AUCTION  / 

The John McCauley Sign Collection

Auction CurrencyUSD Auction Location8512 S. Union Rd, Union, Illinois, 60180, United States In Person PreviewPreview is the day before the auction - Noon-5pm.

Auction Details

High Octane History: The Ultimate Petroliana & Advertising Auction

Step back in time to the golden age of the American road, where service stations were social hubs and neon lights beckoned travelers from miles away. This auction brings together a spectacular assembly of industrial artistry and commercial history, celebrating the vibrant visual culture that once defined our highways and main streets. From the gleam of polished porcelain to the warm hum of vintage neon, this collection offers a rare opportunity to acquire authentic pieces of Americana that have withstood the test of time.

This extensive catalog features an impressive array of double-sided porcelain (DSP) and single-sided porcelain (SSP) signs from iconic brands like Texaco, Sinclair, Mobil, and Phillips 66, alongside rare tire and battery advertisements. Collectors will marvel at the selection of restored and original condition gas pumps, including a rare Fry "Mae West" visible pump, classic clock-face models, and an assortment of authentic glass gas globes. The auction extends beyond the service station to include a robust selection of agricultural history, featuring vibrant seed corn and feed signs from DeKalb, Purina, and Wayne Feeds. Anchoring the sale are standout vehicles, including a beautifully refurbished 1947 Mercury Eight Convertible and a rugged 1971 International Harvester Scout II, ready for their next adventure.

These items are more than just collectibles; they are tangible connections to a bygone era of American industry and craftsmanship. Whether it is the typography of a vintage "Prescriptions" neon sign or the imposing stature of a 140-inch service station island light, each piece evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia. We are Chasing History with every lot, preserving the stories and aesthetics that shaped the 20th century. As Auctioneers of antiques. Collectors of cool. Veterans of vintage, we invite you to explore this curated selection and place your bids to bring a piece of this rich heritage into your own collection.

We are always seeking quality consignments for our future auctions. If you have a collection you are looking to sell, please send photos to consign@donleyauctions.com and let us make your collection fit in your wallet.
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Vintage Motor Oil Bottles in Carry Rack1334 - Vintage Motor Oil Bottles in Carry Rack
Donley Auction Services Inc.
Collection of (8) assorted vintage glass quart motor oil bottles with metal vented pour spout lid and caps, displayed in vintage wire carrier. All in
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 10,000.00
Sold to floor for 225.00
 
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Vintage Bulk Oil Display with 8 Glass Bottles1335 - Vintage Bulk Oil Display with 8 Glass Bottles
Donley Auction Services Inc.
Collection of (8) assorted vintage glass motor oil bottles with metal vented pour spout lid and caps, presented on vintage BULK OIL advertising displa
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 10,000.00
Sold to floor for 300.00
 
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Archer Lubricants 60 LBS Can Native Advertising1336 - Archer Lubricants 60 LBS Can Native Advertising
Donley Auction Services Inc.
Vintage Archer Lubricants 60 pound handled can showing attractive Native American "Indian" advertising graphic. Good overall condition wit...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 10,000.00
Sold to floor for 35.00
 
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Vintage Automotive Screw Jack1337 - Vintage Automotive Screw Jack
Donley Auction Services Inc.
Vintage automotive screw jack (missing flip top). Good overall condition missing flip top, shows age and wear with oxidation; #3553 imprinted near bas
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to floor for 25.00
 
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"Flying A" Advertising Tire Display wOldfield Tire1338 - "Flying A" Advertising Tire Display wOldfield Tire
Donley Auction Services Inc.
1940s 1950s "Flying A" original tire double advertising display stand by Stout Sign Co. Mo. Features Firestone Oldfield tire; presentation...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 10,000.00
Sold to floor for 180.00
 
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6' Mobil Gas Attendant Lifelike Male Mannequin1339 - 6' Mobil Gas Attendant Lifelike Male Mannequin
Donley Auction Services Inc.
Lifelike full size (approximately 6'+) male mannequin featured wearing vintage Mobil Gas service station attendant uniform with standing base at...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 10,000.00
Sold to floor for 140.00
 
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Westinghouse Drink Coca-Cola WE-6 Chest Cooler1345 - Westinghouse Drink Coca-Cola WE-6 Chest Cooler
Donley Auction Services Inc.
Attractive 1950s "Drink Coca Cola" Westinghouse chest cooler. Presents very well with bold eye catching color and gloss. WE 6 Style 138001...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 10,000.00
Sold to floor for 450.00
 
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Vintage Western Flyer Yellow Pedal Tractor1346 - Vintage Western Flyer Yellow Pedal Tractor
Donley Auction Services Inc.
Vintage Western Flyer yellow pedal tractor, in good overall condition with moderate age and wear including moderate oxidation and discoloration with n
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 10,000.00
Sold to floor for 70.00
 
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28" Elgin National Coffee Mill Wheel Grinder1347 - 28" Elgin National Coffee Mill Wheel Grinder
Donley Auction Services Inc.
28" Elgin National Coffee Mill cast iron grinder wheel. Good overall condition with some discoloration and oxidation. Perfect addition to your ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 10,000.00
Sold to floor for 60.00
 
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Multi Colored Adjustable Photography Floor Lamp1348 - Multi Colored Adjustable Photography Floor Lamp
Donley Auction Services Inc.
Vintage multi (5) colored photography adjustable floor light; 58"t unbranded showcased on three legged wheeled base. Perfect addition to your c...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 10,000.00
 
 
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Antique GE Novalux 25" Naval Spot / Search Light1349 - Antique GE Novalux 25" Naval Spot / Search Light
Donley Auction Services Inc.
Antique General Electric Novalux On Coarse 25" naval spotlight searchlight still showcased on rustic wooden base. Good overall condition with a...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 10,000.00
Sold to floor for 275.00
 
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