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
16 Results
Auction Result, Press ReleaseClassics joined contemporary favorites in the top 10 at Morphy’s $1.1M+ Toys & Collectibles Auction
Nov. 6-7 sale highlights: Ty Cobb 1914 Cracker Jack baseball card, $34,440; Rooster sulfide marble, $22,140; Buddy ‘L’ Outdoor Railroad, $13,530; Set of 4 Popeye ‘hoppers,’ $11,685 Very Rare No. 30 Ty Cobb 1914 Cracker Jack Baseball Card DENVER, Pa. – Good things came in small packages at Morphy’s Nov. 6-7 Toys & General Collectibles Auction, which closed the books at more than $1.1 million. The Pennsylvania company’s last major toy auction of the year featured a diverse mix of popular collecting categories within its 1,600+ lots, and when all was said and done, it was an antique baseball card and the smallest of handmade artworks – marbles – that made the biggest impression. A mesmerizing 2-1/8-inch teal-blue sulfide marble with a nicely-detailed, well-centered rooster had a lot to crow about. It boasted 9.8 condition and earned high praise from Morphy Auctions’ president and longtime marble fancier Dan Morphy, who described it as “one of the best sulfides we have ever seen.” Against an estimate of $8,000-$12,000, it rolled confidently to a winning bid of $22,140. Another diminutive beauty, a painted china marble with pink pinwheels at each end, was adorned with images of a lady holding a rake, a house and trees against a desert scene. The artful 1-15/16-inch orb in 9.7 condition ultimately sold for $7,995. Another prized item requiring only minimal shelf space was a very rare No. 30 Ty Cobb 1914 Cracker Jack baseball card graded SGC2. Its striking image showed the legendary “Georgia Peach” against a scarlet background, suited up in his Detroit Americans uniform and holding a bat. The card attracted 24 bids before rounding the bases and landing at the top of prices realized for $34,440. A sought-after sports treasure, it far exceeded its $10,000-$20,000 estimate. Sports cards of a later era also found favor with bidders. A 1962 Topps Baseball 3rd-Series cello pack with a San Francisco Giants team card visible on top was graded PSA 7, Near Mint. It rose to the midpoint of its estimate, settling at $5,658. From a galaxy far, far away came an unopened 1977 Topps Star…
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseExtraordinary antique breweriana collection of former Anheuser-Busch exec on tap at Morphy’s, Nov. 13-15
Jim and MaryBeth Fischer collection presents visual history of how 19th/20th-century American breweries promoted their products through exquisite signage designed by fine artists Anheuser-busch Beer Reverse Glass Corner Sign DENVER, Pa. – Dan Morphy, founder and president of Morphy Auctions, takes pleasure in announcing the November 13-15 auction of one of America’s most exceptional private holdings of antique breweriana: the Jim and MaryBeth Fischer collection. Amassed over 50 years, the couple’s assemblage of rare and unique advertising and merchandising artifacts spans a significant 100-year period that began in the late 1800s, when fine artists and skilled craftsmen combined their talents to create pieces of incomparable and enduring quality. The 1,416-lot auction is highlighted by many items that are either exquisitely rare or the only known examples of their kind. In addition to breathtaking antique signs of every imaginable variety from obscure, smaller breweries and great legacy brands, the auction lineup casts a wide net across many other types of beer-related collectibles. There are lithographs, chargers, serving trays, calendars, steins, clocks, historical awards and medals; and a fantastic variety of company-branded jewelry and premium items. The lifetime hobby that culminated in the Fischers’ awe-inspiring collection of antiques closely parallels Jim’s own career, which included many years in an executive role at the Anheuser-Busch brewing company in St Louis. It was there, Jim said, that his passion for collecting was taken to a whole new level. Later, when he moved on to establish his own software-development firm, there was no question as to how the walls of his corporate offices would be decorated, since the couple’s collection had already grown to the point that it adorned all three floors of their spacious home. But then the unexpected happened. COVID arrived on U.S. shores. “The pandemic caused the closure of my physical corporate offices and we had to move much of that part of our collection to a commercial storage facility,” Jim said. After that, he and MaryBeth made the decision to send their collection to auction so that, in Jim’s words, “others could enjoy these great items as much as we have.”…
