Fairfield, ME ~ November 30, 2012. On a mid-September afternoon, the owner of a country auction not 15 miles from Julia’s facilities walked in their door with a toy he had just acquired from an estate. Suspecting it might have some value, he brought it to Julia’s with the intention of consigning it to their upcoming toy & doll auction. The consignor indicated, based on similarities to other Ives toys, his belief that it was an early Ives clockwork toy. Department Head, Andrew Truman agreed, but was unfamiliar with this particular toy, never having seen one before. When an obscure object such as this toy does surface, only a well-seasoned, longtime dealer/collector would be aware of its importance or rarity as relatively few people would ever have seen one. Truman emailed photos to Julia’s longtime head toy consultant, Jay Lowe of Lancaster, Pennsylvania and awaited a response. Being a veteran toy & doll collector and dealer for the better part of 45 years, Lowe recalls nearly falling out of his chair, immediately recognizing it as the Ives Hippodrome, an exceedingly rare clockwork toy from the 1880s depicting a woman driving an elaborate chariot being pulled by two tin horses. Not only that, the toy appeared complete and in exceptional original condition. It turned out that precious few of these were ever produced, and only two were known to have surfaced in the last 20 some years. Truman then secured the toy for the fall auction and word quickly spread throughout the toy collecting fraternity. The toy did not disappoint, ultimately going to a bidder in attendance for an astounding $69,000, more than tripling the low end of its $20,000-30,000 presale estimate.

This was all part of a three-day auction extravaganza that combined two days of fine glass and lamps totaling $1.6 Million and $900,000 worth of rare toys, dolls, advertising items, salesman samples, coin-operated machinery, and so forth to bring the final tally to over $2.5 million for the 3-day event.

The toy sale was chock full of such wonderful antiques that set themselves apart from the ordinary like a rare Ives boy on velocipede toy of a boy riding his horse head tricycle was likewise in exceptional all-original condition. Making this find even more special was the presence of its seldom seen original box. In fact, few, if any toy collectors ever recall seeing an original box for this piece. Despite a repairable seam separation to his papier mache head, this piece beat out its $7,000-9,000 estimate to land at $25,300. Ives toys were the order of the day with a clockwork toy depicting an animated black figure standing at a podium. A stencil painted clockwork toy featuring a vehement man of the cloth with bulging eyes delivering the good word brought $4,025 within its $3,500-5,500 estimate. A similarly styled toy by Automatic Toy Works of a black woman standing at a podium, zealously expostulating for women’s rights went out at $5,750 against a $4,500-6,500 estimate.

As the turn of the century came, so did a variety of American tin toys modeled after transportation of the period before the automobile came into fashion. This auction contained some rather unusual examples such as a clockwork horse drawn fire pumper that came fresh from an old New England estate. Featuring a large cylindrical boiler wagon with delicate embossed trim being pulled by two hollow tin galloping horses was a rare example of early American tin fire toy, bringing $4,025 against a $1,500-2,500 estimate. Likewise selling for $4,025 and bringing just above its $3,000-4,000 estimate was a George Brown clockwork locomotive stenciled with fleur di lis decoration, windows, and the name “Orion” across the boiler.

The auction continued with a selection of American cast iron and European tin vehicles from the estate of John Gale of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Of the latter category, his longtime collection contained some rather unusual examples such as an English made delivery vehicle lithographed with the advertising for Lyons’ Confectionery in London. Estimated for $650-950, it hit the sweet spot of $4,830. Also included was a German tin windup lithographed double decker bus emblazoned “Bico Bus to Joyville”. This toy had the added feature of a conductor that would walk front to back and back again, collecting fares from the passengers on the top level. It saw much activity, receiving bids beyond its $900-1,200 estimate to sell for $2,300. And another double decker bus, a Bing windup with advertising for Pascall General Store likewise went out at $2,300, beating out expectations of $1,000-1,200.

