#659676
Thu Jun 30 2016 07:39 AM
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Yes, its true! I have sold my Cities Service collection, or at least part of it, so I feel an explanation is in order. When I first started collecting, about 12 years ago, I had told my wife that I had intentions of doing it for about 10 years and then selling everything if I was still alive. I have gone past that time frame by about 2 years and have always had that thought in the back of my mind. I wanted the enjoyment of the sale action, just as much as the enjoyment of the collecting aspect. Over the course of the years, I discovered that there really "IS NO" such thing as getting out of the hobby, but I have learned a lot in those 12 years, and I feel I can put the train on a different track and continue on! I have reached a point in my collecting where things have really slowed down. I have had to refrain from buying some very desirable pieces for 2 reasons. There is absolutely no room left in my display area (the Warden refuses to allow it to spill into the house), and I have so much Cities Service stuff that when I do find a new piece, it means that I have to take another piece down in order to display the new piece! Since I refuse to become a hoarder, I always sell the piece I just removed, and that action has started to restrict my collecting to just Cities Service, and its rare that a new piece ever comes on the market for me. I have a good friend with a very sizeable collection and he really didn't have any Cities Service items, so he offered to buy my collection. Once this offer was on the table, I had decisions to make. Should I sell the whole collection the auction way, or should I just part with part of it by selling just the Cities Service signage, as the offer was in front of me??? It took me several weeks to make up my mind and I decided to sell the signage to my good friend. Along with the Cities signage, went the Mobil, Husky, Texaco and Polarine. The additional signs were kind of holding me back, but he wanted all of it, so I made up my mind and closed the deal! This leaves me with all of my Cities Service globes and cans and pumps, and I intend to sell a large portion of these off in addition. The thing that convinced me to take this track, was the fact that I am 67 years old and I wanted to try a little different aspect of the hobby while I still can. I'm not exactly sure what that track will evolve into yet, as I plan on spending some time selling out most of the rest of my Cities Service items first. I have always had a big interest in rare pumps, and especially original patina survivor pumps! I believe I will be selling my restored pumps and concentrating on these survivor type pumps in the future? This opens a lot of doors for me and now I have the opportunity to go in any of several different directions. It sure doesn't mean that I will stop collecting ANY Cities Service at all, but I will probably just be collecting the rarer pieces of it, or any other brand for that matter. I have always felt that life was a journey and I intended to participate to the fullest, depending on my ability and resources. I look back and its been a very exciting life that I wouldn't do any other way, and I see this part as just another chapter in that journey! I can't wait to get started on the next part!!
By the way, My health is great and my wife still loves me so there were no ulterior motives in this decision! LOL
Last edited by K W FRITH; Thu Jun 30 2016 07:49 AM.
Everything Cities Service Specializing in old Gas Pumps kwfrith@gondtc.com Cell#-701-739-6133
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Please - NO offers to Buy or Sell in this forum category
Statements such as, "I'm thinking about selling this." are considered an offer to sell.
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sad to see the collection go, but happy to hear there will be less competition! lol
congrats.
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This is very insightful and does tend to make a person think. Especially those of us getting up there in age.
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you know when its time, this day comes for all of us .. ...
RANDY
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A lot of the pieces that come up at auction or E-Bay are the result of decisions like yours. People down sizing, other interests etc. Unfortunately also divorce & death are reasons. When a collector treasures his collection he has to realize that he can enjoy the hunt, the purchase and adding to his collection. But also that he is just the caretaker of the item til he hands it off to the next collector some time in the future. I'am sure you will remain in the hobby, it's in your blood!
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Wow Kevin. Though shocking to me, perfectly understandable, as you explained your decision to take another track in your collecting. I wish you the best of luck on the new track, although I am certain your passion and love for the hobby will benefit you way more than luck! Keep teaching us all with your insight and advice!
Looking for early valvoline, freedom-valvoline, franklin pa items, Galena
KEVIN
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One of the benefits of doing it this way is knowing your collection is going to a good place where it will be appreciated and displayed.
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One of the benefits of doing it this way is knowing your collection is going to a good place where it will be appreciated and displayed. thats what Kyle Moore thought too
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I have seen collections go a million different directions once the original owner sold out. One can never tell.Only time tells.Does it really make any difference ? Dave
Dave Jones It's All Just Stuff
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Totally understand your thinking. I my self just did what you did with your collection not gas and oil, my Buddy L collection. It was just time and it's funny how it comes to you out of left field. Congratulations and now get fired up for the new hunt!
Have gas all the time
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sad to see the collection go, but happy to hear there will be less competition! lol
congrats. That was just about word for word my response to Kevin about what you would say! LOL Great story Kevin (as always), See you soon!
Thanks Mike
Always Looking for any Pure Oil and Sunoco Items.
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Natural progression.I'll bet that aero can is a keeper.
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Thing that stood out to me the most of your explanation Kevin is that some of your pumps will be available soon Congrats on the sale.
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Geez Kevin I am glad to see your making a decision for all the right reasons...and I am glad I got to see it in person. Man I just got started and I am only a few years behind you...hmmm. Well the auction houses will be disappointed, in the short term at least, while you're thinking about your next choice. Hopefully this doesn't mean less KW on OG.
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I too am very surprised to hear this from the biggest Cities Service collector out there that I am aware of. I know each of us will have our time, just didn't think it would be any time soon for Kevin!
