Morphy’s welcomes holidays with antique toys & collectibles, Nov. 30-Dec. 2

Ultra-rare circa-1950s battery-operated tin-litho ‘Electro Man’ toy robot with original box. Marked ‘SY Made in Japan.’ One of very few known examples. Provenance: F.H. Griffith collection, appeared as the cover toy on Sotheby’s catalog for the Dec. 9, 2000 auction of ‘Important Robots and Antique Toys from the Estate of F.H. Griffith.’ Estimate $100,000-$150,000

DENVER, Pa. – Many lucky antique toy collectors will be enjoying their holiday gifts early this year, thanks to Morphy’s Nov. 30-Dec. 2 gallery auction of fine toys and popular collectibles. The 1,633-lot catalog reveals a fantastic selection that ranges from early American cast-iron, German tin toys, and a famous biscuit tin collection to a trove of rare 1952 baseball cards, boxed collectible sneakers, and one of the rarest of all Japanese robots. Bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers.

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16th-century German suit of armor battles to top of Roland NY sale

Circa-1570 German complete suit of armor, $21,250
Circa-1570 German complete suit of armor, $21,250
Circa-1570 German complete suit of armor, $21,250

GLEN COVE, N.Y. – Roland Auctions NY presented a two-day auction on November 5 and 6 featuring the collection of prominent Southampton, New York antiques dealer Jay Waldmann, whose shop Waldmann Jewelry and Antiques graced Main Street in Southampton Village for more than 20 years.

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Three lots crested six figures at Potter & Potter magic auction

Jean-Eugene Robert-Houdin’s light and heavy chest, $156,000
Jean-Eugene Robert-Houdin’s light and heavy chest, $156,000

CHICAGO – Potter & Potter Auctions‘ October 30 magic event generated jaw-dropping results. When the hammer fell for the last time, 49 lots scored $5,000-$20,000; 15 lots made $20,001-$99,999; and three lots sailed past the six figure mark.

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Vintage cocktail shakers: equal parts glamour and whimsy

A silver German owl-shaped cocktail shaker realized $8,750 plus the buyer’s premium in December 2018 at New Orleans Auction Galleries. Image courtesy of New Orleans Auction Galleries and LiveAuctioneers.
A silver German owl-shaped cocktail shaker realized $8,750 plus the buyer’s premium in December 2018 at New Orleans Auction Galleries. Image courtesy of New Orleans Auction Galleries and LiveAuctioneers.

NEW YORK — For amateur mixologists, a well-stocked home bar provides a great place to entertain guests by serving time-honored libations or their own recipes. Ever since the show Mad Men aired on television, there has been renewed interest in mid-century and antique cocktail shakers and barware for the home.

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