Morphy’s Aug. 2-3 auction merges classic toys with pop culture memorabilia

BBCE-authenticated, unopened 1971 Topps NHL Hockey wax box containing 24 packs of 10 cards each, with a likelihood of gem-mint examples of Ken Dryden’s rookie card, or cards for HOFers like Orr, Howe and Hull included in the selection. Estimate $12,000-$24,000

DENVER, Pa. – Morphy’s spring toy auction, which took in $3.1 million, made headlines worldwide with its phenomenal single-owner collection of factory-boxed Star Wars figures and a sports card selection that included an $873,300 Topps baseball wax-pack brick. No other event in Morphy’s 20-year history could top that one for the amount of social media buzz or the number of pre-sale inquiries from prospective bidders. The fun will resume on August 2-3, when Morphy’s presents its summer offering of Toys & General Collectibles featuring both classic toys and pop-culture favorites: vintage sports cards, comic books and early video games. Bid absentee or live via the Internet through LiveAuctioneers.

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Wurlitzer jukebox on stand tops charts at two-day Miller & Miller sale

American circa-1940-1941 Wurlitzer Model 71 tabletop jukebox on an original Wurlitzer model 810 stand, CA$14,750
American circa-1940-1941 Wurlitzer Model 71 tabletop jukebox on an original Wurlitzer model 810 stand, CA$14,750

American circa-1940-1941 Wurlitzer Model 71 tabletop jukebox on an original Wurlitzer model 810 stand, CA$14,750

IN PROGRESS

NEW HAMBURG, Canada – A Wurlitzer Model 71 tabletop jukebox on a stand, made in America circa 1940-1941, sold for $14,750 on the second of two days of online-only auctions held June 9 and June 10 by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. The June 9 auction was dedicated entirely to toys and grossed $141,541 (Canadian); the June 10 sale featured petroliana, advertising and coin-ops and grossed $531,531 (Canadian). Absentee and Internet live bidding was facilitated by LiveAuctioneers. All prices quoted are in Canadian dollars.

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

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. Estimate $30,000-$40,000

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.

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Vroom! Vintage toy motorcycles lead the pack at auction

Circa-1932 Tippco Mickey and Minnie Mouse tin windup motorcycle. Image courtesy of Bertoia Auctions and LiveAuctioneers

NEW YORK — Toy motorcycles certainly get collectors’ hearts revving. Several prominent toymakers produced a range of choices in the early 20th century, in tin or cast iron and from friction action to key windup to clockwork models. The diversity of appearance and the level of attention to detail makes toy motorcycles a prime collectible for both toy collectors and those who fill their garages with full-size motorcycles.

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Bertoia’s to auction top model’s phenomenal antique toy collection, March 11-12

Boxed Lehmann (Germany) ‘Mandarin’ wind-up toy. Estimate $4,000-$7,000

VINELAND, N.J. – On March 11 and 12, Bertoia’s will auction, without reserve, the Monique Knowlton antique toy collection, a spectacular assemblage of comic character, German automotive, American toys, and out-of-this-world Japanese robots and space toys. Bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers.

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Milestone’s big Winter Antique Toy Spectacular slated for Jan. 29

I.Y. Metal Toys (Japan), tin friction Harley-Davidson motorcycle, 15in, all original and super clean with rich, true colors. Estimate $3,000-$4,000

WILLOUGHBY, Ohio – Antique and vintage toys played a major role in Milestone Auctions’ success in 2021. Their October 2nd toy event rocketed to $768,000, a house record for the suburban Cleveland, Ohio, company. Milestone is on track to keep that positive momentum going in 2022 with an 867-lot Winter Antique Toy Spectacular on January 29, which offers absentee or Internet live bidding through LiveAuctioneers.

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