Morphy Auctions Set for October Coin-Op & Advertising Sale

Morphy Auctions is set to host its much-anticipated Coin-Op & Advertising auction in Las Vegas on October 16 and 17, featuring over 1,100 lots of rare, high-quality antiques and vintage collectibles. The event, held at the company's West Coast satellite gallery located at 4520 Arville St., #1, Las Vegas, Nevada 89103, will kick off at 9am Pacific Time each day. Previews will be available from October 12 to October 14, from 9am to 4pm local time, and on auction days from 8 to 9am.

Among the highlights of the auction are a circa-1890-1910 carved carousel lion attributed to the Dentzel Carousel Company. This impressive 70-inch-tall wooden menagerie carousel lion, modeled in a striding pose with a dramatically raised head, features inset glass eyes, carved teeth and tongue, and a deep, flowing mane carved in high relief. Mounted on a wooden display platform, this piece is estimated to fetch between $40,000 and $60,000.

Another notable item is the Roover Brothers "Madame Zita" fortune teller automaton, which dates back to the late 19th century. For one penny, customers can watch this highly-detailed automaton 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. This original, working automaton, with keys, is estimated to sell for between $30,000 and $60,000.

Lot #2342 is a circa-1870 Imhof & Mulke (Germany) original pinned barrel orchestrion, which had its barrel replaced in the 1890s with a Welte roll-playing system. This improvement expanded the playing options from one tune to the full selection of Welte rolls. The orchestrion, which was played in the Philadelphia Opera Hall in the early 1900s and was restored for the current owner by Hayes McClaren, is fully operational and comes with a nice assortment of rolls. It is estimated to sell for between $20,000 and $50,000.

An 84-inch-tall, late-19th-century cigar store Indian figure attributed to the shop of Samuel Robb (American, 1851-1928) is also a standout. 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 displays a bundle of cigars, while the left supports a large circular advertising shield lettered "SUPERIOR QUALITY CIGARS." This piece is estimated to sell for between $35,000 and $45,000.

Lastly, a single-sided porcelain thermometer sign from Campbell's Soup of Camden, New Jersey, takes the form of the iconic tomato soup can. Though it may look like the work of Andy Warhol, this sign is not. It is estimated to sell for between $15,000 and $30,000.