Extremely rare S.Y. (Japan) battery-operated Electroman Robot. Bump-and-go action. Fresh to the market from a European collection. Estimate $50,000-$100,000
DENVER, Pa. – Many a great toy and bank collection is highlighted by rarities acquired from Morphy’s, which still holds the world record for the highest-grossing one-day toy auction of all time. Many would recall the record-setting event: Morphy’s 2007 sale of the legendary Stephen and Marilyn Steckbeck bank collection, which drew national TV crews to the Pennsylvania gallery and knocked down an astonishing $7.7 million.
Pair of life-size Roman marble statues of nude children representing Harpocrates, god of silence and secrecy, each standing on a plinth. Formerly in a West Sussex estate, acquired 1960s/1970s. Accompanied by archaeological expertise by Dr Raffaele D’Amato and geological scholarly report by Dr Ronald Bonewitz. Estimate £40,000-£60,000 ($50,185-$75,280)
LONDON – Dr. Ivan Bonchev of Apollo Galleries and Auctions, Britain’s premier source for authentic, expertly appraised cultural art and antiquities, takes pleasure in announcing highlights of the company’s May 14-15, 2022 sale. The elegant 599-lot auction event is divided into two sessions, each devoted to its own distinct specialties. Classical and Asian antiquities will be presented on Saturday the 14th, while ancient jewellery and weaponry are reserved for Sunday the 15th. Deeply provenanced, all auction items have been vetted by world-renowned consultants, and if applicable, scientifically analyzed and tested.
Ultra-rare circa-1950s battery-operated tin-litho ‘Electro Man’ toy robot with original box. Marked ‘SY Made in Japan.’ One of very few known examples. Provenance: F.H. Griffith collection, appeared as the cover toy on Sotheby’s catalog for the Dec. 9, 2000 auction of ‘Important Robots and Antique Toys from the Estate of F.H. Griffith.’ Estimate $100,000-$150,000
DENVER, Pa. – Many lucky antique toy collectors will be enjoying their holiday gifts early this year, thanks to Morphy’s Nov. 30-Dec. 2 gallery auction of fine toys and popular collectibles. The 1,633-lot catalog reveals a fantastic selection that ranges from early American cast-iron, German tin toys, and a famous biscuit tin collection to a trove of rare 1952 baseball cards, boxed collectible sneakers, and one of the rarest of all Japanese robots. Bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers.
Three 1930s Stephen Girard Series Lionel standard-gauge apple green with yellow passenger cars, each with its original box. Lot estimate: $1,200-$2,000
SOUTHAMPTON, Pa. – On Friday, July 23, Stephenson’s Auctioneers of Southampton (suburban Philadelphia), Pa., will conduct the 2021 edition of its popular Mid-Summer Trains & Toys Auction, featuring antique and vintage items from collections and estates through the Mid-Atlantic region. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.
Extremely rare 11-inch-tall Halloween vegetable man candy container in clown outfit with carrot arms and shoes; 3-D apples, and egg-shape vegetable on a rope. Nicely painted and detailed face. Probably German, circa 1920s. Estimate $6,000-$9,000
DENVER, Pa. – Whether they’re European antiques, American tin vehicles or postwar favorites from Japan’s golden era of robot production, toys are on a roll. Seasoned collectors are doubling down on their acquisitions while also being joined by a whole new group of international collectors who’ve caught the toy bug. With Internet live bidding available to virtually everyone, Morphy’s toy auctions have become the vibrant epicenter for the global toy hobby. Their June 16-17 auction, with absentee and Internet live bidding through LiveAuctioneers, includes not only a fantastic selection of toys and trains, but also holiday antiques, baseball cards and approximately 100 pairs of collectible sneakers.