Antique toy collection of Curtis and Linda Smith heads to Bertoia March 16

VINELAND, N.J. – Antique toy collectors who dream of time-traveling to the 1970s and ’80s when now-legendary toy shows and auctions took place have an opportunity to bid on items originally collected then. The breathtaking collection of Linda Smith and her late husband Curtis Smith will be offered in a single-owner auction (the first of two) on Saturday, March 16 at Bertoia. The catalog is now available for bidding at LiveAuctioneers.

“Curt and Linda Smith were prominent in the toy-collecting fraternity for decades,” said Michael Bertoia, president of Bertoia Auctions. “Both were active members of the Antique Toy Collectors of America (ATCA) and served on numerous committees over the years. Curt even served as the club’s president.”

The Smiths’ decades-long collecting adventure would take them to now-historic East Coast and European auctions, shows, and markets, where they acquired pieces with provenance from such fabled pioneers of the antique toy hobby as Louis Hertz, Bernard Barenholtz, Athel Spilhaus, Covert Hegarty, and Leon Perelman.

Top billing in this month’s auction goes to a Carpenter cast-iron Tally Ho horse-drawn coach. All-original, including its removable, often-missing figures, the dashing 26in-long vehicle is described by Michael Bertoia as being “the finest of all known examples.” Its estimate is $50,000-$75,000.

Curtis Smith made no secret of the fact that he especially loved firefighting pieces. The Smith collection includes a large-scale German horse-drawn fire pumper of hand-painted tin with painted wooden horses and composition fireman figure at the reins. Remarkably, it retains its original rubber fire hose and hand lever for pumping water. In excellent condition, the 14in-long toy is estimated at $15,000-$25,000.

Linda Smith has always favored the hand-lever velocipedes in their collection, in particular a circa-1880 Uncle Sam clockwork perambulator that is believed to be one of only two surviving examples. The Uncle Sam figure is dressed in its original cloth jacket and ‘American Flag’ striped pants. This famous toy is pictured in two esteemed reference books: American Clockwork Toys by Blair Whitton and American Tin Toys by Bernard Barenholtz. It was owned by both authors, consecutively, before joining the Smith collection and now comes to auction with a $40,000-$60,000 estimate.

A grand Althof Bergmann circus roundabout, measuring 17in in diameter, is unquestionably one of the finest early American clockwork toys ever to reach the marketplace. It has a storied background, having been discovered in a Pennsylvania attic by a picker. According to Linda Smith, the picker had been given permission to “clear out the attic and keep anything he wanted.” He was not a toy expert, so he listed it on eBay, where it was purchased by Steven Weiss of Gemini Antiques Ltd, then resold to the Smiths. In pristine condition and in fine working order, it is the only known example of its type. It carries an estimate of $30,000-$50,000.

Politically significant, a circa-1890s George Brown clockwork hoop toy depicts a William Goodwin-made girl with a hand-painted head pushing a wheeled vehicle with a suffragette balance-figure at its center. The 11.5in toy is pictured in Whitton’s American Clockwork Toys and has a $10,000-$15,000 estimate.

Michael Bertoia said: “The Curtis and Linda collection is a classic, and the March auction – part one of a two-part series – is an event the world will want to watch. The high condition that distinguishes the entire collection is unrivaled. Many of the best of all known examples, whether tin or cast iron, are included in the Smith collection. Some of the primitive American tin pieces, which are so desired by collectors, have thick, bright, original paint. These are the types of toys you just never see. They were acquired by collectors 40 to 50 years ago, and unless a collection is auctioned as a whole, there aren’t many opportunities to buy toys of this caliber.”

Carpenter Tally Ho horse-drawn coach, estimated at $50,000-$75,000 at Bertoia.

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German horse-drawn fire pumper, estimated at $15,000-$25,000 at Bertoia.

German horse-drawn fire pumper, estimated at $15,000-$25,000 at Bertoia.

Althof Bergmann circus roundabout, estimated at $30,000-$50,000 at Bertoia.

Althof Bergmann circus roundabout, estimated at $30,000-$50,000 at Bertoia.

Uncle Sam clockwork perambulator, estimated at $40,000-$60,000 at Bertoia.

Uncle Sam clockwork perambulator, estimated at $40,000-$60,000 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.

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.

Holidays the year round star in Bertoia’s annual Holiday sale Dec. 1

Huge Clockwork Santa In Moss Sleigh with Reindeer, $12,000-$18,000 at Bertoia Auctions.

