Toys
1875 Fire Equipment Toy by George Brown
2024 SOLD for $ 325K by RSL
The George Brown Company had been established in 1856 as a toy maker in Bristol, Connecticut and moved to Forestville in 1861.
An early maker of tin toys, they executed locomotives, boats, carriages and fire engines. Metal sheets were hammered into shape on a mold. The parts were soldered together by hand. They were finished by hand painting. A clockwork mechanism propelled a train forward on a flat surface. Each piece was unique with another name stenciled on it.
The hose reel is a key equipment to bring water. In the 1870s it was usually placed on a cart pulled by volunteer firemen although horses could also be used.
CHARLES is a hose reel carriage made ca 1875 by George Brown. This large size 60 cm tin toy looks fragile with its elegant curving wires but the design is sturdy. It was sold for $ 230K by Christie's on December 16, 1991, lot 15 (not illustrated on the web page) and for $ 325K by RSL on August 3, 2024, lot 96 here linked in the LiveAuctioneers bidding platform.
An early maker of tin toys, they executed locomotives, boats, carriages and fire engines. Metal sheets were hammered into shape on a mold. The parts were soldered together by hand. They were finished by hand painting. A clockwork mechanism propelled a train forward on a flat surface. Each piece was unique with another name stenciled on it.
The hose reel is a key equipment to bring water. In the 1870s it was usually placed on a cart pulled by volunteer firemen although horses could also be used.
CHARLES is a hose reel carriage made ca 1875 by George Brown. This large size 60 cm tin toy looks fragile with its elegant curving wires but the design is sturdy. It was sold for $ 230K by Christie's on December 16, 1991, lot 15 (not illustrated on the web page) and for $ 325K by RSL on August 3, 2024, lot 96 here linked in the LiveAuctioneers bidding platform.
1879-1884 Mikado by Kyser and Rex
2021 SOLD for $ 290K by Bertoia
The beloved children of nineteenth century America were invited to discover the benefits of savings. A coin placed in a bank (piggy bank being the most popular model) disappears and is not usable as long as the cache is not opened.
On this idea, toy manufacturers have invented two product lines. The still bank, fixed, is close to the piggy bank but uses many other themes to attract the attention of the child.
The mechanical bank is more interesting. The introduction of a coin releases a lever, which introduces a more or less complex movement. They are most often in cast iron. The subjects are often friendly.Their royal names were not pseudonyms ! Louis Kyser and Alfred Rex made mechanical banks in cooperation in Frankfurt PA from 1879 to 1884.
Their Mikado is an illusionist playing with two hats on a table top. The action of the rear crank transfers to the right hat a coin placed under the left hat.
A red table version in near mint condition was sold for $ 290K from a lower estimate of $ 80K by Bertoia on September 11, 2021, lot 624.
The Kyser and Rex Mikado from the Steckbeck collection was sold for $ 250K by Morphy on October 27, 2007. In the same sale from the same maker and provenance, the Roller Skating was sold for $ 195K and the Merry Go Round in near mint condition for $ 172K. Both had been released in the 1880s.
On this idea, toy manufacturers have invented two product lines. The still bank, fixed, is close to the piggy bank but uses many other themes to attract the attention of the child.
The mechanical bank is more interesting. The introduction of a coin releases a lever, which introduces a more or less complex movement. They are most often in cast iron. The subjects are often friendly.Their royal names were not pseudonyms ! Louis Kyser and Alfred Rex made mechanical banks in cooperation in Frankfurt PA from 1879 to 1884.
Their Mikado is an illusionist playing with two hats on a table top. The action of the rear crank transfers to the right hat a coin placed under the left hat.
A red table version in near mint condition was sold for $ 290K from a lower estimate of $ 80K by Bertoia on September 11, 2021, lot 624.
The Kyser and Rex Mikado from the Steckbeck collection was sold for $ 250K by Morphy on October 27, 2007. In the same sale from the same maker and provenance, the Roller Skating was sold for $ 195K and the Merry Go Round in near mint condition for $ 172K. Both had been released in the 1880s.
1880s Darky Fisherman by Bailey
2007 SOLD for $ 290K by Morphy
A painted lead bank known as Darky Fisherman was issued by Charles A. Bailey in the 1880s. Only two examples are reported to exist.
When the coin is placed at front slot and the lever is depressed, the arm of a standing African American boy raises the pole to reveal a caught fish at the end of the hook. As the fish surfaces, the fisherman’s cap simultaneously flips up to indicate a merry surprise.
The bank from the Steckbeck collection was sold for $ 290K by Morphy on October 27, 2007 and for $ 216K by Bertoia on November 15, 2014, lot 219. It is in near mint condition.
