Tirau Museum Auction Part 3 Results: Vintage Signs Lead a Successful Sale
The Tirau Museum Auction – Part 3 was a major success, with vintage advertising signs, farm machinery and specialist collectables among the standout results. Held onsite in Tirau and online on Sunday 11 October 2026, the Collector Auctions sale offered buyers the opportunity to secure pieces from this varied museum collection.
From petrol and oil memorabilia to vintage toys, old telephones and workshop tools, the catalogue reflected the breadth of New Zealand’s collecting interests.
Vintage Advertising Signs Achieve Standout Results
Vintage advertising signs delivered some of the auction’s most notable results. Leading the highlights was the impressive two-piece Super Shell enamel sign, measuring 12 feet by 3 feet, which sold for $6,566.00.
Other advertising sign results included:
BP tin sign: $2,227.75
Ray Bovey handpainted Indian Motorcycles sign: $996.63
Five Ray Bovey signs featuring BP, Shell, Houghton’s, Berger and Spontex: $879.38
Plume Motor Spirit enamel sign: $762.13
These lots showcased the appeal of vintage petrol signs, enamel advertising and handpainted artwork to collectors of garagenalia and motoring memorabilia.
Farmall Tractor and Specialist Collectables Among the Highlights
Farm machinery also featured prominently, with the Farmall F12 tractor selling for $3,048.50.
Elsewhere in the catalogue, a pallet of cigarette collectables realised $762.13, while two individual boxes of magnetos sold for $609.70 and $515.90.
All prices quoted are in New Zealand dollars and include the 17.25% buyer’s premium, including GST on the premium.
A Varied Collection of Museum Pieces and Memorabilia
The appeal of the Tirau Museum collection lay in its extraordinary variety. Alongside the larger feature lots were petrol boxes, bottles, vintage toys, workshop equipment and household objects, giving collectors, restorers and enthusiasts plenty to explore.
It is rewarding to see these pieces find new homes with people who appreciate their history. Whether destined for a private collection, a restoration project or a display, they carry the story of the museum into their next chapter.
Thank You to Our Bidders and Vendors
Collector Auctions sincerely thanks everyone who attended in Tirau, joined online and placed bids to help make the Tirau Museum Auction Part 3 a success.
We also thank the vendors for entrusting us with this remarkable collection, along with everyone who assisted with auction preparation and collection days.
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