Morphy Auctions
2000 North Reading Road, Denver, Pennsylvania 17517
877-968-8880
About Auction House
Morphy Auctions in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and Las Vegas, NV has become one of the great success stories of the antiques auctions trade. Founded by Dan Morphy in 1997. Morphy’s has realized meteoric growth and set numerous world antique auction records in many categories, while attracting a global following of buyers that grows exponentially with each successive sale.Auction Previews & News
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseMorphy’s Dec. 10-11 Fine & Decorative Arts Auction ushers in the holidays with exquisite jewels, luxury goods, antiques and art
Featured: 48-carat platinum and diamond necklace, ruby and diamond earrings, premium wristwatches including Rolex and Cartier, Tiffany lamps, movie star’s 14K gold Tiffany jewel box, Amphora dragon vase DENVER, Pa. – Morphy’s annual Winter Fine & Decorative Arts Auction is where selective shoppers go to find the gifts no one would ever dream of returning, including jewels fit for royalty, premium-level Swiss watches, rare fine and decorative art, and coveted antiques. This year’s edition of the popular holiday series will take place on December 10-11 at Morphy’s Pennsylvania gallery, with all forms of absentee bidding available, including live via the Internet through Morphy Live. It has long been known that good things come in small packages, and in this auction there are scores of exquisite rings, brooches, pendants and earrings by prestigious designers to prove the point. A gentleman’s 18K yellow gold ring is a scene-stealer with its cut-corner rectangular modified brilliant-cut natural Fancy Yellow diamond weighing 5.37cts. Its grading confirms Even distribution, VVS1 clarity, Good polish, Good symmetry and no fluorescence. A size 10, its gross weight is 19.8 grams. It will go to its new owner with a GIA (copy) Colored Diamond Report (No. 1162399659). Pre-sale estimate: $45,000-$60,000. Also, for the gentleman who seeks only the best in timepieces, Morphy’s offers several Rolex designs, including an Oyster Perpetual 40mm Daytona Cosmograph Chronometer in stainless steel with a black dial and luminous markers, Ref #116520, Serial #V038106 (DOM 2008/2009). The watch is in excellent running order with its overall condition graded Excellent. It retains its original numbered card, booklets and hang tag and is estimated at $20,000-$30,000. A pair of ladies' 14K white gold ruby and diamond drop earrings is set with two pear-shape, faceted natural enhanced rubies measuring 27.50mm by 14.04mm by 5.50mm with an approximate total weight of 42.00cts; two round, faceted natural enhanced rubies measuring 5.40mm in diameter with an approximate total weight of 1.80cts; and 72 round, brilliant-cut natural diamonds, each measuring from 2.70mm to 3.20mm in diameter with an approximate total weight of 8.34cts. The diamonds are graded from F to G in color…
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseMorphy’s Dec. 4-6 Las Vegas auction to showcase stellar Ray Claridge collection of early alcohol, tobacco, soda pop & general store signage + antique coin-ops
Featured: 9ft Mr. Peanut figural mascot, Owl Cigar Store sign, vending, arcade & coin-op machines; neon signs, tobacciana, vintage theater, drive-in, soda fountain, barber shop & taxi-related items LAS VEGAS – On December 4-6 in Las Vegas, Morphy’s will auction the classic advertising, American pop culture and coin-op collection of Southern California businessman and entertainment industry professional Ray Claridge. In addition to the Claridge collection, which comprises the majority of the sale’s contents, there are 200+ high-quality lots from longtime antique advertising collectors Mike and Darlene Peel. One of the very best reverse-painted glass signs known to exist, this one advertises Owl brand cigars. Signs of this type would have been placed in shop windows or used as a hanging display in the late 19th or early 20th century. Original brass frame houses extraordinary image of perched owl with ‘CIGAR STORE’ in large bold lettering. Important investment-grade piece with fabulous graphics. Size: 30¼in x 80in. Condition 9.0+. Estimate: $30,000-$60,000 Not much grass grows under Ray Claridge’s feet. He’s a man of many accomplishments who’s equally at home in motion picture, car racing or vintage advertising circles. He founded and operated Cinema Vehicle Services, the North Hollywood company that built some of the most recognizable movie and TV cars of the modern era, including “General Lee” from Dukes of Hazzard and “Herbie” from The Love Bug. After decades in that world, Ray opened Back in the Day Classics in Orange, California, one of the region’s largest advertising and memorabilia showrooms. He has also been deeply involved in West Coast racing culture for many years and played a major role in taking NASCAR to Japan. His wide-ranging interests, which embrace the West Coast lifestyle, are captured in their entirety in one big, dazzling collection that traverses the realm of American pop culture from its earliest days through the decades immediately following World War II. Every imaginable type of signage can be found in the auction lineup, including one of the very best reverse-painted glass signs known to exist. Promoting the wide range of cigars sold under the “Owl” brand, it is of a type…
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Auction Result, Press ReleaseMorphy’s two-part series exclusively featuring the Tom Sage Sr. antique toy and train collection tallies nearly $4 million
Second and final installment held Oct. 30 was dominated by rare German Marklin productions, including a circa-1904 hand-painted III-Gauge live steam train that sold for $123K against a $50K-$70K estimate DENVER, Pa. – On October 30, a significant chapter in antique toy history came to a close as Morphy’s conducted the second and final auction dedicated exclusively to the collection of the late Tom Sage Sr (1939-2024). The gallery sale of 281 exceptional toys and trains achieved $1.35 million, bringing the series total to $3.95 million, inclusive of buyer’s premium. Consisting of premium-quality German, French and American toys of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Sage collection was carefully assembled over a period of more than 50 years. Tom was known far and wide for his encyclopedic knowledge of toys, which he developed organically by “handling the merchandise” he bought and sold. He was one of the very first to gamble on the idea of making a full-time living from “old toys,” an unheard-of concept in the late 1960s/early 1970s. Once he decided to take the leap into toy-trading as a profession, Tom quickly went from zero to 60, cultivating an enviable network of industry contacts with whom he transacted business for several decades. As he bought and resold toys and trains, he also astutely acquired special pieces for his own collection. It was that select grouping, which he kept and enjoyed throughout his life, that was auctioned at Morphy’s. Rare circa-1904 Marklin hand-painted III-gauge live steam LNWR locomotive (Cat. Ref. E4023), tender and dining car (Cat. Ref. 1842/3). Includes three original III-Gauge figures inside coach. Overall Excellent condition. One of the best toy trains in the Sage collection, it sold for $123,000 against an estimate of $50,000-$70,000. The October 30 session was dominated by the premier name in German antique toy manufacture: Marklin. The day’s top-selling lot was a rare circa-1904 Marklin hand-painted III-gauge live steam LNWR locomotive (Cat. Ref. E4023) with tender and dining car with three original figures (Cat. Refs. 1842/3). Although 121 years old, it still presented in Excellent condition and, as noted in Morphy’s…
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Auction Result, Press ReleaseFinal installment of Wayne & Lori Edens fishing lure collection reels in $700K at Morphy’s, wrapping a 3-part series that tallied $2.65M
An all-time classic, a boxed Anderson & Co. Chautauqua Weedless Trolling Hook Minnow bobbed to the top of prices realized at $27,600, followed by a Heddon Dowagiac Mascallonge Minnow at $26,400 DENVER, Pa. – On October 25, collectors of antique fishing tackle bid aggressively on rare antique lures from the Wayne and Lori Edens collection at Morphy’s third and final installment of an auction series that debuted 10 months ago. Acknowledged to be the largest, most comprehensive and historically-important collection of its type ever to come to the public marketplace, the Edens trove went out on a high note, realizing $700,000. Combined with the proceeds from Parts I and II, the October session pushed the series grand total to a robust $2.65 million, inclusive of buyer’s premium. Anderson & Co. (Jamestown, N.Y.) ‘Chautauqua’ Weedless Trolling Hook Minnow patented by Krantz & Smith in 1909, a detail confirmed by the stamping on the bait’s tailfin. Completely intact with copper finish. One of only three known to exist with original box, which is factory-marked ‘COPPER’ on both ends. An all-time classic, it finished as the top lot of the sale, realizing $27,600 against a pre-sale estimate of $10,000-$15,000 