When the coin is placed at front slot and the lever is depressed, the arm of a standing African American boy raises the pole to reveal a caught fish at the end of the hook. As the fish surfaces, the fisherman’s cap simultaneously flips up to indicate a merry surprise.
The bank from the Steckbeck collection was sold for $ 290K by Morphy on October 27, 2007 and for $ 216K by Bertoia on November 15, 2014, lot 219. It is in near mint condition.
1888 Jonah and the Whale by Stevens
2007 SOLD for $ 414K by Morphy
Based in Connecticut, J. & E. Stevens, produced dozens of models of mechanical banks between 1869 and 1928.
Jonah and the Whale was made ca 1888. The Biblical hero is featured at the moment when Jonah is emerging from the mouth.
That Stevens bank is the highly rare version on a pedestal. It is contemporary of a bank on the same theme by Shepard Hardware catching the moment when the Biblical hero is swallowed.
The Stevens is operated by locking the whale's mouth and tail by pull the lever. Then a penny is put in the small red boat that runs alongside the whale. Pushing the activating button causes the whale to spit Jonah out on the sandy beach laden with shells. In the same action, the whale raises its tail and the coin is deposited.
The near mint example in the Steckbeck collection was sold for $ 414K by Morphy on October 27, 2007. A Stevens Jonah that may be the same copy was sold for $ 310K by RSL on August 3, 2024, lot 30. It is illustrated in second position in the post sale release shared by AuctionCentralNews.
Jonah and the Whale was made ca 1888. The Biblical hero is featured at the moment when Jonah is emerging from the mouth.
That Stevens bank is the highly rare version on a pedestal. It is contemporary of a bank on the same theme by Shepard Hardware catching the moment when the Biblical hero is swallowed.
The Stevens is operated by locking the whale's mouth and tail by pull the lever. Then a penny is put in the small red boat that runs alongside the whale. Pushing the activating button causes the whale to spit Jonah out on the sandy beach laden with shells. In the same action, the whale raises its tail and the coin is deposited.
The near mint example in the Steckbeck collection was sold for $ 414K by Morphy on October 27, 2007. A Stevens Jonah that may be the same copy was sold for $ 310K by RSL on August 3, 2024, lot 30. It is illustrated in second position in the post sale release shared by AuctionCentralNews.
Märklin
1
1900-1902 Chicago
2012 SOLD for $ 265K by Bertoia
The toy brand Märklin started from 1891 the standardization of model trains. This German company whose production was much varied realized at the same time toy warships and ocean liners, often very large.
On May 12, 2012, Bertoia sold the specialized collection of toy ships of Dick Claus. The Chicago narrated below was not included in that session.
Made in 1900-1902 by Märklin, the Providence is a steamboat equipped with paddle wheels. 66 cm long, it is replicating a 1866 boat. It was sold for $ 247K, lot 79.
Launched in 1906, the Kaiserin Augusta Victoria was then the largest steam liner in the world. The toy, probably contemporary of the launching, is also the largest of the Märklin fleet, 1.17 m long. It was sold for $ 138K, lot 108.
The Maryland, a battleship made by Märklin around 1915, was sold for $ 144K, lot 48.
The Chicago was the favorite piece from the collection of Dick Claus and illustrated the cover jacket of his book "The allure of toy ships", published in 2005. It was sold for $ 265K by Bertoia on November 10, 2012, lot 387 here linked on the bidding platform LiveAuctioneers.
Executed by Märklin at the same time as the Providence, circa 1900-1902, the Chicago is also a paddle wheeler, but it is distinguished by some unique characteristics.
With this model populated by passengers, Märklin has managed to recreate the atmosphere of luxury boats. Details are extremely careful and this example is in very good condition. This large toy 79 cm long was offered with a box.
On May 12, 2012, Bertoia sold the specialized collection of toy ships of Dick Claus. The Chicago narrated below was not included in that session.
Made in 1900-1902 by Märklin, the Providence is a steamboat equipped with paddle wheels. 66 cm long, it is replicating a 1866 boat. It was sold for $ 247K, lot 79.
Launched in 1906, the Kaiserin Augusta Victoria was then the largest steam liner in the world. The toy, probably contemporary of the launching, is also the largest of the Märklin fleet, 1.17 m long. It was sold for $ 138K, lot 108.
The Maryland, a battleship made by Märklin around 1915, was sold for $ 144K, lot 48.
