Antique soda fountain a sweet attraction at Morphy’s, Aug. 23-25

19th-century soda fountain front and backbar with lighted front fountain and Charles Lippincott 10-position marble soda dispenser; originally in a Helena, Arkansas café that opened in 1888. Size: 161¼in long by 130in high. Estimate $60,000-$100,000
19th-century soda fountain front and backbar with lighted front fountain and Charles Lippincott 10-position marble soda dispenser; originally in a Helena, Arkansas café that opened in 1888. Size: 161¼in long by 130in high. Estimate $60,000-$100,000
19th-century soda fountain front and backbar with lighted front fountain and Charles Lippincott 10-position marble soda dispenser; originally in a Helena, Arkansas cafe that opened in 1888. Size: 161¼in long by 130in high. Estimate $60,000-$100,000

DENVER, Pa. – Just as nightclubs are today’s social hubs, there was a time, more than a century ago, when the local soda fountain or soda shop was where people went for a light meal or wholesome refreshment in a cordial environment. Sometimes a soda fountain – named for the actual device that dispensed carbonated beverages – was found within a larger establishment, such as a drugstore or candy store. Soda fountain memorabilia is pure American nostalgia, and collectors revel in the opportunity to purchase such treasures from a source as esteemed as the Sharyn and Terry Brown collection, which highlights Morphy’s August 23-25 auction series.

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Stephenson’s recalls Fab ’50s and More with July 29 auction

Seeburg Select-O-Matic 100 High Fidelity Model HF 100R jukebox, plays 45rpm records, 1 play for a dime, 3 plays for a quarter. Comes with original manual and keys. Estimate $1,000-$2,000

SOUTHAMPTON, Pa. – On July 29th, Stephenson’s Auctions will return to the days of sock hops, drive-ins and old gold Chevys as they host a colorful 252-lot auction titled Fab ‘50s and More. The sale features a single-owner collection of advertising signs and store displays; boardwalk amusement games, vintage clocks and telephones; cash registers, vending machines, railroadiana, a diner booth, vibrant Fiestaware, and a Dunhill stainless steel soda fountain and related accessories. The saleroom will be filled with not only colorful sights but also the nostalgic sounds of vintage radios, a Bally Mr. and Mrs. Pac-Man pinball machine, and a Seeburg Select-O-Matic jukebox, wall-mount speaker and Wall-o-Matic tabletop music selector.

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