Featured: Iconic 1904 Mills Lion Lung Tester, $150K-$300K; 1905 Ray-O-Lite rifle arcade machine, $75K-$150K; Mills Violano Virtuoso, $60K-$130K; Campbell’s Tomato Soup thermometer sign, $20K-$30K
LAS VEGAS – Four days of not-to-be-missed bidding opportunities are on the agenda for Morphy’s April 30-May 3 Coin-Op & Antique Advertising Auction in Las Vegas. Nearly 2,000 high-quality lots will take the spotlight, including premier music, arcade and gambling machines, plus a bumper crop of exceptional antique and vintage signage touting everything from tobacco and alcoholic beverages to the various goods that would have been sold at general stores 100+ years ago. The atmosphere at these very special Las Vegas events is always upbeat and welcoming, but those who cannot attend in person can still join the fun by bidding absentee, by phone or live online through Morphy’s bidding platform.
The superlative selection of well-provenanced rarities is led by the king of all penny arcade machines a circa-1904 Mills Novelty Co., “Lion Lung Tester” that stands 103 inches tall. This machine, which is dominated by a deeply-carved three-dimensional lion with a fearsome expression and mouth agape, is so iconic it was chosen for the front cover of the inaugural issue (March 2001) of the Coin Operated Collectors Association’s COCA Times magazine. When a penny is deposited, the giant cat’s eyes illuminate, and when a patron blows into the tester, the beast emits a spine-tingling roar. A continuously-running clock displays how many seconds a given player can keep the lion roaring, hence a measurement of how strong their lungs are. The auction example’s line of documented ownership goes back more than 50 years. It is one of only two known specimens and has never before appeared at auction. Strong competition is expected, and a pre-auction estimate has been set at $150,000-$300,000.
Another top prize is a rare circa-1905 “Ray-O-Lite” 1-cent rifle arcade machine made by the Automatic Target Machine Co. This improved model operates like the earlier lollipop-style iteration with a cast-iron target pedestal and bull’s-eye target, but the difference is that it employs a dry cell battery. The updated cabinet model has eight added target features that are unique to its design, and its reverse-painted sign illuminates if the target is missed. The auction entry is a fresh-to-the-market find that surfaced after Morphy’s sold another example, from the Rich and Sharon Penn collection, in December 2024. In working order and in VG condition, the rifle arcade machine is expected to settle in the $75,000-$150,000 range.
Vintage baseball coin-op machines have held their values very well over the past several years. Morphy’s will offer a real gem during their May 3rd session, a circa 1929-1931 Amusement Machine Co., 1927 “Play Baseball” floor-model game. Known as Model H, with the serial number 1098, this classic machine comes with figural cast-iron players on the field and its original lithographed cardboard stadium simulating a full crowd at the ballpark. In unrestored condition with an excellent-condition infield, this machine has its original keys, a replaced marquee and top sign, and presents in VG condition overall. Estimate: $40,000-$60,000
Continuing on a sporting theme, a Paces Races 5-cent console horse race slot machine, made circa 1934 by Pace Mfg Co, shows off the stunning result of a high-quality older restoration, with glass panel inserts on its side panels. An electromechanical game in good condition overall, it is operational but in need of service. Estimate: $10,000-$20,000
A very rare circa-1931 International Mutoscope “Shootomatic Merchandise Vender” 5-cent arcade prize-dispensing game is a variation on a “digger” machine. It has been extensively restored, with a quartered-oak cabinet and new plating to its mechanical components. Standing 65½ inches tall, it is fully operational and comes with a nice selection of prizes, plus keys. Estimate: $20,000-$40,000
Rare and magnificent, a circa-1900 Mills Novelty Co., Violano Virtuoso is one of fewer than 20 of its type known to exist. Presented in its beautiful quartered-oak cabinet with handsome “tiger” striping and a wonderful Art Nouveau bow-front window, this handsome unit was fully restored at some point in its past. It delivers a breathtaking performance with a deep, rich violin tone and the flourish of a perfectly-tuned piano. All keys and six musical rolls accompany the machine, which is estimated at $60,000-$130,000.
