WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. — RSL conducted a sale of Toys and Banks for The Holidays on Saturday, December 5, with a couple of mechanical banks competing for the top lot of the day, outpacing the 671 lots offered.

Toward the end of the auction the Horse Race bank, straight base, unusual early color combo of powder blue and chocolate brown, J&E Stevens Company, Cromwell, Conn., circa 1871, sold for $28,800, including the buyer’s premium. This bank was of cast iron and painted tin, near mint and bright, and is one of only two known in this color combination.

Six lots later, the Professor Pug Frog’s Great Bicycle Feat, also made by Stevens, took top honors selling for $30,000, with premium. Made of cast iron, this is one of the finest known specimens with a white blanket, near mint and bright condition, with Donal Markey listed in the provenance.

Both banks were featured on the cover of the catalog and a complete review of the auction will be forthcoming.