Julia’s “Bears All” in their June Toy & Doll Auction

Fairfield, ME ~ June 13, 2014. It was a regular Teddy Bear picnic in Fairfield, Maine recently when the largest and finest collection of antique Steiff animals to ever come to auction in North America was sold at James D. Julia’s spring toy, doll and advertising auction, yielding just under a half million dollars of the auction’s nearly $1.3 million take, which performed in line with the presale expectations for the collection of just over $400,000. If you ask anyone in the know about Steiff animals, the names of Chuck and Cathy Steffes will likely come up. Enthusiasts like no other, Chuck along with his now dearly departed wife Cathy traveled the globe for approximately three decades forging friendships and hunting Steiff treasures to add to their remarkable collection. The beloved pair assembled a singular collection that could be considered the envy of collectors the world over. Julia’s pulled out all the stops, doing a number of marketing efforts the company had not done previously in order to maximize the exposure of the spectacular collection. Two weeks prior to the auction, Julia’s held a special invitational reception/preview at the Cambridge, Massachusetts home of their Steiff consultant, Rebekah Kaufman in which attendees got an advance opportunity to see many of the offerings up close while sharing stories with other passionate collectors.

Leading up to the auction there was a fair amount of anticipation by the consignor, the auctioneer, and the collectors themselves. This was unquestionably one of the finest collections of Steiff toys to come to auction in North America and believed to be the second finest offered in the world to date. After the downturn in the market in 2009, the market value on almost everything antique and collectable was affected. Since that time, some collectable niches have improved while others have not. So it was unknown what would happen with the Steiff animals.

Of the approximately 120 examples from the Steffes collection, which consisted predominantly of bears, rabbits and cats in a variety of patterns and styles, it is difficult to choose only a few highlights to mention. Certainly one of the standouts of the grouping was an exceedingly rare and historically important black Steiff Titanic “Mourning Bear”. Made to honor those lives lost in the infamous tragedy, it is of the most sought after vintage bears known. Only 665 were ever produced and only 78 were ever made in this size and configuration, it features highly distinctive red felt backed shoebutton eyes to represent tears and sadness. One of the centerpieces of the Steffes’ collection, it sold for $35,550 within a pre-auction estimate of $25,000-40,000. Also of historical significance was one of the earliest bears Steiff ever produced, the rare “Rod” bear. Designed by Richard Steiff after viewing bears at the Stuttgart Zoo, its appearance was more true to life than their subsequent creations that eventually established the traditional “teddy bear” look. It changed hands at $14,220. Over the years, Steiff’s product line evolved. Finding earlier incarnations to be rigid and somewhat uninviting, Richard Steiff insisted that the firm create a line of bears that was warmer, cuddlier, and more colorful. The result was a bear known as “Happy” with almost feminine features including long, soft curly mohair and deep brown and black glass pupil eyes. This example, complete with its trailing “F” button sold within its $12,000-18,000 estimate for $13,035.

Very often a little back story along with strong condition will add to the value of an item. It almost breathes life into an otherwise inanimate object. A wonderful 24” gold mohair 5-ways jointed Steiff bear from around 1910 in outstanding condition with his working growler and early button is great find in and of itself. But when accompanied by a photo of the original owners, and a letter explaining his history, that really speaks to people. This stately fellow with his thoughtful gaze found a new home for $21,330 against an $8,000-12,000 estimate.

A marvelous circa 1930 brown tipped, rare blue eyed Steiff “Petsy” bear with distinctive facial features and soft fluffy mohair, likewise complete with its original button realized $17,775. Also included were such examples as an exceptionally rare and equally desirable brown tipped Steiff teddy clown bear. This large 12” jointed version in outstanding condition and retaining its original fabric ruff, metal rimmed chest tag, button, and ear tag sold for $26,662, just inside an estimate of $25,000-45,000.

