Sunday, January 14, 2024

Cloudy with sunny periods

-3° Çelsius / 26.6° Fahrenheit

Going Back to Old Auctions

with Dan Morphy Auctions

on LiveAuctioneers

Please click here to visit Morphy Auctions website

I started to blog in 2013, which seems like so long ago. I didn't know where I would be going with writing a blog post on old and antique toys, but having retired from teaching, it was a start. You can visit my first post, to see how I started writing about toys.

Initially. I was buying and selling toys, but that was expensive. Unlike the USA, up here in Canada, and specifically in Montreal (where I live) there are not many old and antique toys to be found. I searched and did find some toys, but not the ones that I had seen in the USA. 

I started buying and selling, with American toy sellers and individuals on ebay,

but with the exchange rate with the Canadian dollar and the US dollar, and shipping, I was losing money! So what I decided to do, is to ask American toy sellers if I might use their photos, and write about their toys. Sure enough, most of the people that I wrote to gave me their permission, and I was on journey to write about toys.

One of the people the I wrote to was Mr. Dan Morphy and his company 

Morphy Auctions.

Even way back in 2013, Dan Morphy was an excellent seller. He had a very good staff, and he sold lots of toys, among other merchandise. I always got the sense that he would do very well in the future, and so he has. 

Bravo, to Dan!

My purpose today wasn't just to write about Dan Morphy and his excellent company, but to write about what I discovered only just yesterday. I was visiting

live Auctioneers© and decided to see if I could find auctions from a long way back (10 years or more). And sure enough, I made that "discovery"!

I was able to find a Dan Morphy Auction from June 24, 2016!

And so, all of the presentations today are in fact from that auction, that is still recorded in a giant computer database at live Auctioneers© headquarters,

and can be accessed by anyone.

 

Length:  24 1/4"  (61.195 cm)

Name on back is "Comet"

Circa late 19th century

Size: 22"/ 55.88 cm

Attributed to W.S.Reed Company, this is a toy

simulating the type of ferry that was utilized between Staten Island 

and lower Manhattan along with several other larger

metropolitan cites. Featured in Antique Toy World Article. July 1991

Page 90 

Size 13 1/2" / 34.29 cm

Circa 1890. Pul toy on wheels.

Marked "Pilgrim" on both sides.

Simulated (Painted) waves on the bottomsides of the boat.

Length:  28" / 71.12 cm

Late 19th century. Unmarked, but probably Bliss or Reed.

Length:  36" / 91.44 cm

Circa 1908

Wind-up motor on the bottom. Has been finished in maroon.

Length:  15 1/2" / 39.37 cm

How to search for past auctions of a seller:

Above:

1. Go to live Auctioneers©  

2. Search for your auctioneer and enter the name and the year

3. You will see results that vary in content and years

4. Among the results, you will see a range of different years

5. Search for the year that you want

Above:

The arrow is pointing to the year 2016

The interesting points that I was making, is that you will find:

1. The prices of auctions from the past.

2. Find toys that may not be selling right now because 

they were very collectible at the time, and now

they are not showing because of their increased value.

So that's all for today.

As always, have a great time of the day or night,

wherever you may be.

I can always be reached at:

toysearcher@gmail.com

(my name is Mr. Stacey Bindman)

Two Fine Cast Iron Mechanical Banks

Monday, April 16, 2018
Overcast with freezing rain 
and snow pellets
-2 C  28.4 F

Two Fine Cast Iron

Mechanical Banks

Please click here to visit Dan Morphy's website

Please click here to visit Dan Morphy's Auction on Liveauctioneers

Auction date:  May 16, 2018

Beginning 09:00 AM EST

The reason that I've added two links above is for a reason. The photographs on liveauctioneers are larger. On the Dan Morphy website, the written details of the toys are much more elaborate.

The weather certainly is not springlike up here in Montreal (Quebec, Canada). It's been raining freezing rain on us, followed by snow pellets. This is spring in Quebec. Fortunately, I haven't yet changed from winter tires to summer tires.

Yesterday, I mentioned that Bertoia Auctions had increased the size of their photos. Today, as I was perusing through liveauctioneers, Dan Morphy had also increased the size of his photos. Not only that, but he (his photographer of course) had placed toys against a white background. That's most certainly helped me out, since I no longer have to use Photoshop to remove other backgrounds.

