Gunthermann Gordon Bennet Race Car Finishes At $48,300 At Julia's

FAIRFIELD, MAINE

:On November 15-17, the newly opened galleries of James D. Julia showed a decided increase from prior auctions in the number of items for sale as well as in active bidding from those in attendance and the phone and Internet; the result was a final tally nearing $1.4 million, including the buyer's premiums charged.

None fared so well as a rare and desirable Gunthermann Gordon Bennet 12-inch racer, modeled after a renowned French racecar from the 1930s. Considered the best known but most elusive of all Gunthermann cars, this early German-made lithographed tin windup racer, with two exaggerated, hand painted crouched figures - one of the finest to turn up in recent memory, according to Julia - raced past its $20/30,000 estimate to cross the finish line at $48,300, setting a new world auction record for this vehicle and possibly a record for German tin racecars in general.

Other German automotive toys were also popular including several Carette limousines such as a large deluxe example with beveled windows and other fine details that sold for $6,325.

A large French live steam chain-driven flatbed lorry by Doll et Cie sold for $8,337, and a rare German tin lithographed three-pump gas station similar to a Marx version sold for $2,300, far exceeding the catalog estimate of $600/900.

The selection of toys contained an assortment of cast iron, early American tin, pressed steel, paper litho and more. One of Hubley's most sought after and rare cast iron toys was its three-seat brake with two galloping horses pulling a load of six riders; it sold for $8,625.

Though there were some bargains here and there, fire-related cast iron toys reached good levels. A rare Carpenter engine house, circa 1882, comprised of cast iron, wood and canvas with an elaborate bell tower, brought $9,775.

The wide selection of cast iron mechanical banks was topped by a last minute consignment of a Stevens dentist bank. This comical piece in outstanding condition with its exaggerated facial features and lively action sold for $23,000.

A large number and variety of pressed steel play things included an early Gendron open top Packard pedal car in original condition. With leather seats, spotlight and stylish form, this example met its presale estimate of $6/10,000, bringing $9,200. A rare blue Keystone coast-to-coast bus with a Packard decal on the radiator, open and close top, and a handle on the roof so it could be ridden brought $4,600.

A unique folk art piece was a handmade scale model 1930s Greyhound bus with individual seats, curtains, fire extinguishers, hand carved mirrors, luggage rack and more. The creator even had Firestone custom craft miniature tires for his model, which he displayed at the 1934 World's Fair. At Julia's it drove away for $10,637.

An extremely rare Stanley Africa game by Bliss finished its trek at $7,475. One of the surprises of the day was one game entitled "The Game of Going to the Klondike." Featuring bright Northern Light graphics and rugged tundralike imagery, it struck gold and quadrupled its $1/1,500 estimate to bring $4,600.

Various trains and accessories were also offered. An early gas powered Smith Motor Wheel buckboard from the early Twentieth Century sped to $9,200.

This auction had dolls spanning every budget level. From the top shelf, another last minute consignment was a rare 19-inch Huret child. This exquisite young lady on her original wood body, with elaborate bebe dress, metal hands, paperweight blue eyes and even her trademark Huret bisque rod, saw active bidding and went to a collector for $48,875. Another hit was a spectacular 24-inch Bru Jne 9. Her pale complexion, set off by her bulging brown paperweight eyes, protruding upper lip and original blonde mohair wig, contributed to her desirability and selling price of $29,325.

An assortment of automata included an outstanding Lambert automaton portraying an Asian woman in an embroidered silk costume with metallic lace trim. It featured a terrific series of actions as she poured tea and it sold for $7,187.

A diverse grouping of teddy bears included a 13-inch "blank button" white Steiff bear in marvelous original condition. Bears sporting these earlier versions of the ear buttons indicate their creation prior to 1906. It was trapped for $5,175.

A coin-operated arcade showed a magician standing at stage right, directing viewers' attention to his lovely assistant as she danced and transformed into a skeleton, continuing her dance before returning to her full-bodied self. It sold for $20,125. Another coin-op was a Dr Kern's headache remedy miniature vending machine. Featuring a wood case with metal panels, hand painted with the virtues of the product, this vendor was bought for $12,075.

Thousands of American companies made advertising an art form that remains a popular decoration and high end collectible. A near mint example of a Coca Cola "Fountain Service" porcelain hanger made a splash, selling for $4,025, and a Gilbert clock with a wonderful reverse decal of a Gibson Girl brought $4,370.

A select grouping of firearm-related calendars and posters included a rare Dupont trap-shooting lithograph featuring a lady contestant, suggesting her victory was a result of using their product. With both top and bottom bands it shot to $5,175. Another poster highlight included a Dupont "Infallible" shotgun powder poster showing two mallards taking flight. Expected to bring $½,000, it sold for $4,887.

Julia's next auction of antiques and fine arts will be January 26-27. For information, call 207-453-7125, or visit www.juliaauctions.com.