Marklin, Japanese tin and cast iron toys continued their marketplace dominance at Bertoia

Linemar Space Explorer toy, which sold for $25,000 ($31,250 with buyer’s premium) at Bertoia.

VINELAND, N.J. – Bertoia Auctions‘ Annual Fall two-day sale, which took place on November 17 and November 18, provided a case study in the ongoing marketplace strength of specific collecting categories. As has been the case for years, Japanese postwar tin toys, vintage American cast-iron and prewar Marklin toys remain the top sellers above all other collecting areas. Complete results are available at LiveAuctioneers.

Japan helped rebuild its war-ravaged economy through exports. Tens of thousands of mom-and-pop operations opened up, providing skilled labor creating subassemblies — molding, building motors, and lithographic printing on tin, to name a few — that would be aggregated by the prime contractor, who then directly marketed the toys to American wholesalers. Louis Marx & Co., the leviathan of American tin toy manufacture, saw the low-cost option of Japanese imports as a win-win, and set up the Linemar brand to represent these toys to American consumers. The top Japanese tin toy lot of the sale was a boxed, like-new friction-drive Space Explorer from the 1950s, marketed in the U.S. as a Linemar (“Best By Far”) toy. It hammered for $25,000 ($31,250 with buyer’s premium), far exceeding Bertoia’s $1,200-$1,800 presale estimate.

Founded in 1859, Marklin is one of the oldest still-operating toy firms in the world. Known today primarily for its model railroading products, the company has produced an amazing range of toys during its tenure, including vehicles, construction sets, operating steam plants, ships, and aircraft — all highly coveted by today’s collectors. Bertoia’s sale delivered a stern reminder of Marklin’s leader status in the form of a 19th-century Brooklyn clockwork paddlewheel steam ship. Measuring 20in long and 16in in height, the ship had some minor replacement parts – common for toys of this vintage – but was in otherwise incredible condition. Bidders agreed, sending the toy to a $36,000 ($45,000 with buyer’s premium) finish, making it the top lot of the sale.

Launched in 1894 and one of the kings of American cast-iron toy manufacturing, Hubley survived until the 1980s and was a toy store staple. Two Hubley items outperformed estimates, the first of which was a Hubley No. 5 Engine House meant to accompany a vintage Hubley pumper. One of only two known examples, it was estimated at $7,000-$10,000 but hammered at $26,000 ($32,500 with buyer’s premium) to a LiveAuctioneers online bidder. The other lot was a cast-iron Hubley giraffe from its extensive line of door stops. Still retaining its original paint, the 13in giraffe sold for $15,000 ($18,750 with buyer’s premium), well above its presale estimate of $6,000-$9,000.

Linemar Space Explorer toy, which sold for $25,000 ($31,250 with buyer’s premium) at Bertoia.

Linemar Space Explorer toy, which sold for $25,000 ($31,250 with buyer’s premium) at Bertoia.

Aoshin Tremendous Mike Robot toy, which sold for $14,000 ($17,500 with buyer's premium) at Bertoia.

Aoshin Tremendous Mike Robot toy, which sold for $14,000 ($17,500 with buyer's premium) at Bertoia.

Marklin Brooklyn clockwork paddlewheel steam ship, which sold for $36,000 ($45,000 with buyer’s premium) at Bertoia.

Marklin Brooklyn clockwork paddlewheel steam ship, which sold for $36,000 ($45,000 with buyer’s premium) at Bertoia.

Hubley No. 5 Engine House, which sold for $26,000 ($32,500 with buyer’s premium) at Bertoia.

Hubley No. 5 Engine House, which sold for $26,000 ($32,500 with buyer’s premium) at Bertoia.

Jim Bunte

Jim Bunte

Jim Bunte has worked in editorial, design and the toy and auction industries for more than 30 years. He co-founded Auction Central News in 2007.

More than two dozen weathervanes lead Copake’s 44th annual New Year’s Day sale Jan. 1

Angel with star weathervane, estimated at $850-$950 at Copake Auction.

COPAKE, N.Y. — What’s more American than a classic weathervane? How about 25 of them in a single sale? That group of treasures and much more are on offer in Copake Auction‘s 44th annual New Year’s Day sale, starting at 10 am Eastern on Monday, January 1. The complete catalog is open for bidding now at LiveAuctioneers.

With such a great selection of classic American weathervanes, there’s surely something for every collecting interest. All manner of fauna, machinery and even a mermaid are included, but perhaps the most fitting for Copake Auction is the inclusion of a high-wheeled boneshaker bicycle weathervane, in homage to their annual bicycle auction event. Undated and featuring a verdigris patina, the weathervane is estimated at $800-$1,200.

