A New Post for the Belgian Monk

Saturday, December 12, 2024
-9° C / 16° F
Clear skies and Sunny

A New Post for the belgian monk

Please click on this sentence to visit the belgianmonk's ebay site

It's been a while since I wrote to the belgianmonk, so it was nice to hear from him. 

He changed the name of his store, but he's still selling and doing alright. John has some other interesting items for sale, such as parts for a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and a true antique Grant Brothers sewing machine from 1869-1875. He most certainly has an eclectic grouping of items, but mostly toys currently.

I've only ever written about the Liberty Playthings toy company once before, and if you do a search on my blog you'll find it. I wrote that post on November 24, 2012. The Liberty Playthings company was in business from the late 1920's to the early 1930's, and was located in Niagara Falls (USA). For those who don't know, Canada also has part of the Niagara Falls. They made beautiful toys all fromwood, and many different kinds of toys as well.

For the belgianmonk's post,  I decided to select a: 

1920's Liberty Playthings mechanical windup wood & metal tugboat.

It's made from mahogany wood and metal with a windup "motor" that

still works. The length is  12" or   30.5 cm

It's amazing how somethings last so long over time.  

Aside from being a "collectible", people just like to keep mementoes from 

the past to remind them of the good times they had with their close relatives.

Thanks for dropping by, and as always, have a great part of the day or night

wherever you may be.

My name is (Mr.) Stacey Bindman, and I an always be reached at

toysearcher@gmail.com

 

      

Some New Bliss Toys from Bertoia Auctions

Tuesday, April 16, 2019
Cloudy with Sunny Periods
8 C 46 F

Some New Bliss Toys

from Bertoia Auctions

     Bertoia Auctions was one of the first auction houses to allow me to use their excellent photographs.  This fine and famous auction house exclusively auctions old and antique toys from all over the world.  The Bliss toys presented today were from a recently-held auction of April 12, 2019.

Even through Rufus Bliss founded R. Bliss Manufacturing Company in 1832, it is not exactly known when  they started producing toys. The earliest mention of toys can be found in the “New England Business Director of 1871.”

R. Bliss Manufacturing Company was originally founded to produce wooden screws and clamps for piano and cabinet making. Rufus Bliss is known for inventing a machine for cutting wood screws rapidly and more accurately than had been done in the past. These toys cross the borders of collecting with their folk-art designs. They are known for their high quality, beautiful colors and artwork. R. Bliss Manufacturing Company sold their toy making division to Manson & Parker of Winchendon, Massachusetts in 1914. Toys carrying the Bliss name were produced until 1935 but only a few toys were marketed during these later years.**

**Courtesy of www.oldworldtoys.com / Mr. Richard Mueller Jr.

The above toys achieved final selling prices ranging from $ 330.00 - $ 660.00 US Dollars.

What's interesting about these toys is their very good condition, considering many of them are easily over 100 years old!

Thanks for dropping by,

And as always,

Have a great part of the day or night,

Wherever you may be.

Stacey Bindman

toysearcher@gmail.com

A Combination of Two Great Teams

Friday, February 9, 2018
Partly sunny with clouds
-9 C   14.8 F

I don't often add much narrative to a post from the guest, but in this case, it is special.

I've written about the fine auction company of Pook & Pook by itself. However, in 2016, Pook & Pook teamed up with another famous  person and company, by the name of Mr. Noel Barrett. You've probably seen Mr. Barrett on PBS and the specific show titled the "Antiques Road Show". 

On the program, Mr. Barrett is a specialist in toys, and you can often see him giving interesting narratives about old and antique toys.

Pook & Pook, Inc. Teams up with Noel Barret

Pook & Pook, Inc. Auctioneers and Appraisers is excited to announce a new collaboration with the jovial, mustachioed king of toy auctions, Noel Barrett. After over forty years “playing” with antique toys, first as a dealer then, starting in 1988, as an auctioneer, Barrett is teaming up with Pook & Pook, Inc., a premier east coast auction firm. Barrett and Pook & Pook, Inc.’s founder, Ron Pook, expressed excitement about joining forces, a move that will benefit both companies, buyers, and sellers. The big question, however, is why these two well-established auction houses are looking to collaborate after decades of going it alone.

