Saturday, May 16, 2020

Master of the Oceans

Saturday, May 16, 2020
Sunny with clouds
18 C 66 F



Master of the Oceans

(From the exceptional collection of Mr. Dick Claus

Today's post is all about an exceptional collection of toys, 
owned by an exceptional collector, and sold by an exceptional auction house.
The date was November 10, 2012, and that day was  the second day of a most-unique collection of toys collected over the years by Mr. Richard T. "Dick" Claus. The  exceptional auctioneer (auction house) is Bertoia Auctions, a specialized and unique auctioneer company that specializes exclusively  with old and antique toys.  I say exceptional because they have a great reputation, great photography, and fabulous research into the items that they sell. Also, they were one of the first companies that allowed me to use their fine photography for my blog.

Mr. Dick Claus is an exceptional collector, who  amassed one of the best collections of toys in his 30 year span of collecting. At the  2 day auction, with the model (toy) ships being auctioned on the second day, there was an electric atmosphere as bidders from North America and Europe waited for the start of the auction. The auction was over a 2 day span, and at the end, set records for Bertoia Auctions , Mr. Dick Claus, and for the prices of these most sought after toys and especially the model (toy) ships. Many of the ships were from the early and later 1900's. 


c. 1900-1902, with sea captain at foredeck this majestic ship conjures the image of sheer luxury at sea, Marklin left no detail and used artistic appointments at cabin windows with painted curtains and ornately stamped seating area: even the second level with passenger benches and bridge have gold painted railing, funnel is held steady by chains to deck, lifeboats hang on davits, boarding area ready with opening plank door, covered paddle wheels proudly read "PROVIDENCE," with accent lines, a first class clockwork powered example of a significant toy importance. 26" 
(660 mm) long. Minimal restoration includes masts and posts, minor areas of railing and bench spikes. It's originality is as rare as the example itself. One lifeboat is a replacement. (Exc. Cond)

The model ship (toy) set a record for the price of this unique antique. If you visit Bertoia Auctions, you can find the price of this toy ship, as well as many, many other model ships.



This auction was so unique that is was well written up and publicized by many news sources on the Internet. I've listed several sources below, so that you can read up on the collection, Mr. Claus, and of course Bertoia Auctions.




I could have written lots more, but I felt that you, my readers would rather see the toys, as well as read about them from other resources. I hope you'll enjoy seeing the collection that was assembled over 30 years. After that auction, the toys were shared by many, many happy people.

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

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