LAS VEGAS, NEV.- There’s plenty to attract fun-seekers to that glittering vacation oasis Las Vegas – casinos, shows, theme hotels, and now that
Morphy’s has come to town, first-class auctions. America’s top tourist destination now offers collectors an even more compelling reason to spend some time out west, with a prime opportunity coming up on Saturday and Sunday, August 1st and 2nd. Over that weekend, Morphy’s Las Vegas will host a big 1,600-lot Antiques & Advertising Auction featuring a tremendous assortment of TV and movie props. Each carefully vetted piece is backed by Morphy Auctions’ guarantee that it is exactly as described in the online catalog.
“The props in our upcoming sale are absolutely authentic and were used on various sets during production,” noted Peter Sidlow, president of Morphy Auctions Las Vegas. “Some are futuristic, oddball props that we think will appeal not only to movie memorabilia fans but also sci-fi, robot and space toy collectors.”
Among the many fascinating entries in the prop section of the sale are items that were used during the 2009-2011 production of the TV show Stargate Universe. Produced by MGM, Stargate Universe aired on both the Syfy and Space Channels, and on Sky1 in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Its plot involved a group of soldiers and civilians struggling to survive while trapped on an ancient spaceship, billions of light years from home.
A bizarre illuminating “Air Purification System” made of sturdy metal and set on a rolling frame was used in the taping of Stargate Universe around 2011. Standing 72 inches tall, the curious contraption is estimated at $300-$600. Other Stargate props include spaceship lights, Destiny Power Relay Panels, a Universe Bridge, Atlantian and Stasis Pod lights; a lighted Hero Alien Boar wall mount, control panel and desk; and volumes of Stargate production pictures. Additionally, there are many Stargate crewmembers’ jackets, vests, T-shirts, caps and other articles of apparel.
The auction offering also incorporates the contents of a now-defunct Los Angeles and Las Vegas-based movie prop house that rented out Art Deco through midcentury-period objects to film and TV studios. The broad variety of items from this particular consignment includes back bars, advertising and other signs; fans, lamps, bronzes and numerous other decorative items and accessories.
“We have a very nice selection of antique and vintage toys in this sale, plus gas and oil, soda pop and other types of advertising signs,” Sidlow added. The advertising choices include early tip trays, such as a 1905-copyright Coca-Cola example ($300-$500) and one dating to around 1910 that touts Pulver’s Cocoa ($200-$300). A Mission Orange Soda “Naturally Good” double-sided tin flange sign is estimated at $200-$500.
A great-looking fire engine red Eco Islander Service Station ‘Tireflator’ metered air and water dispenser displays a tire’s air pressure as it is being filled. Complete with key, the 56½ inch gas-station treasure is expected to make $1,500-$2,000.
Ready to entertain in any family room or man cave, a classic Wurlitzer jukebox Model 1015 accepts nickels and plays any tune on demand from its repertoire of 24 records. The auction estimate is $2,000-$4,000.
“This sale is going to be a lot of fun,” Sidlow said. “I couldn’t begin to count the categories, but just about everything is what you’d call a conversation starter, from a film-used, carousel-style camel to Beatles Sgt. Pepper dolls to an actual sit-down photo booth with curtains and an outside mirror. Just browsing the items during the preview would provide hours of entertainment.”
The Aug. 1-2, 2015 auction will be held at Morphy’s 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. Both auction sessions will start at 9 a.m. Pacific Time (12 noon Eastern Time). Preview goods Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment.
