2:27 - WGN Morning News

Gas Globes, Hollywood Memorabilia, and the Triple Upright: A Donley Auctions Deep Dive

Step into the fascinating world of high-end collectibles with Randy and Susan Donley. In this unfiltered behind-the-scenes episode, the Donley team offers a rare look at the upcoming McCauley Sign Collection and the massive Hollywood Boulevard Cinema Redesign Auction.

From the fragile history of glass gas pump globes to the tragic allure of Marilyn Monroe’s last photographs, this episode is a masterclass in antique valuation and historical preservation. Whether you're a "petroleiana" enthusiast or a movie buff, you’ll find plenty of reasons to tune in and get your bids ready.

Show Highlights

• The Bidding "Sniper" Warning: Randy explains why waiting until the last second to bid online can backfire due to home internet latency. [01:31]

• The McCauley Gas Globe Collection: A showcase of rare gas pump globes, explaining how these glass advertisements survived teenagers with BB guns and decades of exposure. [02:20]

• The Tragedy of the Six Crowns: Randy shares a heartbreaking family story of six rare Standard Oil "Crown" globes that were destroyed in a single car turn. [04:00]

• The Creepy Dog of Wild West Town: The story behind a 60-year-old taxidermy domestic dog that is finally leaving the Donley museum. [05:46]

• Restoration vs. Originality: Expert advice on why "cleaning up" a vintage gas globe can often strip away its market value. [07:15]

• The 20-Year Hunt: Randy recounts his two-decade attempt to buy a Shell gas globe hidden behind overgrown bushes in Union, IL. [08:04]

• The DeKalb Corn Sign: A massive, hand-carved wooden corn cob sign that is the ultimate statement piece for any Midwest collector. [09:00]

• The $25 Pam Clocks: A look back at a missed opportunity involving 100 brand-new-in-box advertising clocks sold for a fraction of their current worth. [10:26]

• Sign Row Extravaganza: A walkthrough of rare porcelain and tin litho signs, featuring brands like Mobile, Soo, and Hupmobile. [11:45]

• Jukebox Bookends: A preview of a pair of matching 1422 Rock-Ola jukeboxes coming to the "Best of the Best" auction in May. [14:20]

• Legal Gun Consignment: Critical advice on how to legally sell gun collections in Illinois through a licensed auction house. [15:22]

• Sports Memorabilia Fever: An update on the booming sports market, including upcoming two-day auctions and the Chicago Sports Spectacular. [16:15]

• The "Extravaganza" Preview: News on the relocation of the big slot machine and jukebox show to the Renaissance Center. [17:49]

• Hiring at Donley Auctions: The team is looking for "researchers" who can use AI and Google to describe and value antiques. [19:09]

• Hollywood Boulevard Cinema Auction: A massive preview of movie memorabilia, featuring original costumes and architectural woodwork from Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. [20:40]

• The Last Sitting: Susan highlights her favorite item: a portrait from Marilyn Monroe’s final photoshoot, "The Last Sitting." [27:26]

• The Celebrity Road Trip: Randy and Susan play a game of "Who would you get in a car with?" (Featuring Bill Murray and Jack Nicholson). [29:07]

• The Triple Upright Slot Machine: The episode closes with a look at a "so rare it's scary" triple upright slot machine, the crown jewel of the May 29 sale. [32:31]

  
  

Join the Hunt: View the full catalog and place your bids at DonleyAuctions.com. Follow us for more "Ramblin'" through history!