Collectors Get Ready to Fill 'Er Up at Morphy's July 16-17 Automobilia & Petroliana Auction Featuring Rare, High-Condition Advertising Signs

1,226 lots include 650 gas and oil signs, including Musgo and Grizzly; 74 gas pumps, 87 gas globes, 64 product cans, plus railroadiana, motorcycles, license plates & general advertising

DENVER, Pa., July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Morphy Auctions is revved up and ready for some high-octane competition at their July 16-17 auction, which is packed with 1,226 lots of fine automobilia and petroliana. Bidders can take their pick from 650 outstanding advertising signs, 74 gas pumps, 87 gas globes, 64 product cans, and hundreds of other vintage motoring-related items. Let's pop the hood and see what's waiting for collectors at Morphy's Pennsylvania gallery.

Topping the auction highlights is a sign that literally every motorhead dreams of adding to their collection: a round Musgo Gasoline "Michigan's Mile Maker" double-sided porcelain sign with the image of a Native American chief. Exceptionally rare and sought-after, this sign was issued circa 1920s by the Muskegon Oil Co., of Muskegon, Michigan. As most petroliana collectors would know, Musgo signs of this type started turning up several years ago after being discovered in use as lids on septic tanks. Most were seriously degraded from the effects of snow and damp earth, so it's always exciting when a nice example comes up for sale. Auction estimate: $50,000-$80,000

Another collector favorite that's expected to fly is a circa-1940s single-sided porcelain sign advertising Grizzly Gasoline. It has an excellent graphic of the company's hulking brown bear mascot and the tagline "Dubbs Cracked." Clean and glossy, its only faults are minor chips along the outer edges and minor chipping below and to the right of the mounting hole. All four original grommets are intact. Measuring 12 inches in diameter and graded a condition 8.5+, this beauty could realize $10,000-$20,000.

The wow factor is over the top in a circa-1950s OK Used Cars Authorized Dealer porcelain neon sign, complete with bullnose attachments and maker-marked "Federal Signs." Side one is consistently colorful and glossy, with only light scratching and wear, and one area of touchup to the lower field. Side two is equally beautiful, with two small touchups. Mounted on its original can, which has been repainted, this advertising showstopper is accompanied by two Chevrolet porcelain bowtie attachment signs. The measurements are: 58 inches by 16 inches by 39 inches, and the sides are graded 8.5 and 8.0, respectively. Estimate: $10,000-$20,000

Many sought-after examples are in the lineup of seven dozen gas pump globes. One of the most elusive globes – and also one of the most attractive – is a Tropical Gas "It's Speed It's Power" single 15-inch lens with a double-palm-tree and sunburst graphic. Morphy Auctions' founder and president, Dan Morphy, explained that the globe is one of only two of its type known to exist. "Originally, this globe was found in Florida, complete, but it was subsequently split into two singles. As for Tropical Gas, it's background is something of a mystery. Nothing is really known about the company except that it was an independent brand located in Florida," Morphy said. Graded in 8.75+ condition and set on its original low-profile metal body, this rare globe lens is likely to achieve a winning bid in the $15,000-$30,000 range.

All forms of bidding will be available, including in-person at the gallery, absentee, by phone and live via the Internet through Morphy Live. To contact Morphy's, call 877-968-8880, email [email protected]. Online: www.morphyauctions.com.

Media Contact:
Dan Morphy
877-968-8880
[email protected] 

SOURCE Morphy Auctions