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
118 Results-
Auction Result, Press ReleaseMorphy’s June Fine & Decorative Arts Sale Tops $3.5 Million
Highlights: Tiffany Studios Hydrangea ‘Snowball’ leaded-glass floor lamp, $442,800; original Norman Rockwell (1894-1978) oil painting, $166,050; 14K white gold graduated diamond necklace, $63,960 Norman Rockwell (American, 1894-1978), ‘The Growth of a Leader,’ original oil-on-paper laid on board, a study for a 1966 calendar illustration. Signed ‘NR’ at lower right. Size: 13½in x 10½in (sight); 19¾in x 17in (framed). Sold for $166,050 DENVER, Pa. – An important Tiffany Studios Hydrangea “Snowball” leaded-glass floor lamp lit up the room for $442,800; an original Norman Rockwell oil painting titled The Growth of a Leader rang up $166,050; and a glittering ladies' 14K white gold graduated diamond necklace brought 63,960 at Morphy’s Fine & Decorative Arts auction held June 10-11. The event totaled more than $3.5 million. Nearly 1,200 top-quality, market-fresh lots came up for bid over the course of the two days. The clear top achiever was the magnificent 79-inch-tall Tiffany Studios floor lamp from the distinguished collection of Seymour and Evelyn Holtzman. The lamp’s 24-inch-diameter leaded-glass shade was adorned with blossoms denoting the iconic Hydrangea (“Snowball”) motif. A background of gorgeous cobalt blue and lavender extended downward at the apex of the shade and was accented by prodigious mottling and freckling, which added depth and dimension to the pattern. Both the shade and six-socket base were signed Tiffany Studios. This exquisite lamp was no sleeper. Its value was well recognized by bidders who pushed it to a final within-estimate price of $442,800 The original Norman Rockwell (American, 1894-1978) oil-on-paper laid on board painting titled The Growth of a Leader was a study for a 1966 calendar illustration. The work chronicled the life of an individual in four bust profiles, starting with the Cub Scouts in 1943, then the Boy Scouts in 1947, cadet life in 1949 and military service in 1966. The subject was shown in uniform in all four profiles. Signed NR at lower right, the painting measured 13½ by 10½ inches (sight, minus the frame). Its fine provenance included a Palm Beach, Florida, private collection; Christie’s New York auction in December 2005; and Phillips’ New York auction October 1982. It…
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseRare Porcelain Signs, Vintage Motorcycles And Service Station Items Highlight Morphy’s Automobilia, Petroliana & Soda Advertising Auction
Featured: 1940s Harbor Petroleum Products porcelain sign with seaplane graphics; 1939 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead motorcycle; 1947 Indian Chief Model 347B bike; rare petroliana signs DENVER, Pa. – An exceptionally clean example of a 1940s Harbor Petroleum Products porcelain sign with seaplane graphics; two rare and desirable vintage motorcycles – a 1939 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead and a 1947 Indian Chief Model 347B; and highly collectible vintage signs for OK Used Cars, Mohawk Gasoline, Sinclair Aircraft, Ford and others will come up for bid Wednesday and Thursday, July 15 and 16, at Morphy’s Automobilia, Petroliana & Soda Advertising auction. Circa-1940s Harbor Petroleum Products Co (Los Angeles) porcelain sign with seaplane graphics. The sign, measuring 39 inches by 35 inches, is graded 9.0 by AGS. Estimate: $40,000-$80,000 The auction is loaded with nearly 1,300 lots of motoring-related signage and service station items certain to please even the most discerning collectors. The event will be held live at Morphy’s Pennsylvania gallery, with all forms of remote bidding available, including live via the internet through Morphy Live. Many of the higher-estimate lots will be offered on Day 1, the July 15 session. Tops among them is the circa-1940s Harbor Petroleum Products Co (Los Angeles) porcelain sign with seaplane graphics. The sign, measuring 39 inches by 35 inches, is graded 9.0 by AGS, the premier authentication and grading service for antique advertising. It shows full color and gloss throughout, with no noticeable chipping in the inner or outer fields. This sign has great display power, and is a true icon of early California petroleum history. The estimate is $40,000-$80,000. The 1939 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead was a legendary motorcycle famous for establishing Harley’s OHV V-twin legacy. The ’39 model year is prized by collectors because, with this model, Harley-Davidson successfully resolved its early oiling issues that plagued earlier models. The 61 cubic inch (1000cc) engine could achieve speeds to 100 mph. This is an older restoration. The bike appears to be mostly original, with minor chrome accents added later. Estimate: $30,000-$50,000 The 1947 Indian Chief Model 347B was Indian’s iconic heavy weight “big twin” motorcycle, famed for…
