Bikes Roared, Neon Soared and Collectors Scored At Milestone’s $1.1M Advertising and Motorcycle Auction

WILLOUGHBY, Ohio – The all-American Harley-Davidson brand dominated the day at Milestone’s Fall Auction Spectacular, featuring motorcycles, dazzling neon signs, and vintage amusements from long-held collections. The September 28 sale, which also featured antique and vintage toys, coin-ops, music machines, and a vast array of petroliana, totaled $1.1 million, including the buyer’s premium.

Landing at the top of prices realized, a rare early-1930s Harley-Davidson double-sided “bar and shield” porcelain neon dealer sign was deemed to be the finest, most original example of its type that Milestone’s experts had ever seen. In immaculate condition with perfect colors, it was presented in clean, undisturbed condition with an all-original can. On its side, it retained the correct brass tag for the Union Label Sheetmetal Workers International Association, Local Union No. 24 (Dayton, Ohio). Its vivid red neon had been professionally replaced to its original specs and had a perfect “factory” appearance. Measuring 64 inches wide by 24 inches tall by 5 inches deep, this big, impressive sign had been held for many years in the collection of a private motorcycle museum. It had never been offered for public sale before. Following strong competitive bidding, it landed at the midpoint of its estimate range, commanding $152,000.

Guiding the fleet of motorcycles, a head-turning 1947 Harley-Davidson Florida Knucklehead had undergone restoration years prior to replicate the style of a police motorcycle. It was mostly original, with unique TRO-CY aftermarket cylinders and pre-war-style gas tanks, a solo seat, police lights, and more. Displaying all of its original serial numbers and matching belly numbers, it sold near the top of its estimate range, for $42,000.

Another top prize was a double-sided metal Harley-Davidson “Motorcycles Servi-Cars Parts Service” dealer sign in exceptional, all-original condition with bright colors on both sides. Measuring 4ft wide by 2ft high, this sign settled near the top of its estimate range, for $28,290.

Another popular entry was a circa 1950-1952 Chicago Coin’s “Band Box” musical theater, a remote wall-mounted speaker designed to work in tandem with a jukebox. As the jukebox to which it is connected plays a tune, band members are activated, giving the appearance that they are playing musical instruments. An exceptionally nice example in mostly original condition, it concluded its auction performance at a price above the high estimate of $9,532.

There was strong interest in a well-detailed red Ahrens-Fox pedal truck custom-made in the early 1990s by New York fabricator Bob Laduke. With a total overall length of 74 inches and in excellent condition, it sold for a winning bid of $4,551, exceeding the estimated range of $600-$800.

Coin-ops of all types found favor with the crowd. A professionally restored 25c War Eagle slot machine with a wood base looked great and was in fine working order. It sold for $4,400 against an estimate of $1,500-$2,000. Both coin-op and sports memorabilia collectors pursued a K&S 1¢ “Play Ball” baseball-theme flip ball skill trade stimulator. In outstanding condition with a bright red case, colorful early baseball graphics, and intact original marquee topper decorated with two pennants and the game’s “Play Ball” identification, the very desirable machine knocked it out of the park at $3,198 against an estimate of $800-$1,000.

A rare and wonderful piece of turn-of-the-20th-century tobacco advertising, an El Verso Havana Cigars metal countertop store display and cigar box holder exhibited an unusual design and admirable artistry. At its center, a framed double-sided poster advertised the company’s product, with five arms extending from the frame, each to hold a box of cigars. It sold above its high estimate for $2,925.

There was no faulting the spotless condition of a vintage neon sign from Duquesne Pilsner Beer, a Pittsburgh brewery that operated from 1899 till 1972. With an oval pictorial cartouche emblazoned “The Prince of Pilsener” and a banner above the white and yellow neon that boasted “THE FINEST BEER IN TOWN,” this terrific advertising piece had it all: rarity, originality, and flawless operation. It sold just below the upper end of its estimate range, for $2,829.

To discuss consigning to a future Milestone auction, whether it’s an entire collection or a single item, call Miles King at 440-527-8060 or email info@milestoneauctions.com. All discussions are kept strictly confidential, and there is never an obligation to consign. Visit Milestone online at www.milestoneauctions.com.