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.

Continue reading

All aboard for toy trains at Bertoia Auctions, April 21

Lionel standard gauge Blue Comet set with 19-inch locomotive. Estimate $2,000-$4,000

VINELAND, N.J. – Last year antique toy collectors worldwide had two very special opportunities to acquire trains and toys from the 50-year collection of the late businessman, civic leader and humanitarian Paul Cole. Bertoia’s May 21-22, 2021 and October 15-16, 2021 sessions exclusively featuring Parts I and II of Paul’s collection tallied $4.4 million, with record prices paid for prized Marklin productions. On April 21, 2022, Bertoia’s will issue a boarding call to collectors as they auction the third and final grouping of exceptional American and European trains from Paul’s legendary holdings. In addition, the sale will include European tin wind-ups, American tin, cast-iron automotive, horse-drawn and bell toys; and diminutive penny toys – all from Paul’s personal collection.

Continue reading

Vroom! Vintage toy motorcycles lead the pack at auction

Circa-1932 Tippco Mickey and Minnie Mouse tin windup motorcycle. Image courtesy of Bertoia Auctions and LiveAuctioneers

NEW YORK — Toy motorcycles certainly get collectors’ hearts revving. Several prominent toymakers produced a range of choices in the early 20th century, in tin or cast iron and from friction action to key windup to clockwork models. The diversity of appearance and the level of attention to detail makes toy motorcycles a prime collectible for both toy collectors and those who fill their garages with full-size motorcycles.

Continue reading