Another star attraction is a set of 11 Wilkinson Ltd. Royal Staffordshire Pottery Toby jugs, issued from 1915-19 as part of the Allied Commanders of the Great War (World War I) series. The individuals represented are dominantly British, though a Woodrow Wilson mug is included for American interest. The caricatures were designed by Sir Francis Carruthers Gould, and a facsimile of his signature is printed on each jug’s base. The set even includes what is described as a “rare” King George prototype jug. The complete lot is estimated at $3,000-$5,000.

Formerly part of the Wallace Nutting (1861-1941) furniture collection is this 18th-century Pennsylvania poplar hanging cupboard and cabinet with original paint and decoration. Nutting was known both for his landscape photography, which he colorized, and for his knowledge of early American furniture, about which he published collecting guides and even released a line of reproduction furniture. The lot is estimated at $4,000-$6,000.

The amazing and tragic life of American folk artist Stephen Huneck (1948-2010) is captured in this amazing Dog carved cabinet, dated 1992. While recovering from an illness that had left him in a coma for a time, Huneck bonded with his black Labrador, drawing inspiration from her for the remainder of his career. He purchased a mountain in Vermont, renamed it Dog Mountain, and built a replica chapel at its peak, where he displayed his carvings in a gallery-like manner. When the 2008 recession hit the United States, Huneck was particularly affected, and had to lay off his employees. He took his own life in 2010, leaving a legacy of dog-inspired carved art for all to enjoy. His Dog cabinet is estimated at $800-$1,200.

High-wheel bicycle weathervane, estimated at $800-$1,200 at Copake Auction.

High-wheel bicycle weathervane, estimated at $800-$1,200 at Copake Auction.

Angel with star weathervane, estimated at $850-$950 at Copake Auction.

Angel with star weathervane, estimated at $850-$950 at Copake Auction.

Set of 11 Wilkinson Allied Commander Toby jugs, estimated at $3,000-$5,000 at Copake Auction.

Set of 11 Wilkinson Allied Commander Toby jugs, estimated at $3,000-$5,000 at Copake Auction.

18th-century Pennsylvania cabinet and hanging cupboard, estimated at $4,000-$6,000 at Copake Auction.

18th-century Pennsylvania cabinet and hanging cupboard, estimated at $4,000-$6,000 at Copake Auction.

Jim Bunte

Jim Bunte

Jim Bunte has worked in editorial, design and the toy and auction industries for more than 30 years. He co-founded Auction Central News in 2007.

Midwest collections enliven the New Year’s Day sale at Schmidt’s Jan. 1

Marshall Fredericks, 'Boy & Bear,' estimated at $8,000-$12,000 at Schmidt's Antiques.

YPSILANTI, Mich. — A diverse group of collections hailing from across the Midwest comprise the 337-lot New Year’s Day Gallery Sale at Schmidt’s Antiques on Monday, January 1. The complete catalog is now available for bidding at LiveAuctioneers.

Looking like it was inspired by Disney’s character design for the lead in Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book is Boy & Bear, an 11 by 11.5in bronze sculpture of a small, mop-headed boy riding atop a friendly bear by Marshall Fredericks (1908-1998). He was commissioned in 1954 by the J. L. Hudson Company to create a welcoming sculpture for its newly opened Northlands Mall at Southfield, Michigan. The $8,000-$12,000 bronze comes from the estate of Richard P. Kughn, former owner of Lionel Trains Inc.

San Francisco’s Nob Hill remains one of the most expensive areas of real estate in the world, owing to the presence of fine hotels, Michelin-starred dining, museums and historic mansions dating to the late 19th century. This large (35 by 39in) oil-on-canvas portrait of a young boy holding his King Charles Cavalier spaniel while outfitted in something of a dress-like item was from the Nob Hill portrait studio of ‘Jones, Wooll & Sutherland / 312 Montgomery St. SF’ and is dated to 1850-60. The portrait is estimated at $2,000-$3,000.

The perfect item for fans of Italian history, this likely Venetian sedan chair features a pagoda roof design and is in generally good, partly restored condition. It is estimated at $3,000-$4,000.

Two Lalique chandeliers are waiting for new homes. A 1960s Champs Elysees crystal chandelier features six lights and a molded sycamore leaf design; the Chene crystal chandelier has three lights and a single-tier molded oak leaf design. Also from the Dick Kughn estate, both are estimated at $8,000-$12,000.

Marshall Fredericks, 'Boy & Bear,' estimated at $8,000-$12,000 at Schmidt's Antiques.

Marshall Fredericks, 'Boy & Bear,' estimated at $8,000-$12,000 at Schmidt's Antiques.

Italian sedan chair, estimated at $3,000-$4,000 at Schmidt's Antiques.

Italian sedan chair, estimated at $3,000-$4,000 at Schmidt's Antiques.