The Chicago was the favorite piece from the collection of Dick Claus and illustrated the cover jacket of his book "The allure of toy ships", published in 2005. It was sold for $ 265K by Bertoia on November 10, 2012, lot 387 here linked on the bidding platform LiveAuctioneers.
Executed by Märklin at the same time as the Providence, circa 1900-1902, the Chicago is also a paddle wheeler, but it is distinguished by some unique characteristics.
With this model populated by passengers, Märklin has managed to recreate the atmosphere of luxury boats. Details are extremely careful and this example is in very good condition. This large toy 79 cm long was offered with a box.
2
New-York
2023 SOLD for $ 250K by Pook and Pook
The New-York is a clockwork paddle side-wheel river toy boat made by Märklin in the early 20th century.
An example 70 cm long in working condition was sold for $ 250K from a lower estimate of $ 30K by Pook and Pook on May 4, 2023, lot 1.
It displays a faux wood decking, an interior cabin with curtained windows and seated figures, two masts, a smoke stack, a grotesque figurehead under a US flag, lifeboats hanging on cranes and a chained anchor.
Around 1912, Märklin realizes the model toy of the Lusitania. This big piece nearly 1 m long is meticulously reproducing the details of the ship. The example from the Forbes collection was sold for $ 195K by Sotheby's on December 17, 2010.
An example 70 cm long in working condition was sold for $ 250K from a lower estimate of $ 30K by Pook and Pook on May 4, 2023, lot 1.
It displays a faux wood decking, an interior cabin with curtained windows and seated figures, two masts, a smoke stack, a grotesque figurehead under a US flag, lifeboats hanging on cranes and a chained anchor.
Around 1912, Märklin realizes the model toy of the Lusitania. This big piece nearly 1 m long is meticulously reproducing the details of the ship. The example from the Forbes collection was sold for $ 195K by Sotheby's on December 17, 2010.
1979 Star Wars Boba Fett by Kenner
Intro
The Boba Fett was finally released by Kenner with the missile welded on the back of the figure, for the highest disappointment of Star Wars collectors.
1
L-Slot prototype
2024 SOLD for $ 275K by Heritage
In 1976 Kenner Products obtain the rights for the production of action toys relating to the first Star Wars trilogy under preparation at that time. The 9.5 cm (3.75 inches) height chosen by this manufacturer, small enough for inviting kids to have a complete collection of the 20 figures, will become a standard for this market segment.
The appearance of a new major character must be taken into account to satisfy the collectors. In 1979, before the second movie, the production company announced Boba Fett the bounty hunter. Two variants are designed with a different shape of the rest positioning of the rocket in the back of the character, L-Slot and J-Slot. A prototype is unveiled at the New York Toy Fair. The J-Slot was intended to increase the safety of use for kids.
About 100 qualifying prototypes are subcontracted to Hong Kong and shipped to Kenner. The throwing system of the rocket definitely does not meet the safety rules because the spring can be triggered unexpectedly. These prototypes with mechanism are among the rarest toys of the Star Wars. The competing Battlestar Galactica by Mattel had claimed the life of a child.
Some surviving prototypes sometimes appear on the market. They are more or less damaged by the severe conditions of the tests. Two L-Slot painted prototypes are known in an alternate vibrant color scheme. One of them, graded 80 NM by AFA, was sold for $ 275K by Heritage on December 4, 2024, lot 98013.
An unpainted L-Slot prototype graded AFA 80+ NM was sold for $ 236K by Hake's in June 2, 2022, lot 1 here linked on the LiveAuctioneers bidding platform. Four different AFA 85 NM+ examples of the L-Slot have been sold by Hake's, for $ 86K in 2018, for $ 113K in 2019, for $ 165K in 2021, and for $ 136K on July 27, 2022, lot 1746 here linked on LiveAuctioneers.
A prototype Boba Fett J-Slot in near mint condition with its separately displayed rocket was sold for $ 186K by Hake's on November 7, 2019, lot 1815 here linked on LiveAuctioneers. This toy is in its end-of-development configuration including full painting and copyright stamps. It is graded AFA 85+ NM+. A single missile is kept in the pack.
A Version 2 J-Slot was sold for $ 204K by the same auction house on March 16, 2022, lot 1604 here linked on LiveAuctioneers. It is graded AFA 50 VG taking in consideration the breaking of the stem during a testing. One missile and one blaster are kept in the pack.
The appearance of a new major character must be taken into account to satisfy the collectors. In 1979, before the second movie, the production company announced Boba Fett the bounty hunter. Two variants are designed with a different shape of the rest positioning of the rocket in the back of the character, L-Slot and J-Slot. A prototype is unveiled at the New York Toy Fair. The J-Slot was intended to increase the safety of use for kids.
