Sometimes, the temptation is just too much. You’ll see this at Morphy Auctions’ upcoming event on March 21-23. With items ranging from a Smith-O-Lene Aviation Gas sign to a Mohawk sign to a Cadillac Neon – it goes on and on and is simply enough to make one refinance the house to get a little hog wild. Since I’ve got a standard three-car garage, I seek smaller items that will fit better in the space, and because I’m excruciatingly cheap, I look for items no one else wants. Sadly, that’s not the case here, it seems everything is of high interest, however, there are a few items that are curious to me, and so far, the online bidders don’t seem to have discovered them, so I’m watching them. Check out some of the lots below, and if you don’t want to wait until March 21 to start bidding, do it online, register here.
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Lot 1098 - SMITHOLENE AVIATION BRAND GASOLINE PORCELAIN SERVICE STATION SIGN W/ AIRPLANE GRAPHIC
An incredible example of this iconic and highly sought after C. 1940's Porcelain Service Station Sign from Smitholene Gasoline, considered to be one of the "Holy Grails" of Gasoline & Motor Oil advertising history. Smitholene was an Independently run Oil Company with regional marketing throughout Texas and Arkansas, and was founded by W.D. Smith & Son in Texarkana, Texas. Not only is this piece considered to be one of the Holy Grails of the hobby it is also considered to be the finest known example being given our highest numerical grade offered, formerly of the Kyle Moore collection.
Lot 1162 - MOHAWK GASOLINE "DOWN FEATHER" PORCELAIN SERVICE STATION SIGN W/ ICONIC NATIVE AMERICAN GRAPHIC
Significantly rare and highly sought after piece of historic California Oil History from Mohawk Gasoline showing unique block-type print as well as iconic Native American graphic showing a more detailed image as well as a "Down Feather" rather than the more common "Up Feather" variation. Mohawk was a particularly early brand dating as early as the late 1910's. A Bakersfield-based Independent Oil Company that was broken apart and sold as early as 1925, and then later reappeared in the late 1920's as Mohawk Petroleum Company of San Francisco that we see more commonly showing Native American graphic with "Upright Feather" image.
Lot 1226 - WASATCH GASOLINE 48" PORCELAIN SERVICE STATION SIGN W/ NATIVE AMERICAN GRAPHIC
A remarkable and significantly rare piece of c. 1940's service station advertising from Wasatch gasoline, a product of Wasatch Oil Company, Salt Lake City, Utah. This piece of porcelain advertising from Wasatch is one of only two known examples to remain in this particular size and the first time one has publicly come to market. Sign features outstanding red, white, and blue colors with an incredibly detailed Native American Chief in full bonnet throughout each side with crisp detail and heavy shelving between each color.
Lot 1099 - OILZUM MOTOR OILS PORCELAIN CURB SIGN W/ ORIGINAL BASE & "OSWALD THE DRIVER" GRAPHIC
Sign is Maker Marked Ingram Richardson. Incredibly clean and finest known example of this very rare C. 1930's Porcelain Service Station Sign from Oilzum Motor Oils & Lubricants showing unique script style as well as "Oswald The Driver" graphic. A product of The White & Bagley Company, Worcester, Massachusetts. Sign also features its original "White & Bagley Co." cast base.
Lot 1438 - CADILLAC AUTHORIZED SERVICE COMPLETE PORCELAIN NEON SIGN W/ CREST GRAPHICS
Two Single Sided Signs mounted back-to-back on what appears to be the original can. An outstanding example of this very rare 60" Porcelain Neon Sign from Cadillac Automobiles showing Crest & Crown graphics with "Authorized Service." Each side is two pieces and shows beautiful blue, yellow, and white neon.
Lot 1289 - 48" FRONTIER "RARIN' TO GO" GASOLINE PORCELAIN SIGN W/ COWBOY GRAPHIC
Sign is Maker Marked S.P.S. and Dated 1954. An incredible rarity from Frontier Gasoline & Motor Oils with only a few known examples. This 48" Porcelain Keyhole Service Station Sign is stunning and one of the finest known examples featuring a unique shape with outstanding Cowboy & Horse graphics. A product of Frontier Oil Company, Denver, Colorado.
Lot 1359 - IDAHO CHIEF GASOLINE 72" PORCELAIN SIGN W/ NATIVE AMERICAN GRAPHIC
The finest example of this c. 1940's Porcelain Service Station Sign from Chief Gasoline to have ever publicly sold with this example showing "Idaho" identification along the top edge. Sign features unique colors throughout as well as an outstanding Native American Chief in full bonnet graphic throughout each side and is a product of advertisement from Wasatch Oil Company.
Lot 2210 - RARE POLLY GASOLINE PORCELAIN NEON SERVICE STATION SIGN W/ PARROT GRAPHIC
One of the most iconic and highly sought after Signs in all of Gas & Oil. This beautiful C. 1920's Porcelain Neon Sign from Polly Gasoline shows incredible porcelain detailing in the colors and lights up beautifully in neon along the edges and at the lettering. A product of Wilshire Oil Company, Los Angeles, California.
Lot 2313 - PIONEER GASOLINE 15" SINGLE GLOBE LENS ON METAL HIGH PROFILE BODY
Single 15" Globe Lens on Metal High Profile Body. Incredibly rare and highly sought after single globe lens from Pioneer Gasoline featuring an incredible Native American sighting a passing wagon train as well as unique Pioneer script. A product of Pioneer Oil Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Lot 2569 - KUNZ GASOLINE "BEST FOR THE NORTH" 15" SINGLE GLOBE LENS ON UNUSUAL METAL H.P. BODY
Single 15" Globe Lens on Metal High Profile Body. An incredible and highly sought after Globe Lens from Kunz "Best for The North" Gasoline, a product of Kunz Oil Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Lens features unique “Car Driving Throughout the Trees” graphic with unique style script and colors.
Lot 2431 - Reproduction ESSO Gasoline Service Station figurine
Yes, it’s a reproduction, but if you’re just enjoying it, what does it matter? Current bid is only $150.
Lot 2227 - Vesuvius Motor Graphite square quart can.
The graphics are outstanding, but currently the can has no bidders. The estimate spans to $1,000 – but will it find that much at this sale? Who knows? But it’s a gorgeous can, and with the starting bid at $275, it might be a great, low-cost piece of art.
Morphy Auctions’ upcoming Automobilia, Petroliana, & Railroadiana Auction will take place March 21-23. This auction is very exciting in that it holds fresh to the market items including part two of Bobby Knudsen Jr.’s amazing collection of world-class automotive, gas and oil and soda pop advertising. Part three of Bobby’s collection will be featured in Morphy Auctions’ fall 2023 Automobilia, Petroliana, & Railroadiana Auction.
