Thursday, February, 22, 2024

2°  Celsius  35° Fahrenheit

Cloud with Rain

What Did You Say That Toy Type Was Called?

I was searching for toys on LiveAuctioneers, when I found an interesting toy being auctioned by Bertoia Auctions. I decided have a look at a toy with a very interesting adjective (descriptive word) titled "perambulate". 

What? I never heard that word before! So I did a search on the Internet, and found this explanation of the word from the Oxford dictionary:

"Walk or travel through or around a place or area, especially for pleasure 

and in a leisurely way"

What also caught my attention was the description of the "Uncle Sam Perambulator"

plus the rarity of the toy.

Below is the Bertoia description for this very rare toy.

"UNCLE SAM PERAMBULATOR | Extremely rare piece, circa 1880, this is believed to be one of only two examples of this early American clockwork toy in existence, until recently this example was the only one known as pictured on page 131 in Blair Whitton's book "American Clockwork Toys" and hailing from the legendary Barenholtz Collection, also pictured in Barenholtz's book "American Tin Toys" page 71. Uncle Sam figure dressed in original red and white striped pants and a blue jacket with long coattails (one coattail is torn), this is as much a toy as a piece of historical Americana. | The Curtis & Linda Smith Collection. | 10" h. | Working, the brim of hat is replaced, (Excellent Condition) | $40,000 - $60,000"*

* in US Dollars

"Circa 1880"

The above caught my eye. 2024 - 1880 = 144 years old! You certainly don't see such an old toy and this type of toy being auctioned off everyday! The bidding on this toy should be interesting. When the auction is finished, you should be able to visit either the Bertoia Auctions website or LiveAuctioneers, and see what the final sold price was.

So that's it for today.

As always,

Have a great part of the day or night wherever you may be.

I can always be reached at 

toysearcher@gmail.com

(Mr.) Stacey Bindman