Julia’s toy, doll and advertising auction on June 30 and July 1 grossed nearly $2.1 million. The Malcolm Deisenroth collection of early American tin toys, offered unreserved, brought approximately $1 million against expectations of around $870,000. Topping the list was an exceedingly rare and desirable clockwork Santa and sleigh with goats by Althof Bergmann (ex-Barenholtz collection and prominently featured in his book). This toy is considered the most significant of all early American toys. There are three examples known; this is considered to be the finest.
Featuring the jolly old elf at the reins of his elaborate tin stenciled sleigh driven by two galloping goats, this historical piece did not disappoint. Following an enthusiastic drive that narrowed from a handful of serious players to a bidding battle between a phone bidder and a collector in attendance, it went to the gentleman in the auction hall for $161,000. As a result, it is the most expensive American tin toy sold in the last 15 or so years, according to the auction house.
An offering of horse-drawn clockwork omnibuses included a fanciful example by Bergmann stenciled “Rail Road Omnibus” with japanned horses and its original removable (and typically absent) driver. It took off to $48,875. A brilliant yellow George Brown clockwork omnibus stenciled “Broadway & 5th Avenue” sold for $37,375.
Other highlights from the Deisenroth collection included a grouping of tin paddle-wheelers and ferryboats. Two similarly styled wide-base Bergmann ferryboats, the Columbia and the Niagara , sold for $40,250 and $28,175, respectively.
A selection of other toys complemented the Deisenroth offering. Included was an untouched first series 34-inch Marklin battleship New York. Direct from a New Hampshire attic, this toy sold to a bidder in attendance for $48,875.
A recent discovery and offered for the first time at public auction was the extremely rare clockwork George Brown articulated tiger cage wagon. This polychrome clockwork cage being pulled by a prancing white horse in its original paint brought a solid $51,750.
A large troupe of approximately 100 cast iron mechanical banks were predominantly from one Western collection. An excellent Stevens’ Reclining Chinaman with great paint saw active bidding in house to end up at $10,350.
Collectors were delighted with a quality selection of fine dolls that included some exquisite examples from a Midwest collector. A rare Oriental Bru Jne bebe with almond cut brown eyes, bisque lower limbs and a flowing blue silk kimono changed hands at $23,000.
In coin-op arcade, vending and slot machines, an all-original, as found and untouched five-cent Caille Double Puck slot machine that had been in the same Kentucky family for nearly 50 years sold for $80,500.
A grouping of antique advertising helped to close out the sale. Included was a scarce figural clock in the form of a Nebo cigarette emblazoned with the face of a smiling, balding gent. Manufactured by the Gilbert Clock Company, it finished up at $8,050. And a grouping of salesman samples included a fertilizer distributor that had great patina and form. It brought a solid $7,130.
Other highlights in this segment included a miniature sawmill by James Sadler. This highly elaborate “working” model came from a Midwest collector and realized $11,500.
Prices reported include the buyer’s premium.
Julia’s upcoming auctions include the annual end of summer antiques and fine art auction in August, while a firearms and military memorabilia auction will be conducted in October. Julia’s next toy and doll auction, as well as its rare lamp and glass auction, will follow in November. For information, 207-453-7125 or www.jamesdjulia.com .