I just selected 2 fine cast iron mechanical banks for today's post. It's difficult to find different ones from the ones I already have on my blog. However, the two banks today were photographed superbly with lots of nice and detailed photos.

Cast Iron Indian (Native American) Shooting Bear Mechanical Bank

This bank was manufactured by J.& E. Stevens of Cromwell, Connecticut.

Pull the trigger under the Native American, place a coin on the gun.

When the trigger is pulled, the Head of the Native American drops, and the coin 

is shot into the slot of the bear's stomach.

Circa: 1883

Length x Height:  10.5" x 7.75"   26.7 cm x 19.7 cm

William Tell  Mechanical Bank manufactured by J. & E. Stevens

Pull the coin launcher back (on the top surface of the gun) until

it is in the locked position. The figure lowers his head as if aiming, 

A coin is placed on the rifle the shooter's right foot is pressed, 

and the coin is fired into the slot above the head and the apple falls

off the boy's head.

Circa 1896

Length x Height:  10.5" x 6.75"   26.7 cm x 17.2 cm

There are a lot of nice toys included in this auction, so have a look 

at both the websites and see if there is anything that you like.

Lowest Cost - Most Appreciation!

Sunday, March 4, 2018
Overcast
2 C  35.6 F

Lowest Cost - 

Most Appreciation

Please click here to visit Dan Morphy on Liveauctioneers

The term  "penny toys" is a name that was used for inexpensive lithographed tin toys. These  toys were mostly manufactured in Germany between the 1880's and 1914, and were sold in the UK, Europe, and America. The toys were sold by the gross (144 pieces) to wholesalers for 8 shillings,

who sold them, as well as selling them to street peddlers, who sold them for a very good profit.

The toys were typically miniatures at a length of less than 10 cm (9.8 cm). The term  "Penny Toy" came about in the UK (United Kingdom), as the toys were sold  for one Penny. The toys could be wheeled on the ground or house floor, and the more sophisticated toys could move up and down, or even rotate. THese toys reflected life as it was in the 1880's-1910's, and as such toys were manufactured for a country's marketplace for what 'real things' were the most popular. 

Omnibuses and ambulances were popular  in London, Postal delivery vans were popular in France, and  train locomotives were popular in the United States. Other toys included mothers and children, horses, other animals, bicycles, motorcycles, and even merry-go-rounds.*

* Courtesy Wikipedia

When I went to visit Liveauctioneers, I found many popular auctioneers

 who had lots of penny toys.  I selected Dan Morphy Auctions because  I hadn't written about this fine company in a while . As well, their photography is always outstanding.

German Tin Litho Penny Toy Motorcycle

Marked CKO on one side and No. 187 on the other side

Also marked Made in Germany

Condition: Excellent-Near Mint

Length: 3"  7.6 cm

Rare German Tin Litho Clown & Dog Penny Toy

Marked Gesch

Near Mint

Sold for (May 30, 2017): $ 2500.00 US

Length:  3"   7.6 cm

Rare German Tin Litho Motorcycle Penny Toy

Has a separate full body tin litho original driver

Length:  4"  10.2 cm

Unusual German Tin Litho Bicycle Penny Toy

Showing 6 bicycles in a race with all numbers on 

the sleeves "#1-#6). Marked 'Gesch"

Works with spring mechanism. 

Puch the bar, and they slowly spin around.

Height:  2 1/2"  65 mm

German Tin Litho Penny Toy Motorcycle

Scarce version with soldier wearing World War I type 

Prussian spiked helmet.

Tin Litho Woman Pushing Sleigh Penny Toy

Length:  3"  76 mm

Tin Litho Hot Air Balloon & Zeppelin Penny Toy

Very scarce crank-operated toy.

Length:  3 1/2"  9 cm

Scarce (Rare) Tin Litho Express Motorcycle Penny Toy

Length:  3"  7.6 cm

Small tin monkey riding dog

Articulated toy that when monkey is pushed, riding dog moves up and down.

Marked 'Gesch'.

