Thursday, March 21, 2024
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A Wonderful Collection from
a Dedicated Couple
The introduction to this exceptional collection by Bertoia Auctions reads as follows:
"The world class Early American Toy Collection of Linda and the late Curtis Smith.
Recognized as one of the finest in quality and condition of pre-1900 American toys,
this collection is unrivalled with rarity and legendary provenance from all the great
early collectors and includes many examples from the
Bernard Barenholtz, Blair Whitton, and Louis Hertz books"
You can visit Liveauctioneers and see the results of the Curtis Collection
by clicking the link below:
The items that I selected are not the most-expensive sold at auction,
except for the first one.
I decided to select the ones that I was attracted to. I selected toys that were symbols of the many different types of people and professions that lived in the 1800's. This was more of a personal approach than the most expensive or the rarest. I'm sure that many of the people who bid on the wonderful toys in the collection had many different reasons for bidding on their particular item or items that were offered for sale.
Auctions offer people from any different backgrounds an opportunity to
bid on toys that they might have wanted when they were children, or from memories
that they've kept from happy times long ago.
Carpenter Tally Ho Coach
"This piece has been widely considered the finest example known, completely
original including all the removable figures, a wonderful depiction of early coach
transportation, given the size and weight, these toys often have breaks and certainly do not turn up this nice. Provenance: The Stewart Collection. | The Curtis & Linda Smith Collection. | 26" (66.04 cm) | All original (Pristine Condition).
The final bid on this rare item exceeded the pre-auction estimates.
Description Below:
"CLOCKWORK LAUNDRESS AT WASHBASIN | Extremely rare example and the first its been offered for sale in decades.Clockwork is concealed within the wooden base.When activated, she tirelessly moves her hand up and down the washboard similar to Old Aunt Chloe."
Description Below:
"ERZGEBIRGE HAND ACTIVATED FLOWER SHOP | Germany, made of wood
andhand painted,depicts a woman at the counter of a flower shop, rotating the small metal crank on the side of the toy causes her to move side to side as if tending to the store.
4.5"high (11.43 cm)
Description Below:
"AUTOMATIC TOY WORKS GRANDMA ROCKING CRADLE | Extremely rare piece, early American clockwork toy action involves Grandmother's head moving up and down as one of her
hands fans the baby, while the other arm moves to rock the cradle." | 8" (20.32 cm(long)
Description Below:
"ALTHOF BERGMANN SHEEP HERDER TOY | An absolutely astounding
piece, for an early American hand painted tin platform toy, it is enormous and more impressive is that it has survived the last one and a half centuries with nothing more
than a minor repair to the ankle.
Description Below:
"FALLOWS DANCERS W/ SWINGING CHILD BELL TOY | Large example
of an early American tin bell toy, articulated axles cause the upper platform
to rock front and back, resulting in the central swinging child."
Description Below:
"IVES MECHANICAL OARSMAN FLOOR VERSION | Very rare version of
familiar American tin clockwork toy but with wheels on the bottom to carry
the toy in a circular pattern along the floor." 9" (22.86 cm) high.
Description Below:
"IVES MECHANICAL SEWING MACHINE GIRL | Rare example, circa 1875,
a lifelike depiction of girl tirelessly working a sewing machine, clockwork motion
causes her to lean forward as she puts the material in position and moves her foot
on the treadle as the needle rapidly taps.
Description Below:
"IVES THE JUGGLER CLOCKWORK TOY | An extremely rare offering with
less than a handful known to exist, this is reportedly the finest known to exist, the overly large size is impressive, great action as the Chinese gentleman swings around while white ball circles on top of twirling umbrella.
Since starting this blog in 2011, I am constantly amazed that I still enjoy
writing about toys. I've learned a lot since then, and I am very thankful to have the generosity of all the people and companies, like Bertoia Auctions, who have allowed me to use their narratives and fine photography to write.
As always, thanks for visiting, from wherever you are,
and have a great part of the day or night.
My name is (Mr.) Stacey Bindman, and I can always be reached at:
toysearcher@gmail.com
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