Rare 1927 Shell sign tops Barry Yorgason petroliana auction at CA$35,090

Miller & Miller Auctions sold every lot in its October 18 online Barry Yorgason petroliana sale, bringing in CA$430,185.25 as collectors chased original gas, oil and automotive advertising. A 1927 Shell Motor Oils porcelain sign led the auction, while two more sessions from the collection are set for October 27 and November 3.

Why it matters: - The sale shows continued demand for original petroliana, porcelain signs and vintage oil displays. - Every lot sold, and 60% of the top 50 lots beat estimate, signaling a strong market for high-grade automotive advertising. - The auction also sets the pace for two more Barry Yorgason Collection sessions later in October and early November.

What happened: - Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. held the Gas, Oil & Automotive Advertising – The Barry Yorgason Collection auction online on October 18. - The 234-lot sale realized CA$430,185.25, including buyer’s premium. - The auction drew 566 registered bidders and 6,722 bids across Miller & Miller Live, LiveAuctioneers and HiBid via justdiscovered. - The top lot was a 1927 Australian Shell Motor Oils “Single Double Triple” single-sided porcelain sign that sold for CA$35,090. - The Shell sign came from Lot 129 and far outperformed its CA$5,000–CA$7,000 estimate.

The details: - The Shell sign measured 36 by 73.5 inches, showed very good colour and gloss, and was graded 8.5. - The sign was marked “ENAMEL WKS. GEELONG” and “PROPERTY OF THE SHELL COMPANY LTD.” - Shell ran the “Single, Double, Triple” campaign only once, in October 1927, which added to the sign’s appeal. - The sign was authenticated by The Authentication Company, TAC #402820, and Miller & Miller guaranteed its authenticity. - A 1946 Canadian White Rose Service Station double-sided porcelain sign sold for CA$10,890, above its CA$4,000–CA$6,000 estimate. - The White Rose sign was four feet in diameter, retained its original frame and hardware, and was graded 8.5/8.75. - A Canadian Irving Velco Motor Oil bottle rack from 1935 to 1948 also brought CA$10,890. - The Irving display included an arched base, two removable wire carriers and eight embossed glass oil bottles with metal pour spouts. - A Chrysler Plymouth Fargo Trucks double-sided porcelain flange sign made in Canada from 1936 to 1955 sold for CA$9,680 against a CA$2,000–CA$2,500 estimate. - A White Fox Motor Oil Imperial quart can from 1940 to 1949 realized CA$9,075 versus a CA$4,000–CA$6,000 estimate. - A Hudson Sales Service dealer sign from the United States, made between 1948 and 1957, brought CA$7,260. - A North Star William Penn Motor Oil rack made between 1929 and 1939 sold for CA$6,050. - A professionally restored Gilbert & Barker Model 296 gas pump in White Rose sold for CA$5,445. - The pump included a original data plate, original cast-iron base, original metal skins, reproduction porcelain pump signs, face plates, ad glass and globe, plus hose and correct nozzle. - Several featured lots were authenticated by The Authentication Company, including TAC #402811, #402900–#402903, #402848 and #501945–#501956.

Between the lines: - The results suggest that collectors paid up for condition, rarity and original branding, especially on early oil company pieces and porcelain signs. - The wide spread between estimates and final prices on several lots suggests competitive bidding for standout examples. - The strong performance of Canadian petroleum advertising underscores the depth of interest in domestic brands and service-station history.

What's next: - Sessions II and III of the Barry Yorgason Collection take place October 27 and November 3 through justdiscovered Auctions. - Miller & Miller also has Pre-1980 Sports Cards & Memorabilia on October 25, Decoys – The Laurin Garland Collection and Pottery & Glass on October 28, and Decoys & Sporting on October 29. - The company is accepting consignments and is directing bidders to its auction catalogues and the remaining Yorgason Collection session details. - More information is available in the wrap-up video and the remaining Yorgason sessions.

The bottom line: - The Barry Yorgason sale confirmed that top-tier petroliana remains a hot collector category, with original porcelain and oil advertising bringing premium prices.