His collection also contained scores of cast iron vehicles including an Arcade Chevy coupe in traditional and stoic black and gray with white rubber tires. Showing minimal wear, its condition brought in bids beyond its $600-900 estimate to sell for $2,185. A lot of two Hubley motorcycles along with a tin CKO windup cycle raced past its $600-900 estimate to bring $2,300.

From another consignor came an early launch by Rock & Graner. This scarce German live steam boat with sympathetic restoration brought a solid $10,925 against a $6,000-8,000 estimate while a rare 15” Marklin clockwork zeppelin also found favor. The second largest size made by the firm, it sold within its $4,000-6,000 estimate to bring $4,600.

A return to cast iron toys included a selection of horse drawn fire wagons including a lot of three assorted pieces including Pratt & Letchworth that sold for $2,300 against expectations of $600-800. An Ives firehouse with a cast iron façade over a wooden cabinet is the quintessential fire collectible. It came affixed with a clockwork motor that would ring a bell before the front doors would fly open to reveal a cast iron fire pumper that’s ready to race off to the blaze. It neared the midpoint of its $4,000-6,000 estimate to sell for $5,750.

From a somewhat later vintage (circa 1930s) were some great pressed steel toys including an outstanding Buddy L Outdoor train in perhaps the finest original condition available today. Including a tank car, livestock and box cars, long and short flat cars, gondola and hopper cars, and of course the stunning obsidian engine and tender, there was hardly a chip on any of the pieces. Originally purchased for a child who passed away shortly after it was purchased, it looked as though the paint was still wet. Eighty years later, the set, estimated for $15,000-25,000, found a new home to the buyer willing to pay $23,000. A nicely restored English Bentley pedal car with all the bells and whistles brought $5,175 against a $4,000-6,000 estimate. And trains of a different sort included a rare Lionel standard gauge #8 trolley that sold within its $4,000-6,000 estimate for $4,600.

Non-automotive tin toys included a selection of scarce windups featuring one of the earliest comic characters, Buster Brown. Later serving as advertising spokesmen for a variety of products, most notably shoes, toys included a German clockwork toy in which Buster and his faithful and seemingly ever present canine companion Tige taking turns climbing up the center tower. Very inventive and highly unusual, this toy exceeded expectations of $1,500-2,500 to bring $4,485. And again, condition will usually result in higher prices. Case in point was a Gunthermann windup of an elegantly dressed woman dressed for a winter stroll. Hand painted and in remarkable condition, even still retaining her very delicate fur scarf, it went out at $4,600 against a $2,000-3,000 estimate.

Other exciting offerings included a private collection of German figural papier mache skittles sets. Topping the list was a fantastic example of a rare crouched full bodied Indian chief container with full headdress, crawling along the ground. With great color and molding, the set was accompanied by a tribe of skittles ready to be bowled over and set up again. Believed to be only one of a handful known to exist, it sold for $16,100 within an estimate of $15,000-25,000. From the same collection came a marvelous full bodied rooster in vibrant reds, greens, yellows, and browns that came complete with its original chick skittles and excelsior, which didn’t appear to have been removed from the body of the bird in a very long time. The set exceeded its $8,000-10,000 estimate to sell for $14,950.

Changing gears, the auction continued with a great selection of top shelf dolls consisting of fine bisque French and German character examples among others. True artists with a flare for the elaborate created some of the most captivating expressions one could hope to find. Highlights included a rare 25” portrait Jumeau with blue paperweight eyes and dressed in a charming French sailor’s outfit. She sold for $16,100 within an estimate of $15,000-20,000. A lovely later period 17” Bru Jne 7 with deep blue paperweight eyes, chevrot style body, wooden lower arms with an appealing expression neared its $12,000-15,000 to sell for $11,500. A diminutive cabinet size unmarked French bebe, likely by Jumeau, with a captivating look and lots of charm sold for $4,312 against expectations of $2,500-3,500. Bidders for a rare and delightful closed mouth Jumeau 6 over E.J. with brown eyes, pale bisque, and nice antique outfit were able to overlook a replaced arm and a $3,000-5,000 estimate to bring it to $6,325. Another highlight came with a last minute consignment, an exceptional SFBJ child doll from the first quarter of the 20th century modeled after the street urchins of France. Conceived by a local artist by the name of Francisque Poulbot, who through his work, became the champion of the orphans and disadvantaged children of France. A distinct difference in facial features and modeling than the typical dolls produced for the elite, these dolls expressed an almost pitiful appearance and were not huge commercial successes back in their day. However, today they have become quite desired by collectors. This example, given a fresh wardrobe of clothes replacing the usual rags they originally came with, sold above the upper end of its $3,500-5,500 estimate for $6,325.

