Morphy Auctions' Can’t Miss December, 2017 Premier Toy and Doll Sales Event to Feature Almost 1,000 Lots of Vintage Childhood Playthings and Ephemera.
DENVER, Pa. (PRWEB) December 05, 2017 -- Morphy Auctions, the finest auction destination for fresh to the market collections, is pleased to announce this exciting and perfectly timed for Christmas sale to be held on Saturday, December 16th and Sunday, December 17th. The bidding starts promptly at 9:00 AM each day. All lots from this event are on display in Morphy's Denver auction gallery and available for preview now.
It goes without saying that this sale is the wheel-deal when it comes to antique metal vehicles, with the finest selections of cast iron, pressed steel, and tin examples on offer.
Phenomenal examples of German tin automobiles take the pole position in this auction, with three extraordinary lots from the Donald Kaufman collection worthy of special mention. Lot #368, a 1905 Marklin two seat open roadster automobile is estimated at $30,000-40,000. This blueish green enameled rarity hits the road with an open rear tool compartment, a leather-strapped-down rubber spare tire, original nickel finished lamps, and a clockwork mechanism. Lot #367, a Bing clockwork four-seat touring car, is estimated at $15,000-20,000. This handsome example has a beautiful color combination, rubber tires, and what looks to be its original nickel lamps. And lot #366, a Carette limousine in its original box, is estimated at $12,000-18,000. Its eye-catching detailing includes its unusual brown coloring, beveled glass windows, two sets of nickel lamps, and a composition driver.
Cast iron toys on wheels are also heavy metal favorites in this sale. Lot #252, a Hill Climber motorcycle with provenance to the Andy Huffer sale is estimated at $20,000-40,000. This top of the line Hubley motorcycle is king of the road with its nickel wheels, unusual green coloring, original Harley-Davidson driver, and tags dated 1929. Our catalogers note that this could be the finest known example of this highly desirable Hubley. Lot #258, a 1929 Vindex salesman sample Oldsmobile sedan is estimated at $8,000-12,000. This red car, from the Fred McAdams and Donald Kaufman Collections, has a cast on rear spare wheel, nickel spoked wheels, and retains its Vindex toys sticker. Also included with the piece is tag that reads "31 $6.50 a dozen, one in carton, three dozen in case." And lot 170, Pratt & Letchworth horse drawn barouche with its rare and original box, is estimated at $6,000-9,000. This elegant treasure features elaborately made and decorated horses with nice coloring, its original driver, and cast-in side lamps.
Rolling right along, its time check out this sale’s fine selections of pressed steel toy vehicles. Two race cars cross the finish line as highlight favorites. The first, lot #487, is a "Richter Modern Bullet" #12 from circa 1939/40. This all original aluminum example was made by Roy Richter of Bell, CA and has Voit tires and a front drive with a Hassad/Shock engine. It is one of seven known to exist. The second, lot #480, is a red, black, and white "Dallaire Bullet" #10 from 1940. It features a Dennymite engine and its original "Whirlwind" tires. These speedsters are estimated at $14,000-18,000 and $3,500-4,000 respectively. And lot #453, a circa 1920’s-era Buddy L bus features mounted spare wheels, nickel head lamps, and nice decals. This example, from the Donald Kaufman Collection, is estimated at $4,000-6,000 and is probably one of the finest examples known, according to our catalogers.
This sale is a dream come true for collectors seeking rare toys and childhood items featuring beloved cartoon and superhero characters. Lot #694, a Walt Disney celluloid Mickey Mouse on a Scooter in its original box, is estimated at $15,000-25,000. This is one of the earliest and rarest known Mickey Mouse toys; there are probably only two others known. The toy itself has a 5-1/2" tall celluloid Mickey figure with a bent right leg and a curved tail riding a metal wind up scooter. This extraordinary example would be the crown jewel in any Disney or early toy collection. Certain to set sail with enthusiasts is lot #703, a very rare and extremely desirable Hoge Popeye rowboat in its original box from the Gary Selmonsky Collection. The toy’s wind up mechanism is in working condition, its rudder and oars are original, and its decal is immaculate. It is estimated at $8,000-12,000. And lot #767, a Superman lunch box, is destined to whet collectors’ appetites. This extremely rare example, estimated at $5,000-10,000, is in beautiful original condition, with great graphics and color.