About 100 qualifying prototypes are subcontracted to Hong Kong and shipped to Kenner. The throwing system of the rocket definitely does not meet the safety rules because the spring can be triggered unexpectedly. These prototypes with mechanism are among the rarest toys of the Star Wars. The competing Battlestar Galactica by Mattel had claimed the life of a child.
Some surviving prototypes sometimes appear on the market. They are more or less damaged by the severe conditions of the tests. Two L-Slot painted prototypes are known in an alternate vibrant color scheme. One of them, graded 80 NM by AFA, was sold for $ 275K by Heritage on December 4, 2024, lot 98013.
An unpainted L-Slot prototype graded AFA 80+ NM was sold for $ 236K by Hake's in June 2, 2022, lot 1 here linked on the LiveAuctioneers bidding platform. Four different AFA 85 NM+ examples of the L-Slot have been sold by Hake's, for $ 86K in 2018, for $ 113K in 2019, for $ 165K in 2021, and for $ 136K on July 27, 2022, lot 1746 here linked on LiveAuctioneers.
A prototype Boba Fett J-Slot in near mint condition with its separately displayed rocket was sold for $ 186K by Hake's on November 7, 2019, lot 1815 here linked on LiveAuctioneers. This toy is in its end-of-development configuration including full painting and copyright stamps. It is graded AFA 85+ NM+. A single missile is kept in the pack.
A Version 2 J-Slot was sold for $ 204K by the same auction house on March 16, 2022, lot 1604 here linked on LiveAuctioneers. It is graded AFA 50 VG taking in consideration the breaking of the stem during a testing. One missile and one blaster are kept in the pack.
2
J-Slot mailer
2024 SOLD for $ 1.34M by Goldin
A painted Boba Fett J-Slot with two missiles and a blaster kept in its ready-to-mail case was sold for $ 1.34M by Goldin on August 18, 2024, lot 7. It is a Version 2 with a longer firing stem. Graded AFA NM+ 85+, it is the finest of only three V2 - 2 missile examples known to survive.
3
L-Slot production
2024 SOLD for $ 525K by Heritage
The scheduled distribution of the rocket throwing Boba Fett was limited, without availability in stores. The user was invited to provide proof of the purchase of four other Kenner Star Wars action figures. In return, within six to eight weeks, he would receive the 21st Kenner figure, Boba Fett with the “rocket firing back pack.” No collection will be complete without it !
Meanwhile the firing rocket was declared hazardous after a child's death with a similar toy by Mattel. Before being supplied to the users, it had been welded in place. A “Note to Consumers” explained to the disappointed users that “The launcher has been removed from the product for safety reasons.”
Only two hand painted L-Slot Boba Fett missile firing figures from the production are known to have escaped the modification. One of them graded AFA 60 was sold for $ 525K by Heritage on May 31, 2024, lot 89154. Please watch the interview of a member of the Kenner development team here shared by the auction house.
Meanwhile the firing rocket was declared hazardous after a child's death with a similar toy by Mattel. Before being supplied to the users, it had been welded in place. A “Note to Consumers” explained to the disappointed users that “The launcher has been removed from the product for safety reasons.”
Only two hand painted L-Slot Boba Fett missile firing figures from the production are known to have escaped the modification. One of them graded AFA 60 was sold for $ 525K by Heritage on May 31, 2024, lot 89154. Please watch the interview of a member of the Kenner development team here shared by the auction house.
1998 The Carousel of Milhous Brothers
2012 SOLD for $ 1.2M by RM Auctions
The Milhous brothers have two passions : classic cars and mechanical music. They decided to sell simultaneously these two collections. The event took place on 24 and 25 February, 2012 in Boca Raton FL by RM Auctions in association with Sotheby's.
One of the top pieces is the most personal : a carousel made for them according to their specifications, installed in 1998. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
This spectacular machine, sold for $ 1.2M, is 16 m in diameter. It includes 42 wooden animals and two chariots in three rows, and the sound is provided by an original Wurlitzer 153 band organ. This organ of the early twentieth century was one of the most popular. Not being the biggest, it could be transported from one ballroom to another. The wooden horses are replicas of old models.
One of the top pieces is the most personal : a carousel made for them according to their specifications, installed in 1998. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
This spectacular machine, sold for $ 1.2M, is 16 m in diameter. It includes 42 wooden animals and two chariots in three rows, and the sound is provided by an original Wurlitzer 153 band organ. This organ of the early twentieth century was one of the most popular. Not being the biggest, it could be transported from one ballroom to another. The wooden horses are replicas of old models.