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseThe band played on as Morphy’s Coin-Op & Antique Advertising Auction reaped a $4.2M payday
Top lots: Hupfeld Phonoliszt-Violina Model ‘A’ music machine, $221,400; Caille Bros. Roulette 5¢ floor-model slot with 7-way roulette wheel payout, $135,300; Mills Deluxe Violano-Virtuoso, $49,200 Hupfeld Phonoliszt-violina Piano-violin Model "A" DENVER, Pa. – Antique European and American music, slot and fortune-telling machines took a well-deserved bow at Morphy’s October 17-19 Coin-Op & Antique Advertising Auction, where 1,913 lots cashed out at a robust $4.2 million. As is always the case at the Pennsylvania company’s popular Coin-Op sales, there were plenty of “sleepers” that quietly simmered below the surface prior to auction day, only to end up eclipsing all expectations once the bidding wars began. The top-10 list was crowned by a superb example of a circa-1912 Hupfeld Phonoliszt-Violina Model “A,” arguably the most successful automatic violin and piano-playing machine ever made. It is also one of the most spectacularly complicated of all music machines, with mechanisms that reproduce violin expression, bowing, vibrato and staccato, as well as piano expression replicating a very high standard of human touch and sensitivity. Restored in 1986 and again in 2014, it was acquired in 2012 by its present owner from Sanfilippo Place de la Musique in Barrington, Illinois. The business’ owner, Jasper Sanfilippo, obtained the German-made unit in 1983 from a restaurant in France. An undeniable superstar, it sold in the auction’s third session for $221,400. Also ready for primetime, a circa-1920 Mills Deluxe Violano-Virtuoso, comprised of two violins that play elegantly and simultaneously, had undergone a scrupulous 36-month restoration. Housed in a Brazilian mahogany cabinet, the sophisticated entertainer achieved a high distinction in its day when the U S Government named it “one of the greatest scientific inventions of the age.” As fine an example as any collector could ever hope to own, it sold within estimate for $49,200. An enticing selection of 145 rare slot machines was led by a circa-1904 Caille Bros (Detroit) Roulette 5¢ floor-model slot with a 7-way roulette wheel payout. Resplendent in its rare Honduran mahogany cabinet with ornate copper-flashed and plated iron castings, this desirable machine was fully restored and described by Morphy’s antique coin-op experts as…
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseMorphy’s hosted the October Hershey crowd at a lively $2.1M Automobilia & Petroliana Auction
Motivated new bidders battled Morphy regulars for high-end rarities: Husky porcelain service station sign, $59,040; Sinclair ‘Dino’ curb sign, $52,800; Grizzly Gasoline ‘tombstone’ sign, $25,830 Husky Service Porcelain Service Station Shield Sign W/ Husky Dog Graphic. DENVER, Pa. – Morphy’s October Automobilia & Petroliana Auction has become an annual tradition for motorheads who gather in central Pennsylvania for the Eastern National Fall Meet of the Antique Automobile Club of America. Better known as “Hershey” because of the city where it takes place, the massive car show and flea market attracts thousands of car enthusiasts from around the world. This year many show attendees decided to warm up their buying skills by heading over to Morphy’s October 6 pre-Hershey auction. The colorful gas and oil advertising sale was stocked with 652 lots of wonderful rarities that chalked up nearly $2.1 million. Estimate-defying prices were paid for many of the vintage signs, service station pumps and globes; motor oil cans and other petroleum-related accessories and display items. Animal mascots once again proved their popularity as advertising subjects, with several landing in the day’s top 10. Leading the group was the energetic Arctic dog who represents Husky Oil Co., founded in 1938 in Cody, Wyoming. Shown leaping playfully against a rising sun, the brand’s iconic Husky dog dominated an excellent double-sided porcelain sign of shield form and emblazoned with the phrase “Husky Service.” A sizable 42 by 48 inches, it was AGS-certified, with sides graded 89 and 87 respectively. Against an estimate of $20,000-$40,000, it ended its cross-tundra run at $59,040. Another long-standing mascot is Sinclair’s “Dino” the dinosaur. His well-detailed image, shown in profile with the tagline “Mellowed 100 Million Years,” was the focal point of a circa-1930s double-sided porcelain curb sign advertising Sinclair Pennsylvania Motor Oil. Measuring 24 inches in diameter, the red, white and black circular sign was AGS-certified, with sides graded 90 (front) and 93 (reverse). Exceptionally clean and offered with a $10,000-$20,000 estimate, it left a mighty footprint in claiming runner-up status at $54,120. Arguably the most formidable animal competitor was the hulking bear mascot for Grizzly Gasoline…
