Linemar Archives - Auction Central News

European, Japanese and American vintage toys share the stage at Milestone Jan. 13

WILLOUGHBY, Ohio – An amazing selection of pre- and postwar toys from around the world is on tap with Milestone Auctions‘ New Year’s Antique Toy Extravaganza on Saturday, January 13. The catalog is now available for bidding at LiveAuctioneers.

The 732-lot sale includes some of the most sought-after European, American and Japanese playthings from the golden era through the postwar production years. Highlights include a super-rare boxed Linemar Mechanical Popeye & Olive Oyl tank, a stellar Diamond Planet Robot, and a Marx Big Loo robot prototype with impeccable documentation and provenance from its original designer.

“We feel very fortunate to have so many incredible toys from advanced collections in one sale. Many are high-end, museum-quality pieces. Also, there are some unusual buying opportunities in the mix, like the rare variations and prototypes, which toy buyers always respond to very favorably,” Milestone’s co-owner Miles King said.

The toy hobby is still buzzing about the boxed Popeye & Olive Oyl tank that set a world auction record on April 9, 2022 when Milestone sold it for $105,000. One of perhaps a half-dozen examples known to exist, the toy had emerged from Australia, a fact that became widely known after the sale. Contrary to the old adage, lightning did strike twice in the same spot. Worldwide postsale coverage led to the discovery of yet another boxed Popeye tank in Australia from a different, completely unrelated source.

John Elsbury of Western Australia received the tank in 1957 as a seventh-birthday gift from his parents. He clearly remembers being instructed by his mother to sit outside Randall & Edwards jewelry store in downtown Kalgoorlie while the secretive purchase was being made. Sixty-five years later, after stumbling across an online article about the $105,000 price paid for a similar-looking tank, Elsbury starting digging and eventually located his toy, still in its original Linemar packaging with a two-shilling price tag. Elsbury contacted Milestone, and arrangements were made for the tank’s shipment to Ohio. It has an estimate of $40,000-$60,000.

Yonezawa’s Batman tank, all-original and complete with its vinyl Batman driver, is one of the scarcest of all Batman toys. The bright red tin-friction vehicle is emblazoned with Japanese writing, bat logos and images of both Batman and Robin. It carries a $15,000-$25,000 estimate.

Variations are the stuff of collectors’ dreams. A fantastic Yonezawa Diamond Planet Robot is an especially uncommon variation, with a silvery-blue body and red arms and ears. “Any Diamond Planet Robot is like a Fabergé egg to robot collectors. It was made in two color variations – red body with blue arms and ears, and the even rarer blue body with red arms and ears, like the one in our auction. They simply do not turn up for sale anywhere,” said Miles King. “Only a few have ever come to market, so it’s sure to attract strong competition.” The Diamond Planet Robot is estimated at $20,000-$30,000.

The word “prototype” is music to any toy collector’s ears. The sale includes the actual preproduction sample for Marx’s Big Loo Giant Moon Robot. Standing 38in tall, the unpainted silver Big Loo was acquired directly from the toy’s designer, Harry Evanoff, in 1963. It has production numbers on its back and retains a Marx sample tag that says ‘7650, Big Loo, Erie, Return to Harry E.’ The lot also includes archival letters from Louis Marx about production issues and returns, and other unique documents such as a test-sample letter and a timesheet showing hours spent on development. The godfather of all Big Loo robots has been assigned a $15,000-$25,000 estimate.

Linemar battery-operated Popeye and Olive Oyl tank with original packaging, estimated at $40,000-$60,000 at Milestone Auctions.

Yonezawa Diamond Planet Robot, blue body with red arms variation, estimated at $20,000-$30,000 at Milestone Auctions.

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.

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.

Hubley No. 5 Engine House, which sold for $26,000 ($32,500 with buyer’s premium) at Bertoia.

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.

Bertoia Bertoia Auctions cast iron toys clockwork paddlewheel steamship toy friction-driven toys Hubley Japanese tin toys Linemar Marklin

Vintage Coca-Cola collectibles hit the spot at Woody Auction Oct. 28

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DOUGLASS, Kan. — A massive collection of quality Coca-Cola collectibles dating to the early 1900s hits the market at Woody Auction on Saturday, October 28 in an automated event exclusively at LiveAuctioneers.

Collectors have been pursuing Coca-Cola items for more than 100 years, making it one of the most mature categories among pop-culture items. The 372-lot auction comes from a major collection that is now being liquidated, which includes a number of items that are rarely seen.

In use from 1958-1965, the Coca-Cola ‘fish-tail’ logo, also known as the Arciform logo, has become popular with collectors due to its short lifespan in the marketplace. It’s a central element on this 49in-tall school crossing warning sign, which is estimated at $1,000-$1,400.

Linemar was the Japanese subsidiary of American toy giant Louis Marx & Co., responsible for sourcing and branding Japan-built toys for sale in the U.S. This dispenser bank comes with two faux coins and three cups and its original, highly Japanese packaging. Simply fill the internal tank with Coke and deposit the coin, and the machine dispenses a small drink. With a clean battery compartment (many are found corroded from battery damage), it is estimated at $650-$850.