Noel Barrett started his love affair with toys, predictably, at an early age. Over time, his fascination evolved from seeing toys as “neat things to have” to pursuing the business behind childhood nostalgia. “[Toys are] something that I’ve always enjoyed…I’ve turned a hobby into a business.” said Barrett. Years of hunting and dealing helped Barrett build both a superior knowledge of his field and a loyal client base, things that made his eventual auction business a hot spot for collectors. Personally involved in all aspects of the auction process, Barrett found success by applying his knowledge and continued enthusiasm towards one or two finely-curated auctions a year. “Success” also might be a bit of an understatement. Noel Barrett hosted the five-million-dollar toy and train auction of the late Disney animator Ward Kimball. He has also handled five auctions dispersing the Toy Museum of Atlanta, the three sales of Bill and Lillian Gottschalk’s record setting toy automobilia and steam toy collection, and the collection of the Washington Dollhouse and Toy Museum.

Barrett’s skills and personality were also recognized by the creators of PBS’s hit television show, Antiques Roadshow. He appeared on the American inaugural season and has been involved ever since, missing only three shows in over twenty years. Antiques Roadshow was also one impetus for Barrett’s recent expansion; after being approached by viewers and other admirers of his business, Barrett broadened his offerings to include categories such as vintage advertising, salesman’s samples, and unique models.

Pook & Pook was founded by Ron and Debra Pook in 1984. Like Barrett, Ron and Deb started off as antique dealers and graduated to auctioneers in the 80’s to accommodate the needs of their ever growing family. They soon became a record setting auction firm, offering some of the finest antique furniture, fine art, and decorative accessories on the market. With a 97% selling rate and up to twenty annual auctions that repeatedly exceed the million-dollar mark, Pook & Pook, Inc. is also a leader in innovation.  In 2013, the company joined with five other respected auction houses to create Bidsquare.com, an improved online auction platform, and have become a leading presence in the online auction trend.

Starting in the fall of 2016, bidders can expect both companies to present several collaborative auctions under the designation “Pook & Pook, Inc. with Noel Barrett.” These auctions will take place at Pook & Pook, Inc.’s auction gallery in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, with Noel continuing to secure collections, research and describe the toys, and assist with catalog production. Ron Pook called the development a “great opportunity for Noel to increase his media presence and online exposure and an equally good opportunity for Pook & Pook to expand our business guided by Noel’s expertise and reputation” and promised that “Pook & Pook will now have an entire toy division dedicated to doing several toy auctions each year.”.

Pook & Pook, Inc., Auctioneers and Appraisers
463 E. Lancaster Avenue
Downingtown, PA 19335
T: 610.269.4040 | F: 610.269.9274
WEBSITE: www.pookandpook.com | EMAIL: deirdre@pookandpook.com

( description above courtesy of Pook & Pook Inc.)

Schoenhut dolls were wooden dolls produced by the Schoenhut Piano Company between 1903 and 1935. Thge company, founded by woodworker Albert Schoenhut initially made toy pianos.

They began producing wood figurines as you see below in the early 1900's. These also included the more-complex  wooden circus-themed sets and animals. In 1911, the company introduced the first doll in the world able to be posed and manipulated. The Humpty Dumpty circus set was produced in 1903. featuring a lady and gentleman acrobats a line tamer, a lady circus rider, and a ringmaster.In 1908, the Rolly Dolly Dolls (seen below) was created. This contained weights inside a pear-shaped body that allowed the toy to bob back and forth without tipping over.*

