LAS VEGAS, NEV.- On December 4-6 in Las Vegas, Morphy’s will auction the classic advertising, American pop culture and coin-op collection of Southern California businessman and entertainment industry professional Ray Claridge. In addition to the Claridge collection, which comprises the majority of the sale’s contents, there are 200+ high-quality lots from longtime antique advertising collectors Mike and Darlene Peel.

Not much grass grows under Ray Claridge’s feet. He’s a man of many accomplishments who’s equally at home in motion picture, car racing or vintage advertising circles. He founded and operated Cinema Vehicle Services, the North Hollywood company that built some of the most recognizable movie and TV cars of the modern era, including “General Lee” from Dukes of Hazzard and “Herbie” from The Love Bug. After decades in that world, Ray opened Back in the Day Classics in Orange, California, one of the region’s largest advertising and memorabilia showrooms. He has also been deeply involved in West Coast racing culture for many years and played a major role in taking NASCAR to Japan. His wide-ranging interests, which embrace the West Coast lifestyle, are captured in their entirety in one big, dazzling collection that traverses the realm of American pop culture from its earliest days through the decades immediately following World War II.



Every imaginable type of signage can be found in the auction lineup, including one of the very best reverse-painted glass signs known to exist. Promoting the wide range of cigars sold under the “Owl” brand, it is of a type that would have been placed prominently in a shop window or used as a hanging display in the late 19th- or early 20th century. This important, investment-grade piece, with spectacular graphics intended to stop passersby in their tracks, features an extraordinary image of a perched owl with the phrase “CIGAR STORE” in large, bold lettering. The sign measures 30¼ inches by 80 inches and retains its original frame. Graded a strong condition 9.0+, it will be introduced with a pre-sale estimate of $30,000-$60,000.



A spectacular scene-stealer of monumental height, a 1950s-’60s Planters Mr. Peanut fiberglass figure was made by Old King Cole Mfg. Co., a respected Ohio firm that also produced mascots for Big Boy, A&W and other classic American businesses. Standing nearly 9ft tall, the auction entry is from a limited run of promotional figures that Planters provided exclusively to distributors and retailers. Such figures were never offered to the public. The example offered by Morphy’s is believed to have been used initially at the Atlantic City Boardwalk and is one of the few remaining examples in its size and of its high quality. Its auction estimate is $20,000-$40,000.

Taking a commanding position in the gas & oil section, an outstanding Wayne Model #492 10-gallon Roman column visible gas pump has attractive pinstriped details throughout. An extremely clean and fresh restoration with exceptional colors, it has a white cloth hose with polished brass nozzle and a Gold Crown cast milk-glass globe. This towering 10ft tall beauty is expected to sell for $20,000-$40,000.



A wonderful illuminating cast aluminum and glass “SODA” trade sign was made by Beacon Mfg. and Sales Co., of 729 6th Avenue, New York City. It is an original sign that depicts a tall, foaming soda fountain glass with a soda spoon handle protruding from the top. The original manufacturer’s label appears on the wall bracket. There are only slight indications of paint loss to the glass and a minor repair to the spoon handle. It is otherwise an outstanding example assessed as being in Excellent condition. Estimate: $15,000-$30,000



More than 100 lots represent brewery or distillery beverages. One of the finest is a Wichman Lutgen & Co. Inc., San Francisco, lithographed advertisement for Gilt Edge Whiskey. It is emblazoned with the slogan, “The Treat That Can’t Be Beat” together with an image of the brand’s iconic Victorian lady. Both the frame and matting are original, and the sign is graded a pleasing 9.0+. Estimate: $15,000-$25,000



Collectors will have a rare opportunity to bid on an S B Rothenbert (Oakland, Calif.) Fine Old Whiskey oversize whiskey bottle, with its original label under glass and housed in its original crate. In fact, everything about this amazing survivor is original, including the bottle’s contents. A stunning example in near-perfect 9.0 condition, it could serve up a winning bid in the vicinity of $10,000-$20,000



An early 1900s pre-Prohibition porcelain corner sign from Adolph Coors Brewing Co., advertises Colorado’s most famous brew: Coors Golden Beer. One of the nicer examples known to exist, it displays bright shades of blue with red and white, and is rated a clean and solid 8.0 out of 10. This sign was produced by Burdick Sign Co., of Beaver Falls, Pa., and is marked on its bottom edge with an unusual version of the manufacturer's mark. Estimate: $10,000-$20,000

In terms of eye appeal, it would be hard to beat an early 1900s to 1920s Stevens & Baker Clauss Cutlery curved reverse-on-glass advertising sign with its original wood frame and backing. The paint and colors are bright and crisp, with beautiful detail work throughout. The frame itself is surrounded by clear jeweled-eye glass enhancements around the perimeter. It has its original electric cord but does not illuminate; the backing was not removed to investigate. Graded a condition 8.5, this incredibly hard-to-find sign will cross the auction block with a $10,000-$20,000 estimate.



Soda pop fans would be hard pressed to find a more beautiful example of the well-knownand admired 14-inch illuminating reverse-on-glass Pepsi-Cola bullet sign with the message “BIGGER AND BETTER / A NICKEL DRINK WORTH A DIME.” TAC-authenticated, with no areas of repair, its base and backing are original, showing remnants of the original decals. It is fully operational with its original cord. Graded a condition 9.0, it has been assigned a pre-auction estimate of $5,000-$15,000.



A fantastic array of coin-operated machines awaits bidders, including gambling, vending and music machines of the highest caliber. A Mills Novelty Co. (Chicago) 5¢ Dewey Jackpot slot machine with a front-glass graphic and copper flash castings is housed in a quartered oak cabinet (replaced back door). It appears to have undergone a restoration in its earlier days. The unit has original castings (with the exception of doghead castings), and the front glass is an older replacement with lustrous lettering. The colorful tin-litho wheel is in excellent condition. In VG condition, its auction estimate is $10,000-$20,000.

Morphy’s Dec. 4-6, 2025 General Antiques & Advertising Auction will be held live at their comfortable West Coast satellite gallery located at 4520 Arville St., #1, Las Vegas, Nevada 89103. Start time is 9am Pacific time (12 noon Eastern time). Preview weekdays by appointment from 9am-4pm local time starting one week before the auction; or on auction days from 8-9am. All forms of remote bidding will be available, including absentee, by phone (please reserve line in advance), or live via the Internet through Morphy Live. For condition reports or other questions, call tollfree 877-968-8880 or email info@morphyauctions.com. Online: https://www.morphyauctions.com.