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VINELAND, N.J. — Bertoia returns with its annual Holiday auction, scheduled this year on Friday, December 1. The sale features not only Christmas-themed items, but decorative objects and toys representing holidays held the year round. The catalog is now available for bidding at LiveAuctioneers.

Topping the sale is a European Father Christmas (Santa Claus to Americans) holding a miniature Christmas tree, as is the Continental tradition, and riding in a sleigh drawn by a single reindeer. What makes this so different and highly valued is its size: the entire presentation is 52in in length and 27in to the top of the antler. Santa has a clockwork mechanism and nods when wound. Probably created as a European department store display, the lot is estimated at $12,000-$18,000.

Also European in origin and possibly German is this Father Christmas / Santa four-reindeer sleigh. It measures 24.5in in length and has numerous touch-ups and repairs owing to its advanced age. It carries an estimate of $8,000-$12,000.

Halloween has been a tradition for a very long time, as seen in this antique witch paired with a German moss-filled jalopy. The scowling witch has a bisque head in classic doll-making fashion, with carved wooden legs and shoes. The item is estimated at $6,000-$9,000.

McLoughlin Brothers was an early American publisher of books, games, puzzles and other items featuring color lithography, the company’s stock in trade. This early Wall Street-themed board game, Bulls & Bears, carries a patent date of 1883 and was released right in the golden years for McLoughlin. Complete and in remarkably original condition, the game is estimated at $5,000-$7,500.

Noah’s Ark toys have long been a Christmas staple. The child would receive the ark and a handful of figures and animals, but would be required to behave and perform well in Sunday school every week to acquire more animals to fill the ark. This example was clearly owned by a very good boy or girl, as it boasts more than 300 animals in all. The ark has an estimate of $4,000-$7,000.
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Huge clockwork Santa in moss sleigh with reindeer, estimated at $12,000-$18,000 at Bertoia Auctions.
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Four-reindeer sleigh with Santa, estimated at $8,000-$12,000 at Bertoia Auctions.
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Early Halloween-themed toy witch driving a German moss jalopy, estimated at $6,000-$9,000 at Bertoia Auctions.
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McLoughlin Bulls & Bears Great Wall Street game, estimated at $5,000-$7,500 at Bertoia Auctions.
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Extraordinarily large Noah’s Ark toy, estimated at $4,000-$7,000 at Bertoia Auctions.
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Bertoia’s fall sale features antique toys and banks from around the world Nov. 17-18

Marklin Brooklyn clockwork paddle wheeler toy, estimated at $50,000-$75,000 at Bertoia Auctions.

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VINELAND, N.J. — The Bertoia annual fall sale is a rite of passage for vintage and antique toy collectors, where quality and variety reign and the bidding for key items can be fierce and entertaining. Held at its New Jersey gallery and online, Bertoia’s events have become the stuff of legend in the toy collecting community.

This year’s two-day auction, scheduled for Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18 will see more than 1,000 toys cross the block. The catalogs are now available for bidding on LiveAuctioneers.

Bertoia toy auctions typically consist of numerous collections and key lots sourced from both domestic and international individuals. This event features toy and bank collections from both sides of the Atlantic.

The first session’s top lot is a 19th-century Marklin Brooklyn paddle-wheel steam boat toy. Highly colorful and in remarkable condition for its age, the toy has many of small flags and other typically missing parts replaced with modern reproductions to complete the presentation. It is estimated at $50,000-$75,000.

Tremendous Mike is a highly desirable robot from the postwar period, created by Aoshin (ASC) of Japan in the late 1950s. Battery operated with what was dubbed “turn-and-go action” and a scrolling screen, this example is virtually unused with a near-mint original package retaining its vibrant colors. Tremendous Mike carries an estimate of $7,000-$10,000.

As noted above, Marklin of Germany was known for its magnificent tin toys featuring life-like detail simply not found on other playthings of the period. Vehicle toys of all types were its core output, which covered everything from early examples of flight to sea-going vessels and of course, automobiles. This circa-1912 limousine is described as the largest ever produced by Marklin, and bears catalog number 5214/3. Measuring 18.5in in length with opening doors, real glass windows and detailed luggage racks, it is estimated at $10,000-$15,000.