A handful of automata included an outstanding Roullet et DeCamps example featuring a lovely ballerina pirouetting atop a velvet covered box with a variety of different motions, all while playing a soothing tune. In all original condition, the piece finished up at $3,910, just above a $2,500-3,500 forecast.

The auction continued with a vast selection of over 20 French fashion dolls by such makers as Bru, Jumeau, Gaultier, and others. Included were various wood and leather body examples such as a fully jointed wood bodied example with stunning blue paperweight eyes, pale bisque, and sublime expression. She sold for $4,600 against an estimate of $4,000-6,000.

German dolls included two painted stockinet dolls by Kathe Kruse with pouty expressions that just tug at your heartstrings. Both dolls were in outstanding original condition, one of which, an example described as being the rarer “wide-hipped” version, actually still retained its original box. This, and a wonderful Number 1, changed hands at $5,750 and $4,600, respectively, each exceeding their estimates. As with every auction, there are bound to be a few disappointments. Surprisingly an outstanding and exceedingly rare 21” K*R 107 character doll known as “Carl” failed to find a buyer.

The auction continued with a large and varied grouping of quality antique advertising items. A most unique buying opportunity came with an original albumen photo of Coca-Cola founder Dr. John Pemberton and Asa Candler, the man to whom he sold the company in 1888. This is the only known original example of this photo known to exist and shows the two men in front of Candler’s store with him holding a sheet of paper, which is believed to be either the contract between the two men, or perhaps the original secret formula for America’s favorite soft drink. Of course it is impossible to predict what such a unique item is worth, but in the end, the final bid determined its value that day to be $17,825. Production advertising pieces from the cola giant included a rare 1908 paper sign depicting a Victorian lady in a fancy red dress and elbow length gloves enjoying a glass of the beverage at her local fountain. It sold within its $6,000-8,000 estimate for $6,900.

Another company that found a very successful advertising formula was Buster Brown, whose comic character graced many an advertising display (as well as the tin toys mentioned previously). One of the more sought after pieces was the large die-cut display picturing the lad in his trademark sailor suit in a larger than life shoe being pulled by his faithful canine companion. It neared midway through its $9,000-12,000 to bring $10,350.

Other advertising included an exceedingly rare celluloid sign for Ingram’s Carbolated Witch Hazel salve. Boasting a cure for a variety of ailments, it pictured a shop worker tending to a fresh wound. In exceptional original condition, it was a great buy at $4,887, just short of its $5,000-7,000 presale estimate. A classic paper sign for Winchester arms and ammunition with artwork by H.R. Poore of two hunting dogs was saved from being offered in a yard sale by a Good Samaritan neighbor. Rather than bringing a matter of a few dollars, running it through Julia’s auction will yield the consignor much more. The piece even exceeded Julia’s $1,000-2,000 estimate when it finally sold for $4,025.