Ultra-rare and eye-catching, a single-reel token trade stimulator known as “The Eagle” was made around 1905, possibly by the Mills Novelty Co., for the Sundwall Company of Seattle, Washington. Its castings, with the exception of the top portion, are the same as are seen on Mills’ “Pilot.” The top casting includes a two-headed eagle and the embossed words “The Eagle.” The machine retains its original marquee, reel strip, award cards and back door with lock. This represents the first time an example of this coveted machine has ever appeared in a Morphy auction. Graded VG-Excellent, it carries a $30,000-$60,000 estimate.
Slot machines are led by an extremely rare circa-1939 Jennings “Silver Dollar Chief” $1 model. Its bas-relief metal appliques depict a Native American man in profile and two braves in the wild, one of them a scout; the other carrying a deer. The Silver Dollar Chief in Morphy’s sale is the actual example featured in Marshall Fey’s reference book Slot Machines: A Pictorial History of the First 100 Years. With all-original paint, reel strips, award cards, back door and cash box, it is offered with an $8,000-$16,000 estimate.
The product that would single-handedly launch the pop art movement, Campbell’s Tomato Soup, is immortalized in the form of a 12-inch-high, single-sided porcelain thermometer that has survived many decades to emerge in outstanding condition. A working thermometer gauge at the soup can’s middle reads “On so many days – Soup is just the thing!” This all-American advertising piece retains excellent color and gloss, and is AGS-graded 93 and certified #11976. The pre-sale estimate is $20,000-$30,000.
A circa-1900 single-sided self-framed tin sign advertises Yuengling’s Beer, Ale & Porter, products of a legendary Pottsville, Pennsylvania brewery. In 8.0 condition with a majestic eagle graphic at its center, this sign measures 23½ inches in diameter and is estimated at $7,000-$14,000. Another stellar entry manufactured around 1900 is a single-sided tin sign advertising Old Sleepy Eye Flour (Sleepy Eye, Minnesota). In an oval cartouche at its center is an awe-inspiring graphic of Chief Sleepy Eye of the Sisseton Dakota tribe. Additional vignettes around the perimeter depict various Native American scenes. Measuring 29½ inches by 25½ inches and maker-marked “The Meek Company,” this 8.5-condition sign has been assigned a $6,000-$12,000 estimate.
Surveying the antique advertising selection from a lofty point is a fine 78-inch-tall cigar store American Indian figure attributed to Thomas V Brooks (New York, 1828-1895). Brooks was acclaimed for his carvings of ships and shop figures, especially Native Americans with distinctive V-shape headdresses. The figure offered by Morphy’s holds a cluster of cigars in one hand and leans on a post with the other. It has been restored in an extremely attractive palette of colors. Estimate: $15,000-$30,000
The April 30-May 3, 2025 auction will be held live at Morphy’s comfortable West Coast satellite gallery located at 4520 Arville St., #1, Las Vegas, Nevada 89103. Start time is 9am Pacific time (12 noon Eastern time). Preview weekdays by appointment from 9am-4pm local time starting one week before the auction; 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.
