Morphy’s Aug. 2-3 auction merges classic toys with pop culture memorabilia

BBCE-authenticated, unopened 1971 Topps NHL Hockey wax box containing 24 packs of 10 cards each, with a likelihood of gem-mint examples of Ken Dryden’s rookie card, or cards for HOFers like Orr, Howe and Hull included in the selection. Estimate $12,000-$24,000

DENVER, Pa. – Morphy’s spring toy auction, which took in $3.1 million, made headlines worldwide with its phenomenal single-owner collection of factory-boxed Star Wars figures and a sports card selection that included an $873,300 Topps baseball wax-pack brick. No other event in Morphy’s 20-year history could top that one for the amount of social media buzz or the number of pre-sale inquiries from prospective bidders. The fun will resume on August 2-3, when Morphy’s presents its summer offering of Toys & General Collectibles featuring both classic toys and pop-culture favorites: vintage sports cards, comic books and early video games. Bid absentee or live via the Internet through LiveAuctioneers.

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Bid Smart: Betty Boop: Closing in on a century as a cartoon ‘It’ girl

This Don Dewa Zuni inlay shell and coral Betty Boop ring realized $200 plus the buyer’s premium in July 2021. Image courtesy of Billy The Kid Auction House and LiveAuctioneers.
This Don Dewa Zuni inlay shell and coral Betty Boop ring realized $200 plus the buyer’s premium in July 2021. Image courtesy of Billy The Kid Auction House and LiveAuctioneers.
This Don Dewa Zuni inlay shell and coral Betty Boop ring realized $200 plus the buyer’s premium in July 2021. Image courtesy of Billy The Kid Auction House and LiveAuctioneers.

NEW YORK — One of the earliest female animated characters, dubbed the “Queen of Cartoons,” is the unflappable Betty Boop. She has been a pop culture icon for decades, instantly recognizable for her large eyes framed with long lashes, curly hair and a button nose. Her most distinctive feature is her curvy figure that usually sports a dress short enough to expose a leg garter.

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Antique dolls are dressed to impress at Stephenson’s Nov. 13 auction

Jumeau bisque head doll, stamped Jumeau Medaille d’Or Paris, 13in high. Estimate $2,000-$4,000

SOUTHAMPTON, Pa. – In the spirit of the upcoming holiday season, Stephenson’s in suburban Philadelphia will host a November 13 auction of antique and vintage dolls from estates and private collections in the Mid-Atlantic region. In addition to beautiful dolls dating from the 19th century through modern times, the 241-lot auction includes several automata, Steiff teddies and soft toys, doll clothing and accessories, and many delightful extras such as teas sets, tableware and wardrobe trunks. Bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers.

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Vintage Halloween collectibles: so popular, it’s scary

A 1980s Remco action figure of the Phantom of the Opera brought $814 plus the buyer’s premium in March 2020. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.

NEW YORK — Halloween ranks among the biggest holidays in the vintage collectibles market, second only to Christmas. Halloween-themed offerings range from the whimsical to the downright scary. Movie monster figures, dolls and build-your-own-creature model kits have long been popular with Halloween-focused collectors. The material has evolved from toys built by and played with by children to purpose-made holiday keepsakes that can bring hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars at auction.

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Embarrassment of auction riches at Jeffrey S. Evans, March 2-5

Baird Chicago-era Coca-Cola store clock, est. $5,000-$8,000
Baird Chicago-era Coca-Cola store clock, est. $5,000-$8,000
Baird Chicago-era Coca-Cola store clock, est. $5,000-$8,000

MT. CRAWFORD, Va, – The Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates Winter Americana Auction contains everything from advertising and political collectibles to folk art to a large collection of dolls. The massive auction, comprising more than 2,400 lots, will take place during four consecutive days from Wednesday, March 2 through Saturday, March 5. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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