Topping the 635-lot selection was an all-time classic lure – or “bait,” as seasoned fishermen would say – a Chautauqua Weedless Trolling Hook Minnow. It was produced by Anderson & Company of Jamestown, New York, from a design patented by Krantz & Smith in 1909, a detail confirmed by the stamping on the bait’s tailfin. The auction example was completely intact with a handsome copper finish that has survived the tests of time quite admirably. Graded VG, it was described in Morphy’s catalog as being one of only three known survivors with an original factory box, which is correctly marked COPPER on both ends. Against an estimate of $10,000-$15,000, it leaped to a lofty $27,600. Swimming closely behind was an impressive 7¾-inch-long Heddon 747 in an uncataloged special-order color blending red and purple. Identified in VL&A’s 1917 catalog as the Dowagiac Mascallonge Minnow, it displayed black hand-painted gills and bellyweights still sealed under its…
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseMorphy’s delivers early holiday magic with a Nov. 11-13 auction of rare toys, sports cards and vintage collectibles
Featured: Ultra-rare boxed Japanese “Honeymoon” Robot Car, $40K-$80K; Boxed Jupiter Robot, $25K-$35K; Complete 1958-1960 Topps baseball card sets; 1900 Villeroy & Boch terracotta Santa, $30K-$60K DENVER, Pa. – This year, collectors won’t need to wait till Christmas to acquire amazing antique and vintage toys, banks, trains and other sought-after goodies. Morphy’s already has it covered with a November 11-13 Toys & Collectibles Auction featuring 1,375 lots that span dozens of popular categories. The toy classification, alone, has scores of subcategories that incorporate American tin and cast-iron productions, European toys, including Marklin and Lehmann; hundreds of trains, pressed-steel trucks and pedal cars; marbles, Disney and other character toys, and a sensational selection of Japanese battery-ops, including 27 robots and 23 space toys. In addition, more than 160 cast-iron mechanical and tin banks will be offered, along with 63 lots of extremely rare sports cards and a wealth of Christmas and Halloween antiques to please the ever-growing community of collectors who celebrate those two holidays year-round. On Day 3, the entire session will be devoted to 496 lots of antique and vintage soldier and civilian sets, mostly Britains. It will mark the first sale of its type in an ongoing collaboration between Morphy Auctions and Old Toy Soldier Auctions, the specialty firm founded by the late Ray Haradin. Extraordinarily rare ET (Japan) tin friction ‘Honeymoon’ Robot Car, one of possibly only two in existence that retain their original pictorial boxes. Silver convertible has blue windshield, large grille and tailfins typical of midcentury American cars. Lithographed robot driver plus robot passenger in back seat. Complete, all-original, including hubcaps. Box lid artistically depicts car in full color against setting reminiscent of Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive. Estimate: $40,000-$80,000 Morphy’s phones are already running hot with enquiries about the toy that will undoubtedly be one of the auction’s superstars: an exceedingly rare Japanese tin friction “Honeymoon” Robot Car with its original pictorial box. Made by ET Japan, it is unquestionably one of the rarest or all robot-themed toys. The silver convertible has a blue windshield, large grille and tailfins typical of late-1950s or early-1960s American cars,…
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseMorphy’s Oct. 4-5 auction of prized automobilia and petroliana raced to a $1.7M finish
Early Sinclair signs, with sensational graphics of a primitive single-engine airplane and ‘Dino’ the dinosaur mascot, flew to the top of prices realized DENVER, Pa. – If any one word could summarize the selection in Morphy’s October 4-5 Automobilia and Petroliana Auction, it would be “condition.” A dazzling array of advertising signs, gas pumps and globes; product cans and other antique and vintage motoring-related items presented bidders with a wealth of fresh rarities from which to choose in a sale that closed confidently at $1.7 million. Nearly 1,100 lots were entered, many emblazoned with mascots and graphics regarded as classics by those who collect gas and oil advertising. Two of the most sought-after auction treasures were produced for the Sinclair Oil Corporation, a firm that launched its business in 1916 from the combined assets of several small petroleum companies. At the top of prices realized was a circa-1930s Sinclair Aircraft Gasoline double-sided porcelain