DENVER, PA.- Now that summer is in everyones rear-view mirror, its time to start thinking of ways to enjoy the cooler autumn weather. Heres an idea: head west to Las Vegas, October 16 and 17, for Morphys much-anticipated Coin-Op & Advertising auction, featuring more than 1,100 lots of rare, high-quality antiques and vintage collectibles. Morphy Auctions is widely regarded as the premier auction house for antique coin-op machines and antique advertising.
Several lots could easily finish at $50,000 or more. Leading the pack is a phenomenal circa-1890-1910 carved carousel lion attributed to the Dentzel Carousel Company (Philadelphia). The painted wood menagerie carousel lion is modeled in a striding pose with head dramatically raised and mouth open, featuring inset glass eyes, carved teeth and tongue, and a deep, flowing mane carved in high relief. Impressive at 70 inches tall, it is mounted on a wooden display platform. Estimate: $40,000-$60,000
For one penny, customers could watch the highly-detailed Roover Brothers Madame Zita fortune teller automaton dressed in period Victorian clothing turn her head from one side to grab a fortune, and turn again to drop it down the chute for the customer to collect. She also pulls the lever with the other hand to dispense a fortune card. Many reproductions of Madame Zita exist, but very few originals survived and even fewer come to market. This ones working, and with keys. Estimate: $30,000-$60,000
Music anyone? Lot #2342 is a circa-1870 Imhof & Mulke (Germany) original pinned barrel orchestrion that had the barrel replaced in the 1890s with a Welte roll-playing system. That improvement expanded the playing options from one tune to the full selection of Welte rolls. This example was played in the Philadelphia Opera Hall in the early 1900s and was restored for the current owner by Hayes McClaren. It is fully operational, in near-perfect condition, and even comes with a nice assortment of rolls. Estimate: $20,000-$50,000
An 84-inch-tall, late-19th-century cigar store Indian figure is attributed to the shop of Samuel Robb (American, 1851-1928). The carved and polychrome-painted wood tobacconist trade figure depicts a standing Native American warrior wearing an elaborate eagle and feather headdress, carved jewelry and feather-decorated costume, the raised right arm displaying a bundle of cigars and the left supporting a large circular advertising shield lettered SUPERIOR QUALITY CIGARS. Estimate: $35,000-$45,000
At first glance, the single-sided porcelain thermometer sign from Campbell's Soup of Camden, New Jersey, taking the form of the iconic tomato soup can, looks like the work of Andy Warhol. But it isnt. The thermometer face reads, "On so many days Soup is just the thing!" and the sign is in outstanding condition. The gloss and color are exceptional and the silver rim around the thermometer in the center shows a bright nickel finish. And, the thermometer reads accurately. Estimate: $15,000-$30,000
The circa-1880 Brunswick Monarch 9-foot pool table is perhaps the most-sought after example of an early pool table. Features include a walnut background with extensive inlay of exotic woods on all surfaces and genuine 18K gold accents. It has a four-piece playing surface and is Inset with a medallion inscribed The Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co. A beautiful small-profile oak cue rack in refinished condition, with five pool cues, is included. Estimate: $15,000-$30,000
A Mosler Safe Company (Hamilton, Ohio) Cannonball safe salesmans sample, created in small scale so company salesmen could demonstrate one of Americas most formidable bank safes directly to prospective customers, is about 17 inches tall and weighs just 25 pounds (versus the full-size Mosler Cannonball safes that weighed approximately 3,5004,500 pounds). This example features an operating door and crank mechanism, and retains its original fitted, velvet-lined wooden carrying case. Estimate: $15,000-$25,000
Whats a coin-op sale without slot machines? Lot #2004 is a circa-1904 Caille Brothers (Detroit) Big Six upright slot machine, 63 inches tall and 26 inches wide, with patinated nickel plating to all original castings, and the original coin head, back door and wheel. The machine boasts solid mahogany construction, with an aged original appearance. This slot has seen little use and is fresh to market from a local collection. Its a wonderful example for those collectors who value originality. Estimate: $12,000-$24,000
The double-sided, lighted reverse-on-glass hanging sign with convex lenses for Fort Pitt Beer (Jeanette, Pa., and Pittsburgh), manufactured in the 1930s by the Neon Globe Company, Inc (Norfolk, Va), still has the original manufacturer's metal tag attached to the bottom edge of the can. It is extremely difficult to find this sign with the original decorative steel-arrow style mounting bracket, as this one has. This beautifully restored sign representing the Fort Pitt Brewing Co., is 20 inches by 38 inches. Estimate: $10,000-$20,000
From beer to bronze, Morphys offers a commanding, large-scale bronze interpretation of Charles Robinson Sykes (British, 1875-1950) legendary Spirit of Ecstasyone of the most celebrated and enduring symbols in the history of luxury motoring. Originally created by Sykes and adopted by Rolls-Royce in 1911, it has become internationally recognized as an icon of elegance, speed, prestige and the golden age of the motorcar. This example is 26 inches tall and identified as No. 43. Estimate: $8,000-$16,000
An all-original, 18-inch-tall, 1-cent Chicago peanut vending machine manufactured circa 1905 by Coleman Hardware Co., is a remarkable survivor from the early 20th century and a very hard model to find in all-original condition. It has an original marquee, lid hold-down ring and new globe, and is an excellent example, referenced in Silent Salesman Too by Bill Enes, Page 38. Estimate: $5,000-$10,000
Rounding out this short list of expected top lots is a 5-cent Watling Mfg Co., Bird of Paradise Rol-a-Top slot machine, unrestored, with original reel strips, award card, back door, and finish. It plays and pays correctly, including the jackpot, and is a respectable original Bird of Paradise. Estimate: $3,000-$5,000
Bidders please note: Because of their size and weight, some of the items in the auction are not shippable and will require third-party shipping or for pickup arrangements to be made.
Morphys October 16-17, 2026 Coin-Op & 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 on both days is 9am Pacific Time. Previews will be held Monday, October 12, through Wednesday, October 14, from 9am-4pm local time; 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.