CAPTIONS:
All images courtesy of Morphy Auctions
3011
Yuengling’s Beer, Ale & Porter single-sided self-framed tin sign, circa 1900, Pottsville, Pa. Beautiful eagle graphic at center. Size: 23½in diameter. Condition: 8.0. Estimate: $7,000-$14,000
3060
https://auctions.morphyauctions.com/OUTSTANDING_CAMPBELL_S_SOUP_THERMOMETER_AGS_93__-LOT635109.aspx
Outstanding Campbell’s Soup (Camden, N.J.) single-sided porcelain thermometer in the shape of a tomato soup can. Working thermometer gauge embedded at middle reads ‘On so many days – Soup is just the thing!’ Excellent color and gloss. AGS-graded 93 and certified #11976. Estimate: $20,000-$30,000
3159
Circa-1900 Old Sleepy Eye Flour (Sleepy Eye, Minn.) single-sided tin sign with central graphic of Chief Sleepy Eye of the Sisseton Dakota tribe in an oval cartouche. Additional vignettes around the perimeter depict various Native American scenes. Size: 29½in x 25½in. Maker-marked ‘The Meek Company.’ Condition: 8.5. Estimate: $6,000-$12,000
3253
78in-tall cigar store American Indian figure attributed to Thomas V. Brooks (New York, 1828-1895), who was known for his carvings of ships and shop figures, especially Native Americans with V-shape headdresses. Figure holds cluster of cigars in one hand; leans on post with the other. Restored condition, extremely attractive colors. Estimate: $15,000-$30,000
4007
https://auctions.morphyauctions.com/5__PACES_RACES_CONSOLE_HORSE_RACE_SLOT_MACHINE-LOT633829.aspx
Paces Races 5-cent console horse race slot machine, made circa 1934 by Pace Mfg. Co. Stunning older restoration with glass panel inserts on side panels. Electromechanical, operational but in need of service. Size: 47in x 22in x 36in. Good condition overall. Estimate: $10,000-$20,000
4031
https://auctions.morphyauctions.com/ULTRA_RARE__THE_EAGLE__TOKEN_TRADE_STIMULATOR_-LOT630634.aspx
Ultra-rare ‘The Eagle’ single-reel token trade stimulator. Made circa 1905, possibly by Mills Novelty Co., for the Sundwall Co, Seattle, Wash. Castings, with the exception of the top, are the same as are seen on Mills’ ‘Pilot.’ Top casting includes two-headed eagle with the embossed words ‘The Eagle.’ Original marquee, reel strip, award cards and back door with lock. First example of its type ever to appear in a Morphy auction. VG-Excellent condition. Estimate: $30,000-$60,000
4076
Very rare circa-1931 International Mutoscope ‘Shootomatic Merchandise Vender’ 5-cent arcade prize-dispensing game. Design is a variation on a digger machine. Extensively restored, with quartered-oak cabinet and new plating to mechanical components. Fully operational. Comes with selection of prizes, and keys. Height: 65½in. Estimate: $20,000-$40,000
4171
Magnificent circa-1900 Mills Novelty Co., Art Nouveau bow-front Violano Virtuoso, one of fewer than 20 of its type known to exist. Older full restoration. Beautiful quartered-oak cabinet with handsome ‘tiger’ striping. Deep, rich violin tone, perfectly-tuned piano. All keys and six rolls included. Height: 69½in. Estimate: $60,000-$130,000
4200
Extremely rare circa-1939 Jennings ‘Silver Dollar Chief’ $1 slot machine. All-original paint, reel strips, award cards, back door and cash box. Bas-relief metal appliques depict a Native American man in profile and two braves in the wild, one of them a scout; the other carrying a deer. Actual book example seen in Marshall Fey’s authoritative reference ‘Slot Machines: A Pictorial History of the First 100 Years.’ Estimate: $8,000-$16,000
4262
Rare circa-1905 ‘Ray-O-Lite’ 1-cent rifle arcade machine made by Automatic Target Machine Co. Improved model that operates like the earlier lollipop-style cast-iron target pedestal with bull’s-eye target, but employs a dry cell battery. Updated cabinet model with eight added target features unique to its design. Reverse-painted top sign illuminates if target is missed. Fresh-to-the-market machine that emerged after Morphy’s sold an example from the Rich and Sharon Penn collection, December 2024. VG, in working condition. Estimate: $75,000-$150,000
4263
Circa-1904 Mills Novelty Co., ‘Lion Lung Tester’ penny arcade machine, a model so iconic it was chosen for the front cover of the inaugural issue (March 2001) of the Coin Operated Collectors Association’s ‘COCA Times’ magazine. Lion’s eyes illuminate when penny is deposited. Beast roars when patron blows into tester. Continuously-running clock measures how many seconds player can keep lion roaring. One of only two known specimens, never before seen at auction, 50+ years of documented provenance. Height: 103in. Estimate: $150,000-$300,000
4375
Circa 1929-1931 Amusement Machine Co., 1927 ‘Play Baseball’ floor-model game with figural cast-iron players and original lithographed cardboard stadium with full crowd. Model H, Serial No. 1098. Unrestored condition with excellent-condition infield. Replaced marquee and top sign. Includes key. VG condition overall. Estimate: $40,000-$60,000
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