Battles over rare toy soldiers spurred bullish prices in Old Toy Soldier Auctions’ May 16 sale Bidders called up the heavy artillery during Old Toy Soldier Auctions’ May 16 absentee and Internet auction, spending a total of $169,900 and claiming 99.9 percent of the lots offered.
after. A circa-1930 Johillco set consisting of a greyhound race starter with six greyhounds in various-colored racing jackets had been estimated at $250-$280. Two phone bidders competed aggressively for the 7-piece set; one of them prevailed at $1,888.
An accessory piece that charmed bidders was Britains’ #635 tinplate pond featuring a graceful swan and two cygnets enjoying a leisurely swim. A rare early-1930s production, it achieved $531, four times the high estimate.
A 1933-1935 Britains Huntsman in red jacket and top hat, riding a cantering horse, also exceeded its high estimate several times over, selling for $472.
Haradin said it is heartening to see the number of new collectors coming into the toy soldier and figure hobby, and said much of it is due to the crossover factor. “The collectors fall into several groups – military buffs, the war gamers who like to re-enact history, model figure makers who make and paint figures, and people who might have a small collection behind their desk at the office. It’s a global hobby, and there’s a lot of overlap.”
Old Toy Soldier Auctions will hold its next sale – featuring the collections of Vincent C. Banker, the late James “Doc” Wengert, and various other properties – on Nov. 21, 2009. For additional information, call Ray Haradin at 800-349-8009 or 412-343-8733, or e-mail otsauctionsusa@yahoo.com. Visit OTSA online at www.oldtoysoldierauctions.com.
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In his top hat and “pinks,” but lacking a hound, Britains’ 1933-1935 Huntsman achieved $472 – more than five times its high estimate.
