Press Release · Morphy Auctions
Cigar Store Indian Figure Attributed to the Shop of Samuel Robb Topped a List of High-Fliers at Morphy's Oct. 16-17 Coin-Op & Advertising Auction
Distributed by Pop News Magazine · Originally issued via PR Newswire
The lineup featured tobacciana, slot machines, salesman's samples, advertising signs, and trade figures led by the Robb carved warrior, $60,000; and a Mosler "Cannonball" salesman's sample safe, $56,580
LAS VEGAS, Nov. 3, 2026 — A late-19th-century cigar store Indian figure attributed to the shop of Samuel Robb (American, 1851-1928) rose to $60,000, and a Mosler Safe Company (Hamilton, Ohio) "Cannonball" salesman's sample safe brought $56,580 to dominate prices realized at Morphy's October 16-17 Coin-Op & Advertising Auction. The much-anticipated event was held at Morphy's West Coast satellite gallery in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The auction included more than 1,100 lots of rare, high-quality antiques and vintage collectibles. They included tobacciana, slot machines, salesman's samples, barber shop collectibles, advertising signs (some of them neon), advertising trade figures and many other rare and sought-after items.
The 84-inch-tall, carved and polychrome-painted wood tobacconist cigar store Indian figure attributed to the shop of Samuel Robb (NYC, 1851-1928) depicted a Native American warrior wearing an elaborate eagle and feather headdress, feather-decorated costume and "jewelry." The raised right arm held a bundle of cigars. The $60,000 final sale price was considerably higher than the $45,000 high pre-sale estimate.
Another American carved and polychrome-painted wood tobacconist trade figure, from the same era as the top-finishing lot, also depicted a standing Native American man in a feathered headdress and elaborate costume. It sold within estimate for $34,800. Reportedly, the figure was once the property of James "Sunny Jim" Rolph Jr, the longtime mayor of San Francisco and governor of California from 1931 until his death in 1934.
Also, a circa-1880 carved and painted countertop wood cigar store Indian figure by Thomas Brooks (American, 1828-1895) depicted a standing warrior in an elaborate feathered headdress and decorative costume, holding tobacco-related objects and a knife at waist level. The figure was attractively carved and painted and mounted on an architectural pedestal. It sold within estimate for $26,400.
The Mosler Safe Company "Cannonball" safe salesman's sample was created in small scale so company salesmen could demonstrate one of America's most formidable bank safes directly to prospective customers. It weighed just 25 pounds (versus the full-size Mosler Cannonball safes that weighed from 3,500-4,500 pounds). The $56,580 winning bid more than doubled the $25,000 high estimate.
A single-sided porcelain thermometer sign from Campbell's Soup of Camden, New Jersey, taking the form of the company's iconic tomato soup can, had a face that read, "On so many days – Soup is just the thing!" The sign was in outstanding shape and the gloss and color were superb. The silver rim showed a bright nickel finish and the thermometer read accurately. It sold for $30,000, its exact high estimate.
What's a coin-op sale without slot machines? The auction featured many fine examples, including these:
- A circa-1904 Caille Brothers (Detroit) "Big Six" upright slot machine, 63 inches tall and 26 inches wide, with patinated nickel plating to all original castings, and the original coin head, back door and wheel. The machine boasted solid mahogany construction. It changed hands for $21,600.
- A 25-cent Mills gold glitter-finished three-reel slot machine custom-made in 1957 for the Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas. Everything on the machine was original and it showed very little wear or use, plus it played and paid correctly. It sold for $11,4000, against a $4,000 high estimate.
To discuss consigning to a future Coin-Op & Advertising auction or other auction hosted by Morphy's, call Dan Morphy at 877-968-8880 or email [email protected]. All enquiries are kept strictly confidential, and there is never an obligation to consign. Online: www.morphyauctions.com.
SOURCE Morphy Auctions