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseAn iconic duo, Popeye and Elvis, will share top billing at Morphy’s Nov. 6-7 Toys & General Collectibles Auction
Featured: Mark Kuster’s 35-year toy collection spanning the Popeye universe; and a single-owner trove of fan club rarities and autographed material pertaining to “The King” Very Rare Linemar Battery-operated Popeye Oliveoyl Tank DENVER, Pa. – Morphy’s last major toy sale of the year will take place on November 6-7, three weeks before Thanksgiving, but there isn’t a single “turkey” in the lineup. In fact, there’s so much quality and variety, it will feel like one of those great toy events of the pre-Internet era that collectors used to love. The auction is anchored by two major collections: a fantastic array of Popeye toys amassed over 35+ years by retired professor and Popeye reference-book author Mark Kuster, and a North Carolina collection of Elvis Presley memorabilia that will leave bidders all shook up. Kuster’s collection of approximately 72 Popeye toys includes some of the finest of all known examples, with 39 of the comic-character rarities retaining their original boxes. There are many seldom-seen color variations in the specialty grouping comprised of Popeye with Parrot Cages toys, whose differences include striped or solid-colored legs, caped or without cape, etc. The top picks in Kuster’s toy trove are a battery-operated Popeye and Olive Oyl Tank (with repro box), followed by a very rare Hoge tin speedboat, which is one of fewer than a dozen known to exist. Also in the circle of honor are a boxed Chein Popeye Heavy Hitter and a Linemar Popeye Aeroplane, which is small but beautiful and very difficult to find in excellent to near-mint working condition. Another of Kuster’s personal favorites is a classic Hubley cast-iron Popeye Motorcycle. The Elvis collection comes from a diehard fan who always bought but never sold, meaning the goodies are fresh to the market. Many pieces were autographed by “The King” himself, including 20 rare sets of Elvis Presley cards that span the years 1956-1978 and have a total estimated value of $10,000-$20,000. Additionally, there are cards from a series produced in the late 1970s after Presley’s passing (in 1977). Many of the cards are graded. Additionally, there are Graceland mementos, bracelets,…
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseThe entertainment is free and you might hit the jackpot at Morphy’s Oct. 17-19 Coin-Op & Antique Advertising Auction in Las Vegas
Featured: Hupfeld Phonoliszt-Violina Model A music machine, $250K-$500K, 1904 Caille Bros. 5¢ floor-model Roulette slot machine, $150K-$300K, fortune tellers, arcade machines, 825 advertising signs Hupfeld Phonoliszt-Violina Piano-Violin Model "A" LAS VEGAS – There will be no shortage of accomplished entertainers at Morphy’s Oct. 17-19 Coin-Op & Antique Advertising Auction in Las Vegas. A world-class lineup of European antique music machines is waiting in the wings to thrill auction guests with bravo-worthy performances rivaling famed orchestras and musicians of a century ago. Those who cannot attend the event in person are invited to bid absentee, by phone or live online through Morphy’s bidding platform. Leading the A-list lineup is a circa-1912 Hupfeld Phonoliszt-Violina Model “A,” which is regarded as the most successful automatic violin and piano-playing machine ever made and one of the most spectacular of all music machines. Its complex mechanisms reproduce violin expression, bowing, vibrato, staccato, etc., as well as piano expression, replicating the technique of highly accomplished pianists. Restored in 1986 and again in 2014, it was acquired in 2012 by its present owner from Sanfilippo Place de la Musique in historic Barrington, Illinois. Jasper Sanfilippo obtained the unit in 1983 from a restaurant in France. Its auction estimate is $250,000-$500,000. Another musical wonder, a Coinola Model SO Super Orchestrion is one of approximately 50 manufactured