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Auction Result, Press ReleaseMickey Mantle Rookie Card And Rare W. Britains Soldier Toy Set Lead Morphy’s $1.8 Million Auction Results
Highlights: A 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card, $51,660; 1954 Superman metal lunchbox & Thermos, $31,980; Christensen Agate No. 1 guinea marbles boxed set, $49,200 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card, an absolute must-have for serious sports memorabilia collectors, with strong color and corners, plus fantastic centering. Sold for $51,660 DENVER, Pa. – A 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card and a circa-1893 W Britains Germanic boxed set of royal fusilier soldiers brought identical selling prices of $51,660 to share top lot honors in Morphy’s Toys & General Collectibles auction held June 2nd and 3rd. The sale was packed with 1,362 lots of rare and desirable antique and vintage toys and totaled more than $1.8 million. “We broke records in the soldier, marble and lunchbox categories,” said Dan Morphy, the owner and principal auctioneer of Morphy Auctions. “Bidders weren’t shy about going after what they wanted to add to their collections.” The 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card, an absolute must-have for serious sports memorabilia collectors, was a recent find from a 50-year collection and had not yet been submitted for grading. However, the card displayed well, with strong color and corners, and the centering was fantastic for a Mantle card from this elusive year of production. The selling price of $51,660 was within estimate. The W Britains Germanic boxed set of royal fusiliers is one of the best sets of Britains known -- so important that James Opie pictured the set on the cover of The Great Book of Britains. This is the only known boxed example and its condition was outstanding. The set contained eight foot figures and a mounted officer. The final selling price of $51,660 easily bested the high estimate of $15,000. That wasn’t the only Britains set to make the list of top lots. A first-version 275-piece set of W Britains’ Types of the British Army No. 131 lead toy soldiers, which included both cavalry and infantry figures, was housed in a wooden box measuring 45½ inches by 24 inches by 6 inches, with two trays that could be lifted out. The set changed hands for…
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Auction Result, Press ReleaseMorphy Auctions Tops $3 Million in Las Vegas as Caille Centaur and Mills 20th Century Lead Coin-Op & Advertising Auction
Highlights: Circa 1905-1910 Caille Brothers Mfg. (Detroit) ‘Centaur’ triple slot machine with rare harp castings, $227,500; circa 1900-1905 Mills Novelty Co. (Chicago) ‘20th Century’ slot machine, $92,250 Circa 1900-1905 Mills ‘20th Century’ upright slot machine configured in the one-dollar denomination, one of the rarest and most desirable versions within Mills’ floor-model line. Sold for $92,250 DENVER, Pa. – A circa 1905-1910 Caille Brothers Mfg “Centaur” triple slot machine with rare harp castings soared to $227,500, and a circa 1900-1905 Mills “20th Century” upright slot machine in the scarce one-dollar denomination rang up $92,250 at Morphy’s Coin-Op & Advertising auction held May 21-23, 2026 in Las Vegas. More than 1,700 lots of top-quality items were sold. The strong auction results served to reinforce Morphy’s status as the premier auction house for antique coin-op machines and antique advertising, not just in Las Vegas but nationwide. Overall, the sale totaled in excess of $3 million. A fully-restored, fully-functional Caille Brothers Mfg (Detroit) “Centaur” triple slot machine with rare harp castings was by far the auction’s top achiever, landing within its presale estimate. The visually striking gaming device was designed with three independently-operating slot machines housed in one cabinet. This configuration gave customers the option of choosing their preferred denomination. A Mills “20th Century” upright slot machine in the scarce one-dollar denomination is one of the most desirable and elusive versions within the 20th Century floor model