Lalique Champs Elysees crystal chandelier, estimated at $8,000-$12,000 at Schmidt's Antiques.

Lalique Champs Elysees crystal chandelier, estimated at $8,000-$12,000 at Schmidt's Antiques.

Mid-19th-century American oil-on-canvas portrait of a boy, estimated at $2,000-$3,000 at Schmidt's Antiques.

Mid-19th-century American oil-on-canvas portrait of a boy, estimated at $2,000-$3,000 at Schmidt's Antiques.

Jim Bunte

Jim Bunte

Jim Bunte has worked in editorial, design and the toy and auction industries for more than 30 years. He co-founded Auction Central News in 2007.

Stephenson’s welcomes New Year with Jan. 1 auction of antiques, art and jewelry

SOUTHAMPTON, Penn. – Collectors of fine art, antiques and collectibles always look forward to January 1st because it brings with it a time-honored Philadelphia tradition: Stephenson’s New Year’s Day Auction. The catalog is now available for bidding at LiveAuctioneers.

“We’re always excited to welcome both regular bidders and new friends to our New Year’s Day auction and feel privileged that they choose to spend their first day of the year with us,” said Cindy Stephenson.

The sale’s top lot is a striking watercolor on paper by Mary Cassatt (1844-1926). Originally a native of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, which is now part of Pittsburgh, Cassatt later rose to become a highly respected Impressionist at a time when the field was dominated by men. She remains one of the finest portrait artists America has ever produced. The watercolor in Stephenson’s New Year’s sale depicts a seated woman in a relaxed pose, wearing a wide-brimmed flowered hat. Her head is turned modestly to one side, away from the artist. The estimate has been set at $15,000-$25,000.

Next is a painting by Frank Weston Benson (1862-1951), who began his career painting portraits of distinguished individuals as well as murals for the Library of Congress. It shows a deserted street with the prominent shadow of a building in the foreground, set against a blue sky decked with clouds. The loose brushwork and strong, contrasting colors of his work are characteristic of American Impressionist art. It is estimated at $5,000-$9,000.

Jewelry has always been one of Stephenson’s strong suits. A Pandora 14K gold charm bracelet densely packed with beautiful charms is the top category lot in the sale. Some charms are enameled, while others are adorned with semiprecious stones. The piece displays a distinctive ‘cabled’ (as opposed to linked) style and is estimated at $3,000-$5,000.

Several fine watches will cross the auction block, including an elegant and highly desirable ladies’ two-tone Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust wristwatch with a white dial. It is estimated at $2,000-$3,000.

Mid-century modern furniture remains very strong in the marketplace, and one the most sought-after names in that category is Paul Evans (1931-1987). A solid sale highlight is a circa-1973 Paul Evans for Directional glass-topped coffee table with a Brutalist sculpted-bronze base. It is from a desirable series that was inspired by the Manhattan skyline. The base consists of wood blocks that were cold-sprayed with bronze resin, then further sculpted by hand. The eye-catching table will cross the auction block with a $4,000-$6,000 estimate.

Classic guitars aren’t just collector’s items to be displayed and admired; they’re also meant to be played. As any guitarist will testify, vintage guitars only grow better with age. No shortage of interest is expected in a Rickenbacker 360/12 FG cherry sunburst 12-string electric guitar with a three-piece maple neck and a skunk stripe. This model, with its iconic jangly sound, was made famous in the 1960s by the Beatles’ George Harrison. Every rocker wants a ‘Rick’ in their collection, and the one offered by Stephenson’s, together with its fitted case, will be up for grabs with an estimate of $1,800-$2,500.

Mary Cassatt, portrait of a woman, estimated at $15,000-$25,000 at Stephenson's.

Mary Cassatt, portrait of a woman, estimated at $15,000-$25,000 at Stephenson's.

Frank Weston Benson oil-on-canvas Impressionist painting, estimated at $5,000-$9,000 at Stephenson's.

Frank Weston Benson oil-on-canvas Impressionist painting, estimated at $5,000-$9,000 at Stephenson's.

Rolex ladies’ two-tone Oyster Perpetual Datejust wristwatch, estimated at $2,000-$3,000 at Stephenson's.

Rolex ladies’ two-tone Oyster Perpetual Datejust wristwatch, estimated at $2,000-$3,000 at Stephenson's.

Rolex ladies’ two-tone Oyster Perpetual Datejust wristwatch, estimated at $2,000-$3,000 at Stephenson's.

Rolex ladies’ two-tone Oyster Perpetual Datejust wristwatch, estimated at $2,000-$3,000 at Stephenson's.

Jim Bunte

Jim Bunte

Jim Bunte has worked in editorial, design and the toy and auction industries for more than 30 years. He co-founded Auction Central News in 2007.