The outstanding examples of Japanese space toys on offer at this event will send collectors into orbit. Several Gang of Five robots share center stage here. Lot #753, a Masudaya Gang of 5 Target Robot with its original box, inserts and cardboard head piece, is estimated at $12,000-18,000. This rare example has bright shiny litho and includes its original gun and darts which are still sealed in the original plastic bag. Lot #754, a Masudaya Gang of 5 Radicon Robot with its original box, is estimated at $12,000-18,000. This example includes its remote control and original antenna and has provenance to the Enzo Pertoldi Collection. And lot #755, a Nomura Gang of 5 Sonic Robot with its original box, is estimated at $6,000-9,000. This rarity, also known as the Train Robot, emits a sonic noise when it is in operation.
Now let’s circle back to the 220+ lots of fine marbles available through this auction. Spectacular Christensen Agate examples round out the top three highlights in this category. Lot #556, an albino Submarine Guinea marble with an icy blue appearance is estimated at $3,000-5,000. This gorgeous, one-of-a-kind guinea was originally obtained from a factory worker and is pictured in Paul Baumann's book "Collecting Antique Marbles" third edition, plate No. 46. Lot #555, a very rare Red Devil marble with a red base and electric yellow interior, is estimated at $1,5000-2,500. This “wicked good” example appears in Everett Grist's "Big Book of Marbles" first, second, and third edition. And size defies with lot #518, an extremely rare large green and white slag marble, estimated at $1,000-1,500. This 1-5/8" diameter rarity was most likely part of a run of large slag marbles produced by the company as a special order for a rich family to give as gifts to their children for Christmas.
This auction’s offering of over 100 dolls and fine vintage plush toys will put collectors in a playful mood indeed. Lot #57, a boxed number 1 Barbie Doll from 1959 in very fine plus to near mint condition is estimated at $6,000-8,000. An investment quality piece, this doll retains its original pink skin tone as well as being the harder to find brunette edition. The doll is complete with her original box - autographed by Barbie’s creator Ruth Handler - and includes a first issue stand, a newsletter, high heeled shoes, earrings, and sunglasses. And it’s a clothes call with lot #72, an all original Bru French fashion doll estimated at $5,000-6,000. This beauty, known as the "Smiling Bru,” is made from quality bisque and comes to life with finely painted facial details, softly outlined lips, an exaggerated smile, and grey paperweight eyes.
Fine airguns, banks, trains, and Fisher Price selections round out this comprehensive two-day auction. There’s not a hare out of place with lot #318, an extremely rare, undocumented, circa 1931 Fisher Price paper on wood number 105 Bunny Scoot. This blue and yellow riding rabbit has its original oilcloth, pull string, and ball. It is estimated at $2,000-4,000 and is only one of a handful known.
According to Dan Morphy, President of Morphy Auctions, “Our final toy sale of 2017 is extremely well merchandized and a perfect destination for holiday gift shoppers. Perhaps Santa himself will stop by and pick up some exceptional treasures for those on his very good list this year! We are delighted to feature over 40 vehicles from the world-famous Donald Kaufman collection. His Marklin hand painted open two seat roadster and Bing hand painted clockwork four-seat auto are even more extraordinary in person. We welcome you to visit our gallery in Denver, PA to view these outstanding items firsthand, or of course check them out online anytime at on our website."
About Morphy Auctions:
Morphy Auctions, the finest auction destination for fresh to the market collectibles, is headquartered in Denver, PA. The company also has a satellite office in Las Vegas, NV. A full-service auction house, Morphy’s presents over 35 premier auctions annually. The company’s three-part mission includes ensuring consignor satisfaction with every auction, offering world-class customer service that goes above and beyond the call of duty, and providing relentless buyer support to create confidence for all clients seeking a trustworthy purchasing experience.
Morphy’s team of specialists includes the nation's finest and most recognized experts in popular collecting categories including advertising; firearms; fine automobiles, automobilia and petroliana; coin-operated machines; antiques, fine, and decorative art; dolls, bears, toys, and trains; cast iron; coins; marbles; jewelry and wrist watches. Morphy Auctions is owned by President and Founder Dan Morphy, himself a lifelong and passionate collector of antiques, banks, and numerous other categories. Morphy's has been in business since 2004 and has grown from two to over 65 employees in over a decade.
Morphy Auctions is located at 2000 North Reading Road, Denver, PA 17517. We can be reached by phone at 717-335-3435, by fax at 717-336-7115, and by email at [email protected]. Morphy Auctions is open seven days a week from 9am to 4pm. For more information on Morphy's, please visit http://www.morphyauctions.com.
Sarah Stoltzfus, Director of Marketing, Morphy Auctions, http://www.morphyauctions.com, +1 717-335-4606, [email protected]
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