line. It also sold within estimate. The auction example was fully restored and a handsome presentation. The cabinet had been refinished and its castings replated. It played and paid correctly, which heightened its appeal. A circa 1905-1910 Caille Bros double upright combination slot machine featuring a 5-cent Centaur and a 25-cent Big Six within a single cabinet changed hands for $79,950, just under the high estimate. The restored machine represented an efficient multi-denomination configuration designed to maximize operator revenue while also conserving floor space and meeting licensing requirements. It paid and played correctly. A circa-1899 Mills Duplex 5-cent upright slot machine with a light oak cabinet displayed a nicely mottled brass patina and impressive overall condition, including…
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Auction Industry, Press Release
Tiffany Studio Masterpieces And Rare Norman Rockwell Oil Painting Lead Morphy’s June Fine & Decorative Arts Auction
Highlights: Tiffany Studios stained-glass landscape window with irises plus Tiffany Hydrangea ‘Snowball’ leaded-glass floor lamp; signed original Norman Rockwell (1894-1978) oil painting with elite provenance DENVER, Pa. – Two stunning pieces from Tiffany Studios – an important Hydrangea “Snowball” leaded-glass floor lamp and a stained-glass landscape window with irises – will share center stage with an original Norman Rockwell oil painting at Morphy’s June 10-11 Fine & Decorative Arts Auction. Nearly 1,200 top-quality, well-provenanced lots will be offered over the course of the two-day event. Norman Rockwell (American, 1894-1978), ‘The Growth of a Leader,’ original oil-on-paper laid on board, a study for a 1966 calendar illustration. Signed ‘NR’ at lower right. Size: 13½in x 10½in (sight); 19¾ in x 17in (framed). Estimate: $100,000-$150,000 A magnificent fresh-to-the-market 79-inch-tall Tiffany Studios floor lamp comes from the distinguished collection of Seymour and Evelyn Holtzman. Its 24-inch-diameter leaded-glass shade is profusely adorned with blossoms denoting the iconic Hydrangea (or “Snowball”) motif. A background of gorgeous cobalt blue and lavender extends downward at the apex of the shade and is accented by prodigious mottling and freckling, which add depth and dimension to the pattern. Both the shade and six-socket base are signed Tiffany Studios. Without question, this exquisite and highly important lamp could be the centerpiece of any advanced Tiffany Studios art glass collection. It is expected to sell in the $300,000-$600,000 range. Also from Tiffany Studios, a stained-glass floral window depicts a scenic landscape with rolling hills, trees, and a blue sky in the background, and purple irises and a babbling stream in the foreground. It is a stellar example of how the studio combined different forms of exotic glass to create a lifelike landscape. In overall VG condition, the window is contained within a contemporary frame measuring 67¼ inches by 39 inches. It previously graced the Seymour and Evelyn Holtzman collection and now steps into the auction spotlight with a $100,000-$150,000 estimate. An original Norman Rockwell (American, 1894-1978) oil-on-paper laid on board is titled The Growth of a Leader and was a study for a 1966 calendar illustration. The work illustrates the life…
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Auction Industry, Press Release
Mickey Mantle Rookie Card and Rare Antique Toys Lead Morphy’s June Toys & General Collectibles Auction
Featured: First-version set of W. Britains No. 131 lead toy soldiers; 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card; 1954 Superman lunch box with Thermos and case; green glass marble with heavy lutz DENVER, Pa. – Morphy’s Toys & General Collectibles auction slated for June 2nd and 3rd is packed with 1,362 lots of rare, highly desirable antique and vintage toys from a wide array of collecting categories. Exceptional private collections of marbles and sports cards are also featured. A first-version 275-piece set of W Britains’ Types of the British Army No. 131 lead toy soldiers, which includes both cavalry and infantry figures, is certain to attract bidder attention. It’s housed in a wooden box measuring 45½ inches by 24 inches by 6 inches, with two trays that can be lifted out. The set has a pre-sale estimate of $25,000-$45,000. Britains’ military figures, renowned for their historical accuracy and fine detail, have been favorites with collectors since the Victorian era. The first version of their lead toy soldiers dates back to around 1893. 