Rare Erie gas pump leads Miller & Miller petroliana sale to CA$485K

Miller & Miller Auctions’ Sept. 6 petroliana, soda and general store advertising sale brought in more than CA$485,000, led by a rare Erie Cash Recorder gas pump and strong demand for Canadian porcelain and tin signs. The auction drew heavy bidding online and underscored continued collector interest in original Canadian advertising.

Why it matters: - The sale shows that top-tier petroliana and Canadian advertising remain highly competitive, especially for original pieces with strong provenance, rarity and condition. - Strong results for porcelain, tin and paper signs suggest collectors are still paying up for authenticated examples from key Canadian and U.S. brands.

What happened: - Miller & Miller Auctions’ Sept. 6 Petroliana, Soda & General Store Advertising sale realized CA$485,119.25 including buyer’s premium. - The auction ran in two online-only sessions with live video from the auction site. - Session I included 255 lots and drew 423 bidders who placed 7,902 bids. - Session II included 137 lots and drew 212 bidders who placed 2,134 bids. - Bidding was offered through Miller & Miller Live and LiveAuctioneers, with lots closing sequentially online.

The details: - Lot 170, an Erie Cash Recorder gas pump in Polly Gas, led the sale at CA$35,090, more than three times its CA$9,000–CA$12,000 estimate. - The U.S.-made Model 53 pump dated to circa 1934–1935 and was converted to double-sided operation. - The pump featured a globe designed for the cash recorder model. - The piece was professionally restored in Polly Gas and retained its original iron castings, colour and gloss. - The pump came from the Ron Carey Collection and was guaranteed authentic by Miller & Miller. - Lot 171, a Service Station Equipment Co. Bennett Model 146 gas pump in North Star Gasoline, brought CA$22,990 against a CA$6,000–CA$9,000 estimate. - The Canadian-made 1935 pump retained its original complete computer mechanism, faces, base, castings and lower-edge indicator plate. - The pump also retained its original mechanism and pump body. - Lot 102, a Ford Genuine Parts double-sided porcelain sign, sold for CA$6,050, above its CA$3,500–CA$5,000 estimate. - The Canadian sign dated to circa 1920–1930 and was graded 8.5/8.25. - The sign was authenticated by The Authentication Company, TAC #501820. - Lot 60, a 6-foot Texaco Service Station Sign, sold for CA$5,748 against a CA$3,000–CA$3,500 estimate. - The Canadian double-sided porcelain sign dated to 1946–1959, measured 72 inches and was marked “P&M Orillia.” - The sign was graded 9.0/8.75 and authenticated by TAC #402508. - Lot 196, a Goodyear Tires Selected Dealer porcelain sign, also sold for CA$5,748, topping its CA$2,500–CA$3,000 estimate. - The Canadian sign dated to circa 1935–1939, measured 96 inches and was graded 8.5. - The sign came from the Relics Collection and was authenticated by TAC #402670. - Lot 200, a 1957 Prest-O-Lite Batteries Sales and Service die-cut porcelain sign, brought CA$5,748 against a CA$2,000–CA$2,500 estimate. - The 18-by-32-inch sign was marked “P&M Orillia 57,” graded 9C and authenticated by TAC #402761. - Lot 87, a Pepsi-Cola Privilege Panel sign, sold for CA$4,538, above its CA$2,500–CA$3,000 estimate. - The Canadian die-cut tin sign dated to circa 1951–1962, measured 50.75 by 47 inches, was graded 9C and authenticated by TAC #402770. - Lot 103, a 36-inch Buick Motor Cars porcelain sign, realized CA$4,538 against a CA$3,000–CA$3,500 estimate. - The U.S.-made sign dated to between 1915 and 1936, retained strong colour and gloss, and was authenticated by TAC #402792. - Session I finished with a 99% sell-through rate, and 66% of its top 50 lots exceeded estimate. - Session II achieved a 100% sell-through rate. - The sale reinforced demand for original Canadian petroliana, especially porcelain and tin signs, while paper advertising also performed strongly.

Between the lines: - Ethan Miller said buyers responded to the range of gas, oil and soda advertising, and he said the strongest momentum is likely to continue. - The results point to a market that still rewards authenticity, rarity and recognizable brand graphics over generic decorative appeal. - Canadian-made advertising stood out across multiple categories, suggesting domestic material remains a key collecting focus.

What's next: - Miller & Miller said its next sale is expected to be stronger. - Upcoming online-only auctions include Pre-1980 Sports Cards – The Spezowka Collection on Sept. 27, 2026, Post-War Canadian Folk Art on Oct. 8, 2026, and Canadiana on Oct. 10, 2026. - More information, bidding and consignments are available through the company’s website. - A brief wrap-up video from the Sept. 6 sale is available here.

The bottom line: - A rare Erie gas pump and a slate of scarce Canadian advertising signs helped Miller & Miller post a strong September sale, with collectors showing they will still pay for the best original petroliana.