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 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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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.

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