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card, an absolute must-have for serious sports memorabilia collectors, with strong color and corners, plus fantastic centering. Estimate: $40,000-$80,000 Two baseball-themed lots are also expected to inspire competitive bidding. The first is a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card, an absolute must-have for serious sports memorabilia collectors. The auction example is a recent find from a 50-year collection and has not yet been submitted for grading. However, the card displays well, with strong color and corners, and the centering is fantastic for a Mantle card from this elusive year of production. The estimate is $40,000-$80,000. The second sports highlight is a complete and original unopened wax box of 1972 Topps baseball cards (Series 3, cards #264-394). The box contains 24 factory-sealed packs, each with 10 cards, totaling 240 cards in all. Series 3 features numerous stars and Hall of Famers, including Roberto Clemente, Hank Aaron, Willie McCovey, Luis Aparicio, Jim Palmer, and Catfish Hunter. The virtually uncirculated display box, presenting beautifully with crisp structure and minimal wear, securely houses the high-grade unopened packs inside.…
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseGo west, young collector, to Las Vegas and Morphy’s massive May 21-23 Coin-Op & Advertising auction featuring more than 1,700 top-tier lots
Highlights: Circa 1905-1910 Caille Brothers Mfg. ‘Centaur’ triple slot machine; circa 1905-1910 ‘Sibille Queen of Hearts’ fortune teller automaton; circa 1900-1905 Mills ‘20th Century’ upright slot machine DENVER, Pa. – Morphy’s will be heading west later this month to cement its presence in Las Vegas as the premier auction house for antique coin-op machines and antique advertising. The firm will conduct a huge Coin-Op & Advertising auction on May 21-23 featuring more than 1,700 lots of rare, high-quality antiques and vintage collectibles. Circa 1905-1910 Caille Brothers Mfg. (Detroit) “Centaur” triple slot machine with rare harp castings, designed with three independently-operated slot machines. Estimate: $150,000-$250,000 Some of the items carry six-figure estimates that aren’t just possible, they’re probable. A prime example is a circa 1905-1910 Caille Brothers Mfg. (Detroit) “Centaur” triple slot machine with rare harp castings and a visually striking gaming device designed with three independently-operated slot machines housed in one cabinet. This configuration gave customers the option of choosing their preferred denomination. The machine is fresh to the market, fully restored and operational. Estimate: $150,000-$250,000 Another star lot is the circa 1905-1910 “Sibille – The Queen of Hearts” fortune teller automaton made by the Mills Novelty Co. (Chicago). This exceptionally-rare coin-op machine features a richly-detailed carved walnut cabinet with original finish. The interior presents a seated fortune teller figure (“Sibille”) in elaborate period costume. Upon coin activation, the internal mechanism engages a motor-driven system that animates the figure and dispenses a fortune card. Estimate: $150,000-$300,000 A third six-figure candidate is the circa 1900-1905 Mills “20th Century” upright slot machine configured in the scarce one-dollar denomination, one of the most desirable and elusive versions within the 20th Century floor model line. The 20th Century was among Mills’ most visually impressive upright gaming machines. This example has been fully restored and boasts a strong overall presentation. The cabinet has been refinished and its castings re-plated. It plays and pays correctly. Estimate: $60,000-$120,000 A beautiful, all-original reverse-on-glass corner sign advertising Ever Famous Buffalo Lager Brewing Company (Sacramento, Calif.) features a fantastic factory scene, is one of only a few known to exist,…
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Auction Result, Press ReleaseFine example of an 1806/5 Bust Half Dollar coin earns a $67,650 payday at Morphy’s $1.2M Premier Coins Auction
