Mickey & Minnie Mouse motorcycle sells for a staggering $222K at Bertoia’s

Circa-1932 Tippco (Germany) Mickey and Minnie Mouse motorcycle, tin wind-up, 9in long. Provenance: Donald Kaufman collection, Doug and Pat Wengel collection. Sold for $222,000, a world auction record for any Disney toy, against an estimate of $25,000-$45,000

VINELAND, N.J. – One of the most exciting events ever to be held at Bertoia Auctions’ New Jersey gallery took place on March 11-12 with the sale of the spectacular Monique Knowlton antique toy collection. The globally publicized auction of mostly 20th-century European, American and Japanese toys kept collectors riveted as examples with stellar provenance commanded unheard-of prices. After the hammer fell on the last of 628 lots, Bertoia’s president and principal auctioneer Michael Bertoia confirmed to the media that the single-owner collection had achieved a grand total of $2.16 million, inclusive of 20% buyer’s premium. Absentee and Internet live bidding was facilitated by LiveAuctioneers.

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MacMonnies bronzes rose to the occasion at Neue’s March 26 auction

Frederick William MacMonnies, ‘Pioneer Mother,’ $27,060
Frederick William MacMonnies, ‘Pioneer Mother,’ $27,060
Frederick William MacMonnies, ‘Pioneer Mother,’ $27,060

BEACHWOOD, Ohio – Two bronze statues by American sculptor Frederick William MacMonnies (1863-1937) sold for a combined $39,360, a monumental landscape painting by George Hetzel (French and American, 1826-1899) rose to $22,140, and a massive baluster-form vase cast with the face of a woman by Paul Francois Berthoud (French, 1870-1939) brought $13,530 in Neue Auctions’ English & Chinese Export Art & Antiques auction held March 26.

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Vintage neon signs beckon enthusiasts to Worldwide’s April 22-23 auction

Mobilgas Pegasus neon sign, est. $10-$10,000
Mobilgas Pegasus neon sign, est. $10-$10,000
Mobilgas Pegasus neon sign, est. $10-$10,000

AUBURN, Ind. – Worldwide Auctioneers will hold its annual Enthusiast Auction on Friday, April 22, and Saturday, April 23. Collectors can choose among pre-war automobiles, muscle cars, sports and classics, as well as an exceptional selection of the best memorabilia to be found. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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