DENVER, Pa. – Morphy’s last toy auction of the year traditionally includes a broad mix of categories to please every collector. That winning formula is once again in place as Morphy’s team prepares for a December 13-14 auction of 1,781 quality lots, starting with more than 300 lots of rare marbles and finishing with original comic strip art and dozens of classic comic books. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

Swirls, onionskins, lutzes and sulphide marbles are waiting to be picked up, held against the light and admired by collectors. The trove of little glass wonders spans the production range that began with handmades, moved through the transitional period and culminated with brilliantly hued machine-made Akro Agates. Lot 117, a fabulous orange and yellow shrunken core onionskin marble with floating mica, 1-1/8 inches in diameter, is estimated at $2,000-$3,000. Lot 214, a rare 3-lobed onionskin with mica panels, 1-15/32 inches in diameter, is described in the auction catalog as the “the first we have seen in this style.” It has two opposing panels of red and white, and two opposing panels of yellow and red. In 9.5 condition, it could command a $4,000-$6,000 price on auction day.

There’s a United Nations of toys from which to choose, which great pieces from many of the top German, Japanese and American manufacturers. Lehmann toys, which have been on the rise lately, are well represented by a Tut-Tut, Echo (blue motorcycle with rider), Autobus, Dancing Sailor, Ajax the Strongman, and Anxious Bride – a marvelous depiction of a well-dressed woman being transported to her wedding by a livered driver on a three-wheeled motorbike.

Also German made, Lot 769, an early, hand-painted Carette clockwork limousine has beveled-glass windows and opening doors. Its estimate is $3,000-$6,000.

Two Tippco clockwork Graf Zeppelins are tethered in back-to-back lots, 762 and 763. The former, at 26 inches long, is expected to make $3,000-$6,000, while the 14½-inch example could land at $1,200-$1,600.

Many comic character toys are ready to entertain, from jiggers to Marx Merry Maker bands and Disney toys. Lot 1526, a boxed Marx wind-up Blondie’s Jalopy toy is in excellent condition and estimated at $2,000-$3,000.

Three Japanese robot stars will cross the auction block in consecutive order, each with a $4,000-$8,000 estimate. They are: Lot 1413, a friction-powered Space Man with rare, colorful box; Lot 1414, a boxed Astro-Scout; and Lot 1415, A friction X-27 Explorer with original box.

Among the top trains and accessories are several Marklin productions: Lot 694, a hand-painted Central Station, est. $1,800-$2,000; Lot 695, a 1 gauge passenger train set, $600-$1,200; and a lot of two 1 gauge passenger cars – a Schlafwagon and Speisewagon, $300-$600. Many American-made Lionel train lots are included. Lot 1477, a Lionel Walt Disney Mickey Mouse Circus Train No. 1536 with colorful original box, is estimated at $800-$1,200.

The figural cast iron section offers dozens of desirable doorstops and bookends replicating animals, buildings, floral presentations, and human figures. All of the top brands and designers may be found in the selection, including Hubley, Fish, Bradley & Hubbard, Albany Foundry, Littco and Judd. Leading the group is Lot 436, a Spencer 11-1/8 inch double-sided cast-iron rooster doorstop with intricately detailed feathers and comb. Estimate: $5,000-$7,000. The cast-iron grouping also includes several figural sprinklers. Lot 417, a handsome wood duck sprinkler, 13 inches tall, has a $1,500-$2,000 estimate.

Also crossing the auction block will be a mixed selection of cast-iron still and mechanical banks. Leading the lineup is Lot 529, a J. & E. Stevens Bank Teller estimated at $20,000-$30,000. Three other popular Stevens mechanical banks are entered with individual estimates of $4,000-$6,000. They include: Lot 519, a fully functional Boy Scout Camp in beautiful condition; Lot 522, a Professor Pug Frog; and Lot 525, a Lion & Hunter. Lot 528, a Stevens Horse Race bank is entered with a $6,000-$9,000 estimate.

All 500+ dolls will be auctioned during the Sunday session, and what a parade of beauties they form. Lot 1157 is a remarkable French Bru poupee that has remained in its original Philadelphia Quaker family for generations. The 21-inch bisque-head doll comes with an extensive wardrobe of clothing, shoes, accessories and even furniture and a valise. It is estimated at $3,000-$5,000. A second French poupee with Bru characteristics is 35 inches tall and has a heavy French white kid lady body. Entered as Lot 1155, it also has an estimate of $3,000-$5,000.

Lot 1073, a 14-inch Jumeau bebe, is an early 2nd-series portrait doll and is estimated at $3,500-$5,000. Another Jumeau highlight is Lot 1071, a large and lovely 27-inch bebe with original French composition and wood body and French bisque socket head. It could potentially charm a winning bid of $2,500-$4,000.

Morphy’s Dec. 13-14 Toy & Doll auction will begin on both days at 9 a.m. Eastern Time. For additional information on any item in the sale, call 717-335-3435 or email info@morphyauctions.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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Visit Morphy Auctions online at www.morphyauctions.com.

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