Press Release
Las Vegas, NV, USA, January 24, 2026 — A circa-1905 Cretors & Company Model D horse-drawn popcorn wagon soared to $86,100; a late 19th/early 20th century Owl “Cigar Store” reverse-painted glass sign topped out at $68,880; and a circa-1920 Mr Peanut “Red” Royal cast-iron peanut roaster realized $67,650 at Morphy’s General Antiques & Advertising Auction held December 4-6, 2025.
Overall, more than 1,500 lots crossed the block in an auction that grossed more than $2.7 million. All prices quoted in this report are inclusive of a 23 percent buyer’s premium, or as stated on Morphy’s website.
Held live at Morphy’s West Coast satellite gallery in Las Vegas, the sale was headlined by the classic advertising, American pop culture and coin-op collection of Southern California businessman and entertainment industry professional Ray Claridge, with an additional 200+ high-quality lots coming from longtime antique advertising collectors Mike and Darlene Peel.
Ray Claridge founded and operated Cinema Vehicle Services, which built some of the most recognizable movie and TV cars of the modern era, including “General Lee” from Dukes of Hazzard and “Herbie” from The Love Bug. Decades later, Ray opened Back in the Day Classics in Orange, California, one of the region’s largest advertising and memorabilia showrooms.
He has had a deep involvement in West Coast racing culture for many years and played a major role in taking NASCAR to Japan. His wide-ranging interests, all of which embrace the freewheeling California lifestyle, were captured in their entirety in one big, dazzling collection that traversed the realm of American pop culture from its earliest days to the post-WWII era.
To discuss consigning to a future General Antiques, Antique Advertising, Automobilia & Petroliana 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.