Other highlights: 1879-CC Morgan Dollar, graded MS65 PCGS, $33,210; 1798/7 overdate $10 Capped Bust Heraldic Eagle, $32,595; 1856-S Liberty Head $20 gold Double Eagle, $23,370 DENVER, Pa. – A fine example of an 1806/5 Bust Half Dollar coin, the Overton-103a variety graded PCGS MS63+, soared to $67,650 at Morphy’s Premier Coins auction held April 28. It was the top achiever of the 368 lots that came up for bid in a sale that tallied over $1.2 million, including the buyer’s premium. The catalog was a numismatist’s dream, and collectors turned out in full force. Auction categories included antique and vintage US gold and silver coins (high-grade silver dollars were especially abundant), rare Lincoln head and Indian head pennies, mint coin sets, tokens, paper money spanning multiple generations, foreign currency, bank drafts, commemorative coins, solid gold bars, and more. Most of the coins in the auction were being offered for the first time in many years. The 1806/5 Bust Half Dollar coin attracted bidders not just for its rarity but also because its high-grade condition placed it firmly in the Choice to Near-Gem-Mint State range. It was also distinguished by CAC approval. The coin exhibited strong detail, an excellent strike, and appealing originality throughout, making it an outstanding example of the variety. It surpassed its $60,000 high estimate and, as mentioned above, realized $67,650. Gem-grade 1879-CC Morgan Dollar, graded MS65 PCGS, a key date displaying all the hallmarks of a true high-end example, with the strike being bold and fully realized. Sold for $33,210 A Gem-grade 1879-CC Morgan Dollar, graded MS65 PCGS, sold within estimate for $33,210. The key date displayed all the hallmarks of a true high-end example. The strike was bold and fully realized, bringing out crisp definition in Liberty’s curls and the eagle’s feathers. The fields were smooth, bright and attractive. The coin combined rarity, eye appeal and certification strength. A 1798/7 overdate $10 Capped Bust Heraldic Eagle with 9x4 stars, graded Very Fine 30 by PCGS and one of only 900 struck, finished just above the high estimate for $32,595. It was an important variety that boasted…
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseMorphy’s April 28 Premier Coins auction is a numismatist’s dream, with 368 lots of antique and vintage US gold and silver coins and more
Featured: US Bust Half Dollar coin with desirable 1806/5 overdate, graded PCGS MS63+; Gem-grade 1879-CC Morgan Dollar; 1798/7 overdate $10 Capped Bust Heraldic Eagle coin with 9x4 stars DENVER, Pa. – An exquisite example of a US Bust Half Dollar coin with the desirable 1806/5 overdate, a stunning Gem-grade 1879-CC Morgan Dollar, and a 1798/7 overdate $10 Capped Bust Heraldic Eagle with 9x4 stars (one of three Capped Bust Heraldic Eagles up for bid) are just a few of the expected top performers in Morphy’s Premier Coins auction scheduled for Tuesday, April 28. 1806/5 Bust Half Dollar coin, the Overton-103a variety, remarkably original and graded PCGS MS63+, placing it firmly in the Choice to Near-Gem Mint State range. Estimate: $50,000-$60,000 The catalog is a numismatist’s dream, loaded with 368 lots of antique and vintage US gold and silver coins (high-grade silver dollar coins especially abundant), rare Lincoln head and Indian head pennies, mint coin sets, tokens, paper money spanning multiple generations, foreign currency, bank drafts, commemorative coins, solid gold bars, and more. Most of the coins in this auction are being offered for the first time in many years. The 1806/5 Bust Half Dollar coin, the Overton-103a variety, is remarkably original. It’s graded PCGS MS63+, placing it firmly in the Choice to Near-Gem Mint State range, and is further distinguished by CAC approval. The coin exhibits strong detail, an excellent strike, and appealing originality throughout, making it an outstanding example of the variety. The estimate is $50,000-$60,000. The Gem-grade 1879-CC Morgan Dollar, graded MS65 PCGS, is a key date that displays all the hallmarks of a true high-end example. The strike is bold and fully realized, bringing out crisp definition in Liberty’s curls and the eagle’s feathers. The fields are smooth, bright and attractive. The coin combines rarity, eye appeal and certification strength, and should hit $22,500-$35,000. The 1798/7 overdate $10 Capped Bust Heraldic Eagle with 9x4 stars, graded Very Fine 30 by PCGS, is an important variety that boasts the second-lowest mintage of the series, with just 900 struck. The coin displays even, honest wear consistent with the grade.…
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Auction Result, Press ReleaseCollectors gathered ’round the playing circle to compete for the rarest and best examples at Morphy’s April 11 Premier Marbles auction