These bears were complemented by scores of other fine examples including a variety of mohair, felt, and velvet cats and rabbits. Highlights included a fantastic 6-ways jointed gray Steiff cat. Cute as can be with yellow slit pupil glass eyes and pink embroidered facial features, it sold for $10,665, more than doubling the low end of its $4,000-6,000 estimate. An extremely rare Steiff velvet rattle cat with its original bell and early elephant button was another hot ticket, selling for $7,702 against an estimate of $3,500-4,500. And a delightful lavender “Fluffy” cat on a mohair pincushion retaining its original chest tag, ear button and tag exceeded its $2,500-5,000 estimate to bring $7,110.
Rabbits included a rare Steiff Jack rabbit with jointed arms, velvet clothes, and black leather shoes. Inspired by the children’s book by Uncle Dave Cory in the late 1920s, this charming fellow hopped past his $2,500-3,500 presale estimate to land at $7,702. A nine piece felt rabbit skittles set affixed to wooden plinths make for some lively parlor bowling. The set in wonderful condition and complete with ear buttons and original ball sold for $7,110 against a $5,000-10,000 estimate.

The collection was supplemented by a number of Steiff animals from other collections that also performed admirably. These were then followed by a large selection of dolls and automatons. Of the latter category, automatons included an exceptional early banjo player by Vichy. This realistically modeled fellow in his original outfit sits on a velvet covered stool strumming his instrument while tapping his foot and gently nodding his head in time with the music while occasionally blinking his eyes. This wonderful example with lifelike action finished up at the upper end of its $6,000-9,000 estimate to sell for $8,295. A musical clockwork automaton featuring a magician that upon each lift of the box on the table would reveal a different object underneath. This clever piece sold for $7,406, surpassing a $2,000-3,000 estimate. And a classic Jumeau automaton of a standing figure that powders her nose and looks in her hand mirror while soft music plays sold for $5,332 against an estimate of $3,500-4,500.

Dolls included a rare and desirable 17-1/2” Steiner with pale bisque moon shaped face and delicate blush serving as a backdrop to her pert smile and piercing blue paperweight eyes. She went out within her $5,500-7,500 estimate for $6,221. French fashion dolls included a stunning 22” Jumeau fashion with pale bisque with cornflower blue paperweight eyes, closed mouth on a gusseted kid body. Her sublime expression completed the package that brought $4,860 against a $2,000-3,000 estimate. A last minute addition of a 16” Jumeau fashion with pale bisque, piercing blue paperweight eyes and wood lower arms neared the midpoint of her $2,000-4,000 estimate to bring $2,844.

This segment continued with various German bisque characters, Victorian-era china heads, early wax dolls, cloth dolls, as well as a rare carved wood Chinese doll reminiscent of the popular Door of Hope dolls and perhaps by one of their carvers. The rice farmer with his distinctive facial features and original straw cape sold for $3,645 against a $900-1,100 estimate. Other highlights included a lot including a table and chair by Huret. Best known for their highly desirable bisque dolls, it is most unusual to see accessories by them surface. The lot was highly competed for (well beyond its $300-500 estimate) ultimately selling to a phone bidder for $4,740.

The auction continued with a vast array of toys in a wide variety of genres. Early American tin included an unusual circus cage wagon attributed to Fallows or George Brown being pulled by an elephant led by its trainer. Typical of the time period, workers sometimes created toys with what was laying around the shop with no deference to reality, such as putting a lion and a leopard in the same cage, or using an elephant to pull cages. But it made for a most amusing toy, and this example went out at $5,925 against a pre-auction estimate of $5,500-6,500. Another great piece was an early American tin merry go round toy being pulled by gentleman in which the platform containing goats, a dog, and a child rotates when pulled along the floor. Colorful and creative, it sold above its $1,500-2,500 estimate for $3,258. A scarce seesaw toy by Ives that has two articulated figures enjoying the ups and downs by means of a clockwork motor housed in the stenciled central fulcrum sold within expectations of $2,500-4,500 for $3,555.

The cavalcade of toys continued with a selection of European tin toys such as a Marklin “Priscilla” live steam ship. Professionally restored from bow to stern, this rare vessel was joined by a scarce Schonner “Aviso Greif” steamer with great detail to the decking and accoutrements. Each sold within its respective estimate for the same $14,220 price tag. A great 18” Carette ocean liner in strong original condition went out at $3,258, surpassing its $1,000-2,000 estimate.

