Rarity 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

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 circa-1940s single-sided porcelain sign from Marathon petroleum company was adorned with the image of a runner in classical attire and the slogan “Best In The Long Run.” Measuring a full 6ft in diameter, the sign displayed amazing condition with a rich cardinal-red background and high gloss overall. It was AGS-certified and graded 95, and crossed the finish line within estimate for $20,400.

An endearing circa-1940s single-sided die-cut porcelain sign from Husky depicted the petroleum brand’s iconic dog mascot in a standing pose enabled by means of its included original support frame. A very clean and artistically beautiful sign with only minor edge chipping, it measured 3ft long by 29in high. It bounded out of the auction gallery for $18,000 against an estimate of $7,000-$14,000.

Gas pump globes have never fallen out of favor with petroliana collectors, and Morphy’s rose to the occasion on July 11 with a selection that included more than 275 extremely desirable globes and lenses. Two of the most appealing designs featured majestic Native American chiefs wearing feather bonnets. A Musgo Gasoline (Muskegon Oil Co., Muskegon, Michigan) “Michigans Mile Maker” one-piece baked gas pump globe was stamped September 10th, 1929 and Made In U.S.A. With its brilliant color palette, and AGS-certified and graded 93, it was described by Morphy’s Automobilia & Petroliana Department Head John Mihovetz as “one of the highest-graded examples ever to be offered for public sale.” It rose to $29,520, just shy of its $30,000 high estimate. The second Native American-themed highlight was a Tioga Gasoline (The Petroleum Products Co., Chanute, Kansas) single-sided gas pump globe lens which Mihovetz assessed as “likely new-old stock.” AGS-certified and graded 93, it surpassed its high estimate to settle at $20,910.

Rare and complete, a 13.5in-diameter gas pump globe for Aerio 70 Gasoline (Gregory Independent Oil Co., Gregory, South Dakota) retained its original graphic shipping box that was designed and fabricated by Cincinnati Advertising Products. Its original wide milk-glass body displayed a vibrant airplane graphic and “Aerio 70” on each of its lenses, which were graded 96 and 94, respectively. The globe sold for $34,800 against an estimate of $15,000-$25,000.

Originating in Canada, a Clear Vision duplex visible gasoline pump manufactured by Service Station Equipment Co. Ltd., Toronto, exhibited a design that was patented in 1926-7. It had been wonderfully restored in Esso Gasoline livery and attracted strong interest, selling for $30,000, twice the high estimate. 

A subcategory that has grown by leaps and bounds is vintage porcelain plates that were once affixed to gas pumps. A rare circa-1930s Jenney Solvenized Aero (Jenney Mfg., Boston, Mass.) single-sided porcelain pump plate, 9 inches in diameter with an excellent airplane graphic, was assessed to be in 9.0 condition. It claimed a winning bid of $18,000 against an $8,000-$14,000 estimate.

A huge (120in x 40.75in) single-sided cloth banner advertising Michelin Tires and Tubes prompted a surprising auction price. Maker-marked Sweeney Litho, Belleville, New Jersey, the banner portrays a mountainside road with bumper-to-bumper auto traffic, high above a cityscape. Along the entire bottom width of the sign are 12 Bibendum (Michelin’s mascot) figures, each rolling a tire. In excellent condition overall, it was described by John Mihovetz as “the rarest of the rare.” It came to auction with an AGS certification of “Authentic” and sold for $34,440 against an estimate of $10,000-$20,000.

To discuss consigning a collection or single item to a future Automobilia & Petroliana Auction at Morphy’s, please call 877-968-8880 or email [email protected]. All enquiries are kept strictly confidential, and there is never an obligation to consign. Visit Morphy’s online at www.morphyauctions.com.