: Theriault's conducted its Marquis cataloged auction entitled "300
Impossible Things Before Noon" in Las Vegas on Saturday, May 17.
The title of the auction was based on a chapter from Alice in
Wonderland where the Queen of Hearts states to Alice, "Why,
sometimes I've believed as many a six impossible things before
breakfast!"
Each of the three diverse collections represented at Theriault's
largest single-day auction thus far this year represented a
specific genre of collectibles, illustrating the development of
the grouping in history from start to finish. The combination of
the artistic works of Gebruder Heubach, an amazing selection of
French dolls and automata and a discerning collection of vintage
toys helped nearly double expectations of the weekend as totals
soared to almost $1.4 million.
Outside the auction as roulette wheels ticked away and cards of
chance were flipped, the surest bet at the Venetian were the many
dolls of Gebruder Heubach. To gaze at the sheer artistry and
history found in this renowned private collection featured in the
Heubach book by Lydia Richter was an amazing opportunity.
Waltzing couple by Vichy, $23,000.
Lot 1, a beguiling Heubach character boy, 8035, jump started
the crowd by realizing $15,500 -- almost five times the presale
estimate. Another eye-opener was lot 4, a rare Heubach character
girl, 7956, at $17,000 against a presale estimate of $5/7,500. Lot
5, a "Singing Heubach," 7764, brought $13,000 against a presale
estimate of $3,5/4,500.
With phone bids coming in from around the world and anxious
bidders in the audience, one could understand the goalie's
upturned impish lips and the charming wide-eyed looks. Lot 35, a
8590 Heubach googlie, brought in double its presale estimate at
$12,000 while lot 101, a 8556 Heubch googlie, reflected the faces
of many collectors on Saturday as this elfin character realized
$23,000 against a $6/8,000 estimate.
Other notable German dolls included a beautiful, serene-looking
Simon and Halbig character 1307, lot 161, at $19,000 against a
presale estimate of $8/11,000.
The history shared by German doll historians and authors Jurgen
and Marianne Cieslik of the portrait model of young Teddy
Roosevelt, lot 77, caught the attention of many collectors
worldwide. This stately portrait is attributed to Cuno and Otto
Dresser by Simon and Halbig, and is from a series of historical
dolls issued by that firm in 1893 representing American heroes of
the Spanish American War. It realized $9,000 against a presale
estimate of $4/5,000.
American mechanical Popeye speedboat by Hoge, circa 1935,
$10,000.
Lot 50, a mandolin-playing automaton by Lambert, realized
$19,000 and lot 24, the graceful waltzing couple by Vichy, was not
lost on anyone as the couple was seen twirling around the top of a
beautiful display. Their 128-year-old waltz earned them $23,000
against a presale estimate of $12/18,000.
Another notable French doll was lot 29, an outstanding French
bisque bebe A.T. by Thuillier. This decadently dress A.T. stood
poised as bidding topped at $38,000. Lot 80, another A.T. by
Thuillier in all original costuming, also realized $38,000. Lot
80, a very rare French bisque bebe by Schmitt et Fils, helped to
solidify the current strength of the doll market by realizing
$29,000 against a presale estimate of $18/24,000.
The vintage toys included Popeye, Mickey, Li'l Abner, Henry and
Mortimer Snerd. Charlie McCarthy joined Mortimer Snerd in Marx's
"Private Car," lot 71, at $5,750, and Mickey Mouse's street
organ, lot 303, played a jaunty tune as Minnie danced on the lid
for $5,600. But it was Popeye who stole the show, riding in on
his speedboat (lot 153), and realizing $10,000 against a presale
estimate of $4/5,000.