circa 1920 by the Operators Piano Company of Chicago. Its “orchestra” includes an 88-note piano (78 notes play automatically), a mandolin, violin and flute pipes; drums, a cymbal and other smaller percussion instruments. It is designed to plays 10-tune “O” rolls. Marketed at the start of the Prohibition Era, its original owner is reputed to have been a Chicago mobster. Restored twice, in 1986 and again in 2015, it is ready to grace a new collection and is estimated at $100,000-$200,000. Also ready to step into the spotlight is a circa-1920 Mills Deluxe Violano-Virtuoso comprised of two violins that play elegantly and simultaneously. Housed in a Brazilian mahogany cabinet, this unit underwent a scrupulous 36-month restoration in which no small detail was spared. The U S Government designated the Violano-Virtuoso as “one…
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseHigh-octane selections rev up Morphy’s Oct. 6 Automobilia & Petroliana Auction
Featured: 1920s ‘Pig Sandwich’ neon sign from America’s first drive-in restaurant, 1930s Texas Pacific ‘tepee’ sign, Sinclair ‘Dino’ and Husky Oil dog-mascot signs; rare gas pump globes, ’34 Ford Tudor 1920s die-cut porcelain neon sign from Pig Stand drive-in restaurant (Dallas, Texas) DENVER, Pa. – Few collecting categories can rival gas and oil advertising signs for color, imaginative graphics or the level of bidder enthusiasm they generate at auction. That has been proven time and again at Morphy’s blockbuster Automobilia & Petroliana sales, which, over the years have featured some of the hobby’s most revered collections, including those of Bobby Knudsen Jr, and the late Kyle Moore. The Pennsylvania company’s next stellar selection of motoring-related signage and service station items will cross the auction block on October 6, with all forms of remote bidding available in addition to live participation at the gallery. The 651-lot auction features 425 signs, 64 gas pumps, 134 gas globes and lenses, 25 motor oil and other product cans, display items, and other uncommon service station accessories. A number of pieces have been certified and graded by AGS, the premier authentication and grading service for antique advertising. The auction’s headliner is a 1920s die-cut porcelain neon sign from the Pig Stand drive-in restaurant in Dallas, Texas. Measuring an impressive 73 by 41 inches, the sign advertises “Pig Sandwich,” which, according to Texas Monthly magazine, was the Pig Stand’s lead menu item. The famed barbeque restaurant, which went on to become a chain operation with locations in six states, is entrenched in motoring history. The original Dallas Pig Stand held the title of first-ever drive-in restaurant in America and was established in 1921 on the premise that many patrons – including travelers – would rather dine in their cars than go inside. Accordingly, they came up with yet another innovation: carhops to deliver meals to their parked customers. The Pig Sandwich sign entered in Morphy’s auction would be an astonishing rarity in any condition, but luckily for collectors, it displays phenomenal color and gloss throughout. Its neon illuminates through the lettering in green, as well as…
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseMorphy’s chosen to auction the celebrated Wayne Edens fishing lure collection
The most comprehensive and historically important collection of its type ever to reach the marketplace, Edens’ collection includes one of 8 legendary Heddon ‘factory board’ frogs, hand-carved circa-1898 Angled view of one of the original eight Heddon ‘factory board’ frog lures hand-carved circa 1898 by Heddon Company founder James Heddon. To be auctioned Dec. 10 at Morphy’s Denver, Pa., gallery with a $30,000-$60,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Morphy Auctions DENVER, Pa. – Dan Morphy, president of Morphy Auctions, has always enjoyed fishing the tranquil lakes of his native Pennsylvania, but his biggest catch was announced today and it’s neither trout nor bass. Morphy’s has been commissioned to auction the renowned Wayne Edens collection of antique and vintage fishing lures. A three-part auction series is planned, with a debut auction slated for December 10, 2024, and two more dates to follow in 2025. Each sale will feature 600 to 700 lots. The largest, most comprehensive and historically important collection of its type ever to come to the public marketplace, the Edens assemblage contains many exquisitely rare examples, including an elusive, 100% original Heddon “factory