service station sign with an early single-engine-airplane graphic. Petroliana collectors seeking a high-grade example of this particular type of sign are well aware that they are likely to face additional competition from those who pursue aviation memorabilia, especially if the condition is graded at the upper end of the 1-to-10 scale. Both sides of the 48-inch (diameter) sign displayed very good color and gloss, as well as extremely clean script. Assessed at 8.5 condition with isolated minor chipping being the only exception to its spruce appearance, it landed within its estimate range, at $49,200. Bright and brilliantly-hued example of Sinclair Pennsylvania Motor Oil double-sided porcelain sign with striking dinosaur mascot graphic and the phrase ‘MELLOWED 100 MILLION YEARS.’ Size: 23¾in diameter. Condition: 9.0. Sold for $35,670 against an estimate of $10,000-$20,000 The second Sinclair highlight was a vividly-hued, double-sided porcelain sign advertising the company’s Pennsylvania Motor Oil. It bore a striking graphic of their beloved dinosaur mascot “Dino” striding above the phrase MELLOWED 100 MILLION YEARS. A great-looking example with only minor chipping to side one and a few barely noticeable surface scratches to side two, the 23¾-inch (diameter) sign was graded a strong 9 and sold…
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseLast call for collectors to bid on antique fishing lures from the superlative Wayne & Lori Edens collection, Oct. 25 at Morphy’s
Some of the Edens’ finest baits were saved for the last auction installment, including a boxed Anderson & Co. ‘Chautauqua’ and early Heddons in special-order colors with introductory boxes DENVER, Pa. – On Saturday, October 25, fishing lure collectors will have one final opportunity to dip into the celebrated Wayne and Lori Edens collection, as Morphy’s presents the third and final installment of a series that debuted 10 months ago. The breathtaking assemblage of lures – or “baits,” as they are more commonly known to purists, is said to be the largest, most comprehensive and historically-important collection of its type ever to come to the public marketplace. For that reason, there’s an air of last-chance excitement within the hobby, with many absentee bids already in place to compete on auction day. Anderson & Co. (Jamestown, N.Y.) ‘Chautauqua’ Weedless Trolling Hook Minnow patented by Krantz & Smith in 1909, a detail confirmed by the stamping on the bait’s tailfin. Completely intact with copper finish. One of only three known to exist with original box, which is factory-marked ‘COPPER’ on both ends. Estimate: $10,000-$15,000 One of the most coveted Heddons in the Edens collection is a 2-hook rimless cup Slopenose bait made in early 1902, during the first 5-6 weeks of the Michigan company’s production. It is one of only three known examples accompanied by the ultra-rare Heddon introductory black box with silver printing. The bait, itself, displays the correct “chalky” white paint and shows some wear, as would be expected, since the very first baits to leave the Heddon factory were not varnished. Its hand-painted, friction-fit, red-painted aluminum collar has been locked in place for over 120 years, and it also has its brass ties, tail cap, and most importantly, its rimless belly cup. Estimate: $4,000-$15,000 Another very desirable Heddon, a circa-1910 Night-Radiant Moonlight Bait has a distinctive bulbous head, clear glass eyes and spotless hardware. It appears never to have been fished and comes with its correct box, a “Care & Use” insert and a “Special Notice” insert advising fishermen to bring their lanterns with them, presumably to enjoy the…
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseCoin-op and antique advertising collectors chart a course for Las Vegas and fresh-to-market discoveries at Morphy’s Oct. 16-18 auction
Featured: Rare circa-1911 Mills 5¢ floor model Totem token gum-vending trade stimulator, $100K-$200K; 1906 Victor Novelty Works musical upright slot machine, $30K-$60K LAS VEGAS – Sourcing rare, fresh-to-the-market coin-op machines and antique advertising is a year-round mission for the team at Morphy Auctions. While their decades-long tradition of holding coin-op and advertising specialty sales at their Pennsylvania flagship gallery will never change, twice a year they head west to Nevada to present exciting new finds to motivated collectors at their Las Vegas location. Morphy’s next semiannual Vegas Coin-Op & Antique Advertising sale is slated for October 16-18, with a lineup that includes 1,672 expertly-curated auction lots from a variety of subcategories. Extremely