For aviation aficionados was an array of airplanes from one astute east coast collector. These cast iron planes, modeled after the real thing of the 1930s, boasted great detail and condition not normally found in these toys. One can picture boys of the period staging spirited dogfights and these surprisingly fragile vessels didn’t often survive bouts with gravity. Included was a rare large Hubley “Lindy” glider with its original removable pilot. In very fine condition, it sold for $4,147 against an estimate of $2,500-3,000. This was followed by one of the finest examples of a Hubley “America” one could hope to find. In light gray and emblazoned in red across the wing, its propellers would rotate when the plane was rolled across the floor. It landed within its $2,500-3,500 estimate to sell for $2,962. A rare Vindex “Lockheed” monocoupe plane in steely silver presented a wonderful buying opportunity. Better known for farm and construction toys, an airplane by this firm is very hard to come by. It found a buyer at $5,332 within an estimate of $4,500-6,500.

Back on land, other cast iron included a scarce Kenton horse drawn ambulance with a nickel plated wagon with bell ringing mechanism being pulled by two robust black horses. Far exceeding expectations of $1,500-2,500, it sold for $6,517.

A selection of pressed steel vehicles included a scarce Buddy L sand & gravel truck with a large segmented rear bed with opening doors to dispense gravel. This construction toy sold within its $2,000-4,000 estimate for $2,370. Also bringing $2,370 was a rare Kingsbury Huckster delivery truck. This 1930s apple green windup truck with great lines and retaining its original decals saw much action beyond its $900-1,200 estimate. And a Keystone Filenes delivery van with battery-operated headlights likewise exceeded expectations, bringing $1,659.

While not toys per se, cast iron mechanical banks are often grouped under this heading. Some unusual examples included a classic Organ Grinder & Performing Bear. Full of amusing action and retaining much of its original paint, it sold for $3,851 against a $3,500-5,500 estimate. A rare Kyser & Rex Roller Skating bank that features an oval rink with various figures struggling with the then-new pastime failed to find a buyer. One of only a handful known to exist, this treasure carried an estimate of $20,000-25,000.
It was Christmas in June at Julia’s. A much anticipated collection of several dozen holiday items that has remained in one gentleman’s possession for several decades finally made it to market, much to the delight of collectors everywhere. Central to the offering was an exceedingly rare German wax headed Santa figure on a wooden plinth. When the lever is pressed, he would open his fur coat to reveal a Christmas feather tree in his chest. This very unusual item that was once part of the renowned Gladyse Hilsdorf collection ignored its $2,500-3,500 estimate to sell for $17,775. A large German Santa candy container with the not so jolly old elf sporting a fur robe went out at $4,977 against a $1,200-1,500 estimate. Another European find was a marvelous composition nodder with a larger than life head of a stoic Father Christmas bobbing atop a speckle painted body. This charming piece likewise exceeded expectations to sell for $2,725, beating out a $600-1,200 estimate. And a large clockwork nodding reindeer pulling Santa in his wicker sleigh separated the naughty from the nice, selling for $5,925 against a presale estimate of $600-1,200.

The auction continued with a varied grouping of quality antique advertising items. Included were numerous pieces that seldom (if ever) hit the marketplace. Topping the list was a phenomenal, highly ornate, one-of-a-kind leaded glass figural boot trade sign from a Wisconsin shoe store. Dating to the turn of the 20th century, it consisted of several hundred geometric panels forming a Victorian era heeled boot with the monogram “S & S” incorporated into the side. Once gracing the doorway to the Schauder & Son shoe store in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, it was eventually relegated to the family basement, save for making an annual appearance in the local Fourth of July parade strapped to the roof of the family car. Nothing short of miraculous to have lasted this long, it was the highlight of the auction, climbing well beyond its $20,000-40,000 estimate to land at a jaw dropping $109,350!

Other unique pieces included the original artwork for a Kellogg’s corn flakes ad by James Alexander Bayne, a U.S. fighter pilot whose life was cut short in service to his country. As a result, his career as a painter didn’t get the chance to get off the ground, but this smile inducing piece that pictured a young child in his highchair enjoying a bowl of cereal makes one wonder what could have been. Accompanied by photos of the artist as well as a copy of the Ladies Home Journal from March 1913 in which the ad appears, this oil on canvas snuck past the upper end of its $2,500-5,000 estimate to sell for $5,771.