Highlights: Shrunken core onionskin marble with floating blizzard mica, $36,285; rare pink opaque lutz marble with red bands, $28,290; end of day marble with heavy floating blizzard mica, $20,910 DENVER, Pa. – A shrunken core onionskin marble with colors of white, yellow, orange and blue soared to $36,285, and a scarce pink opaque lutz marble with red bands finished at $28,290 at a Premier Marbles auction held April 11 at Morphy Auctions’ flagship gallery. The best of the best in the booming hobby of marble collecting was on full display in the auction, which was packed with 478 quality lots. Shrunken core onionskin marble with colors of white, yellow, orange and blue, the perfect amount of floating mica to see the core, 2¼ inches in diameter, graded 9.7. Sold for $36,285 The wildly-colorful shrunken core onionskin marble boasted the perfect amount of floating mica to allow the core to be seen. It was expected to do well, having a high estimate of $30,000. But eager bidders pushed that to a final price of $36,285, making it the top lot of the auction. The marble, 2¼ inches in diameter and graded 9.7, showed a few as-made indentations, or hot spots. The rare pink opaque lutz marble with red bands also came into the sale with high expectations. It had a pre-sale estimate of $20,000-$25,000, but as was the case with the top lot, bidders surpassed even the high estimate with a winning bid of $28,290. The 7/8-inch-diameter marble, graded 9.7, is very hard to find in the color combination it displayed, and collectors rewarded that with aggressive bidding. A hard-to-find, single-pontil end of day marble with heavy floating blizzard mica sold within estimate for $20,910. Measuring 2¼ inches in diameter with an early, faceted pontil and white base with blue and pink, the marble was graded 9.8 for condition. A stunning, deep four-lobed onionskin marble with a white base and a rainbow of colors, including turquoise, yellow, red and blue, realized $19,680, which was within estimate. The marble was 2 inches in diameter and graded 9.5. It had an early faceted…
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseMorphy’s to capitalize on the continued popularity of marble-collection with a 478-lot Premier Marbles auction on April 11
Featured: Rare, single-pontil End of Day marble with heavy floating blizzard mica; pink opaque lutz marble with red bands; shrunken core onionskin marble with white, yellow, orange and blue colors DENVER, Pa. – Antique and vintage marbles aren’t just beautiful to look at and fun to play with, they’re also highly collectible and can be worth dizzying sums. Morphy Auctions – always with its ear to the ground with regard to industry trends and hot collectibles – will capitalize on the continued popularity of these unassuming little spheres with a Premier Marbles auction on Saturday, April 11. Many collectors, especially baby boomers, have fond memories of playing with marbles as kids, but in recent years marbles as collectibles have exploded, from examples handmade by German glassblowers of the 1800s to vintage marbles made by machine in the early 20th century by US companies. The best of the best will be on display in Morphy’s auction, which is packed with 478 high-quality lots. Single-pontil End of Day marble with heavy floating blizzard mica, a white base with blue and pink marble, 2¼ inches in diameter, with early faceted pontil, graded 9.8. Estimate: $20,000-$25,000 Three marbles are expected to reach or surpass $20,000. The first is a rare, single-pontil End of Day marble with heavy floating blizzard mica. Measuring 2¼ inches in diameter with an early, faceted pontil and white base with blue and pink, this marble is graded 9.8 for condition. The estimate is $20,000-$25,000. The second is an equally-scarce pink opaque lutz marble with red bands. The 7/8-inch-diameter marble, graded 9.7, is very hard to find in this color combination. It should realize $20,000-$25,000. The third is a shrunken core onionskin marble with colors of white, yellow, orange and blue, plus the perfect amount of floating mica to see the core. The marble, which is 2¼ inches in diameter and graded 9.7, shows a few as-made indentations or hot spots. It has a pre-sale estimate of $20,000-$30,000. Not every lot is a single marble. Lot 1080 is a large Peltier Art Deco box set, loaded with 84 marbles having an…
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Auction Result, Press ReleasePabst beer sign took the blue ribbon at Morphy’s Feb. 17-19 Automobilia & Petroliana Auction of motoring-related, brewery and other signage