board” frog lure, hand-carved circa 1898. Fishing lure expert Scott Jedd, who is cataloging the auction’s contents, confirmed that the Heddon frog is one of eight such lures – or baits, as they are also called – that were personally crafted by James Heddon, founder of the Heddon Company, and subsequently exhibited on a display board at the factory. “In the world of lures, those eight frogs are as rare and coveted as Faberge eggs,” Jedd remarked. “They represent the original American wood baits.” In 1977, Clyde A Harbin Sr, an outdoorsman, author and fishing lure archivist known as “The Bassman™,” was invited by Heddon to visit the factory and declutter the board by removing any baits that were not Heddon productions. The eight frogs were present on the board both before and after the board was thinned out, and were photographed many times. Harbin would later write a book titled Heddon Historical Footprints in which he details where each of the eight frogs ended up. Today,…
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseRarity and condition fueled above-estimate prices at Morphy’s July 11 Automobilia & Petroliana Auction
Highlights: circa-1940s Harbor Petroleum sign, $46,740; Aerio 70 Gasoline globe, $34,800; Michelin banner, $34,440; Clear Vision duplex gas pump, $30,000; Esso Aviation sign, $20,910 Harbor Petroleum Products Porcelain Sign W/ Seaplane Graphic. DENVER, Pa. – Collectors of high-end gas and oil collectibles know where to go for the “good stuff,” and to many that means Morphy’s Automobilia & Petroliana auctions. The most recent edition of Morphy’s motoring-focused specialty sale, held July 11 at the company’s Pennsylvania gallery, featured 650 lots of choice petroleum-related advertising signs, elusive gas pumps and globes; colorful oil cans, and eye-catching display pieces. The sale totaled $1.85 million, with most lots either finishing within estimate or surpassing expectations. As is always the case at Morphy’s, some unexpected auction competitors enjoyed runaway success because they had exactly what collectors wanted: rarity, eye appeal and clean, crisp condition. The top lot of the day was a circa-1940s Harbor Petroleum Products sign with an exciting seaplane-on-water graphic. The single-sided porcelain sign was in 8.75 condition, with a Pacific blue, orange and yellow palette and an oval cartouche in which the seaplane was showcased. Described in Morphy’s catalog as “exceptional” and potentially “hard to upgrade,” this high-flying sign landed within estimate at $46,740. A circa-1920s Norwalk Tires double-sided tin service station flange sign was designed in “billboard” style with a graphic that showed a Norwalk tire, a period automobile in the background, and a couple seated outdoors with a golf bag and clubs. Additionally, its message boasted “8,000 Miles,” presumably the mileage a driver might expect to achieve from one of the company’s sturdy “Cord” tires. With sides graded 79 and 78, respectively, the attractive advertisement sold above high estimate for $27,000. Big and bold, a circa-1940s two-piece, single-sided porcelain sign promoting Esso Aviation Products with an impressive winged graphic at its center was of a type seldom seen in the marketplace. A massive 90 inches wide by 72 inches high, the red, white and blue beauty was bid to $20,910 against an estimate of $3,000-$5,000. A timely entry, considering the Paris Olympics would soon be opening in Paris, a…
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseMotorheads: Get your kicks at Morphy’s high-octane July 11 Automobilia & Petroliana Auction
Featured: Mobil Pegasus porcelain neon sign, Musgo, Aerio 70, Sunset De Luxe and Gilmore ‘Lion’ gas pump globes; service station rarities, plus soda pop signs and vending machines Outstanding Mobil Pegasus rotator neon sign comprised of two single-sided figural porcelain neon signs. Lights up beautifully around the entire perimeter of the sign and on the iconic flying horse’s wings. AGS-certified and graded 83/84. Size: 72in x 15½in x 85in. Estimate: $50,000-$100,000 DENVER, Pa. – America is a land of cars, and from coast to coast there are diehard motorheads – collectors of auto, gasoline and oil-related advertising – who consider Morphy’s exciting Automobilia & Petroliana auctions to be their own personal Disneyland. They’re already checking out the Pennsylvania company’s next tempting array of motoring-related collectibles, which will roll across the auction block on Thursday, July 11. The 650-lot selection features choice advertising