Rare Erie Gas Pump Leads Petroliana Auction as Canadian Advertising Collectors Drive Strong Results

Miller & Miller’s September 6 two-session auction realizes more than CA$485,000 as gas pumps, porcelain signs and vintage advertising command strong interest.

NEW HAMBURG, ONTARIO, CANADA, September 16, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — A rare Erie Cash Recorder gas pump in Polly Gas; a Canadian Bennett Model 146 gas pump in North Star Gasoline; and scarce early Canadian advertising signs were among the highlights of Miller & Miller Auctions’ September 6 Petroliana, Soda & General Store Advertising sale, which realized a combined CA$485,119.25, including buyer’s premium.

Presented in two online-only sessions with live video feed from the auction location, the sale featured 392 lots spanning advertising signs, petroliana, soda advertising and general store advertising. Session I, which began at 9 a.m., featured 255 lots and attracted 423 bidders who placed 7,902 bids, while the 137-lot Session II drew 212 bidders and 2,134 bids. Bidding was offered through Miller & Miller Live and LiveAuctioneers, with lots closing sequentially online.

The top result of the sale came from Lot 170, an Erie Cash Recorder gas pump in Polly Gas, which sold for CA$35,090, more than three times its CA$9,000–$12,000 estimate. Made in the U.S.A. circa 1934–1935, the Model 53 pump was converted to double-sided operation and featured a globe specifically designed for the cash recorder model. Professionally restored in Polly Gas, the pump retained its original iron castings and superb colour and gloss, and came from the Ron Carey Collection. Miller & Miller guaranteed the pump was authentic.

Strong interest continued with Lot 171, a Service Station Equipment Co. Bennett Model 146 gas pump in North Star Gasoline, which realized CA$22,990 against a CA$6,000–$9,000 estimate. Made in Canada in 1935, the professionally restored pump retained its original complete computer mechanism, original faces, base and castings, as well as its original lower-edge indicator plate. The pump also retained its original mechanism and pump body, contributing to its appeal among collectors of Canadian petroliana.

“Buyers appreciated the variety of gas, oil and soda advertising in this sale,” said Ethan Miller, CEO of Miller & Miller Auctions. “Interest in tin and porcelain signs remains avid. Paper performed exceptionally well in this sale. The next sale promises to be even stronger.”

Among the standout signs was Lot 102, a Ford Genuine Parts double-sided porcelain sign, made in Canada circa 1920–1930. The scarce early Canadian Ford dealer and parts sign brought CA$6,050, exceeding its CA$3,500–$5,000 estimate. Graded 8.5/8.25, the sign displayed very good colour and gloss and was authenticated by The Authentication Company, TAC #501820.

Lot 60, a Texaco 6′ Service Station Sign, a Canadian double-sided porcelain sign dating to 1946–1959, sold for CA$5,748, well above its CA$3,000–$3,500 estimate. The 72-inch sign was marked “P&M Orillia” and carried the trademark dating characteristics that place it within the postwar Canadian Texaco period. It was graded 9.0/8.75 and authenticated by TAC #402508.

Also realizing CA$5,748 was Lot 196, a Goodyear Tires Selected Dealer porcelain sign, made in Canada circa 1935–1939. The 96-inch sign carried the “Selected Dealer” tagline introduced by Goodyear during its mid-1930s re-imaging campaign and was graded 8.5. Authenticated by TAC #402670, the sign came from the Relics Collection and far exceeded its CA$2,500–$3,000 estimate.

Another Canadian rarity, Lot 200, a 1957 Prest-O-Lite Batteries Sales and Service die-cut porcelain sign, brought CA$5,748 against a CA$2,000–$2,500 estimate. Marked “P&M Orillia 57,” the 18-by-32-inch sign was graded 9C, with excellent colour and gloss, and authenticated by TAC #402761.

Paper and tin advertising also attracted considerable attention. Lot 87, a scarce Pepsi-Cola Privilege Panel sign, made in Canada circa 1951–1962, sold for CA$4,538, surpassing its CA$2,500–$3,000 estimate. The large die-cut tin sign, measuring 50.75 by 47 inches, was graded 9C and authenticated by TAC #402770.

From the American automotive advertising category, Lot 103, a scarce 36-inch Buick Motor Cars porcelain sign, realized CA$4,538, against a CA$3,000–$3,500 estimate. Made in the U.S.A. between 1915 and 1936, the three-foot sign was originally housed in a metal hanging bracket and retained strong colour and gloss. It was authenticated by TAC #402792.

Session I finished with a 99% sell-through rate, with 66% of the top 50 lots exceeding estimate, while Session II achieved a 100% sell-through rate. The results reflect continued demand for original Canadian petroliana and advertising, particularly porcelain and tin signs, while the strong performance of paper advertising added another dimension to the sale.

“The variety of material in this auction brought collectors together across several different areas of advertising,” Miller said. “There is clearly strong interest in the best original examples, and we expect that momentum to continue into the fall.”

To watch a brief wrap-up video highlighting the September 6 auction, visit: https://youtu.be/dZqsNl-qcMM

Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. is Canada’s trusted seller of high-value collections specializing in watches, art, antiques and collectibles. Upcoming online-only sales include:
– September 27, 2026: Pre-1980 Sports Cards – The Spezowka Collection
– October 8, 2026: Post-War Canadian Folk Art
– October 10, 2026: Canadiana – Featuring the Bienvenu, Van Horne/Ferguson & East Coast Collections

To view upcoming auctions, bid online or consign a single item, estate or complete collection, visit www.MillerandMillerAuctions.com or contact Miller & Miller Auctions directly.

Ethan Miller
Miller & Miller Auctions
info@millerandmillerauctions.com