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Rivich Auction’s Oct. 21 Fall Classic rolls out like-new children’s amusement park train 

Catherine Saunders-Watson
Catherine Saunders-Watson
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Bella Tori (USA) children’s amusement park train for 25 passengers, with sound system, railroad crossing signs, and custom 36-ft trailer. Accompanied by paperwork showing its delivery to a Midwestern city in 2015. Used once or twice. Like new. Original cost: $100,000. Estimate $20,000-$60,000

CHICAGO – Rivich Auction is known for its liquidation of valuable goods, in particular fine and decorative art and antiques. However, a few weeks ago a call came in of a different nature which resulted in the consignment of a 2015 Bella Tori (USA) electric ride-on train. It will be offered as a special highlight of Rivich’s Oct. 21 online Fall Classic Auction, with absentee and live online bidding through LiveAuctioneers.

Also featured: Collection of Paul McCobb and other Midcentury Modern furniture, fine and decorative art

“It is the kind of train seen at nice amusement parks or in garden settings at the homes of railroad enthusiasts who yearn to be conductors,” said Rebecca Rivich, co-owner of Rivich Auction. “Think Disney World, the Neverland Ranch, or any major amusement park that attracts a youthful, fun-loving crowd.”

The train is being consigned by a Midwestern city. It has only been driven once or twice since its initial delivery and has remained safely stored and out of the elements for the past six years. Consisting of a locomotive, coal car, grain car, passenger car and caboose, it has “all the bells and whistles, literally,” Rivich said. Upgrades include leather seats, railroad crossing signs, a self-standing credit card payment kiosk, and an on-demand sound system that plays eight sounds, including “choo-choo” and a whistle.

It is also accompanied by its sturdy, purpose-built, 36-foot hitched metal trailer for easy transport and storage, as well as paperwork indicating it was bought in 2014 and arrived to its destination in 2015. With an original price tag of $100,000, the train will be offered online through LiveAuctioneers as Lot 101. It has an opening bid of $10,000 and a $20,000-$60,000 estimate.

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Paul McCobb 2-piece credenza with sliding glass doors at top and tri-fold doors on bottom section. Estimate $1,000-$3,000

Also featured in the Oct. 21 auction is a wonderful collection of Midcentury Modern and traditional items sourced from fine estates throughout the country. “One of those estates was a living time capsule – a home that was furnished in 1960 and not touched since,” said Rivich. The selection includes coveted furniture by Paul McCobb and additional items by Eames and other desirable brands.

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Theodosia Townshend gouache painting of pug dog, 5.25in in diameter. Accompanied by letter from Townshend family member purporting the artwork has provenance to the Duchess of Windsor. Estimate $500-$1,000

Other estates produced highlights such as a small gouache painting of a pug dog by Theodosia Townshend, accompanied by a letter of provenance stating it was in one of the Duchess of Windsor’s homes. Suiting more contemporary tastes, there is a 1990s New York City street-art rendition paying tribute to Jean-Michel Basquiat.

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Street-art mixed media rendition paying tribute to the style of Jean-Michel Basquiat, 23½ x 16¾ inches. Estimate $300-$1,000

The online-only auction will take place on Thursday, October 21, 2021, starting at 10am Central Time/11am Eastern Time through LiveAuctioneers. Absentee bidding is now open. For additional information contact Rebecca Rivich at 219-765-8219 or email rivichauction@gmail.com.

 

View top auction results on LiveAuctioneers here: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/pages/recent-auction-sales/

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