rare circa-1911 Mills 5¢ Totem token trade stimulator. Three arrows spin in two directions and stop individually at Native American symbols reverse-painted on front glass. Wheel flanked by detailed totem poles in casting. Coin entry lists combinations that return "awards.” Displays several original Mills decals. All components and Yale locks original to machine. Plays, pays and dispenses package gum perfectly. VG-Excellent condition, comes with keys, and possibly the only surviving example of a floor-model gum-vending version of the Totem. Estimate: $100,000-$200,000 The colorful selection includes rare music, arcade, gambling and vending machines, plus a bumper crop of exceptional antique and vintage signage touting everything from tobacco and alcoholic beverages to soda pop, barbers’ goods, and the various products that would have been stocked at general stores more than a century ago. The atmosphere at these entertaining Las Vegas events is always upbeat and welcoming, but those who cannot attend in person can still join the fun by bidding absentee, by phone or live online through Morphy’s bidding platform. The auction’s top-estimated lot is an extremely rare circa-1911 Mills 5¢ Totem token gum-vending trade stimulator, whose three arrows spin in two directions and stop individually at Native American symbols reverse-painted on the front glass. The wheel is flanked by detailed totem poles in the casting, and the coin-entry lists various combinations that return "awards.” The unit is in VG-Excellent condition and displays several original Mills decals. All components and…
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseSecond and final installment of the late Tom Sage Sr’s legendary collection of antique toys and trains to be auctioned Oct. 30 at Morphy’s
Following a resounding $2.6M auction debut in May, Part II of the Sage collection delivers more great rarities from a premier assemblage of European & American toys amassed over 57 years Outstanding Marklin Cat. Ref. 4070 Live Steam-powered Operating Fire Truck DENVER, Pa. – Morphy’s May 2025 auction introducing the late Tom Sage Sr’s incomparable personal collection of antique toys and trains made headlines around the world when it closed the books at $2.6 million. The robust sale total was a validation of the visionary toy dealer’s discerning eye for quality and keen foresight in securing the finest examples of early toys at a time when no one could have predicted how their worth would escalate. On October 30, collectors will have another chance to vie for treasures from the Sage collection when Part II, comprising nearly 300 lots, is presented at Morphy’s Pennsylvania auction gallery. Those who cannot attend in person are invited to participate by their choice of remote methods: absentee, by phone, or live via the Internet. Even at the close of the exciting debut auction, which was topped by a magnificent 1904 Marklin Ferris Wheel (sold for $156,000), speculation was already brewing about what might be waiting in the wings for the second and final installment of the Sage series. If the top dozen or so lots in the October session are any indication, collectors of early transportation toys are going to be thrilled, because amongst the autos, trains, fire toys and boats are some of the finest and most obscure Marklin productions. In his quest for the rare and the ultra-mint, Sage tracked down many pieces that were known to be either the only known example or one of very few to have survived. Some of the very best from that select category were intentionally set aside for the October 30 sale. Leading the illustrious auction lineup is a Marklin Cat. Ref. 4070 functional live-steam-powered fire truck. Measuring 18 inches in length, it retains its original hose reels and hoses, as well as four period firefighter figures and three more that are contemporary. Its magnificent…
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseAll signs point to success at Morphy’s Oct. 4-5 Automobilia & Petroliana Advertising Auction
