Packed with stunning original signs, neons, gas station equipment, F&B memorabilia, and more, Morphy’s October 6, 2024 sale should prove to be a terrific event. When I first saw the catalogue, I was slack-jawed by so many exceedingly rare and unique items on offer – items like a pig sandwich neon sign, which has an astonishing Texas backstory that paved the way for the likes of McDonald’s; then there’s the Texas Pacific Gasoline and Motor Oil porcelain sign – simply put, I’ve never seen one. I’d heard of TexPac, but never have seen a sign; a 1940s Glo-Dial neon clock from Los Angeles reading “Garage Towing” has caught my fancy in a big way; and, of course, among the seemingly millions of other amazing items, there’s a great double-sided porcelain “Fiat Service” sign that’s screaming to come home with me. Years ago, driving past an antique shop in the middle of the night, they had a similar sign on display, but it was in Italian. I called on it the next day, the price was nearly $600, if I remember correctly, way out of my league, I didn’t need it that badly. I do wish I’d bit the bullet and bought it, forcing us to live on ramen for a few months. It was a neat sign that the guy on the phone said was an original from the 1950s, but he knew nothing of how it got to SoCal. And now there’s this one. Take a peek, see what catches your fancy. Register to bid, you can begin online. You know, going through these catalogues reminds me of being a kid thumbing through the Sears Christmas catalogue. Hey – y’know – the holidays are coming… good excuse to go shopping, right? See ya there.
Lot 1136 - This sign is set in the original metal ring which has been painted red. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, this sign hails from the 1930s and shows excellently overall. Measures 42" in diameter.
Lot 1495 - A one-piece baked globe dated September 17, 1929, with "Made In USA" ink stamping, and the outer collar, this rare and iconic Musgo Gasoline globe presents outstandingly well. The Native American graphic is hand painted on both sides, with outstanding paint throughout. Measures 16.5" tall.
Outstanding Gilmore "Blu-Green" Gasoline 15" Globe Lens w/ Lion Graphic on Metal H.P. Body
Lot 1232 - Circa 1920s, this Gilmore sign harkens back to a time when Los Angeles, California was hugely involved in the production of gas and oil. Showing brilliant color and gloss with a detailed Lion graphic and six colors throughout, the lens shows only minimal wear with a very clean outer edge. The high-profile metal body has been nicely painted red. Lens measures 15" in diameter.
Sinclair Pennsylvania Motor Oil Porcelain Sign w/ Dino Graphic
Lot 1145 - Marked "Sinclair SP-11" at the lower edge, this circa 1930s Double Sided Porcelain sign is an outstanding example of a rare and very desirable Curb Sign. Showing a black dino graphic on each side, the condition is seen as outstanding overall with excellent color and gloss, no field chipping, only minor scratching, and some factory flaws. Measures 24" in diameter.
Air Scale Service Station Air Meter w/ One Piece Baked Air Globe
Lot 1528 - Completely restored to a high standard, this incredible Air Scale is finished in dark red and has hand-painted lettering in yellow. The globe is outstanding and shows just faint wear. Similarly, the glass and brass internals are all in exceptional condition. Measures 16" x 16" x 42"
Rare & Outstanding Rainbow Lubricant One Pound Grease Can w/ Car & Gas Pump Graphic AGS
Lot 1375 - Hailing from the 1930s, this extremely rare, one-pound can of Rainbow Lubricant from the True's Oil Company of Spokane, Washington features a stunningly clean graphic with no notable field wear on either side. The can shows cleanly at the top and bottom edges, with a very clean seam. Measures 4.25" tall.
Lot 1133 - A true Texas legend, in 1921, Jesse G. Kirby and Reuben W. Jackson opened their first Pig Stand restaurant in Dallas. It was America's first drive-in restaurant, and Kirby based it on the assumption that people with cars were lazy, that they would rather stay in them to eat. He introduced the car hop concept, onion rings, chicken fried steak, and Texas Toast among many culinary firsts. The Pig Sandwich was the headliner though, which was a Tennessee-style pulled pork sandwich with sour pickle relish. Measures 73" x 41" x 8.5"
