| DENVER, Pa. – This month Morphy Auctions’ gallery has transformed into a virtual amusement arcade, showcasing a first-class lineup of gaming, vending and music machines, as well as a fine array of antique advertising. Comprising 1,475 lots in all, this exciting selection will cross the auction block at Morphy’s Coin-Op & Advertising sale, Nov. 20-21. The first day will be devoted primarily to coin-op and gambling machines, while the second day will feature antique advertising and general antiques. An extra highlight of the opening session is a grouping of 78 early floor-model and countertop cash registers, many of them ornate and with toppers that display messages. One of the auction’s superstars is an extremely hard-to-find Caille Brothers 5-cent “Black Cat” musical upright slot machine in all-original condition. It has its correct castings, coin head and spinning wheel. The unit’s handsome oak cabinet is heavily embellished with nickelplating, and it stands on four sturdy nickel-plated cabriole legs. The presale estimate for this coveted machine is $60,000-$90,000. A later coin-operated entertainer, a Rock-Ola multi-coin Model 1414 phonograph jukebox was made around 1942. A sensational combination of late Art Deco design and technological innovation, this extremely rare jukebox is one of only a few known examples of Rock-Ola’s “Commando” model modified to look like the ultra-rare “President.” A Holcomb & Hoke Butter-Kist Popcorn machine may well represent the original snack food multi-tasker. Made in the first quarter of 20th century, fully automatic floor models of this type not only popped and buttered fresh, hot popcorn, but also came with an attached accessory that utilized the machine’s steam source to roast Butter-Kist peanuts or other types of nuts. A glowing beacon on day two of the auction is the mesmerizing oversized Coca-Cola leaded-glass display bottle known within the hobby to be extremely rare and elusive. “Few ever appear for sale in the marketplace,” Morphy noted. Standing 47 by 19 by 19 inches on its wooden base, it was manufactured in the 1920s by Metropolitan Art Glass Co., of New York. At auction, it should land in the $50,000-$80,000 range. In all, there are 730 advertising lots with broad appeal, covering a number of sub-categories such as alcohol, tobacco, barbershop, candy and gum; soft drinks, ice cream, general store, and more. Morphy’s Nov. 20-21 Coin-Op and Advertising Auction will be held at the company’s gallery located at 2000 N. Reading Road, Denver, Pa. All forms of bidding will be available, including live via the Internet through Morphy Live. Contact: (877) 968-8880, www.morphyauctions.com |