signs, rare gas pumps and globes; oil cans, and eye-catching display pieces. The sale also includes the types of colorful soda pop signs and wall clocks that would have adorned roadside diners back when Route 66 was the way westward-bound drivers “got their kicks.” The star of the show is an absolutely outstanding Mobil Pegasus porcelain rotator neon sign sized 72 by 85 inches, and 15½ inches deep. Comprised of two single-sided figural porcelain neon signs, it lights up beautifully around its entire perimeter as well as on the mythological flying horse’s wings. Everyone knows the Mobil Pegasus, and this ready-to-hang sign shows the popular brand mascot at its very best. Importantly, it is AGS-certified and graded 83/84 (per side). Strong competition and a winning bid of $50,000-$100,000 are expected on auction day. Ask any petroliana collector which rare sign they would most love to acquire and there’s a high likelihood they would say the circa-1940s Harbor Petroleum Products sign with the appealing seaplane-on-water graphic. Morphy’s is pleased to offer an exceptional example of the single-sided porcelain sign in 8.75 condition. Its unbeatable color palette combines Pacific blue, orange and yellow, with the seaplane presented in an oval cartouche as though it were a fine painting. Exhibiting high…
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseGlittering designer jewels, Tiffany lamps and a thrilling Wurlitzer Pianorchestra were crowd-pleasers at Morphy’s Fine & Decorative Arts sale
Above-estimate prices paid for book examples of decorative art, including circa-1906 Paul Dachsel ‘experimental’ Amphora vase and circa-1900 Zsolnay iridescent vase designed by Lajos Mack Tiffany Studios ‘Peony’ leaded-glass lamp with multicolored background of mottled cobalt blues and streaked sky blues. Extensive multicolored confetti glass with wonderful transparency. Blossoms comprising numerous types of Tiffany glass, including granite-backed reds and highly mottled opalescent whites. Shade and base are signed by Tiffany. Provenance: shade formerly in Minna Rosenblatt collection; base previously sold at Sotheby’s. Sold within estimate range for $110,700 DENVER, Pa. – Stunning jewels, art-glass lamps, a Wurlitzer Pianorchestra and a 1906 Amphora vase whose design foretold the future were among the highlights of Morphy’s June 11-12 Fine & Decorative Arts Auction. The $1.53 million sale offered bidders a widely varied choice with prized examples from many of today’s most popular collecting categories. Twenty-five lamps by Tiffany Studios led the colorful parade of antique lighting. In addition to the coveted Tiffanys, there were scores of beautiful leaded and reverse-painted lamps by Handel, Duffner & Kimberly, and Pairpoint. The 72-lot group was crowned by a Tiffany “Peony” table lamp whose shade featured a medley of multicolored confetti glass, blossoms crafted from numerous types of Tiffany glass – including granite-backed reds and highly mottled opalescent whites – against a multicolored background of mottled cobalt and streaked sky-blue glass. Both the Peony shade and base were signed by Tiffany. The shade boasted illustrious provenance, having once been in the collection of Minna Rosenblatt (1944-2008); while the lamp’s base was previously acquired at a Sotheby’s auction. Ms Rosenblatt owned a premier Madison Avenue (NYC) antiques gallery for 35 years and was one of the influential dealers who fostered the 1950s revival of Tiffany lamps and other Art Nouveau glass. The stellar Peony lamp presented by Morphy’s sold within estimate for $110,700. Peonies also featured prominently in a monumental Duffner & Kimberly leaded-glass table lamp. Mounted on a 32-inch-tall Duffner & Kimberly base, the shade was ablaze with color. Its lush, deep-red peonies against a warm yellow ground with multi-hued green leaves, was further beautified by…
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseThirst-quenching rarities underscored Morphy’s $1.4M Soda Pop & Advertising Auction in Las Vegas