Other highlights: High-grade single-sided tin sign for Ace High Motor Oil; Canadian twin 10-gallon double visible gas pump; Red Hat Motor Oil flange sign; Flying A and Tioga gasoline signs DENVER, Pa. – A spectacular Pabst Blue Ribbon double-sided porcelain neon sign with unique glass face inserts chalked up $44,280; a rare, high-grade single-sided tin sign for Ace High Motor Oil with car and airplane graphic garnered $41,820; and a Canadian twin 10-gallon double-visible gas pump rang up $34,440 at Morphy’s Automobilia & Petroliana auction held February 17-19. Pabst Blue Ribbon double-sided porcelain neon sign with unique glass face inserts, a fine example of breweriana, 58 inches by 11 inches by 38 inches, graded 8.9+ both sides, $44,280 The three-day event was packed with nearly 1,500 lots of motoring-related signage and service station items, antique advertising, bottles and flasks, all meant to appeal to discerning collectors. It was held live at Morphy’s Pennsylvania gallery, with all forms of remote bidding available, including live via the internet thru Morphy Live. The Pabst Blue Ribbon double-sided porcelain neon sign was the overall top lot of the three days, easily breezing past its $10,000 high estimate. Mounted to its original can, the sign was a fine, rust-free example that would enhance any breweriana collection. It was large, measuring 58 inches by 11 inches by 38 inches, and was graded 8.9+ on both sides. The rare and high-grade single-sided tin sign for Ace High Motor Oil, with a car-and-airplane graphic, measured 7¾ inches by 13¼ inches. Like some other choice lots in the auction, it was certified and graded by AGS, the premier authentication and grading service for antique advertising. It boasted great color and gloss throughout the field and was one of the highest-grade examples of this type of sign that Morphy has ever sold. Already expected to do well, it still surpassed its $30,000 high estimate. The Canadian twin 10-gallon double visible gas pump, standing 100 inches tall, had undergone an older restoration in red, white and gold livery. The pump showed two intact glass cylinders, with the upper one in very…
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Auction Result, Press ReleaseThere Was Gold In Them-Thar Lots At Morphy’s Jan. 23 Old West & Native American Art Auction In Las Vegas, Which Surpassed $1.5M
Highlights: stunning heavy gold chain made from solid gold nuggets, 30 inches long ($92,250); 2in x 1in gold bar from assayer Felix Grundy’s hoard, weighing 7.75 ounces ($67,650) LAS VEGAS – Collectors came panning for gold at Morphy’s Old West & Native American Art Auction held January 23 in Las Vegas, as three of the four top-selling lots were solid gold items that brought a combined $204,180. The auction was held at the Westgate Casino & Resort, alongside the Las Vegas Old West & Native American Art Show and the Las Vegas Antique Arms Show held January 23 and 24. Gold bar from the Felix Grundy Hoard, the name referring to an assayer from Fiddletown in Amador County, California, just outside Sacramento. Size: 2in x 1in Sold for $67,650 Gold certainly glittered, but the 569-lot auction was also filled with art, antiques, jewelry, home décor, cowboy paraphernalia, important and historical Western and Native-American art and antiques; apparel, saddles, spurs, bridles and other equine tack; Wild West Show items, and other early memorabilia. The emphasis was on quality and authenticity. By the time the final gavel fell, the sale had tallied over $1.5 million. All prices quoted include the buyer’s premium. The top-selling gold item, and the overall top lot of the auction, was a stunning heavy gold chain made from solid gold nuggets. All of the gold tested for at least 20K, with most of it testing just under 24K. Measuring 30 inches in length, the hefty chain weighed 474 grams and displayed solid workmanship. It carried a pre-sale estimate of $50,000-$80,000 but sold for $92,250. Runner-up honors went to a 2-inch-by-1-inch gold bar from the Felix Grundy Hoard, referring to an assayer from Fiddletown in Amador County, California, in the heart of the gold fields just outside Sacramento. The bar displayed Hoard’s stamp in a large circle followed by "No. 2206 / 7.75 OZS. / 999 THOUS / FINE.” A small group of these gold ingots was discovered in the late 1960s. In all, only a couple of dozen specimens are known today. This one fetched $67,650. In fourth…
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseMorphy’s February 17-19 Automobilia & Petroliana Auction is packed with motoring-related signage, antique advertising, bottles and flasks