Salesman samples, always a popular advertising collectible that Julia’s specializes in included over 45 examples with a focus on agricultural and farming implements. Hailing from a number of quality private collections, many of these had not seen the public eye for many years if at all, much to the approval of bidders far and wide. One such example seeing the auction block for the first time ever, having been in the same family since its creation is an Oliver combination plow. Julia’s has sold salesman sample Oliver plows before, but what makes this one especially appealing is that the family through whom the plow descended is none other than the Olivers themselves. This provenance along with its condition and freshness to the market helped it plow through its $6,500-8,500 estimate to finish up at $10,925. An example of a similar style plow by Gale of Albion, Michigan likewise performed admirably, hitting $8,625, surpassing its $3,000-6,000 estimate. Other highlights included a fantastic salesman sample hay loader with a wooden framework, cast iron wheels, and an internal chain drive elevator mechanism to pull the hay into a waiting wagon. Impressive engineering in full size form, it is somehow even more impressive seeing it in miniature. Several bidders in attendance and on the phone agreed, bringing the final price beyond its $3,000-6,000 estimate to sell for $11,500. And a highly elaborate nickel plated seeder with its original carrying case sold above its $4,000-6,000 estimate for $7,475.

Though not a salesman sample in the usual sense, the auction also featured a phenomenal exact miniature scale model of an Autocar WWI military supply vehicle from the early 1900s. Identical to the original to the smallest detail with its working radiator, brakes, military grade tires, suspension, steering mechanism, canvas drapes, and more, it was for the collector who has just about everything. The bids mounted beyond the midpoint of its $45,000-65,000 estimate to sell to a phone bidder for $57,500.

With a degree of crossover appeal to collectors of salesman samples is the realm of U.S. Patent models. Up through the late 1800s, the U.S. Patent Office required miniature mock-ups or working models of the items for which inventors were seeking a patent along with a detailed description of the object, how it worked, what it did, etc. This auction contained a single-owner collection of approximately 20 mouse and small animal trap patent models and over 40 for fly traps, each with the inventor’s own spin on ridding the world of pests. These highly collectable models, carrying estimates of a few hundred dollars apiece performed admirably in every case.

The sale was rounded out by a massive collection of over 900 glass candy containers from the renowned 40 year collection of Betty and “Mack” MacDuff. Covering a number of categories including planes, trains, and automobiles, comic characters, household objects, and much more, the collection was sold unreserved, individually and in group lots and included some rare examples. While the results seemed to be all over the place, it’s no surprise rarity and condition brought the bigger money. Some such examples included a rare Cambridge dirigible. Nicely crafted textured glass, the blimp hit a respectable $4,255 against a $3,000-4,000 estimate. An equally rare and desirable comic character example featuring Felix the cat on a pedestal went out at $4,025 against expectations of $1,500-2,000. Other highlights included a Soldier by Tent in outstanding original condition depicting a WWI Doughboy standing by awaiting inspection. It went out at $2,645, just above its $2,000-2,500 estimate. A couple apparent bargains included comic character Boob McNutt lounging in a barrel. It went out at $1,840 against an estimate of $2,000-2,500 while a Dolly’s Bathtub container got up to $1,150 versus expectations of $1,500-2,000.

Though most collectors focus on American made containers, their also seemed to be interest in a few of the more scarce foreign ones such as an exceedingly rare Robin airplane emblazoned with the Japanese flag across the Rising Sun decorated wing. In near mint condition, and one of the only known examples to surface in recent memory, it flew past its $2,000-2,500 estimate to land at $4,025. A scarce glass candy container in the form of a Japanese paper lantern in red, white and blue neared the top of its $1,200-1,500 estimate to bring $1,495. And a Japanese example in the form of a pocket watch more than doubled its $500-600 estimate to bring $1,150.

Julia’s upcoming auctions include their winter antiques, fine art, and Chinese artifacts auction in January while a phenomenal firearms and military memorabilia auction will be held in March. Julia’s next toy & doll auction as well as their rare lamp & glass auction will follow in June. Julia’s is currently accepting consignments for these and other upcoming auctions. Call immediately for inclusion in these exciting sales. For more information or to place offers on unsold items, contact their offices at 207-453-7125. James D. Julia, Inc., P.O. Box 830, Dept. PR, Fairfield, ME 04937. E-mail: info@jamesdjulia.com.