Length:  3"  7.6 cm

German Tin Litho Penny Toy Touring Car

MArked 'Gesch' on rear of car

Length:  3 1/2"  9 cm

If you visit Liveauctioneers, and do a search  inn the past auctions for 'penny toys', 

you will come across 1000's of results with all kinds of fascinating toys. Also,

always keep a lookout for these original toys. Once upon a time long ago, they sold for a penny. Now, the rarer ones can sell for up to $ 2500.00 US. That's a profit of 250,000%. Of course, your great-great relative would have had to have money to buy such a "luxury" toy, and then would have had to pass it on to their children, who passed it along to their children, and so on.

So thanks for visiting,

and haver a great part of the day or evening,

wherever you may be.

Stacey Bindman

toysearcher@gmail.com

James D. Julia Revisited

Sunday, February 4, 2018
Overcast with Snow
-1 C  30.2 F

James D. Julia Revisited

https://jamesdjulia.com/

One of the finest auctioneers in North America happens to be James D. Julia.

A few years ago, Dan Morphy Auctions purchased the company from Mr. Julia. James D. Julia had up to that point auctioned collections of rare toys. When the companies merged, James D. Julia stopped auctioning toys. However, they still auction fine antiques of all categories.

What I always liked about James D. Julia, was the fact that they took very professional photographs of their items for sale, and their written descriptions were expertly researched and 

written up. The company also happene to be one of the first ones that granted me permission to use their fine photos and descriptions.

RARE & DESIRABLE CAST IRON TOY “THE YANKEE SCHOOLMASTER” OR “EDUCATIONAL TOY” AKA ALPHABET MAN.

This phenomenal toy is both intrinsically appealing and charismatic. This toy was made in the latter part of the 19th century and would be the focal point for an advanced toy, bank or folk art aficionado. Often called the alphabet man, its true name according to patent papers is “The Educator”. This short, stout fellow with disproportionate extremities, upon depressing the lever, lowers his pointing hand, blinks his eyes and a new letter appears at his bow tie while his hand rises back up pointing to said letter. Just as cast iron mechanical banks were designed to educate and encourage children to save, it is obvious this toy was designed as an early educational toy to teach the children the alphabet or various words with that first letter. Only a handful of these rare toys have survived over the past 100+ years. Made of cast iron and gaily enameled in vibrant colors, it contains a somewhat intricate mechanism concealed within his body. NOTE: This toy has been referred to as the “Alphabet Man” or “The Educator” however the original patent papers indicate that it’s called “The Educator” or “The Yankee Schoolmaster”. SIZE: 10″  ( 254mm) height. PROVENANCE: Ex- Robert Stuart Collection. This toy was prominently displayed at the famed Perelman Toy Museum in Philadelphia, PA for many, many years. 

                                             GROUP OF CAST-IRON MECHANICAL BANKS.

Last quarter 19th century. American. 1) Cast-Iron Teddy and the Bear mechanical bank. J & E Stevens Co. 2) “Bucking Mule” Cast-Iron Mechanical Bank by The Judd Mfg. Co. 3) Man in period costume shooting at tree, J & E Stevens Co. Engraved “Creedmore Bank” in flat stone on base. Corning cap on base stamped “Feb 2 1875”. 4) Kyser & Rex Cast-Iron butting buffalo mechanical Bank with raccoon with mottled green paint decorated base. 5) Kyser & Rex lion and monkey bank with green mottled base. Patent date stamped on coin door “July 7 1883”. SIZE: Varying sizes from 6″  (152 mm) h x 7-3/4″ (197 mm) l to 9-1/2 (242 mm)″ h x 9-1/4″  (235mm)l. PROVENANCE: Contents of a lifetime collection “Brook Crossing,” South Pomfret, VT.

You can still go to the James D. Julia website and view past auctions of old toys, even though they are no longer selling toys as a division of Morphy Auctions. It's a great resource for excellent photographs, as well as the some of the best written toy descriptions on the Net!

Thanks for dropping by,

and have a great part of the day or night.