Mechanical banks of all varieties dominate the second session, with nearly 100 antique examples. Among the highlights (with estimates):

Hubley cast-iron toys have been pursued by collectors for decades, and the Bertoia sale boasts a great variety. This Surfer Boy pull toy is just one example of the auction house’s ability to get unique, superlative consignments. It is estimated at $7,000-$10,000.
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Japanese boxed Atomic Robot Man, estimated at $800-$1,200 at Bertoia Auctions.
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Japanese boxed ASC Tremendous Mike robot, estimated at $7,000-$10,000 at Bertoia Auctions.
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Marklin ‘Brooklyn’ clockwork paddle-wheeler toy, estimated at $50,000-$75,000 at Bertoia Auctions.
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Marklin limousine toy, estimated at $10,000-$15,000 at Bertoia Auctions.
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Hubley Surfer Boy pull toy, estimated at $7,000-$10,000 at Bertoia Auctions.
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Dentist mechanical bank, estimated at $7,000-$10,000 at Bertoia Auctions.
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Modern political mechanical banks featuring Barack Obama, Ross Perot and more at Bertoia Sept. 14-15

[av_heading heading=’Modern political mechanical banks featuring Barack Obama, Ross Perot and more at Bertoia Sept. 14-15′ tag=’h1′ style=” subheading_active=” show_icon=” icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ size=” av-desktop-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” subheading_size=” av-desktop-font-size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” icon_size=” av-desktop-font-size-1=” av-medium-font-size-1=” av-small-font-size-1=” av-mini-font-size-1=” color=” custom_font=” subheading_color=” seperator_color=” icon_color=” margin=’,,35px,’ av-desktop-margin=” av-desktop-margin_sync=’true’ av-medium-margin=” av-medium-margin_sync=’true’ av-small-margin=’,,20px,’ av-mini-margin=” av-mini-margin_sync=’true’ headline_padding=” headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-desktop-headline_padding=” av-desktop-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-medium-headline_padding=” av-medium-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-small-headline_padding=” av-small-headline_padding_sync=’true’ av-mini-headline_padding=” av-mini-headline_padding_sync=’true’ padding=’10’ av-desktop-padding=” av-medium-padding=” av-small-padding=” av-mini-padding=” icon_padding=’10’ av-desktop-icon_padding=” av-medium-icon_padding=” av-small-icon_padding=” av-mini-icon_padding=” link=” link_target=” title_attr=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lll1ilvp’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”][/av_heading]

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VINELAND, N.J. — A collection of contemporary politically-themed mechanical banks, featuring figures of presidential candidates such as Bill Clinton, Bob Dole, Ross Perot and Barack Obama are standout items in Bertoia‘s Basics two-day sale, scheduled for Thursday, September 14 and Friday, September 15. The items are open for bidding now at LiveAuctioneers (Day 1, Day 2).

Vintage mechanical banks are a hallmark, high-demand category for collectors, so these contemporary items from the auction’s second day — featuring presidential contests ranging from 1992’s Bush-Clinton-Perot contest through the 2008 Obama-McCain election cycle — should draw interest. Designed by Charlie Reynolds Toys with unique actions and in the classic manner of vintage banks, they are estimated generally between $200-$800, depending on the item.

Of particular note is the Ross Perot 1992 bank, with the third-party candidate literally popping out of a box, guns a-blazin’, flanked by a donkey and elephant to represent the two mainstream political parties. It carries an estimate of $200-$400.

Also worth mentioning is the 2008 Obama-McCain presidential campaign mechanical bank, which sets itself apart by including both vice presidential candidates. Sarah Palin sits on an elephant behind John McCain, both of whom, fittingly enough, appear on the right, and Joe Biden, who is now the current president, shares a donkey ride with Barack Obama on the left. Its estimate is $300-$600.

Day one of the Basics event features nearly 400 items from the Paul Cole collection of cast-iron transportation toys. Leading the estimates is a Carpenter Tally-Ho coach in restored condition, which is estimated at $1,500-$3,000.
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Reynolds Toys 1992 Clinton-Bush-Perot mechanical bank, estimated at $200-$400 at Bertoia.
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Reynolds Toys Political Wish Clinton-Dole mechanical bank, estimated at $250-$500 at Bertoia.
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Reynolds Toys Decision 2000 Bush-Gore mechanical bank, estimated at $300-$600 at Bertoia.
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Reynolds Toys Tug-Over-War Bush-Kerry mechanical bank, estimated at $200-$400 at Bertoia.
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Reynolds Toys You Choose Obama-McCain mechanical bank, estimated at $300-$600 at Bertoia.
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Carpenter Tally-Ho coach, restored, estimated at $1,500-$3,000 at Bertoia.
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Bertoia’s Spring Signature Sale of American and European antique toys tops $1.8M

Ives (USA) Uncle Sam clockwork perambulator, believed to be one of only two known examples, the other being the example depicted in Blair Whitton’s 1981 reference book ‘American Clockwork Toys 1862-1900.’ Sold for $72,000 against an estimate of $20,000-$40,000

VINELAND, N.J. – Bertoia Auctions welcomed spring with a beautiful selection of rare American and European antique toys and banks at their March 24-25 Signature Sale, which exceeded $1.8 million. The 708-lot event was highlighted by fine mechanical banks and bell toys from the renowned Rudd Trowbridge collection, Phil and Joan Steel’s prize collection of French-made Martin windup toys, and additional high-quality consignments. Absentee and Internet live bidding was provided by LiveAuctioneers.

