Collectors had a gas in Des Moines, Iowa, earlier this weekend. As part of the 2010 Iowa Gas Show, Matthews Auctions LLC held a sale of vintage collectible gas signs.
In the end, the auction's highlight was a Washington Chief Gasoline double-sided porcelain sign measuring 72-inches, featuring a full Indian headdress profile.
The Washington Chief sign climbed to a final price of $20,900 (including 10% Buyer's Premium), one of more than 500 lots of petroliana.
Meanwhile, the second biggest selling was a rare and historic Ace High & Wil-Flo Motor Oil porcelain thermometer, which bidders pumped to $13,200.
Also among the gas and oil signs, globes, cans and a collection of bathroom signs on offer was a Dodge-Plymouth double-sided porcelain neon sign, sold at $7,425.
![]() The Washington Chief Gasoline double-sided |
Three major collections starred in the sale, consigned by Ray and Mary Sue Seider of California, Ron Ueberhein of Lincoln, Nebraska, and the late Ace Feeks of Oregon.
And this isn't the first time petroliana has racked up premium prices at auction.
Earlier this year, Gilles Warning's Shell ephemera, collected over 30 years, brought an incredible €200,000 in Monaco.
Matthews Auctions' sale was held on August 6.
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