Morphy's July 15-16 Automobilia, Petroliana & Soda Advertising Auction tallies a robust $1.6 million

DENVER, Pa. - July 27, 2026 - PRLog -- A clean 1940s Harbor Petroleum Products porcelain sign with seaplane graphics glided to $54,120; a 1939 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead motorcycle roared off for $40,590; and a 1930s Ford double-sided porcelain neon sign with bullnose attachments brought $31,200 at Morphy's Automobilia, Petroliana & Soda Advertising auction held July 15-16.

The sale was loaded with nearly 1,300 lots of motoring-related signage and service station items designed to please even the most discerning collectors. Bidders responded with great enthusiasm, as reflected in the sale's overall gross of more than $1.6 million (including the buyer's premium). The event was held live at Morphy's flagship Pennsylvania gallery.

The circa-1940s Harbor Petroleum Products Co (Los Angeles) porcelain sign with seaplane graphics, 39 inches by 35 inches, was graded 9.0 by Authentication & Grading Service (AGS), the premier authentication and grading service for antique advertising. It exhibited full color and gloss throughout, with great display power as an icon of early California petroleum history.

The 1939 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead was a legendary motorcycle famous for establishing Harley's OHV V-twin legacy. The '39 model year is prized by collectors, in part because the 61 cubic inch (1000cc) engine could achieve speeds of 100 mph. This was an older restoration. The bike was mostly original, with chrome accents added later. The $40,590 final sale price was within estimate.

The complete 1930s Ford double-sided porcelain neon sign with bullnose attachments was clean, with each side exhibiting outstanding color and gloss. The lettering was also in excellent condition on each side and lit up beautifully in bright neon. The 101-inch-wide sign was graded well at 8.75+ out of 10 for condition, and the $31,200 selling price topped the $30,000 high estimate.

Bidders were willing to look past the heavy dirt and rust staining, field chipping and wear on an as-found, circa-1930s Richlube Motor Oil double-sided porcelain sign. The was large at 63 inches by 27½ inches by 22 inches. It came into the sale with a modest $3,000-$6,000 estimate but realized $23,370.

A circa-1950s two-piece porcelain neon skin sign for Flying A Gasoline, showing a cookie-cutter-style edge as well as good color and gloss throughout the field, nearly doubled the $12,000 high estimate with a final selling price of $22,755.

To discuss consigning to a future Automobilia, Petroliana & Soda Advertising auction, or any other auction hosted by Morphy's, call Dan Morphy at 877-968-8880 or email info@morphyauctions.com. All enquiries are kept strictly confidential, and there is never an obligation to consign. Online: www.morphyauctions.com.