Morphy’s welcomes holidays with antique toys & collectibles, Nov. 30-Dec. 2

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.

Continue reading

Jordan-worn sneakers occupy lofty place in sports memorabilia marketplace

Michael Jordan 1984-’85 Chicago Bulls rookie sneakers, dual autographed, impeccable provenance. Grey Flannel Auctions image

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Grey Flannel Auctions is accustomed to handling elite game-used sports memorabilia, but nothing seems to generate more interest these days than a pair of Michael Jordan game-worn sneakers. That’s the opinion of Michael Russek, Director of Operations at Scottsdale, Arizona-based Grey Flannel Auctions.

Continue reading

Morphy’s adds sneakers, baseball cards to June 16-17 Toys & Collectibles Auction

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.

Continue reading