DENVER, PA.- A circa 1905-1910 Caille Brothers Mfg Centaur triple slot machine with rare harp castings soared to $227,500, and a circa 1900-1905 Mills 20th Century upright slot machine in the scarce one-dollar denomination rang up $92,250 at Morphys Coin-Op & Advertising auction held May 21-23, 2026 in Las Vegas. More than 1,700 lots of top-quality items were sold.
The strong auction results served to reinforce Morphys status as the premier auction house for antique coin-op machines and antique advertising, not just in Las Vegas but nationwide. Overall, the sale totaled in excess of $3 million.
A fully-restored, fully-functional Caille Brothers Mfg (Detroit) Centaur triple slot machine with rare harp castings was by far the auctions top achiever, landing within its presale estimate. The visually striking gaming device was designed with three independently-operating slot machines housed in one cabinet. This configuration gave customers the option of choosing their preferred denomination.
A Mills 20th Century upright slot machine in the scarce one-dollar denomination is one of the most desirable and elusive versions within the 20th Century floor model line. It also sold within estimate. The auction example was fully restored and a handsome presentation. The cabinet had been refinished and its castings replated. It played and paid correctly, which heightened its appeal.
A circa 1905-1910 Caille Bros double upright combination slot machine featuring a 5-cent Centaur and a 25-cent Big Six within a single cabinet changed hands for $79,950, just under the high estimate. The restored machine represented an efficient multi-denomination configuration designed to maximize operator revenue while also conserving floor space and meeting licensing requirements. It paid and played correctly.
A circa-1899 Mills Duplex 5-cent upright slot machine with a light oak cabinet displayed a nicely mottled brass patina and impressive overall condition, including its castings. The 70-inch-tall machine was designed to allow up to 10 nickels to be played per pull. Professionally restored with a replacement wheel and keys, it played and paid correctly. Against a $60,000 high estimate, it settled at $66,420.
A beautiful, original oval-shape Yosemite Beer sign showing wonderful scrollwork and deep, rich colors measured 16 inches by 20 inches and was graded 9.0+ for condition. Retaining its original frame and backing, it nearly tripled its $20,000 high estimate with a winning bid of $54,120.
An impressive, circa-1924 illuminating leaded-glass trade sign for the Roth Johnson Drug Store, in the form of a mortar and pestle with wonderful multi-colored jewels in the center, achieved $43,050 against a high estimate of $30,000. With clean ruby red stained-glass panels around the top and period-correct internal electrical components, it was ready to join the top tier of a new collection.
A 1910 Buffalo Brewing Company lithographed calendar titled At the Opera, based on an original painting by B. Zickendrakaht, was a true auction sleeper. The 24½-inch by 33½-inch calendar depicting a beautiful lady in an evening gown showed good color and still had its complete set of months at the lower left-hand corner. It was rated 8.5 for condition and had been matted in a contemporary frame. Against a high estimate of $5,000, the calendar was competitively bid to $24,600.
An outstanding circa-1910s double-sided figural light-up trade sign in the form of an early pair of eyeglasses from Dr. Blakey Optometrist exceeded the $30,000 high estimate to finish at $36,900. The sign featured four reverse-painted glass lenses with great eyeball graphics. It measured 64 inches 36 inches and lit up nicely, with a newer power cord for safety.
A large S Grabfelder & Co (Louisville, Ky) label-under-glass, wicker-wrapped whiskey bottle with handle dating to the late 1890s or very early 1900s sold within estimate for $28,920. An incredible fresh find, the bottle was adorned with the image of a lovely lady (Kentucky Belle). The reverse glass label was in fine condition, with only minor wear and staining. It was housed in an original crate with an applied paper label.
A circa-1908 Caille one-cent coin-op that invited players to Shake Hands With Uncle Sam breezed past the $16,000 high estimate to realize $24,600. The early and unique grip strength tester, 77½ inches tall, showed an older restoration and was in working order, with three keys provided. The cabinet had a nice finish throughout, while the bust displayed a weathered finish. The original marquee was a replacement.
A Watling 50-cent denomination Roll-A-Top twin jackpot slot machine edged past its $20,000 high estimate to bring $20,910. The machine had undergone a complete restoration and featured original reel strips, back door and coin box. It played and paid and came with 128 silver coins.
A circa-1942 Rock-Ola Corp. (Chicago) Model 1418 Commando jukebox with top speaker bowl and 20 78-RPM records, more than tripled the high estimate at $19,680. The designs of WWII-era Rock-Ola jukeboxes are considered to be among the most original and unconventional in all of jukebox history. The one auctioned at Morphys had undergone a complete cosmetic restoration and artfully reflected the post-Art Deco period with its bright colors, plastics and nickel plating.
A Mills cast-iron 5-cent Liberty Bell slot machine found in the basement of the Grand Imperial Hotel in Las Vegas achieved $17,835, well above the $10,000 high estimate. The machine showed an older replating in Watts nickel, with original reel strips, award cards, marquee, and new coin box. The serial number 291 was very early. A bonus: the payout tubes still had some V and buffalo nickels in them.
A restored circa-1910 Koken Supply Co. (St. Louis, Mo) lighted barber pole with iconic red and white stripes, hexagonal in shape with a stained-glass globe and standing tall at 85 inches in height, went for $9,840, almost double the $5,000 high estimate. The barber pole was also accompanied by a replacement globe.
To discuss consigning to a future Coin-Op & Advertising auction, or other auction hosted by Morphys, call Dan Morphy at 877-968-8880 or email
info@morphyauctions.com. All enquiries are kept strictly confidential, and there is never an obligation to consign. Online:
www.morphyauctions.com.