Unique Pabst Breweries porcelain and neon sign lit up the June 7-8 sale with a winning bid of $27,060, more than four times the high estimate Completely original double-sided porcelain neon Pabst sign in brilliant primary colors and marked ‘ACME CHICAGO.’ Graded 9.5 on both sides. Size: 60in x 42in x 16in. Against a $2,000-$6,000 estimate, it was the top lot of the sale, achieving $27,060. LAS VEGAS – On June 7-8 at their Las Vegas gallery, Morphy’s popped the cap off an effervescent selection of vintage soda pop signs and other colorful advertising pieces at a spirited auction that totaled $1.4 million. The 1,329-lot sale was led by a gorgeous all-original porcelain and neon Pabst Breweries sign that attracted strong collector attention at the preview and went on to sell for more than four times the high estimate. The glossy double-sided Pabst sign, marked “ACME CHICAGO” and executed in brilliant primary colors, showed off unique Pabst graphics and time-defying fine condition. Critically graded 9.5 on both sides, the 60-inch by 42-inch dazzler simply could not be faulted. It retained its original bubble, glass, inserts and “can.” The sign’s origin was documented by the original stamped metal tag reading “Local Union 15 International Association Of Sheetmetal Workers” and a second metal tag that was numbered “10720.” Entered with a $2,000-$6,000 estimate, it racked up 29 bids before claiming top-lot honors at $27,060. Early soda fountain syrup dispensers found favor with collectors and included a stunning example of a hard-to-find Hires Root Beer ceramic dispenser with graphics of the company’s mascot, known as the “Ugly Kid.” Created by the esteemed German ceramics company Villeroy & Boch, the 19-inch dispenser was marked by the manufacturer and displayed excellent grade-9 condition, with the original metal spigot and lid still intact. It sold near the midpoint of its estimate range for $18,450. A rare circa-1896 ceramic syrup dispenser made by Wheeling Pottery Co., was an example of the first style of dispenser ever released by the king of soft drinks, Coca-Cola. The highly sought-after 21-inch-tall soda fountain antique caught bidders’ attention because it is…
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseMorphy’s June 11-12 Fine & Decorative Arts Auction offers luxe jewelry, paintings, Amphora pottery and 25 Tiffany lamps including magnificent ‘Peony’
Also featured: 18K gold, emerald and diamond necklace, extremely rare Duffner & Kimberly ‘Viking’ lamp, avant-garde Paul Dachsel ‘Cactus’ vase made circa 1906, Rolex and other luxury watches 18K white gold, emerald and diamond necklace. Nine graduated emerald-cut emeralds with total weight of 49.20cts (largest stone measuring 15.4mm x 7.0mm), and 640 brilliant-cut diamonds with total weight of 8.91cts. Overall clasped length 17.5in. Gross weight: 57.5g. Marked ‘Oscar Friedman 18K EM29.51ct D5.68ct’ under clasp. Accompanied by original GemAssure Gemological Appraisals Report. Estimate: $20,000-$40,000 DENVER, Pa. – Exquisite jewelry and watches, 35 pieces of early Amphora pottery, and 25 exceptional Tiffany Studios lamps lead the select array of fine and decorative art to be auctioned by Morphy’s on June 11-12, 2024. All items in this sale – from breathtaking diamonds and Rolex watches to antique maps and 170 fancifully-carved walking sticks – have been examined, evaluated and cataloged by respected experts from Morphy’s team of seasoned professionals. The Pennsylvania gallery is beaming with rainbow colors from the auction’s 72 art glass lamps by Tiffany Studios, Handel, Pairpoint, Duffner & Kimberly and other acclaimed manufacturers of the early 20th century. Tiffany lamps, in particular, are regarded as American treasures, and over the years, Morphy’s has auctioned some of the finest fresh-to-market examples of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s work. The 25 Tiffany creations chosen for the June 11-12 sale will delight even the most discerning connoisseur, starting with an absolutely stunning “Peony” leaded-glass lamp. This glorious top-tier table lamp dazzles with its multicolored background of mottled cobalt and streaked sky blues, medley of multicolored confetti glass, and blossoms crafted from numerous types of Tiffany glass, including granite-backed reds and highly mottled opalescent whites. Both the Peony shade and base are signed by Tiffany, with illustrious provenance adding to their desirability. The 22-inch (diameter) shade was formerly in the collection of Minna Rosenblatt (1944-2008), while the lamp’s base was previously acquired at a Sotheby’s auction. Ms Rosenblatt owned a premier Madison Avenue (NYC) antiques gallery for 35 years and was one of the influential dealers who fostered the 1950s revival of Tiffany lamps and other…
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseCool off at Morphy’s refreshing June 7-8 Soda Pop & Antique Advertising Auction in Las Vegas