Featured: High-grade single-sided tin sign for Ace High Motor Oil, complete double-sided porcelain OK Used Cars neon sign, Hancock Gasoline porcelain pump plate with full-feather rooster graphic DENVER, Pa. – Collectors, start your engines! Morphy’s is gearing up for a massive February 17-19 Automobilia & Petroliana auction that’s packed with nearly 1,500 lots of motoring-related signage and service station items to please even the most discerning collectors. The event will be held live at Morphy’s Pennsylvania gallery, with all forms of remote bidding available, including live via the internet through Morphy Live. Ultra-rare and high-grade single-sided tin sign for Ace High Motor Oil, with car and airplane graphic, measuring 7¾ inches by 13¼ inches, graded 88 by AGS. Estimate: $15,000-$30,000 Many of the higher-estimated lots will be offered on Day 1. Tops among them is an ultra-rare and high-grade single-sided tin sign for Ace High Motor Oil, with car and airplane graphic. Measuring 7¾ inches by 13¼ inches, the sign is certified and graded 88 by AGS, the premier authentication and grading service for antique advertising. It has excellent color and gloss throughout the field and is one of the highest-grade examples of this type of sign that Morphy has ever sold. The estimate is $15,000-$30,000. Another anticipated high achiever is a complete double-sided porcelain OK Used Cars neon sign. It is an outstanding example of an iconic sign that shows excellent working neon throughout each side, with original bullnose attachments. It has been graded 8.75 and is expected to realize $15,000-$25,000. It’s not a standard shippable item and will require third party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made. The shipping crate measures 72 inches by 46½ inches by 25½ inches. A Hancock Gasoline porcelain pump plate with full-feather rooster graphic, AGS graded 91 and beautifully presented throughout, is expected to change hands $10,000-$20,000. The sign exhibits superb color and gloss, with no notable field wear, and the graphic of the rooster mascot on this clean, 12-inch-diameter sign is in outstanding condition. The long-defunct Hancock Oil Company was one of the earliest fuel brands in the United States, operating…
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Auction Result, Press ReleaseTop-quality items from advanced collections realized $2.7 million+ at Morphy’s Dec. 4-6 General Antiques & Advertising Auction in Las Vegas
Highlights: Cretors & Company Model D horse-drawn popcorn wagon, $86,100; Owl ‘Cigar Store’ reverse-painted glass sign, $68,880; Mr Peanut cast-iron peanut roaster, $67,650 LAS VEGAS – A circa-1905 Cretors & Company Model D horse-drawn popcorn wagon soared to $86,100; a late 19th/early 20th century Owl “Cigar Store” reverse-painted glass sign topped out at $68,880; and a circa-1920 Mr Peanut “Red” Royal cast-iron peanut roaster realized $67,650 at Morphy’s General Antiques & Advertising Auction held December 4-6, 2025. Circa-1905 Cretors & Company Model D horse-drawn popcorn wagon, over 12 feet long, having undergone an extensive restoration and in original, near-perfect condition, $86,100 Overall, more than 1,500 lots crossed the block in an auction that grossed more than $2.7 million. All prices quoted in this report are inclusive of a 23 percent buyer’s premium, or as stated on Morphy’s website. Held live at Morphy’s West Coast satellite gallery in Las Vegas, the sale was headlined by the classic advertising, American pop culture and coin-op collection of Southern California businessman and entertainment industry professional Ray Claridge, with an additional 200+ high-quality lots coming from longtime antique advertising collectors Mike and Darlene Peel. Ray Claridge founded and operated Cinema Vehicle Services, which 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. Decades later, Ray opened Back in the Day Classics in Orange, California, one of the region’s largest advertising and memorabilia showrooms. He has had a deep involvement in West Coast racing culture for many years and played a major role in taking NASCAR to Japan. His wide-ranging interests, all of which embrace the freewheeling California lifestyle, were captured in their entirety in one big, dazzling collection that traversed the realm of American pop culture from its earliest days to the post-WWII era. The Cretors popcorn wagon was the top lot of the three days, besting the $60,000 high estimate by more than $25,000. Cretors & Company was founded in 1885, specializing in popcorn machines and other concession equipment. The horse-drawn cart was first offered in 1905 as…
