Vintage Advertising Auctions
At Rockabilly Auction Company, we specialize in curating and presenting authentic vintage advertising collectibles that celebrate the golden age of American commerce and culture. Our Vintage Advertising Auctions are a tribute to the bold branding, imaginative artwork, and nostalgic charm that once lit up roadside diners, country stores, and filling stations across the nation.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector, interior designer, nostalgia lover, or first-time buyer, our auctions in Georgia offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity to own a piece of American history—rich with color, craftsmanship, and cultural significance.
What is Vintage Advertising?
Vintage advertising refers to original promotional items—often from the early 1900s through the 1970s—used by companies to market their products and services. These items range from porcelain and tin signs to point-of-sale displays, and today they are considered valuable collectibles due to their artistic value, rarity, and representation of American consumer culture.
These artifacts tell the story of American industry—from the rise of petroliana and soda pop branding to the country store signs that once beckoned from dusty rural highways. In many cases, these signs and displays were handcrafted or screen-printed with stunning detail, far surpassing the throwaway advertising of modern times.
Upcoming Vintage Advertising Auctions
Online bidding and photo galleries of items available in our upcoming auctions.
APRIL 1, 2023 – Advertising, Americana & Nostalgia – Hartwell, GA
Past Auctions
See photos and winning bids from our past auctions
March 20-21, 2026
March 20-21, 2026 – Advertising, Americana, & AutomobiliaThis auction featured an extensive variety of quality…
December 13, 2025
December 13, 2025 – Online Advertising, Automobilia, & AmericanaThis auction featured gas pumps, Christmas advertising,…
September 12-13, 2025
September 12-13, 2025 – Advertising, Automobilia & Coin-Op AuctionThis auction featured a wide array of…
May 2-3, 2025
May 2-3, 2025 – Advertising, Automobilia, AmericanaThis Auction featured hundreds of original porcelain, metal, neon…
August 23-24, 2024
August 24-25, 2024 – Karlocks Museum, Advertising, AmericanaThis auction featured the contents of the Karlocks…
Categories of Vintage Advertising You’ll Find at Auction
Petroliana (Gas & Oil Advertising)
- Porcelain and tin signs from Mobil, Texaco, Gulf, Sinclair, Shell, and Phillips 66
- Gas pump globes, nozzles, and island signage
- Oil cans, quart cans, grease tins, and branded tools
- Service station uniforms, banners, and display racks
Soda Pop Advertising
- Embossed Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Dr Pepper, and 7UP signs
- Vintage coolers, vending machines, crates, and clocks
- Thermometers, trays, bottle openers, and promotional swag
- Rare regional brands and local bottler memorabilia
Tobacco & Cigar Memorabilia
- Tins, pouches, boxes, and pocket advertising
- Cigarette and cigar signs from Camel, Lucky Strike, Chesterfield, Prince Albert, and more
- In-store countertop displays and shelf talkers
Beer, Whiskey & Liquor Advertising
- Neon and light-up signs from Budweiser, Miller, Pabst, Old Crow, and regional breweries
- Mirrors, trays, tap handles, bottle displays, and coasters
- Distillery promotional signage from Kentucky bourbon and Canadian whiskey brands
General Store & Country Store Advertising
- Calendars, clocks, display cabinets, and branded packaging
- Flour sacks, feed store signs, and farm equipment advertising
- Cream separator signs, tool company displays, and seed company ads
Advertising Clocks & Thermometers
- Working condition timepieces branded for everything from cola to motor oil
- Metal and cardboard thermometers in exceptional condition
- Wall-mounted and countertop clocks for retail settings
Point-of-Sale Displays & Promotional Ephemera
- Die-cut cardboard signage
- Paper display inserts, flyers, and rare original marketing material
- In-store demonstrators and branded shelving
Why Collect Vintage Advertising?
Artistic Appeal
These pieces are miniature works of art—rich in typography, vivid colors, hand-drawn illustrations, and often enamel or lithograph finishes. From Deco-era elegance to 1950s roadside kitsch, vintage ads were made to dazzle the eye.
Historical Significance
Vintage advertising documents the evolution of American industries: automotive, food & beverage, tobacco, agriculture, and household goods. Each item is a time capsule from a specific moment in branding history.
Investment Potential
As original pieces become harder to find, their values have steadily appreciated. High-grade signs and promotional items can command impressive figures at auction.
Unique Decor
Man caves, garages, restaurants, retail spaces, and retro-themed homes come alive with original advertising. These pieces provide authentic style and personality no reproduction can match.
The Rockabilly Difference: Why Buy With Us?
At Rockabilly Auction Company, we’re not just auctioneers—we’re lifelong collectors, researchers, and stewards of the vintage lifestyle. Our reputation for authenticity, transparency, and quality makes us a trusted name among collectors nationwide.
What You Can Expect:
- Curated selections from private estates, barns, garages, and longtime collections
- Detailed descriptions and condition reports to inform confident bidding
- High-resolution photos showcasing each item from multiple angles
- Live gallery bidding, online bidding, and absentee options
- In-house packing and nationwide shipping for most items
- Expert staff available to answer questions and provide historical context
Selling Your Collection? We’re Accepting Consignments.
Do you have vintage signs, oil cans, soda memorabilia, or advertising collectibles to sell? We make it easy to consign:
- Competitive seller commissions
- National marketing exposure
- No hidden fees
- Proven results in maximizing value
Contact us today to speak with a vintage advertising specialist and schedule a free consignment evaluation.