Stacey Bindman

toysearcher@gmail.com

Cast Iron Doorstops

Tuesday, January16, 2018
Overcast
-3 C  26.6 F

Cast Iron Figural Doorstops

Please click here to visit this highly successful auction company

You've probably read many of my posts about cast iron toys. However, most interestingly, these companies manufactured other products. They produced hardware for houses. This would include door hinges and door locks.  They also produced doorstops. Back in the 1870's and later on, houses weren't built  as well. Many houses also were quite old, so settling of the houses into the ground created some problems. One of these problems was tilting. This might not have been so apparent from the outside of the house, but inside, the doors often would slam into walls if the doors didn't have doorstops. So,doorstops were manufactured to keep the doors against the wall or keep them at any angle needed (such as when keeping the front door open for fresh air in the summertime. Being made of cast iron, these doorstops were heavy, and you had to watch out to ensure that you didn't smash your toes or foot against them! These items are very desirable as collectibles, and can be seen at flea markets and at auctions. The category of these collectibles is Cast Iron Figural Doorstops, as they were manufactured in many common forms, as you can see below. I've only taken a "sampling" of these fascinating items, but if you go to Liveauctioneers, you will see many of these items listed at auctions.

Thanks for dropping by,

and have a great part of the day or night.

Stacey Bindman

Toysearcher@gmail.com

The December 17, 2017 Dan Morphy Auction

Sunday, November 26, 2017
Overcast 
-1 C  30 F

The December 17, 2017

Dan Morphy Auction

Please click here to visit Dan Morphy's next old toy auction

Everything always changes as time goes on. Today's post is just a sampling of 3 fine old toys from Dan Morphy's upcoming December 17, 2017 auction of old toys. This auction includes fine dolls, as well as cast iron and pressed steel toys.

The auction is titled:

Dec. 16-17 Toy Doll & Figural Cast Iron Day 1

You can find this particular auction at Liveauctioneers:

Many companies of all kinds, including companies that sell old and antique toys, are using Liveauctioneers as a website. The company is able to furnish Dan Morphy and other companies the convenience of conducting the auction on line compared to actual locations of the  merchandise up for sale. Of course, I'm sure buyers can still visit Dan Morphy's locations, all across the USA, to see the merchandise up for sale. 

Description:

German Hand-Painted Carette Limousine with Original Box

From the Collection of Investment Rarities Inc. Unusual brown color, beveled glass windows, two sets of nickel lamps, rubber tires. Includes composition driver. Box label designates for a French market. Figure has some damage on right arm and looks to have some repainting. Car has some paint flaking on front left fender and on roof. Provenance: Donald Kaufman Collection. Dimensions: 12-1/2" L. Condition: (Excellent-Near Mint).

German Bing Hand-Painted Clockwork 4- seat Auto

From the Collection of Investment Rarities Inc. Circa 1904. Top of the line, deluxe Bing touring car. Hand painted, rubber tires, looks to have original nickel lamps. Extraordinary looking car with beautiful color combination. Some wear behind the front seat and minor wear to fenders. Provenance: Donald Kaufman Collection. Dimensions: 10-3/4" L. Condition: (Excellent-Near Mint).

What's interesting to note is that these 3 toys were from the Bertoia Auction of Donald Kaufman's toy collection from several years ago. I assume that  Investment Rarities Inc. purchased (bid on) these fine toys at the original auction, or purchased them from someone who did bid at that auction. Another interesting fact is that these rarer toys have been placed up for bidding with the range of final final estimated bidding having vastly increased from the Bertoia Auction of Donald Kaufman's original auction, the first time.

German Marklin Hand-Painted Open 2-Seat Roadster

From the Collection of Investment Rarities Inc. Circa 1905. Blueish green enameled color with excellent accented striping. Open rear tool compartment and a leather-strapped-down rubber spare tire. Original nickel finished lamps and clockwork mechanism. Original driver has a broken and missing left hand. Some flattening and wear to tires. Provenance: Donald Kaufman Collection. A great addition for the serious collector. Dimensions: 14" L. Condition: (Excellent-Near Mint).

 As I mentioned earlier, things change as time goes on. In the case of Mr. Dan Morphy, he has expanded his very-successful auction house to include many divisions.  He has an old gun collector division, exceptional automobiles, and even large-sized neon signs from stores of a while ago. Another thing that I noticed is the excellent quality of the photos.  I no longer have to do a lot of retouching to place the toys on a nice white background (foundation). Dan's fine team of people, more-specifically, the photographer has done this all for me.

What luck!

Thanks for dropping by,

And as always,

Have a great time of the day or night,

Wherever you may be.

toysearcher@gmail.com

Stacey Bindman