An outstanding single-owner collection of advertising, country store and Old West antiques and collectibles will be sold the weekend of April 11-13, 2008 by Showtime Auction Services. The sale will comprise the estate of George Cross, a dedicated collector from Orange, Calif. and will be held at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

“This is one of the finest collections of its kind in the United States,” said Mike Eckles of Showtime Auction Services. “Nearly everything Mr. Cross owns is in mint or near mint condition. Many of the items are extremely rare and one-of-a-kind or one of a few examples.” Mr. Eckles added all items will be sold without minimums or reserves. “Everything goes, regardless of price,” he said.

Mr. Cross, the founder of Pomona Swap Meet and Car Show, passed away in Jan. 2008. He leaves behind an extensive collection of advertising, country store and Western memorabilia that includes: petroliana; coin-op; gambling; coffee grinders; Coca-Cola; occupational mugs; bronzes; banks; straight razors; barber shop items; and more.

A preview will be held on Friday, April 11, from 7 a.m. - 12 noon, with auction beginning soon after. The Saturday and Sunday sessions, April 12 and 13, will run from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

For updates and images for the sale of the George Cross collection visit www.showtimeauctions.com.

Showtime Auction Services recently relocated its headquarters office from Chino, Calif., to Woodhaven, Mich. For more information visit the website, or call Mike Eckles at (951) 453-2415.

See this article and more in Today’s Vintage Magazine, www.todaysvintage.com.