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Bertoia Auctions will thrill toy, bank and antique advertising collectors, May 11-12

Arcade flat-top Yellow Cab bank, cast iron with rubber wheels, 7.5in long. Estimate $2,500-$3,500. Image courtesy of Bertoia Auctions
Arcade flat-top Yellow Cab bank, cast iron with rubber wheels, 7.5in long. Estimate $2,500-$3,500. Image courtesy of Bertoia Auctions
Arcade flat-top Yellow Cab bank, cast iron with rubber wheels, 7.5in long. Estimate $2,500-$3,500. Image courtesy of Bertoia Auctions

VINELAND, N.J. – Bertoia’s has a springtime treat in store for toy, bank and antique advertising collectors on Thursday and Friday, May 11-12. The Bertoia family will be hosting a 1,000-lot hybrid event that opens with a day-long cataloged gallery auction, followed the next day by a full slate of new discoveries presented in the Bertoia Basics online-only format collectors love. Sessions start at 10 am Eastern time on both days. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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Clown train, Santa car toys roll to victory at Bertoia

Tippco lithographed tin Santa car, 12in long. Ex Curtis and Linda Smith collection. Sold to a US buyer for a record-setting $60,000 against an estimate of $12,000-$18,000. Image courtesy of Bertoia Auctions
Very rare and important Marklin Fidelitas clown train, 37in long, complete with all original paint. Provenance: UK collection where it has resided for the past half-century. Sold within estimate for $84,000. Image courtesy of Bertoia Auctions

Very rare and important Marklin Fidelitas clown train, 37in long, complete with all original paint. Provenance: UK collection where it has resided for the past half-century. Sold within estimate for $84,000. Image courtesy of Bertoia Auctions

VINELAND, N.J. – Bertoia Auctions concluded a memorable year of high-profile events with a $2.7 million sale of toys, banks and Christmas antiques held on November 17-18 at their New Jersey gallery. The 1,179-lot selection presented on November 17-18 was steeped in toy-collecting history, with an abundance of exquisite, well-provenanced pieces coming from the lifetime collections of Bob Brady, Jack White, and Curtis and Linda Smith.

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Bertoia Auctions wraps Schroeder toy collection series at $5.7M

Kyser & Rex (Philadelphia) Roller Skating cast-iron mechanical bank, excellent condition retaining bright original paint colors. Sold for $24,000
Kyser & Rex (Philadelphia) Roller Skating cast-iron mechanical bank, excellent condition retaining bright original paint colors. Sold for $24,000
Kyser & Rex (Philadelphia) Roller Skating cast-iron mechanical bank, excellent condition retaining bright original paint colors. Sold for $24,000

VINELAND, N.J. – After the toy community had the excitement of bidding on treasures from the 60-year Aaron and Abby Schroeder collection in March and September 2021, only one question lingered: was there more? Indeed, there was. With a heady $5.7 million subtotal from last year’s events as its foundation, the third and final installment put the exclamation point on the series. On October 14th, Bertoia’s presented “Abby’s Attic Finds,” a 500-lot discovery selection that added another $550,000 to boost the grand total to $6.25 million.

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Bertoia’s to auction Bill and Stevie Weart antique toy collection, Sept. 8-9 

Hubley cast-iron ‘Say It With Flowers’ delivery motorcycle, 10in long, the book example depicted in Bill and Stevie Weart’s ‘Cast Iron Automotive Toys’ (2000) reference book. Rare all-original toy in excellent to pristine condition. Estimate $15,000-$25,000

VINELAND, N.J. – On September 8-9, with absentee and Internet live bidding through LiveAuctioneers, Bertoia’s will auction the antique toy collection of the late Bill and Stevie Weart, a couple whose contributions to the toy hobby were immense. Anyone who ever had the privilege of visiting the Wearts at their magnificent home in Allentown, Pennsylvania, was left with the impression that they had witnessed something exceptional for these times. Their grand three-story residence, which was situated in a tranquil parklike setting, visually reflected what was most important to them in a home: fine architecture, tasteful furnishings, a garden that beckoned wild birds, and most of all, an interior design plan that prioritized the display of their spectacular toy collection.

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