Potter & Potter Auctions’ August, 2025 Coin-Op & Advertising Sale Realizes $335,446

Late 19th to early 20th century promotional materials and machines took several of the top lot slots in this signature late summer event.

Chicago, Il, September 2, 2025 – Potter & Potter Auctions is pleased to announce the results of this 716 lot sale held on Thursday, August 28, 2025. The auction had a 92% sell through rate. All prices noted included the auction house’s 20% buyer’s premium. 

The top lot in event was #241, a working condition, McDonald’s Speedee neon sign. It was estimated at $5,000-7,000 and traded hands at $9,600. This c. 1950s sign depicted the restaurant chain’s pre- Ronald McDonald’s mascot Speedee, who was winking, balancing on one foot, and wearing a chef’s hat and bow tie. The fixture measured 68″ in diameter and 11″ deep and included its original, undated City of Sacramento sign permit on one side.   

Other sale highlights included:

Lot #653, a late 19th c. Parlor Kinetoscope, was estimated at $1,000-1,500 and delivered $6,600. This crank handled, early optical viewer was patented by Thomas Edison in 1897 and retailed by the American Parlor Kinetoscope Co. of Washington, D.C. It was housed in a 11-¾ x 11-½ x 3-½” mahogany case and supplied with a loaded reel and four additional ones. It retained its original instructional slip, affixed to the interior of the case.   

Lot #130, C.E. Leebold’s “The Leebold” 1 Cent Gumball Vendor, was estimated at $3,000-5,000 and realized $4,800. This c. 1917, 16″ tall, Art Nouveau styled machine was made from ornately cast aluminum and topped with a glass globe. It was sold with period padlocks and keys and  marked with “Berkeley Cal” and the serial number 1000012 on its reverse. 

Lot #282, a “Drink Orange Crush” embossed tin sign, was estimated at $600-800 and made $3,840. This early 20th century, single sided, embossed example had rounded edges and measured 13-¾ x 39-½”.  It was marked “Printed in USA B-587 1-39 SS.” on its bottom edge. 

Lot #66, a Columbus Vending Co. 5 cent Model 38 (Tri-More) vendor, was estimated at $1,500-2,500 and sold for $3,600. This 47 x 20 x 11″ machine was produced in 1939 and had three dispensers to vend gumballs, peanuts, and candy. Its globes were the number four octagonal design which were mounted on a white, streamlined pedestal base that corresponded to the design of the machines. 

According to Joe Slabaugh, Director of Cataloging at Potter & Potter Auctions, “We were off to a strong start in this auction thanks to an impressive gumball machine and vending collection, but the second half of the sale saw enthusiastic bidding too particularly for quality advertising and scarce chewing gum memorabilia.”

Potter & Potter, founded in 2007, is a Chicago area auction house specializing in paper Americana, vintage advertising, rare books, playing cards, gambling memorabilia, posters, fine prints, vintage toys, and magicana – antiques and collectibles related to magic and magicians. Follow us on Facebook (potterandpotterauctions) and Instagram (potterauctions).  

Media contact:

Joe Slabaugh, Director of Cataloging 

[email protected] or 773- 472- 1442