Morphy’s Automobilia & Petroliana auction is an 830-lot selection of high grade condition rarities, which will be offered on February 21-22, 2025, at the company’s Las Vegas gallery. Colorful neon signs will be casting a warm glow over the proceedings. This popular category is growing by leaps and bounds, and as always, collectors want rarity and condition. They’ll find both in a massive circa 1950s double-sided porcelain neon sign for “OK Used Cars Authorized Dealer.” It would be difficult to fault this fine example, which retains its original bullnose edges and shines brilliantly on both sides. In 9.0 condition, the 111-inch-wide sign is expected to sell for $20,000-$40,000.
Another coveted beauty is a circa 1930s double-sided porcelain neon sign advertising a Pontiac dealership. The focal point is the car manufacturer’s iconic company logo, which shows the legendary 18th century Ottawa tribe’s war chief Pontiac in profile. The sign illuminates nicely and has its original bullnose. Both sides display excellent condition – 8.25+ on side 1 and 8.0 on side 2. Its crated size is 83 by 29 by 51 inches, and its presale estimate is $12,000-$20,000.
Andy Warhol might have described a striking circa 1930s single-sided porcelain Shell Service neon sign as “pop art.” It really makes a statement with its extra-vivid color, high gloss and strong 9.0 condition. The sign has a newly added transformer and electrical componentry, so it’s ready to light up its new owner’s collection brightly and flawlessly. The crated size is 58 by 13 by 58.5 inches, and it’s expected to land in the $10,000-$20,000 range on auction day.
Vintage gas pumps and globes are at the center of any serious petroliana collection, and the February 21-22 sale has some excellent suggestions for collectors looking for either. A highlight amongst the 53 pumps to be offered is a restored circa 1910s American brand five-gallon visible Model #201. Displaying brilliant color throughout, it has hand-painted lettering, brass fixtures, and an attractive glass cylinder that presents in excellent condition. It stands 105 inches tall and could command a winning bid of $15,000-$25,000.
A selection of 91 gas pump globes and lenses includes many favorites in outstanding condition. Watch the crowd react with approval when a circa 1920s Gilmore (Los Angeles) Blu-Green Gasoline lens is introduced. With its roaring lion image, this rare 15-inch-diameter example is glossy and colorful, and is rated a condition 8.75+. Its auction target is $15,000-$20,000.
For the many collectors who actively pursue aviation fuel items, there’s a circa 1930s one-piece baked globe advertising Sinclair Aircraft petroleum. With rich red coloration on both sides and a graphic of a vintage single-prop airplane, this handsome globe is graded a solid 8.5. Estimate: $10,000-$20,000
An impressive selection of signs, 567 in all, includes a number of desirable items, like a seldom-encountered circa 1930s Flying A die-cut single-sided porcelain truck-door sign. In 8.0 condition, a high grade bolstered by its deep scarlet coloration and lustrous surface, this 66-inch-wide by 28-inch-high rarity is entered with a $15,000-$30,000 estimate.
A circa 1920s Wyeth Tires (St. Joseph, MO) single-sided porcelain corner sign features an appealing graphic of a young boy in motoring attire, with goggles pushed back on a visored cap, sitting inside a stack of tires. It measures 16 by 22 inches and bears a maker’s mark that reads Consumers BLDG CHI. With condition assessed at a confident 8.75 out of 10, its presale estimate is $12,000-$24,000.
It’s not every day that a collector runs across a circa 1930s “Use Associated Gasoline” four-color porcelain sign. Single-sided and measuring 24 inches in diameter, with a nice orange-peel texture and “More Miles To The Gallon” pouring-can logo, this rare advertising treasure in 8.75 condition carries a $10,000-$20,000 estimate.
Nearly two dozen gas- and oil-related advertising thermometers will cross the auction block. The star of the group is a circa 1930s Approved Red Hat Motor Oil single-sided porcelain example with bold and colorful advertising and Red Hat company-logo imagery on the face. The outer glass on this round thermometer is excellent, and the overall condition is graded 9.0. Estimate: $7,500-$15,000
The auction list is rounded out by point-of-purchase display racks and cabinets; 43 motor oil and other product cans; and a wide variety of miscellanea, including advertising clocks, a good-looking pair of Gilmore Gasoline Red Lion license plate toppers, fare boxes and other railroad items. A unique, all-original circa 1930s Mobil Pegasus weather vane in 8.9+ condition on both sides is 84 inches tall on its custom stand and comes to auction with a $6,000-$12,000 estimate.
The February 21-22 auction will be held live at Morphy’s satellite venue located at 4520 Arville Street, #1, Las Vegas, Nevada 89103. The start time is 9 AM PT/12 PM ET. Preview Monday through Thursday, February 17-20 from 9 AM to 4 PM local time; or on auction days from 8 AM to 9 AM. All forms of remote bidding will be available, including absentee, by phone (reserve line in advance), or live via the internet through Morphy Live. Condition reports or other questions can be addressed by calling toll free (877) 968-8880 or email info@morphyauctions.com, and online at www.morphyauctions.com.