“Things go better with Coke” debuted in 1963 as the brand’s slogan and it reigned until 1969, when it was replaced by “It’s the real thing.” This set of four vacuform 3D auto racing promotional items bearing that slogan is distinctly unusual, with the consignor stating she is only aware of one other complete set. It features the 1965-debuted round logo, and the depiction of the NASCAR vehicle suggests a 1967-68 date. It is estimated at $1,000-$1,400.

Before thermoplastics, there was Bakelite, a phenolic which was used throughout industry and the military. It required tremendous pressure for molding, making the new generation of plastics easier and less costly to create. This 1950 Bakelite Coca-Cola cooler radio was created by Point of Purchase Displays of Chicago, and it features solid Bakelite (versus the common cracking usually found). It works, and it is estimated at $650-$750.
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1950s-60s Coca-Cola school crossing sign with base, estimated at $700-$850 at Woody Auction.
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1960s Coca-Cola 3D vacuform cutouts Race Car set, estimated at $1,000-$1,400 at Woody Auction.
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Linemar Coca-Cola child’s dispenser bank, estimated at $650-$850 at Woody Auction.
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1949 Coca-Cola cooler radio in working condition, estimated at $650-$750 at Woody Auction.
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1960s Coca-Cola sign with Archiform (aka fish-tail) logo, estimated at $50-$80 at Woody Auction.
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Archiform Bakelite Bakelite radio Coca-Cola Coca-Cola Archiform logo Coca-Cola collectibles Coca-Cola fish-tail logo Linemar Woody Auction Woody Auction LLC

Star Wars and sports cards land in the winners circle at Morphy’s smash $3.1M auction

Unopened 1952 Topps baseball brick of eight factory-sealed 5-cent wax packs, with each pack containing five cards. Extraordinarily rare and most likely from Topps’ first series. Authenticated by Steve Hart, owner of Baseball Card Exchange. Sold above high estimate for $873,300 to a private collector

DENVER, Pa.- Star Wars fans and diehard sports buffs called the shots at Morphy Auctions’ February 1-3, 2023 auction, which attracted head-spinning prices and closed the books at nearly $3.1 million. The sale featured both a phenomenal single-owner collection of early Star Wars action figures and a vintage sports card selection that included one of the most sought-after treasures of the “unopened” realm: an intact 1952 Topps baseball wax-pack “brick” that sold for a staggering $873,300. Absentee and Internet live bidding was facilitated by LiveAuctioneers.

1952 Topps action figure Amazing Spider-Man baseball card brick baseball cards Boba Fett cast iron comic book Disney Donald Duck double-telescoping lightsaber Douglass Hoge rowboat J & E Stevens Kenner Linemar Luke Skywalker mechanical bank mickey mouse Minnie Mouse Olive Oyl OPC hockey cards Popeye Popeye tank pre-war Japanese toy sand pail seaplane sports cards star wars The Morphy Find tin toy Topps Topps Basketball first series Topps first series toy airplane TWA Two Frogs Bank

Morphy’s Feb. 1-3 auction: toys, banks, unopened Topps baseball ‘brick’ valued at $400K-$800

DENVER, Pa. – If you’re a Star Wars fan, you’ve undoubtedly heard about Morphy’s February 1 auction of “The Morphy Find,” an incredibly rare trove of 1970s/’80s action figures discovered in their original Kenner shipping boxes. The headline-grabbing Star Wars session creates more than enough excitement on its own, but it’s also going to usher in a high-energy three-day event that will wow collectors of all types of toys, banks, marbles and top-grade sports cards. The Pennsylvania auction house is expecting a capacity crowd and strong competition online through LiveAuctioneers. Bidding will start at 9 am sharp on all three days, February 1-3.

1952 Topps baseball card 1954 Topps cello pack Alcindor Andy Pafko No. 1 card antique marble Babe Ruth gum card baseball baseball card cap guns Chamberlain Chein double-telescoping Luke Skywalker German toys Goudey Sports Kings Hoge Popeye Japanese toys Jerry West John Havlicek Linemar mechanical bank Oscar Robertson playsets Popeye and Olive Oyl Tank Popeye toy pressed steel toy Star Wars action figures tin toys Topps Topps basketball card Topps first series trains

Diamond Planet Robot performed like a gem at Milestone

Original Yonezawa (Japan) 10in tin windup Diamond Planet Robot, rare variation with blue body and red arms, 100% original, with high-quality repro box. Sold within estimate for $33,210. Image courtesy of Milestone Auctions

WILLOUGHBY, Ohio – Nearly 880 lots of high-quality antique and vintage toys crossed the auction block at Milestone’s December 10 Winter Toy Extravaganza, chalking up $750,000 and making many collectors’ Christmas dreams come true.

