March 8, 2003 Auction
… in Michigan
High gas prices didn’t prevent die-hard collectors from attending a petroleum collectibles auction in the northern reaches of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula on March 8. Auctioneer Donna Tuttle of Let’s Talk Auction Co. in Mio said bidders from as far away as Chicago and Ohio attended the sale.
A restored Texaco Tokheim clock face gas pump set the standard for these collectible machines when it sold for $2,700. A 6ft tall pump outfitted with Mobilgas Special ad glass and a Bennett clock face pump in unrestored condition sold for $1,300 each. A restored Bennett Dino Sinclair gas pump rang up a $2,100 winning bid, while an identical Bennett in unrestored condition and in need of a globe sold for $375. Gas pump globes selling separately included a Sinclair H-C that made $475 and a Mobilgas with Pegasus illustration that climbed to $300.
A round two-sided porcelain sign for McClanahan Gasoline sign sold for $1,250. Depicting the company’s gold seal logo, it is one of only two 4ft round McClanahan Gasoline signs known to exist, said Tuttle.
In mint condition, a bulbous Sohio motor oil jar with metal spout sold for $295.
The top price at the auction went to chest-type Coca-Cola cooler mounted on a two-wheel trailer. The consignor had the trailer custom made to tow behind a motorcycle. The unique item sold or $3,600.
A 1950 Westinghouse model WC44SK 10-cent Coca-Cola vending machine sold for $450, while a Sure Vend model P-95 10-cent Pepsi-Cola vending machine paid $275.
A life-size mechanical Santa Claus figure from the 1940s that turned at the waist and raised and lowered his arms sold for $1,000.
Tuttle said the auction progressed smoothly, crediting her husband, Greg Tuttle, for doing the cataloging and describing each lot when as it was presented at the auction block. Contact: (989) 848-5158.