Sensational Hires Root Beer ceramic soda fountain set manufactured by Villeroy & Boch and believed to be a sole survivor is expected to sell for $40,000-$80,000 Incredible and early Hires Root Beer set consisting of ceramic dispenser, platter and three mugs, all with imagery of ‘Ugly Kid’ brand mascot. Made by Villeroy & Boch (Germany). Possibly the only set of its type in existence and arguably the ultimate root beer collectible. Estimate: $40,000-$80,000 LAS VEGAS – Soda fountain memorabilia is pure American nostalgia, harkening back to a time when the local soda shop or drug store was the place where everyone went to socialize over light refreshment. Beverage brands were fiercely competitive marketers, providing lavish ceramic syrup dispensers and vibrantly colorful advertising signage to establishments where their products were sold. Those promotional items are now the objects of their own competition, at high-profile soda pop and antique advertising auctions like the one Morphy’s will conduct on June 7-8 in Las Vegas. The 1,329-lot sale includes not only beverage-related items but also signage, display items and fountain accessories for various ice cream brands. In addition, there are advertising clocks, radios, a Seeburg jukebox, vending machines, seltzer bottles and more. The top-estimated lot is a Hires Root Beer set described by Morphy’s advertising specialist Dan Morris as “perhaps the pinnacle of Hires Root Beer advertising items.” The set consists of a ceramic dispenser, platter and three mugs, all adorned with images of the brand’s mascot known as the “Ugly Kid.” Made by the esteemed German ceramics firm Villeroy & Boch, it is quite possibly the only set of its type in existence and comes to auction with expectations of reaching $40,000-$80,000. Another coveted Hires piece is the rare and stunning double-sided cardboard string hanger sign emblazoned with the slogan “Hires – The Only Relief For A Thirsty World.” It is designed as a circular replica of the world with anthropomorphic features drinking from a mug of root beer held by the “Ugly Kid.” A storied piece of Hires Root Beer history, the heavy paper “fan-pull” sign has eluded collectors for years. Clean…
Auction Industry, Press ReleaseMorphy’s lively Las Vegas Coin-op & Antique Advertising Auction closes nears $4M mark
Top lots: Caille Bros Musical Triple Eclipse upright slot machine, $147,600; figural Mr Peanut point-of-purchase roaster/dispenser, $135,300; Caille Bros Loving Cup dual-wheel slot machine, $79,950 Extremely rare Caille Bros (Detroit) musical Triple Eclipse upright slot machine comprising three separate machines (5¢, 50¢, 5¢) in one stunning oak cabinet. Serial No. 121, the earliest of four extant examples of this model. Provenance includes Dobby Doc collection amassed in the 1930s/’40s and discovered in a Nevada warehouse in the late 1960s. Sold for $147,600 LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Morphy’s April 11-13, 2024 Coin-Op & Antique Advertising sale brought old-school fun to Las Vegas and reaped the rewards with a full house of motivated collectors and $3,936,000 in winning bids (inclusive of 23% b.p.). According to Morphy Auctions co-founder and president Dan Morphy, post-auction purchases are expected to add even more bounce to the three-day result and will likely push the grand total well beyond the $4 million mark. The auction’s top-estimated and ultimately top-selling lot was an extremely rare Caille Bros (Detroit) musical “Triple Eclipse” upright slot machine whose design encases three separate machines in one handsome oak cabinet. The horizontally-arranged slots accept 5¢, 50¢ and 5¢ coins, respectively. Dan Morphy explained, “The Triple Eclipse was an ingenious design. With three separately-functioning machines in one unit, an operator could save money because he would only have to buy one gambling-machine license, not three.” An artistic masterpiece with all-original castings and most of its original nickel plating, the Triple Eclipse was made sometime between 1902 and 1904. Following its period of service as a public gambling device, the machine joined the fabled Dobby Doc collection, which was amassed in the 1930s and ’40s and lay dormant until it was discovered in a Nevada warehouse in the late 1960s. A breathtaking combination of artistry and early technology, with the serial number 121 confirming it to be the earliest of only four known survivors of its type, it cashed out at $147,600. Also from Caille Bros, a circa-1910 “Loving Cup” dual-wheel slot machine – similar to the manufacturer’s “Silver Cup” model – displayed original wheels…
