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Maskatron, Six Million Dollar Man’s Enemy, sealed in box, est. $200-$300. Stephenson’s image

A century of toymaking on display in Nov. 14 Stephenson’s sale

Maskatron, Six Million Dollar Man’s Enemy, sealed in box, est. $200-$300. Stephenson’s image

Maskatron, Six Million Dollar Man’s Enemy, sealed in box, est. $200-$300. Stephenson’s image

PHILA., Pa. – Santa’s toyshop is opening early this year, and Stephenson’s Auctioneers in suburban Philadelphia is where a fine selection of antique and vintage dolls, toys and trains will make their holiday-season debut. The Friday, Nov. 14 auction featuring 350+ lots of playthings from estates and collections in the tri-state area will allow bidders to participate via their choice of several methods. Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

The auction will begin at 2 p.m. Eastern Time with one of the largest and most diverse selections of dolls to appear at Stephenson’s in several years. Many of the dolls come with extensive wardrobes, some with their original trunks. Additionally, there are many group lots comprised of desirable period accessories, such as clothing, footwear, wigs and doll parts.

Lot 119, a beautiful 1952-53 Vogue Ginny “Rich Uncle” trunk set includes a 7-inch hard plastic Ginny with several outfits and accessories. The doll and its enviable wardrobe are secured in a red, handled tri-fold trunk. The auction estimate is $500-$700.

In 1972, Kenner produced its Blythe hard plastic and vinyl doll in a Native-American-patterned “Aztec Arrival” outfit. The 11-inch doll has an unusual feature – its oversize eyes change color when a string is pulled. In near-mint condition with a tagged outfit and extra pair of shoes, Blythe is entered as Lot 148 and is expected to make $800-$1,000 at auction.

Lot 213 is a rare, early Jumeau bisque-head “crying” doll with jointed body and stationary blue glass eyes. It stands 14½ inches tall and is marked “211, 4” on its head.

Among the many other dolls in the vast array to be auctioned are Madame Alexanders, Dionne Quints, an Ideal Toni doll, a Nancy Ann-style show doll, bubble-cut and other Barbie and Midge dolls; an 11-inch Schoenhut, a 1929 Averill Dimmie composition doll, a 1952-53 Wanda, Skookums and other ethnic dolls. Antique dolls are led by a large collection of bisque dolls made by premier Continental doll makers, including Armand Marseille, Kestner, Heinrich Handwerck, Simon & Halbig, Kammer & Reinhardt, Heubach, Kley & Hahn and many others.

Imelda Marcos would be envious of Lot 18, which contains over 100 pairs of vintage doll shoes. They vary in size, and some are made of leather. “Collectors can never have enough extra shoes for their dolls, so we expect a lot of interest in this lot,” said Cindy Stephenson, owner of Stephenson’s Auctioneers. The grouping is estimated at $80-$160.

Mint and sealed in its colorful original box, a Kenner Maskatron – Six Million Dollar Man’s mortal enemy – stands 14 inches tall. An elusive 1970s toy in its factory packaging, Lot 264 is likely to garner a winning bid of $200-$300, if not more.

One of the most exciting pieces in the sale is Lot 340, a Johnny West action store display that was manufactured by Marx Toys for Quaker Oats’ 1970 “Best of the West” series. With human and equine figures mounted to its base, the 46¼-inch-wide display is an impressive boomer-era toy that weighs a hefty 45 lbs. Its pre-auction estimate is $500-$800.

A mini collection of Borden’s dairy-related toys and advertising includes Lot 318, a 14-inch-long horse-drawn milk wagon. Made by Rich Toys, it is constructed of painted wood and retains its appealing original decals for Borden’s “Milk & Cream” and “Farm Products.” A charming toy of yesteryear, it is estimated at $300-$500.

Trains have fascinated American children for many generations, so it’s no wonder that there are more people collecting trains than any other type of toy. Ask any train collector which U.S. brands they seek, and you’re sure to hear the names American Flyer and Lionel, both of which figure prominently in Stephenson’s sale. One prized example is Lot 300, a Lionel pre-war O-gauge freight train. The set includes a No. 8976 steam locomotive and 2227B tender, plus a boxcar, gondola, hopper, searchlight car and caboose. A great-looking lineup that’s ready to ride the rails, it could reach $600-$800 on auction day. Also in the train section are Marx, MTH and Rail King productions; accessories and track.

Other categories featured in the auction include cap guns, Japanese tin cars, die-cast vehicles, a collection of pressed-steel automotive toys by Tonka, Keystone, Structo, Smith-Miller and other popular brands; TootsieToys, GI Joes, 1980s Britains figures, and a very nice selection of vintage Christmas ornaments.

The Nov. 14 auction will commence at 2 p.m. Eastern Time.

For additional information on any lot in the sale, call Cindy Stephenson at 215-322-6182 or e-mail info@stephensonsauction.com.

View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

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View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.


ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE


Maskatron, Six Million Dollar Man’s Enemy, sealed in box, est. $200-$300. Stephenson’s image

Maskatron, Six Million Dollar Man’s Enemy, sealed in box, est. $200-$300. Stephenson’s image

1952-53 Vogue Ginny ‘Rich Uncle’ trunk set, est. $500-$700. Stephenson’s image

1952-53 Vogue Ginny ‘Rich Uncle’ trunk set, est. $500-$700. Stephenson’s image

Large grouping of vintage doll shoes, est. $80-$160. Stephenson’s image

Large grouping of vintage doll shoes, est. $80-$160. Stephenson’s image

1972 Kenner Blythe doll in ‘Aztec Arrival’ outfit, est. $800-$1,000. Stephenson’s image

1972 Kenner Blythe doll in ‘Aztec Arrival’ outfit, est. $800-$1,000. Stephenson’s image

Rare, early Jumeau bisque-head doll with crying expression. Stephenson’s image

Rare, early Jumeau bisque-head doll with crying expression. Stephenson’s image

Rich Toys Borden’s horse-drawn milk wagon, est. $300-$500. Stephenson’s image

Rich Toys Borden’s horse-drawn milk wagon, est. $300-$500. Stephenson’s image

1970 Louis Marx Johnny West action store display from Quaker Oats’ Best of the West series, est. $500-$800. Stephenson’s image

1970 Louis Marx Johnny West action store display from Quaker Oats’ Best of the West series, est. $500-$800. Stephenson’s image

Lionel pre-war O-gauge freight train set, est. $600-$800. Stephenson’s image

Lionel pre-war O-gauge freight train set, est. $600-$800. Stephenson’s image