: Bertoia Auctions' recent sale created a collector-charged energy
not witnessed in many years. Collectors from around the globe
were thrilled at the fresh toy, bank and toy collectible
offerings, and showed their approval with an avalanche of record
prices.
It was a pleasure, said Jeanne and Rich Bertoia, not just for the
numerous record prices realized, but for the comments and the
all-out toy spirit felt in the gallery over the weekend. The
first hour of the sale starting with a Carnival Bank selling for
$13,750, just after coming off the heels of a rare Butting Ram
example, also exceeding estimate price and selling for $12,100.
There were plenty of bank offerings. In what one advanced
collector termed a "pleasant barrage" of quality, the sale
highlights were many and included: a pristine coin registering
bank, $28,600; a Dog Tray Bank, $34,100; possibly the only known
original patented Ferris Wheel Bank, $24,200; Paddy and the Pig
Bank, $20,350; the very rare and desirable North Pole Bank,
$39,600; an incredible casting, the US Bank, $67,100; and
everyone's favorite, a Girl Skipping Rope in stunning condition,
selling for $72,600.
One of the auction's most interesting of cast designs was this
US Bank, in absolute enviable condition, which realized
$67,100.
More than 125 mechanicals paraded to the podium, starting
from Acrobat to Zoo Bank, and prices soared often from the floor,
the phones, the Internet and the many absentee bids received by the
auction house.
The bank session was intense, from a tin Fortune Telling Bank
selling at $12,100 to a Jonah and the Whale at $8,800. And still
banks were not to be outdone. Fresh to the market, a King Midas
relocated for $6,050; Building with Belfry, $4,400; Elephant with
Chariot, $2,090; Armored Car, $5,500; a Yellow Cab, near mint,
$3,025; and a juicy Apple still bank, $4,400. A gold Alphabet
still bank joined good company at $5,500.
The sale might best be remembered for "haven't seen lately"
prices, but that was only a direct cause from the multitude of
cross-section fields of interest demonstrated for other toy
groupings. European boats, for example, made their own splash
during the two-day sale, as a very coveted Marklin
paddle-hheeler, the New York, in fabulous original
condition, hammered to the tune of $56,100.
The sale had its share of highlight cast iron pieces, starting
with a scarcely seen and rarely offered Mack Ingersoll Rand
Compressor Truck ending the bidding at $9,900, together with
Borden's Milk Truck at $9,350, a real gem of a Buick Coupe at
$13,200, two Hubley Factory Fire truck examples at $6,050, and
$4,675, respectively, Hubley Traffic Car at $9,900 and boxed
Arcade Fire Truck at $4,675. A Kilgore Stutz Roadster helped seal
the fate of cast iron vehicle supremacy with a final bid of
$8,250, and it was on to more toys.
Popeye was in the house, and the sailor man made his presence
known. A short recap follows: Heavy Hitter, $13,200; Flier's Toy,
$4,400; Aeroplane, $3,850; Chein Walker, $3,300; and Popeye in
Barrel, $3,300. In addition to Popeye-themed toys and comic
character favorites, European toys, such as Lehmann's Ski Rolf
selling for $3,575 and Guntherman's Woman at sewing machine for
$2,200. These shared bragging rights with Distler tin cycle and
sidecar ending at $,3850.
One of the finest ever sold at Bertoia Auction, this luxurious
Marklin New York paddle-wheeler in original condition was a
spectacular addition to the boat session, and it was
prominently redocked for $56,100.
A Schoenhut Wagon, complete with band of musicians, strolled
to the tune of $44,000. Figures from this notable toy company
commanded plenty of bidding interest. A very rare High Wire Tent
went with the figures for $8,250.
Extra special lots included a Chariot for $5,225; Grotesque
Jockey Figure, $2,475; Dollar figures at $2,750; and a Chimes
Roller at $1,875. A very special lot was added to this group, a
Clown Display Figure, handmade by Keith Kaonis and standing
nearly 4 1/2 feet high, which sold for $1,430 to a new owner who
proudly had it signed by its maker.
With so much offered in two days, those with a taste for
doorstops, doorknockers and cast iron cigar cutters were also not
disappointed at the selection and quality. Donkey Cigar Cutter
with advertisement swept the honors, bringing $5,225, while a
pristine Artie Cigar Cutter came in close second with a bid of
$4,675.
Match safes are being noticed again these days. Prices achieved
included an Eagle hanger model, $605; House with Removable Roof,
$550; and Ring-up Safe, $468.
The best of show for Schoenhut highlights was this very rare,
and rarely offered Band Wagon with full complement of
musicians. The final bid played to the tune of $44,000.
In the larger and heavier of casting interests, doorstops
showed plenty of display power, with the large Black-Eyed Susans
bringing $2,475; Bradley and Hubbards' Girl Holding Dress, $3,300;
Dancing Girl, $2,475; and large Elk, $3,850. There were plenty of
choices from flowers to houses, to people to animals, and all
whimsical in between.
Prices reported include buyer's premium.
Bertoia Auctions has announced a November auction with a special
grouping of Christmas items to be featured. The three-day sale
will feature magic lanterns from an important collection, Lehmann
collection with many rarities, doorstops, mechanicals, still
banks and toys from all points and fields of interest. For
information, 856-692-1881 or www.BertoiaAuctions.com.