1,100 lots include OK Used Cars bullnose neon sign, Chevrolet Super Service neon sign, Sinclair signs for Aircraft Gasoline & Pennsylvania Motor Oil with ‘Dino’ mascot; Mack bulldog, Tiger Gasoline globe lens Sinclair Aircraft Gasoline Porcelain Service Station Sign W Airplane Graphic. DENVER, Pa. – Collectors will be “pedal to the metal” on October 4-5 when bidding opens on 1,100 top-notch lots of automobilia and petroliana at Morphy’s flagship gallery in Pennsylvania. The live event with all forms of remote bidding available will roll out 813 outstanding advertising signs, 42 gas pumps, 57 gas globes, 55 product cans, and hundreds of other antique and vintage motoring-related items. Many of the most coveted signs to be offered display mascots and graphics that have become classics in the gas and oil advertising hobby. Two of the most recognizable were produced for Sinclair Oil Corporation, a company founded in 1916 with the combined assets of several small petroleum companies. Their distinctive branding, noteworthy for its logo featuring a green dinosaur named “Dino,” became widely recognized, especially as the company expanded its operations and service stations across the United States. The first Sinclair highlight is a coveted circa-1930s double-sided porcelain service station sign for Sinclair Aircraft Gasoline with the image of an early airplane. Both sides of this bright-red round sign display very good color and gloss, and very clean script, with only minor chipping. It measures 48 inches in diameter and is graded a strong 8.5 out of 10. On auction day it is expected to land in the vicinity of $25,000-$100,000. Dino will amble powerfully into the spotlight in the form of a brilliantly-hued, double-sided Sinclair Pennsylvania Motor Oil porcelain sign. A striking graphic of the company’s prehistoric mascot is accompanied by the phrase MELLOWED 100 MILLION YEARS. A great-looking example, it shows only minor chipping to side one. Side two shows no notable field wear other than a few fine surface scratches. Sized 23¾ inches in diameter, this condition: 9.0 advertising gem is estimated at $10,000-$20,000. Auction guests will be greeted by the bright colors of classic 20th-century automobilia signs as…
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Auction Result, Press ReleaseEver competitive, Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola signage and ephemera topped the list of fizzy favorites at Morphy’s $2.4M Soda Pop & Advertising Auction
Circa-1880s bottle for Pemberton’s French Wine Coca, a forerunner to Coca-Cola, served up a $31,980 top bid, while circa-1920s Pepsi-Cola fountain syrup jug went 4x estimate at $27,060 Outstanding Pemberton's Wine Coca Original Bottle DENVER, Pa. – Elusive signage from the earliest days of the American soft drink industry delivered an effervescent $2.4-million result at Morphy’s August 18-20 Soda Pop, Advertising & General Store Auction. The 1,780-lot selection was dominated by rare Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola antiques, some commanding more than four times their high estimates. Leading the formidable array of Coke collectibles – the largest grouping ever to be offered by Morphy’s – was a circa-1880s clear glass bottle with its original paper label identifying it as John Pemberton’s “French Wine Coca.” This concoction, touted as being an “Ideal Nerve Tonic / Health Restorer / Stimulant,” was the forerunner to the beverage its inventor would release in 1886: Coca-Cola. Embossed with the product’s name on its shoulder and with a label roughly 85% intact, the condition-8.0 bottle rocketed to an invigorating $31,980 against an estimate of $6,000-$12,000, making it the top lot of the sale. An exceptional circa-1933 Coca-Cola double-sided porcelain sign with a Christmas bottle graphic and detailed filigree adornment across the top was marked Tennessee Enamel Mfg. Co. Nashville. It would have been hard to improve upon this bright and glossy sign, which rose to $30,750 against a $10,000-$20,000 estimate. Another high-flier was a circa 1910s-1920s single-sided lithographed printer’s proof on paper depicting a man swimming up to a dock to accept a fountain glass of Coca-Cola from his lady friend. Presumably, the proof would have served as the basis for a die-cut cardboard window display. In 9.25 condition, it sold for $27,600 against an estimate of $10,000-$20,000. A historically-important affinity lot consisted of a circa-1880s bottle embossed Pemberton's Wine Coca; an 1868 Pemberton medicinal ad from the Rome (Ga.) Courier; a May 1886 newspaper ad from the Augusta (Ga.) Chronicle showing a portrait of John Pemberton with a favorable testimony; and an 1898 Atlanta Police Department publication with an early Coca-Cola ad on Page 26 and a…
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseTake a break and refresh your collection at Morphy’s Soda Pop, Advertising & General Store Auction, Aug. 18-20