Bid Smart Briefs: Malachite

Pair of 20th-century Empire-style gilt-bronze mounted urns veneered in malachite, which earned $10,000 plus the buyer’s premium in April 2021. Image courtesy of Hindman and LiveAuctioneers.

NEW YORK – Treasured for millennia, the green stone known as malachite continues to cast a spell. Often found with azurite, malachite derives its alluring hue from copper, and it is considered a minor ore of copper. It has been found across the world in locations as diverse as Mexico, Australia, Russia, Israel, France, England, Namibia, Gabon, the state of Arizona, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where it has appeared in the form of stalactites measuring three feet long.

The ancient Egyptians embraced malachite thoroughly; there is evidence that they mined it in the Sinai as far back as 4,000 BCE. The hieroglyph for malachite, Wadj, does triple duty, representing the ancient Egyptian term for ‘green’ and also standing for the papyrus plant. Moreover, this afterlife-obsessed people described their form of heaven as a ‘field of malachite’. But perhaps surprisingly, the stone derives its name from the language of a different ancient civilization. The Greek phrase ‘molochites lithos’ translates as ‘mallow-green stone,’ evidently because it resembles the leaves of the mallow plant.

Chapultepec Castle, now a museum in Mexico City, installed a Malachite Hall in 1775, accessed by gilt-decorated malachite doors fashioned from stone imported from Russia. Not to be outdone, Empress Alexandra Fyodorovna had a malachite-clad salon installed in the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg in 1830. Today, most people probably encounter malachite for the first time when watching the award ceremonies for the World Cup. The 18K gold FIFA World Cup tournament trophy has bands of malachite in its base.

While malachite is regularly incorporated into jewelry, it does not lend itself to opacity. Any piece thicker than half a carat is too thick to allow light to shine through. Malachite does lend itself to being carved and polished, however. It has a hardness rating between 3.5 and 4.0 on the Mohs scale, and it is reportedly softer than window glass. The grandest pieces featuring the stone – as you will see in the slideshow below – are invariably urns, mantel clocks, and sizable furnishings boasting malachite veneers decorated with rings, undulating stripes or other naturally occurring patterns.

Pair of 20th-century Empire-style gilt-bronze mounted urns veneered in malachite, which earned $10,000 plus the buyer’s premium in April 2021. Image courtesy of Hindman and LiveAuctioneers.

Pair of 20th-century Empire-style gilt-bronze mounted urns veneered in malachite, which earned $10,000 plus the buyer’s premium in April 2021. Image courtesy of Hindman and LiveAuctioneers.

Italian 18K gold, diamond and malachite necklace, which realized $8,500 plus the buyer’s premium in June 2022. Image courtesy of Fortuna and LiveAuctioneers.

Italian 18K gold, diamond and malachite necklace, which realized $8,500 plus the buyer’s premium in June 2022. Image courtesy of Fortuna and LiveAuctioneers.

Large French Transitional-style four-door buffet veneered in malachite with gilt-bronze mounts, which achieved $26,000 plus the buyer’s premium in October 2021. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.

Large French Transitional-style four-door buffet veneered in malachite with gilt-bronze mounts, which achieved $26,000 plus the buyer’s premium in October 2021. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.

19th-century French gilt-bronze and malachite mantel clock, which brought $8,000 plus the buyer’s premium in October 2022. Image courtesy of Hindman and LiveAuctioneers.

19th-century French gilt-bronze and malachite mantel clock, which brought $8,000 plus the buyer’s premium in October 2022. Image courtesy of Hindman and LiveAuctioneers.

20th-century Louis XV-style gilt-bronze mounted bureau plat veneered in malachite, which made $10,000 plus the buyer’s premium in April 2021. Image courtesy of Hindman and LiveAuctioneers.

20th-century Louis XV-style gilt-bronze mounted bureau plat veneered in malachite, which made $10,000 plus the buyer’s premium in April 2021. Image courtesy of Hindman and LiveAuctioneers.

Piaget ladies’ watch with 18K gold bracelet, diamond-ringed bezel and malachite dial, which went for $11,000 plus the buyer’s premium in July 2021. Image courtesy of Kodner Galleries Inc. and LiveAuctioneers.

Piaget ladies’ watch with 18K gold bracelet, diamond-ringed bezel and malachite dial, which went for $11,000 plus the buyer’s premium in July 2021. Image courtesy of Kodner Galleries Inc. and LiveAuctioneers.

Sheila Gibson Stoodley

Sheila Gibson Stoodley

Sheila Gibson Stoodley is the associate editor for Auction Central News. She has written and edited for Robb Report, Art & Antiques magazine, and Andrew Harper online. She also authored The Hot Bid, a blog devoted to intriguing and delightful lots coming up at auction.