Somebody just purchased one heck of a collection!
Collecting most things related to Cities Service, Galena Oil, Hi-Speed Gas, Sunoco & Richfield.
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Kevin, Congratulations on selling your collection on your own terms. I know that could not have been an easy decision to make, but to do it because you chose and wanted to must have made the choice a little easier.
Best wishes in finding new areas of interest to explore and hoping you have just as much enjoyment and success in those new areas as you did collecting Cities Service items.
Happy hunting! Jim
P.S. You would not like collecting salt and pepper shakers or coin banks!!!
Regards, Jim
I collect gas pump salt and pepper shakers and the plastic coin banks made by AVSCO.
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Good for you Kevin!
There are more ways to enjoy the hobby and now you can more easily explore them.
Collecting anything keeps you young at heart!
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Congrats have gave it many thoughts ..Tom
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Kevin, You made a good decision and I commend you. I have you by a year in age and frankly, have been giving thought to moving on to other things like fishing in Homer, AK. Congratulations! Paul www.severngaspumps.com
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Hmmmmmmmmmm, sold your collection and getting into pumps... I think I have 50-60 you could aquire all in one shot Kevin...lol another instant collection..
Wanted early tin litho signage. petro, farm, auto, etc.
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Interesting decision Kevin. Thanks for sharing your story. Whatever you do don't stop posting on Old Gas! I enjoy reading your posts and hearing your stories.
-Matt
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On the edge of my seat to see what happens next. I understand your reasoning. Be sure to update us on your next adventure.
Jim "Oldgas" Potts Your host and moderator
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I've had friends sell their collections before they were truly ready. It sounds like you're at peace with your decision, and have an idea of what you want to do next.
Wanted: Gas pump globes:Sinclair & affiliates, IL companies. Ripple bodies. Anything Sinclair, Stoll, Pierce, 4 Bros. http://www.lastgas15.com/
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Your certainly a man of action Kevin. You always have something interesting going on.
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Kevin, you obviously gave this a lot of thought and I applaud you for making a decision that some of us would have trouble making....us meaning me...lol.
Can't wait to see you at Iowa Gas and see what you bought....a pocket full of cash, imagine the fun!
And also you hit on one of the hottest trends out there right now, survivor pumps. Wishing you all the best, you are truly one of the nicest guys in the hobby.
Tom.
Always buying gas pumps and parts. Visit my web site: www.gaspumps.usBuckles Vintage Gas Pump Parts LLC Carthage Indiana
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Kevin when you told me the other day on the phone I got off the phone and told the wife she was in shock as much as me it took me some time to understand why but I completely under stand. Good luck on your next adventures. Your a great person. P.s. now what am I going to do with that grizzly sign lol
Always looking for grizzly gasoline stuff, or any Montana gas and oil stuff.
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Wow! On the surface, this posting is of course very surprising. But as others have said, sounds like you've given it good thought and you know what your doing. Hey, I think you've said it yourself a time or two, 'it's only stuff'. I sure hope this doesn't mean we'll be seeing less of you around these pages. As someone else said, your wisdom, knowledge and adventurous stories are much needed and appreciated around here. Hey, here's an idea, maybe you could start a new TV show, 'Chasing Classic Pumps'!! Well good luck moving forward Kevin. I look forward to reading about and seeing the survivors your find.
BTW, I sure would love to see a couple good complete pics of the collection before it's all dismantled for posterities sake. If it isn't to late already.
Steve Coppens Always interested in Sunoco items! Really want a Sunoco National pump ad glass!!
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Kevin, I can completely understand. While my collection isn't as massive as yours, at age 70 (5 years ago) the "inner voice" started saying to me that it was time to share some of this stuff with others that were still passionate about collecting & could enjoy it as much as I have. I've been going the 'slow route' by selling off a few pieces at a time. It's been a good move and I have no regrets. And "Yes", there are a lot of other things to fill the vacuum, and just as enjoyable! Good luck!
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Follow the Red Indian Trail
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Congratulations on your new path…the journey continues...
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Well good luck on your new path. Based on your BOTW POST, you may need professional help to break your pattern! LOL!!
*Wanted Pierce Pennant Petroleum*
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Being a young collector, I can't even imagine selling my stuff yet! But I have enjoyed reading your posts and seeing you here on oldgas! Good luck on your new path and can't wait to see your survivor pumps!!!
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Good for you Kevin! I'm not sure if I could've done that haha. Save some survivor pumps for us!!
Braden Splichal
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I know it couldn't have been an easy decision. You have always been someone I always look up to in this hobby. I wish you luck with your new endeavor. I guess now you will no longer have a need for the Cities Service neon...
Last edited by Shotzy13; Mon Jul 04 2016 10:10 PM.
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People who saw my collection at it's peak often ask why I sold almost all of it. Health was my biggest concern. After having survived a stroke you start to think. "What if my wife and son had to liquidate this?" So now I do much the same as you. I love the hunt, meet great people, still travel and still get to enjoy all the things in the hobby while helping other younger guys build their collections. I am sure we will continue to cross paths. It has always been a pleasure.
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I know the feeling of John and Kevin. Sold off most of my bigger items in the last few years and some signs are going lately. Taking the IH Cities Service gas truck to the show at Iola Wi tomorrow. It was an awesome project for me to do but it's time for it to go while it's still in pristine condition,yr 74 coming up.
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