Featured: Premium-quality soda fountain and soda pop signage plus the largest-ever offering of extremely rare Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola bottles, including prototypes and unique examples Outstanding Coca-cola Porcelain Triangle Sign Ags 94. DENVER, Pa. – On August 18-20, Morphy’s will serve up the latest edition of a perennial collector favorite: their colorful Soda Pop, Advertising & General Store Auction. With a production timeline that starts in the late 19th century, the three-day lineup is highlighted by a tremendous selection of rare antique Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola bottles, and premier soda fountain memorabilia from a time when the local soda shop or drug store was the place where everyone gathered to socialize over light refreshment. In their earliest days, soda pop brands were fiercely competitive marketers, providing lavish ceramic syrup dispensers and vibrantly colorful advertising signs to establishments where their products were sold. Examples of those innovative promotional items – including more than 650 lots of Coca-Cola memorabilia – will be the objects of their own effervescent competition at Morphy’s, in a 1,780-offering that also includes signage publicizing ice cream, chewing gum and sweets; tobacco, alcoholic beverages, coffee and much more. Adding entertainment value to an already exciting array of goods, the sale also features 42 classic radios, including Bakelite and Catalin productions; and more than two dozen gum-vending machines. Bubbling to the top layer of auction highlights is a Hires Root Beer “Munimaker” salesman’s sample dispenser. It is realistically constructed from marble, glass and nickel, with a zinc liner and coils inside, just like its full-size counterpart. Its globe, which is emblazoned “Drink Hires / It is Pure,” is clean and undamaged. This incredible piece of soda pop history has been graded 8.75+ out of 10 and is estimated at $30,000-$60,000. Every Coca-Cola collector knows the circa 1914-1916 single-sided cardboard sign depicting a Dutch boy in wooden clogs, running with an oversize stick of Coca-Cola Peppermint Pepsin Gum cradled in his three-dimensional articulated arm. Morphy’s is pleased to offer a large-size version of this sign, measuring 24½ inches tall by 18¼ inches wide, and in Excellent 8.25 condition. Extremely desirable, this sign…
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseOld Toy Soldier Auctions, beloved for decades by collectors of miniature figures, will march forward as part of Morphy’s Toys & General Collectibles auctions
Old Toy Soldier Auctions’ consignors will now be served by Morphy’s team of specialists, starting with a Nov. 12-14 toy sale, per the wishes of OTSA’s founder, the late Ray Haradin Ray Haradin DENVER, Pa. – With the recent passing of Ray Haradin, the visionary founder of Old Toy Soldier Auctions (OTSA), the antique toy hobby lost one of its most vigorous and respected advocates. However, because of Haradin’s foresight and benevolence toward his clients and fellow collectors, the globally-recognized OTSA brand will not be dissolved. In honoring Ray’s specific wishes, his auction business will instead “soldier on” under the watchful care of Morphy Auctions and its founder/president, Dan Morphy. Going forward, Morphy’s will accommodate OTSA’s loyal consignors and preserve the revered brand with a new, permanent section for toy soldiers and figures in its popular Toys & General Collectibles sales. The first selection of consignments from OTSA clients will be included in a November 12-14 auction at Morphy’s flagship gallery in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, with all remote forms of bidding also available, including live via the Internet. The new alliance between OTSA and Morphy’s has the blessing of Ray’s wife of 33 years, Nancy Haradin, who explained, “Ray left a letter with instructions to reach out to Dan. That way, he knew the business would carry on and that it would be done to his standards.” Morphy Auctions’ founder and president, Dan Morphy, commented: “It’s an honor and a privilege for Morphy’s to be entrusted with perpetuating Ray’s legacy and his generous, highly-principled way of doing business. He was the backbone of the toy soldier market, and his auction company meant a great deal to him. For me, there’s also a personal connection that I take very seriously. Ray and I both grew up in Pittsburgh, and our families have known each other for 53 years. Ray was years ahead of me as a collector, and if it hadn’t been for his influence, I might not be in the business I’m in today.” While OTSA will continue to be family-owned, its consignors’ goods will receive exactly the same first-class…
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseMorphy’s appoints Kim Martindale, 50-year veteran in Western and Native American art-show production, to the position of chief event consultant
