Highlights: Circa-1890-1910 carved carousel lion attributed to the Dentzel Carousel Co.,Roover Bros “Madame Zita” fortune teller automaton, circa-1870 Imhof & Mulke original pinned barrel orchestrion
DENVER, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Now that summer is in everyone’s rear-view mirror, it’s time to start thinking of ways to enjoy the cooler autumn weather. Here’s an idea: head west to Las Vegas, October 16 and 17, for Morphy’s much-anticipated Coin-Op & Advertising auction, featuring more than 1,100 lots of rare, high-quality antiques and vintage collectibles. Morphy Auctions is widely regarded as the premier auction house for antique coin-op machines and antique advertising.
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Several lots could easily finish at $50,000 or more. Leading the pack is a phenomenal circa-1890-1910 carved carousel lion attributed to the Dentzel Carousel Company (Philadelphia). The painted wood menagerie carousel lion is modeled in a striding pose with head dramatically raised and mouth open, featuring inset glass eyes, carved teeth and tongue, and a deep, flowing mane carved in high relief. Impressive at 70 inches tall, it is mounted on a wooden display platform. Estimate: $40,000-$60,000
For one penny, customers could watch the highly-detailed Roover Brothers “Madame Zita” fortune teller automaton dressed in period Victorian clothing 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. Many reproductions of Madame Zita exist, but few originals survived and even fewer come to market. This one’s working, and with keys. Estimate: $30,000-$60,000
Music anyone? Lot #2342 is a circa-1870 Imhof & Mulke (Germany) original pinned barrel orchestrion that had the barrel replaced in the 1890s with a Welte roll-playing system. That improvement expanded the playing options from one tune to the full selection of Welte rolls. This example was played in the Philadelphia Opera Hall in the early 1900s and was restored for the current owner by Hayes McClaren. It is fully operational and even comes with a nice assortment of rolls. Estimate: $20,000-$50,000
An 84-inch-tall, late-19th–century cigar store Indian figure is attributed to the shop of Samuel Robb (American, 1851-1928). 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 displaying a bundle of cigars and the left supporting a large circular advertising shield lettered “SUPERIOR QUALITY CIGARS.” Estimate: $35,000-$45,000
At first glance, the single-sided porcelain thermometer sign from Campbell’s Soup of Camden, New Jersey, taking the form of the iconic tomato soup can, looks like the work of Andy Warhol. But it isn’t. The thermometer face reads, “On so many days – Soup is just the thing!” and the sign is in outstanding condition. And, the thermometer reads accurately. Estimate: $15,000-$30,000
Bidders please note: Because of their size and weight, some of the items in the auction are not shippable and will require third-party shipping or for pickup arrangements to be made.
Morphy’s October 16-17, 2026 Coin-Op & Advertising Auction will be held live at their comfortable West Coast satellite gallery located at 4520 Arville St., #1, Las Vegas, Nevada 89103. Start time on both days is 9am Pacific Time. Previews will be held Monday, October 12, through Wednesday, October 14, from 9am-4pm local time; or on auction days from 8-9am. All forms of remote bidding will be available, including absentee, by phone (please reserve line in advance), or live via the Internet through Morphy Live. For condition reports or other questions, call tollfree 877-968-8880 or email [email protected]. Online: https://www.morphyauctions.com.
