Castan, Tomlinson antique toy collections roll into the spotlight at Bertoia's, Sept. 23-24 A pressed-steel collection with deep provenance and an eclectic West Coast collection whose owner lived by the motto “preserve and protect” form the heart of Bertoia’s Sept. 23-24 auction.
with distinctive Continental boats, racers and early German and French character toys. Premier pieces include a Marklin Jolanda and several pristine Radiguet boats, elusive steam autos, a Marklin Stanhope coach of substantial size and a large horse-drawn fire pumper handcar.
Tomlinson also favored circus toys and built an enviable sub-collection of Hubley Circus wagons, including the 28-inch-long horse-drawn bandwagon. “It’s quite a display piece even on its own, but leading a parade of other Hubley Circus vehicles, it’s unbeatable for eye appeal,” said Rich.
Continuing in the super-size vein, the collection includes an Erector loco and tender traditionally regarded by collectors as a store display, an ever-popular 25-inch Atom Jet tin racecar, and another Japanese-made favorite – a remote-control Super Racer.
Tomlinson’s antique toy airplanes run the gamut of European manufacturers, including Gunthermann, Lehmann and Ingap; and also features aircraft by the Argentinian brand Matarazzo.
Every imaginable European village character of the early 20th century comes to life in the Tomlinson collection with the turn of a key. Clockwork rarities from the French company Martin include the Merchant of Marron (chestnut vendor), nanny with baby carriage, little chef (slices carrots at table), washerwoman, barber, carpenter, organ grinder, vendor with cart, and a drunkard with original box. German-made Lehmanns include a coveted Ski Rolf, Zig-Zag, Man-Da-Rin, Masuyama, Tut Tut and Heavy Swell.
The variety continues with comic character toys and a veritable motor pool of Japanese tin cars, ranging from Chevy sedans and T-Birds to Volkswagens and sleek racecars. “In a way, this part of Ralph’s toy collection reflected his personal life,” said Rich. “He had a fascination for well-designed automobiles and always had some sort of very fast, very high-end car in his real-life collection.”
Auction sessions will commence at 3 p.m. Eastern on Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 and 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011. Preview weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning one month prior to the auction, at Bertoia’s gallery, 2141 DeMarco Dr., Vineland, NJ 08360.
All forms of bidding will be available for the auction, including live online through www.LiveAuctioneers.com. For additional information call 856-692-1881, e-mail toys@bertoiaauctions.com. Visit Bertoia’s online at www.bertoiaauctions.com.
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CAPTION FOR IMAGE AT TOP: Tinplate No. 58 Atom Jet friction racecar, est. $6,000-$8,000. Bertoia Auctions image.