Martindale brings vast, specific experience to his new role and will focus on astutely developing Morphy’s Old West Show & Auction series held in Las Vegas and Santa Fe Kim Martindale, newly-appointed senior consultant in the Western & Tribal Arts department at Morphy Auctions DENVER, Pa. – Dan Morphy, founder and president of Morphy Auctions, today announced the appointment of renowned Western art and antique show promoter Kim Martindale to the position of chief event consultant. Over the past several years, Morphy’s, an international firm headquartered in Pennsylvania, has magnified its presence in Western, tribal and ethnographic art with the acquisition of the Las Vegas Old West Show & Auction and the Santa Fe Old West Show & Auction. With his incomparable track record as a specialist event promoter, Martindale is infinitely qualified to advise and guide Morphy’s show production and marketing team as they scale and improve the company’s Western show series. Dan Morphy, founder and president of Morphy Auctions, explained why the decision was made to approach Martindale about a senior-level consultancy. “With the Las Vegas and Santa Fe shows running at a robust pace, we felt the logical next step would be to identify and enlist a high-caliber industry insider with impeccable professional credentials and an advanced knowledge of show promotion and long-range show development. We found all of those qualities in Kim Martindale,” Morphy said. Based in Los Angeles and widely acknowledged as one of the art world’s premier experts in his chosen field, Martindale is no stranger to either top-tier Western art or ethical trade practices. He has, himself, established and produced some of the country’s most prestigious and successful specialty shows and is a founding and current Board member of the Antique Tribal Arts Dealers Association (ATADA). Martindale planted his roots in the Western art world at the age of 16, helping to launch the Whitehawk Antique Indian & Ethnographic Art show (Santa Fe, N.M.). By the time he was 18, he had taken over production of the event, which he would later acquire. Over the years to follow, Martindale insightfully divided it into…
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseRoad trip ahead as collectors make plans to attend Morphy’s diverse July 16-17 Automobilia & Petroliana Auction
1,200+ lots include 650 gas and oil signs, including Musgo and Grizzly; 74 gas pumps, 87 gas globes, 64 product cans, plus railroadiana, motorcycles, license plates & general advertising Rare Musgo Gasoline Michigan's Mile Maker Porcelain Sign W Native American Graphic. DENVER, Pa. – Morphy Auctions is revved up and ready for some high-octane competition at their July 16-17 auction, which is packed with 1,226 lots of fine automobilia and petroliana. Bidders can take their pick from 650 outstanding advertising signs, 74 gas pumps, 87 gas globes, 64 product cans, and hundreds of other vintage motoring-related items. Let’s pop the hood and see what’s waiting for collectors at Morphy’s Pennsylvania gallery. Topping the auction highlights is a sign that literally every motorhead dreams of adding to their collection: a round Musgo Gasoline “Michigan’s Mile Maker” double-sided porcelain sign with the image of a Native American chief. Exceptionally rare and sought-after, this sign was issued circa 1920s by the Muskegon Oil Co., of Muskegon, Michigan. As most petroliana collectors would know, Musgo signs of this type started turning up several years ago after being discovered in use as lids on septic tanks. Most were seriously degraded from the effects of snow and damp earth, so it’s always exciting when a nice example comes up for sale. The sign offered by Morphy’s displays exceptional color and gloss with a clean central graphic on side one. Side two exhibits good color and gloss in the outer fields, and some septic-tank damage to the central graphic. Measuring 48 inches in diameter with sides graded 7.75/Damaged, it is estimated at $50,000-$80,000. Another collector favorite that’s expected to fly is a circa-1940s single-sided porcelain sign advertising Grizzly Gasoline. It has an excellent graphic of the company’s hulking brown bear mascot and the tagline “Dubbs Cracked.” Clean and glossy, its only faults are minor chips along the outer edges and minor chipping below and to the right of the mounting hole. All four original grommets are intact. Measuring 12 inches in diameter and graded a condition 8.5+, this anticipated crowd-pleaser could realize $10,000-$20,000. Another stellar entry is…