* Courtesy of Wikipedia

Schoenhut painted wood African drummer

with a two-part head, the original drum, and drumsticks

Height:  8"  203 mm

Rare Schoenhut half rolly dolly sheep with glass eyes

Height:  8 1/2"  216 mm

Schoenhut Humpty Dumpty Circus cage wagon with a driver

H x L :  15 1/4" x 16"  386 mm x 405 mm

Schoenhut Painted wood hyena with glass eyes

Length:  6 1/2"  65 mm

Rare large Schoenhut dapple white painted wood pony

H x L:  21"  x 26"  533 mm x 660 mm

Schoenhut Humpty Dumpty circus tent

Height x Width  27" x 44"  68.5 cm x 1.11 M

Schoenhut painted wood great white hunter

with an associated pistol

Height :  8"   203 mm

Schoenhut Humpty Dumpty circus parade band with a team of four horses,

to include six musicians with instruments and a driver.

Length:  42"  1.07m

Thanks for dropping by,

and have a great day or evening.

Stacey Bindman

toysearcher@gmail.com

Copake Auctions' "Other" Modes of Transportation Listings

Friday, February 20, 2015
Overcast with flurries and very,very cold

Copake Auctions "Other"

Modes of Transportation Listings

   Hello everyone. No, I haven't stooped blogging. I'm blogging less because I'm been busy with some other things. Also this winter, and especially the month of February, has been exceptionally cold. I was thinking that this could be a record month of continuous minus 10 degrees Celsius, and it just might be. There was even one day where I didn't even go to Tim Horton's (now owned by Burger King). I go there daily for my coffee and to meet several friends to chat.

   Of course, spring is coming "eventually, and with that more auctions and being able to stay outdoors for more than 10 minutes to walls our dog Buddy. Buddy doesn't seem to mind the cold, and when it stays,he's in "seventh heaven". As for writing today,and more to com,e  in the upcoming days and weeks, I am returning to one of my favourite auctioneers of antique bicycles (and other things) - Copake Auctions.

Please click here to visit this exceptional American auction company

   I can't remember how I came to discover this fabulous auction company, but I did. It was one of those "Eureka Moments", when you stop everything to savour the moment. Copake Auction Inc. at that moment in time had old toys, but their big attraction was exceptional rare and antique bicycles. I've written about Copake Auction Inc. sometimes exclusively about bicycles, and if you like bicycles and rare bicycles, this is one auctioneer you absolutely and positively must visit! Simply do a search on my blog for "Copake", and you will find the posts.

This first presentation is a marvellous children's pull toy wagon.

It's beautifully designed after the Art Deco style, and it's simplicity contrasted with its' lines makes for a wonderful collectible.

I like how Copake Auction adds reference items (The Coke Can) to illustrate the relative size of their items. In other cases, they might use a coin, or  a closely-cropped person (his side) as a reference to an item or toy.

Their photography is excellent of course, and these toys certainly "pop out off the page".

What'st interesting for today's post is that all of these toys are quite large. It's the first time where I decided to use M (meter) as the symbol) for the European length. Most of the time I use mm.

These are "bigger" toys!

I like wood and anything wooden will attract my attention.  Below is another simply-crafted toy,

but elegant in its design and the beautiful colour theme.

What attracted me to this toy is the rear wheels of the engine. The rear wheels are paired and I haven't seen that very often, if at all. THey remind me of those half-track dessert army trucks.

 There is not much information presented about today's toys. 

What's interesting about the Keystone label is the location of the company - 

Boston 24. Mass.  U.S.A

American "ZIP Codes" were introduced in the both century, but the 2 digit ones (24) were only introduced probably between 1930-1950. I'll have to check to be more specific about he time period.

I do remember here in Montreal, when Canada introduced area coded - but ours single digit. It was in the early 1960's when I still lived in Outremont, and the are code was: 

Outremont 8, Montreal, 

Quebec, Canada.

For those who don't know, The Keystone MFG. CO.  was also in the photographic business. I actually remember them when they advertises in the Sunday NYTimes newspaper, 

and of course in the photography magazines.

