Richmond Auctions is proud to announce our September 2023 Premier Two Day Auction, consisting of multiple world-class collections and fresh to market investment grade advertising pieces. Over the course of two days, September 15th & 16th, we will feature nearly 900 lots of Petroliana, Automobilia and Soda/Country Store items including quality neon, porcelain and tin signs, advertising displays, gas pumps, gas pump globes, clocks and oil cans.
The Spomer Classics Collection presents an outstanding selection of rare neon signs, porcelain signs, neon dealership clocks and gas pump globes. Marv and Jeanine Spomer assembled a top shelf collection of advertising and classic cars that were on display in their museum in Worthington, MN. This is their second offering of items brought to market by Richmond Auctions.
The Vernon Walker Collection features an exceptional grouping of neon and porcelain signs. Known throughout the hobby for years, Vernon Walker amassed a world class collection of rare, high-condition pieces that we are very pleased to bring to market.
Independent Petroleum Company – Seattle, WA & Portland, OR – Circa 1940’s. This is the exceedingly rare 40” Clipper variation, one of only two known to exist and by far the best known example. Double sided porcelain sign has excellent color and gloss. Side #1 has a very clean field with small scratches and two tiny slivers, one in the “E” of Clipper and the second in the cloud. The perimeter has areas of chipping with the largest area being the lower right side. The reverse has areas of chipping in the left field, on and below the wing. There are 3 areas of professional color match in the plane: one on the front nose and measuring 2” x 1” and two quarter size areas in and below the tail of the plane. The yellow background has areas of discoloration with a few light surface scratches in the lower lettering. The sign retains all four factory grommets and has some minor edge chipping. This iconic piece exhibits incredible shelving, colors and graphics and is one of the most desirable petroliana sign in existence. Overall, a centerpiece addition to any fine petroliana collection. 40” H x 24” W. Condition: 8.75 & 7.9.
This is of the most incredible early automobile milk glass and smaltz signs we have seen, featuring the classic Buick script lettering. When lit, the sign is second to none. Exceptional double sided tin smaltz and milk glass sign with very good color and shine. Side #1 has surface wear in the field and smaltz. The black border and edges have areas of general age wear including a few small paint chips. The milk glass “Buick” letters are in nice condition. The reverse has similar wear in the field with light wear and fading in the perimeter. The lower left edge of the milk glass “B” has a small repair to the bottom left corner. The can is original and in very good condition. We have never seen another example of this sign. It presents exceptionally well and would be a centerpiece for any automobilia collection. Featured piece from the Spomer Classics Collection. 38” H x 59.75” W x 8.5” D. Condition: 8.75 & 8.5
Incredible double-sided porcelain multi-piece neon sign mounted on the original can. Both sides have day one color and gloss. Side #1 has an exceptionally clean field with two small edge touch ups; one on the lower left edge and another on the 11 o’clock edge of the upper round crest. The reverse is in very similar condition with clean fields and three small edge touch ups; two on the upper edge in the blue & white and another on the lower left edge. The bullnose is very clean with a touch-up along the top edge. Marked Walker & Co. Detroit. Overall, an outstanding porcelain neon from Cadillac that would be next to impossible to improve upon. Featured piece from the Spomer Classics Collection. 48” H x 74” W x 15” D. Condition: 9.25.
