated at $15,000-$25,000 at Morphy Auctions.
[/av_slide]
[av_slide slide_type=’image’ id=’178835′ video=’https://’ mobile_image=” fallback_link=’https://’ title=” video_ratio=’16:9′ custom_title_size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” custom_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” custom_title=” custom_content=” heading_tag=” heading_class=” link_apply=’image’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/160017557_outstanding-and-iconic-musgo-gasoline-one-piece-baked-globe-w-native-american-graphic’ link_target=’_blank’ av_uid=’av-lmgdlgmj’ sc_version=’1.0′ video_autoplay=” video_controls=” video_mute=” video_loop=”]
Musgo Gasoline baked globe, estimated at $20,000-$40,000 at Morphy Auctions.
[/av_slide]
[/av_slideshow]

[av_hr class=’invisible’ icon_select=’yes’ icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’ position=’center’ shadow=’no-shadow’ height=’50’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ custom_border_color=” custom_icon_color=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-87tkbim’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

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.

Continue reading

World records tumbled at Morphy’s $8.1M petroliana auction featuring Knudsen collection

The top lot of the three-day sale was this stunning and rare Wasatch Gasoline 48-inch-diameter porcelain service station sign, which sold for $324,000 against an estimate of $75,000-$150,000. New world-record auction price

 DENVER, Pa. – The energy was palpable at Morphy’s March 21-23 Automobilia, Petroliana & Railroadiana Auction featuring Part II of the incomparable Bobby Knudsen Jr. gas and oil advertising collection. Aggressive bidding sent prices to the Moon, with the four top sellers knocking down nearly $1.1 million. The three-day event containing 1,600 lots from the Knudsen collection plus other select consignments, chalked up a grand total of more than $8.1 million, inclusive of buyer’s premium. Absentee and Internet live bidding was facilitated by LiveAuctioneers.

Continue reading