WILLOUGHBY, OHIO .- American merchants, manufacturers and entrepreneurs have known for centuries that it pays to advertise. Even in colonial times, eye-catching signage was the best way to identify a venue, point to a service or increase a product’s sales. Today, it’s the historic signs themselves that generate monetary value, as those who frequent Milestone’s Antique Advertising auctions would know. On November 21, the Ohio-based company will roll out an 843-lot selection of high-quality antique and vintage advertising signs as well as early gambling, vending, slot, music and sports-themed arcade machines. Clocks, neons, petroliana, automobilia, breweriana, and soda pop machines round out the huge variety of rare items to be auctioned.

The sale will be conducted live and webcast from the company’s metro-Cleveland gallery. All forms of remote bidding are also available, including absentee, by phone and live via the Internet through Milestone Live and three other online bidding platforms.



Salesman’s samples—whether simple or complex—comprise a specialty category all their own, but when their engineering intricacies identically emulate the design of the full-size items they represent, they move from advertising into yet another collecting realm. That crossover characteristic accurately describes one of the auction’s top entries, a salesman’s sample of a Mosler “Cannonball” safe. Made around the 1890s in Hamilton, Ohio, the Cannonball is one of the most detailed and important salesman’s samples ever produced and contains all of the same elements and inner workings as the original Mosler Cannonball safes that weighed as much as 4,500 pounds. While it would have been impossible for a salesman to transport a massive two-ton safe along his travel route, he could easily manage a 25lb working scale-model sample to show to bankers and other potential customers. The auction example is in super condition with excellent paint and lettering, and comes with its (restored) case, handle and key. This very rare and wonderful antique is estimated at $25,000-$35,000.



Around the turn of the 20th century, coin-operated slot machines entertained throngs of patrons at saloons, hotels, boardwalks and anyplace else where people went to relax and socialize. Several early machines in Milestone’s November 21 lineup deserve special attention. First, there’s a classic Mills “The Dewey” upright 5¢ slot machine in a handsome oak cabinet with nickel castings. This carefully restored machine, 66 inches tall and in excellent condition, worked when tested and comes with the correct keys. Its pre-sale estimate is $12,000-$15,000. Also expected to realize $12,000-$15,000 on auction day, a circa-1907 Caille Eclipse upright 5¢ slot machine is housed in an oak case adorned with highly ornate nickel castings. Professionally restored and in excellent condition, this 66-inch-tall machine worked well when tested.



From a later era and ready to impress even the most discerning collector, an outstanding circa-1946 Jennings “Prospector” console slot machine was designed to accept 50¢ coins. This showy unit is complete from top to bottom and shows off an attractive chrome and wood finish. Tested and confirmed to be in working order, it comes to auction with a $6,000-$8,000 estimate.

Rare and uncommonly beautiful with its orange, turquoise and red motif, a Superior Confection 5c 1776 Gold Award vendor slot machine has three pictorial reels with images of fruit, bells and medals. The overall condition is excellent, and keys are included. When tested, the machine worked perfectly. Collectors hoping to try their luck on this beauty should expect to see a winning bid in the $6,000-$8,000 range.

Heads will be turning when an incredibly well-detailed scale model of a 1915 Stutz Bearcat glides across the auction block. Hand-built from tip to tail, this model has a running engine that runs on kerosene. It has a real fuel tank, radiator, twin ignition, functioning steering and spring suspension. It even has authentically-scaled Firestone tires, an enamel radiator badge and many other accessories that one might expect to see on a real-life Stutz. Its authenticity is further enhanced by its “monocle windshield,” a custom feature seen on vintage speedster cars that provided minimal wind protection but maintained a desirable classic aesthetic. A true museum-quality production measuring 34 inches long by 15 inches wide, this automotive gem has been assigned a $10,000-$15,000 estimate.



Collectors will be treated to a fantastic array of advertising signs from every imaginable category, including ever-popular breweriana. An “Old Boone Distillery / First in Kentucky” single-sided, wood-framed tin sign originally issued by Thixton, Millett & Co. Distillers, Louisville is dated “1904.” It depicts a busy scene at a rural distillery with images of a cabin, workers, livestock and a wagon at a riverside camp. Retaining very nice colors, the 27-inch by 29-inch sign is in excellent condition and carries a $3,000-$4,000 estimate.



A striking single-sided die-cut porcelain sign shaped like an arrowhead advertises Chief Oshkosh Beer (Wisconsin). Its colorful graphics depict Chief Oshkosh, the recognized chief of the Menominee people from 1827 to 1858, above the phrase “(Oshkosh) B’Gosh it’s Good.” In clean, excellent condition with only minor spots of edge wear, the 36-inch by 31-inch sign will be offered to bidders with a $3,000-$4,000 estimate.

Milestone’s Saturday, November 21, 2026 auction featuring antique and vintage advertising signs, early gambling, vending, slot, music and sports-themed arcade machines; plus clocks, neons, petroliana, automobilia, breweriana, soda pop machines and other coveted collectibles will be held at Milestone’s gallery located at 38198 Willoughby Pkwy., Willoughby, OH 44094. It will also be webcast live. Start time: 10am ET. Ample free parking. In addition to in-person bidding at the gallery, Milestone welcomes all other forms of remote bidding: absentee, phone or live online through Milestone Live, LiveAuctioneers, Invaluable or AuctionZip. Worldwide shipping available. For additional information about any item in the auction, to reserve a phone line for bidding, or to discuss consigning to a future Milestone auction, please call Miles King at 440-527-8060 or email [email protected]. Online: www.milestoneauctions.com