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Collectors will have a host of fresh toy and bank offerings this spring, as
Bertoia Auction announces an extraordinary two-day sale, simply blooming
with choice lots numbering nearly 1700 at last count. The auction event is
anchored by hundreds of incredible mechanical and still bank finds from the
late Ed Almond, a past member of the bank collectors community, revered and
remembered with genuine admiration by all who crossed his collecting tenure.
Together with a host of fabulous toys, doorstops, European boats, luxury
autos, Schoenhuts, Popeye, comic character, and much more in a fresh find
frenzy for collectors of all levels.
Rarity coupled with condition will present collectors with a whirlwind of
fresh find opportunities that will create some big waves of approval from
the Jersey Shore already known for some big waves. Both Jeanne and Rich
Bertoia were amazed at the quality of items that steadily streamed into the
Gallery during the cold winter months in time for a guaranteed warmer
occasion. "Great items, and I mean great items, all across the collecting
fields, were either brought in or scheduled for pick-up during this past
winter; we were just thrilled to see such quality offered for our April
sale, and just as thrilled to get another quality catalog in the hands of so
many good collectors," said Rich.
Jeanne stated, "we aim for diversity, and it's not always easy, but this
April will present bank and toy collectors with more then a normal fantastic
share of quality choices."
Almost every grouping of toy fields will be represented with uncommon
diversity. Boats and ships, which number over sixty entries, include an all
original, rare and exceptionally styled Marklin Paddle wheeler, together
with examples made by Carette, Bing, Fleischmann, Liberty, Lionel, Keystone,
Converse, and still others. Most from a private mid-west collection, the
grouping will include River boats, Battleships, large Ocean liners, and
pleasure Craft, making the selection a rarity in itself at public auction.
Richard Clause's new book, "the Allure of Toy Ships," properly outlines many
similar offerings included in the sale, and it is considered a must for
those searching for information on fine flotilla. Collectors can expect
price levels across the board, and many of the larger scale vessels will
surely make for some interesting buying decisions.
If transportation autos, or buses claim prized space on your toy shelves,
then nearly 60 early models will be ready for you this April 28, 29, at the
Vineland, New Jersey Auction House. Again, most from the famous European
makers who never deterred from making a toy as closely as possible to its
original concept. Marklin heads the list, as two boxed items, an Armored
Car, and Coupe, help parade the selection of Bing, Pinard, Carette,
Guntherman, Rossignol, Paya, Jep, and yet other luxury vehicles ready to
form their line at the Bertoia podium. From large Limousine entries, to
small well detailed work vehicles, to stylish buses and everyday touring
cars, the sale will offer some unusual, and eye appealing modes of
transportation.
For tin auto and accessories collectors, get ready for some interesting
choices in airport and service station lay-outs, together with tin Taxis,
great biscuit car tins, and plenty of surprise entries. Just part of the
many calls that came in during the winter and helped round out a very
exciting sale, expect some very desirable toys to cross the bidding podium
for two full days of fresh finds.
We have nearly nipped the bud, as is said in spring, and around the auction
house, as the April line-up continues with a significant fresh cache of
Popeye toys, and, oh yes, most in original rare boxes. The grouping
includes some heavy hitters in the distinguished line of Popeye toys, and
it was culled by a collector that refused to display anything less then
pristine condition. The consignor did an outstanding job in finding
condition, and elusive stars for his collection, and collectors will easily
note the fruits of his searching labor. This type of quality doesn't come
around often, and again, it shares a special spotlight on a very promising
Spring fresh find sale.
European toys of all creations include, Lehmann, Martin, Guntherman,
Arnold, and others, and they join an interesting grouping of Japanese,
French and German built tin toy airplanes. Great selection of lithographed
tin examples, and the toy grouping is as diverse as ever. Tin toys don't
stop with European, as American comic character charmers will do their own
show stomping with Mickey bands, Lil' Abner band, Ham and Sam band, and
assorted famous dancers on roofs. A good mix, and worth a special catalog
perusing. Space toys, amusing toys, boxed toys, chances are, you are going
to find a toy that fits your search criteria this April.
The doors will once again be held wide open with a heavy cast of doorstop
examples, and add figurals to the already enormous selection, wow, the
session, will entice a number of double looks, and bidding decisions. Large
flowers, and animals, desirable figures, colorful depictions, rarity in
between, and bookends in a multitude of forms. fresh to the market they go.
And for fresh mechanical and still banks with literally hundreds of choices
offered, the collection from the late Mr. Ed Almond is the one to be talked
about this spring. Seasoned collectors will have no problem remembering Ed's
great sense of humor which equaled his talented eye for quality finds. The
late veteran collector amassed an enormous quantity of examples with some
pretty rare and choice banks headlining his collective searches. The
collection itself traveled from the far reaches of British Columbia where it
was in the admiring hands of close family members that decided it was time
for a final collector's sharing. Ed's sister and nephew, proper care takers of the fine groupings, spearheaded the entire process of handling the
collection from start to its final destination, and were instrumental in
preserving the intactness and condition of each example. While at the pack,
which in itself took the Bertoia staff several days, the family was
incredibly positive about the anticipated collector's clubs support, always
recalling their uncle and brother's fondness for attending and mingling with
club members over his collecting tenure. It was Ed's wish, and he will get
it, to share his finds through Bertoia Auctions, and it is with special
pleasure that the entire staff promote his important acquisitions with
genuine pride.
From A to Z, from the North Pole back to the U.S. bank, the collection is
represented with many upgrade possibilities, and a long list of great
choices. It includes ex. Norman additions and famed Sax entries: pristine
falls into many example headings, and rarity is evidenced many times.
Bertoia's line-up of banks will present possibly the finest example of Paddy
and the Pig ever offered, a stunning U.S. Bank, absolutely enviable Girl
Skipping Rope, the rare North Pole Bank with condition plus to body,
striking examples of Artillery, Speaking Dog, Big Chief Moon, Spize A Mule,
and really so many others that could fill this entire article.
Still banks make up another major portion of the collection, and Ed used the
same guidelines, condition and rarity. Expect King Midas to greet collectors
with his own ransom of elusive offerings. The uncommon will seem common at
the sale, and it makes for an unprecedented chance to own several, that's
several, of the Moore rated "only available when a collection comes to
market". well, they are coming to market.
For those seeking Schoenhut creations, well the spring sale is for you.
Leading the session is one of the greats in the Schoenhut line, The large
Band Wagon. Complete with seated musicians. It was paraded to Bertoia
Auctions just in time to help celebrate an enormous line-up of people,
animals, and whimsical figures, together with other unusual circus
accessories. The sale even includes an exceptional four foot Clown Figure
display, handcrafted by Keith Kaonis, and sure to anchor any creative
collection of these really fanciful jointed toys. Too much to mention, but
all pictured in full color, the selection is overwhelming, and we think
that's good.
Collectors can take advantage of the many bidding possibilities including,
phone, absentee, live day of auction, or live via internet at www.ebayliveauctions.com, day of auction. Plan to attend this important
auction, and please call the office for any extended preview time, inquiry,
or future consignment questions, at 856-692-1881.
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