Morphy Auctions will offer a treasure trove of antique advertising next month, with something for almost ever collector.
The sale will include more than 650 lots spanning the most popular categories in the hobby, with everything from tobacco and breweriana to vintage soda, general store and barbershop collectibles.
"This upcoming auction features some of the finest antique advertising examples to hit the market in recent memory," said Dan Morphy, President of Morphy Auctions. "Enthusiasts will find extraordinary examples – and temptations – across every major category and specialty."
"Our offering of soda-related merchandise is particularly strong here. And I encourage bidders to check out this event’s amazing group of shaving mugs. They are visually stunning and don’t take up too much space. I know that’s a growing concern for all collectors – myself included!"
The selection of shaving mugs kicks off the sale, with notable highlights including a captain’s mug bearing an image of the 19th century Atlantic City Ferry, estimated at $4,000-$6,000. They’re followed by a strong selection of alcohol advertising trays and signs featuring the likes of Anheuser-Busch, Seipp Bewing Co., Pabst, Falstaff, Budweiser, American Pride Bourbon, Buffalo Distilling Company and Seagram’s Kentucky Distillery.
Many of the sale’s most valuable lots can be found in the soda section. Leading the way are a Drink Fan-Taz Syrup Dispenser shaped like a baseball, estimated at $40,000-$60,000, and an early 1900’s Coca-Cola celluloid sign featuring opera star Lillian Nordica, estimated at $30,000-$40,000.
Elsewhere almost every collectible brand is covered, from Campbell’s Soup and Wrigley’s Gum to Planter’s Peanuts and Dr Pepper. There are celluloid pinbacks, porcelain and tin litho signs, cardboard store standees, salesmen samples, advertising calendars and everything in between.
Further top lots include a Monumental Buffalo Distilling Co. Tin Litho Sign valued at $15,000-$30,000, a Crawford’s Cherry-Fizz Ceramic Syrup Dispenser estimated at $6,000-$9,000, an early Brass & Wood Salesman Sample Reaper valued at $5,000-$10,000, and a Peru Plow & Wheel Co Salesman Sample Gang Plow priced at $6,000-$10,000.
The Morphy Auctions Premier Advertising sale takes place on Sunday March 6.
