Ives (USA) Uncle Sam clockwork perambulator, believed to be one of only two known examples, the other being the example depicted in Blair Whittonâs 1981 reference book âAmerican Clockwork Toys 1862-1900.â Sold for $72,000 against an estimate of $20,000-$40,000
VINELAND, N.J. â 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 Steelâs prize collection of French-made Martin windup toys, and additional high-quality consignments. Absentee and Internet live bidding was provided by LiveAuctioneers.
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 Toppsâ 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 Auctionsâ 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 âunopenedâ realm: an intact 1952 Topps baseball wax-pack âbrickâ that sold for a staggering $873,300. Absentee and Internet live bidding was facilitated by LiveAuctioneers.
Hubley cast-iron âSay It With Flowersâ delivery motorcycle, 10in long, the book example depicted in Bill and Stevie Weartâs âCast Iron Automotive Toysâ (2000) reference book. Rare all-original toy in excellent to pristine condition. Estimate $15,000-$25,000
VINELAND, N.J. â On September 8-9, with absentee and Internet live bidding through LiveAuctioneers, Bertoiaâs 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.
