LAS VEGAS, NEV.- Games of chance can go either way in Sin City, but theres one sure bet for those planning a visit to Las Vegas January 23rd through 25th, and thats the 2,800-lot Coin Op, Advertising & Toy sale to be held at
Morphy Auctions Nevada gallery. Every buyer at this auction will emerge a winner, whether theyve bid on slot machines, arcade games, advertising signs, jukeboxes, toys or Coca-Cola merchandise, because each carefully vetted piece is backed by Morphy Auctions guarantee that it is exactly as described in the catalog. Those who cannot attend in person can take their pick of many other ways to participate, either bidding absentee, by phone, or live via the Internet.
The opening session on Friday, Jan. 23, will see 1,100 lots auctioned off at a rapid pace, with a selection that includes vintage Coca-Cola ads, scales, neon signs, games and dolls.
Rare toy vehicles, pedal cars, coin-op machines and barber shop chairs and fixtures are among the nearly 800 lots to be offered on Saturday, Jan. 24. An experienced entertainer, Lot 1591 is a circa-1941 Wurlitzer Model 850 jukebox with a beautiful, color-changing peacock design on the front of its cabinet. The machine accepts multiple coin denominations and plays 78 rpm records up to 24 in all. It is expected to make $12,000-$15,000 at auction.
Lot 1686, an original 5-cent Watling two-wheel profit sharing machine, was made around 1910 and has a sidekick accessory that dispenses chewing gum or mints. This rare machine is in working order, retains its keys and is entered with a presale estimate of $30,000-$35,000. Another Watling production, Lot 1754 is a Bird of Paradise Rol-A-Top twin-jackpot bell slot machine. Made in 1935, it was restored by renowned coin-op authority Fred De Baugh and in very good order. It plays, pays and will convey to its new owner with keys. Estimate: $8,000-$9,000.
Lot 1756, a Caille 25-cent New Century Puck upright floor wheel slot machine, dates to around 1908. Its sturdy oak case is lavishly embellished with antique copper and is fully functional. De Baugh, who is also Morphys resident coin-op expert, says the original tin wheel on this machine is one of the best known. The professionally restored New Century Puck, complete with keys, is likely to achieve $20,000-$25,000.
A fine fleet of pressed-steel advertising, delivery and work trucks by all of the classic brands favored by toy collectors will parade through Morphys Las Vegas gallery. The trucks will be accompanied by their larger pressed-steel cousins: pedal cars and other pedal-powered vehicles, all in stellar condition. Lot 1312, a snappy Stutz Speedster pedal car, was made by Steelcraft around 1926. This handsomely restored example is finished in school-pencil yellow with black trim, measures 47 inches long and is estimated at $400-$800.
The Sunday session will offer tremendous variety with approximately 700 lots of petroliana, advertising art, soda fountain accessories, furniture and clocks. Lot 1911, a near-mint Buffalo Premium Gasoline logo globe, features a different motif on each of the globes two sides, with one of the lenses depicting a galloping buffalo in full stride. In near-mint condition, this eye-catching gas-pump topper is estimated at $6,000-$9,000.
Rare, early Coca-Cola trays, calendars with pretty models, signs, thermometers and even a functional Coke vending machine await fans of the worlds most popular soft drink. Both metal and cardboard signs are included in the selection. An example from the latter category is Lot 1999, a circa-1948 horizontal cardboard sign with the image of a brunette model. It is estimated at $200-$400.
An imposing King Alfred Cigar cast-iron clock on an ornate, quadruped base is in excellent condition and has a handy extra feature: a built-in cigar cutter. It will cross the auction block with expectations of $400-$600.
The Jan. 23-25 auction will be held at Morphys Las Vegas gallery, located at 4520 Arville St., #1, Las Vegas, NV 89103, with a live webcast available to view online at www.morphyauctions.com. All forms of bidding will be available, including live via the Internet through Morphy Live. Each of the three sessions will start at 9 a.m. Pacific Time (12 noon Eastern Time). Preview goods Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. or 6 p.m., or by appointment. Tel. 702-382-2466 or email vegas@morphyauctions.com.