Here's another fine wooden toy that a child could probably ride on.

Again, it's the simplicity of the toy that attracted my attention. Of course, I did mention that I like wood. In the wood toys presented today, there are no knots in the wood, and the pieces are mostly one piece (no laminates or composites). When I visit Old Montreal (The 400-500 year old part of town), I am in awe of the simple 30 foot ceiling beams. And when I watch period British movies, I',m always looking at those old wooden floors with 30 foot single piece lengths of wood flooring!

Here's a new company that I discovered - the Rifton toy company of Rifton, New York, U.S.A.

I only found 1 other toy on Liveauctioneers that they manufactured. You'll have to visit there as this toy was noir from someone whose permission I have to use their photos.

I did some photo-editing on the photo below, bout I left the interesting flag in the back, and the blue stripe of the table cloth in the photo. I liked the red, white, and blue American theme here.

The Rifton toy is a ride toy of sorts, and the toop past can be removed. Whast I like are the industrial-quality castors underneath the toy. This toy was meant to be rode and was wall designed for even  older children who might weigh more.  

I do see some knots in this toy, but the main pieces are single wood piece and unknotted.

I also like how the original owner wrote "Jack and Jill" ion the underside of the toy. 

So that's it for this early morning (5:00 A.M.)  

It's going to be very cold and with blowing snow - again!

The good news is that March 22, (the Spring Equinox) is coming soon - 

a mere  30 days or 4 weeks and 2 days!

Thanks for visiting and as always

have a great part of the day or night

wherever you may be,

Stacey Bindman

toysearcher@gmail.com

I Finally Identified an Unknown Old Toy

Tuesday, December 24, 2014
Overcast, sleet and warm

I Finally Identify an 

Unknown Old Toy!

   I occasionally get e-mails from people asking to identify a toy for them. Most of the time,I don't get any photos,so when I then ask for photos, I other get them, or the person stops communicating. If you are going to ask for identification,  please sense large-sized photos and plots of photos. The photos should be of the left and right sides, close-up details such as special toy features and also a top and underneath view to show any markings.

Hello,

I enjoyed all of your blog and info on antique toys. 

I have a toy that could be bliss. It is a rooster pulling a wood wagon. The rooster is wood with paper but the moveable parts, the wing are paper on tin. When pulled the wheels of the wagon and the feet of the rooster move and his head goes up and down. The only mark is Pat.Pend. 

I did a lot of search on Bliss but see mostly doll houses and ships. 

If I can get some help to identify it you are welcome to use it and photos in your blog.

Looking forward to your reply.

I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Augusta*

* Text used with courtesy of Augusta

  I have to be honest, and for a few minutes, I couldn't remember much about the Bliss Company.  So I did a search using different sets of wording, and came to  an excellent,excellent website that I had wrote about. It was the oldwoodtoys.com website.  Mr. Jim Sneed is the owner of the website,  while Judith Lile has a site on Jim's webesite that discusses and has nice examples of wood toys.  

  Aha,Eureka, By Jove!  I knew right away that the toy that Augusta described was not a Bliss toy. Bliss toys were pull toys.They did not have much metal if at all  to their parts,and they were not animated (moving parts). So I was in luck! I did more searches on Jim & Judith's website for "Rooster toys, wood rooster toys, rooster and wagon, animated rooster", and finally saw something. 

It was a rooster and wagon toy with metal framing that appeared to allow the toy rooster to move its wings and legs.  This seemed to fit Augusta's description!

   I sent Augusta 3 or 4 e-mails as I was searching.  I suggested that she check the oldwoodtoys.com website,then Gibbs Toys on the website, then a specific image of a Rooster and Wagon or cart) with movement.  And then I promised not to send any more e-mails! Sometimes when I get involved, I get all excited,and instead of sending 1 cohesive and all inclusive letter, I send small e-mails!