Blondie's Jalopy Buddy L Buddy L Road Roller Diamond Planet Robot Distler fire truck Gang of Five Gang of Five robot Hootin Hollow Haunted House Linemar Marx Milestone Milestone Auctions Miura new old stock New York World's Fair crazy car Popeye prototype Target Robot

Milestone beats Santa to the punch with Dec. 10 antique toy auction

Original Yonezawa (Japan) tin windup Diamond Planet Robot, rare variation with blue body and red arms. At 10in high, Diamond Planet is the largest windup robot ever produced. 100% original robot comes with high-quality repro box. Estimate $30,000-$50,000

WILLOUGHBY, Ohio – Every antique toy collector dreams of finding something rare and exotic under the Christmas tree, and sometimes those dreams come true. But there is an alternative that offers much better odds. Those who don’t want to risk receiving a clip-on tie or box of stale chocolates can find and bid on hundreds of rare and beautiful toys in Milestone Auctions’ December 10 Winter Toy Extravaganza. The suburban Cleveland company may be known for selling every type of high-end collectible from antique firearms to vintage petroliana, but toys are special to the Milestone crew. It’s one of the categories upon which their brand was founded, and its following amongst collectors is rock solid.

1978 Kenner antique toy boxed antique toy Buddy L Buddy L new old stock Chewbacca action figure Diamond Planet Robot Distler European tin toys Fernand Martin Gang of Five Jawa vinyl cape action figure Kenner Kenner Star Wars early bird mailer kit Lehmann Linemar Luke Skywalker double telescoping Madelon Masudaya mickey mouse Mickey Mouse Hurdy-Gurdy Mickey Mouse Organ Grinder Olive Oyl toy Popeye toy Princess Leia action figure R2D2 action figure robot Snick Snack star wars Target Robot toy toy robot Victor Bonnet windup toy Yonezawa

Popeye And Olive Oyl Tank rolls to world-record $105K at Milestone toy auction

Linemar Japan battery-operated Popeye and Olive Oyl Tank, 11 inches, with extremely rare original box. Very clean and bright, by far the finest example known. Excellent/Near Mint. Sold for a world record auction price of $105,000 against its pre-sale estimate of $30,000-$40,000

WILLOUGHBY, Ohio – Popeye toys haven’t seen an appreciable downturn in the collector marketplace at any point in the past 25 years. In keeping with that trend, vintage toys depicting the punchy sailor were “strong to the finich” at Milestone Auctions’ April 9 Antique Toy Spectacular, which grossed $650,000. Powering its way to the top of prices realized, a Linemar Popeye And Olive Oyl Tank with its original pictorial box sold for an astonishing $105,000, a new world auction record for a Popeye toy.

American National Chein comic character toys Disney Hoge Linemar Lionel Mechanical Popeye Air-O-Plane Mickey Mouse Circus Train Milestone Auctions pedal airplane pedal car Popeye Popeye Heavy Hitter Popeye Overhead Puncher Popeye rowboat Popeye tank pressed steel Steelcraft toys

Milestone’s April 9 auction features prized collection of rare Popeye toys

WILLOUGHBY, Ohio – That swaggering, wisecracking cartoon sailor Popeye has been depicted on countless toys and memorabilia since first appearing in the Thimble Theatre comic strip in 1929. With his spinach-powered superhuman strength, he was an immediate hit with readers of all ages, gaining an even higher level of visibility in his own cartoon series that launched in 1933. Ever since his debut, Popeye – with his girlfriend Olive Oyl and their motley crew of sidekicks in tow – has been an entertaining figure in the public’s consciousness, and vintage toys designed with Popeye’s image have only continued to rise in popularity and price.

American National antique toy automotive toy battery operated toy Buddy L cast-iron toy Cor Cor Dayton Eiffel Tower bank European toy fire toy firefighting toy Georg Levy Hubley J&E Stevens Keystone Les Paul Linemar Marx mechanical bank motorcycle toy pedal airplane pedal car Popeye Popeye and Rowboat Popeye Heavy Hitter Popeye Overhead Puncher Popeye tank Popeye toy pressed steel Shepard Hardware Smith-Miller Sonny Steelcraft still bank Sturditoy Sydenham & McOustra Tonka toy toy motorcycle transitional toy Turner vintage toy Wyandotte

European antique toys ruled the playing field at Milestone’s June 26 auction

Late-19th-century German tin clockwork ‘Woman Blowing Bubbles,’ in working order, sold for $9,900 against an estimate of $1,000-$1,500

WILLOUGHBY, Ohio – Even the best-connected toy buyers in Europe surely would have been surprised by the contents of the Margaret and Joel Weissman antique toy collection, which was offered by Milestone Auctions on June 26. The couple’s beautiful assemblage of German, French and English toys included examples of clockwork and hand-painted toys; automobiles, boats, airplanes, go-rounds and penny toys that are seldom seen on either side of the Atlantic. Absentee and Internet live bidding was available through LiveAuctioneers.

arcade automotive toy blocks cars cast-iron toy Champion clockwork toy Crandall English toy European toy go-round Hubley Kenton Linemar locomotive magic lantern Marx motorcycles paper litho on wood pedal car penakistoscope Peugeot Rossignol Schoenhut Schuco scooter steam toy tin toy toy toys trucks Unique Art Welker & Crosley windup toy

Jim Bunte

Jim Bunte

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