Please click here to visit this fascinating website about wood toys

Augusta had mentioned that she would send me photos to use for a post,and she did that as soon as I had identified her toy. I start to do my "whitening effect", but changed my mind. I liked the nice white satin material,ad if my guest went to that effort to photograph the Gibb's rooster and wagon toy,the least that I could do is use the nice photos "as is", with some minor photo-editing.

This toy was manufactured in 1928 ( a mere 86 years old). There are certain characteristics to different toys that I am always amazed with.In this cast, we have lithographed paper glued on to tin wings and a wood body.

How can the paper remain in such excellent condition for so long?

I've written about the Bliss toys (lithographed paper on wood), and that was the first time I saw even older toys (110 year olds) in fine condition. I just commented to someone in a letter reply that I was more amazed at how paint could stay on an 80 year old cast iron toy, compared to a mere scratch on my car and the paint comes off!

When you look at the rooster from the side, the wigs appear quite wide due to the shadowing (painting) on the edges of the wings.Yet looking at the toy from the view below shows you how thin the tin wings actually are!

Another thing that I enjoy about certain animal pull toys is the selection of animals that go with pull carts. I've seen ostrich, lions, zebras to name a few, and I can't ever see such animals ever even pulling a cart in real life, although  I have seen real photos of ostrich pulling carts.

And now we have a rooster pulling a cart or wagon!

 This close below shows you how well-made the toy was assembled. Also you can see how the yellow and beige paint of the rooster's legs have stuck to the tin.

And here's the  left side view of the rooster.

I don't want to "strut like a rooster", but I finally was able to identify this toy.

And of course, being a writer of sorts:

A hen that struts like a rooster is often invited for dinner - pride goeth before the fall

(Meaning: Don't show off, and boast too much)

I found the above idiom (expression) at the address below:

Please click here to visit this website about chicken and rooster expressions

Thanks for dropping by and as always,

have a great part of the day or night,

wherever you may be,

Stacey

toysearcher@gmail.com

The Horse Before the Bus or an Interesting Coincidence

Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Partly cloudy and cooler

The Horse Before the Bus

or

An Interesting Coincidence

 Today's post was supposed to be a continuation of toy trolleys. Yesterday, I added a post about horse-drawn trolleys, and being able to approximate a toy's age for the characteristics of the toy. As I was looking for the next post in the series, I came across a tin horse drawn trolley. This type of toy would have been made approximately at the same time as the ones that I wrote about yesterday - lithographed paper on wood, circa 1880's - 1910. However what caught my attention were the advertisements on the toy trolley. The brand names were identical to a post that I had written last week.

Please click here to visit the post about the advertisements on a toy

Please click here to visit this renowned American auction company

   The reason for the dual titles for this blog are that the horse-drawn trolley was the mode of transport in urban (city) area long before the bus. And the reason the the second title "Interesting Coincidence" is the fact that you can see the same brand names on the bus  (circa 1911), as you can on the Richter toy trolley which is most likely a much earlier toy from the late 1890's or early 1900's.

   I already posted about the advertisements on the bus - "Harry Lauder at the Tivoli", "Pears Soap"," OXO",  Colmans Mustard", and Van Houten's Cocoa. It turned out that all of the brand names were actually real companies of the time!

  What's interesting on the trolley brow are 4 of the same brand names appear as advertisements on a different maker of toy, from 10-20 years earlier.  In my original post, I forgot to corroborate (verify) one advertisement - Mellins Food". I'm sure such a real company did exist at the time.

I like to use "clichés" or common expressions when I write, 

and so to finish this post here's an old cliché:

"The more things change. the more things stay the same".

It seems so appropriate for these 2 different toys from 2 different manufacturers from two different decades that used basically the same brand name advertisements on their toys!

I just couldn't resist that old expression!

Thanks for dropping by, and as always,

have a great part of the day or night,

wherever you may be,

Stacey 

toysearcher@gmail.com