These marvelous pieces were joined by such period store fixtures as an advertising lantern for None Such mincemeat. The pierced tin framework retained all four of its original reverse painted advertising panels that were lit from within. The lantern was further enhanced by its original tin insert that would rotate from the heat of the candle, casting eye-catching shadows that would almost appear to animate the panels. A rare and highly desirable piece, it sold within estimate for $6,075.
Somewhat later was a choice selection of automotive related advertising. A rare and large die-cut porcelain Hood tire service station sign with a life size uniformed worker beckoning to passersby performed well and sold at the upper end of its $3,000-5,000 estimate for $4,740. Another rare tire sign, a double sided sheet metal flange sign for Delion tires, despite come condition issues saw strong action. Far surpassing its $200-300 estimate, it roared to $3,081. A large 42” diameter Chevrolet Super Service porcelain sign from the 1930s sold for $3,555 while a self-framed tin sign in stellar condition for Francisco auto heaters sold for $2,844, each exceeding their respective estimates. And a great tin sign that also boasted strong condition was one by Ithaca Sign Works that depicted an early open air vehicle advertising a Vermont real estate agent. It sped past its $1,500-2,500 estimate to bring $4,860.

Salesman samples, always a popular advertising collectible that Julia’s specializes in included an unusual miniature Mosler cannonball safe. Designed as a cutaway, this desirable model with yellow pinstriping and opening door was mounted within in its original carrying case. Coming in with an estimate of $6,500-8,500, it broke the bank at $11,553. This piece was followed by a somewhat later and more detailed model of a polished aluminum, double door salesman sample bank vault. It likewise performed well, selling for $7,702 against a $2,500-3,500 estimate.

Julia’s upcoming auctions include their annual End of Summer antiques & fine art auction in August while a phenomenal firearms and military memorabilia auction will be held in October. Julia’s next rare lamp & glass auction as well as their toy & doll auction will follow in November. 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.

Image	Description
	Dolls included a rare and desirable 17-1/2” Steiner with pale bisque moon shaped face and delicate blush serving as a backdrop to her pert smile and piercing blue paperweight eyes. She went out within her $5,500-7,500 estimate for $6,221.
	An unusual miniature Mosler cannonball safe designed as a cutaway and mounted within in its original carrying case came with an estimate of $6,500-8,500 and broke the bank at $11,553.
	A fantastic 6-ways jointed gray Steiff cat. Cute as can be with yellow slit pupil glass eyes and pink embroidered facial features, it sold for $10,665, more than doubling the low end of its $4,000-6,000 estimate.
	An exceedingly rare and historically important black Steiff Titanic “Mourning Bear” made to honor those lives lost in the infamous tragedy is one of the most sought after vintage bears known. One of the centerpieces of the Steffes’ collection, it sold for $35,550 within a pre-auction estimate of $25,000-40,000.
	Rabbits included a rare Steiff Jack rabbit with jointed arms, velvet clothes, and black leather shoes. Inspired by the children’s book by Uncle Dave Cory in the late 1920s, this charming fellow hopped past his $2,500-3,500 presale estimate to land at $7,702.
	A rare Steiff Jack rabbit inspired by the children’s book by Uncle Dave Cory in the late 1920s with jointed arms, velvet clothes, and black leather shoes comes with a presale estimate of $2,500-3,500 (Steffes Collection).
	A wonderful 24” gold mohair 5-ways jointed Steiff bear from around 1910 with his thoughtful gaze found a new home for $21,330 against an $8,000-12,000 estimate.
	A collection of holiday items included an exceedingly rare German wax headed Santa figure on a wooden plinth. When the lever is pressed, he would open his fur coat to reveal a Christmas feather tree in his chest. This very unusual item that was once part of the renowned Gladyse Hilsdorf collection ignored its $2,500-3,500 estimate to sell for $17,775.
	From a collection of cast iron planes came a rare large Hubley “Lindy” glider with its original removable pilot. In very fine condition, it sold for $4,147 against an estimate of $2,500-3,000.
	A musical clockwork automaton featuring a magician who upon each lift of the box on the table would reveal a different object underneath. This clever piece sold for $7,406, surpassing a $2,000-3,000 estimate.
	Cast iron toys included a scarce Kenton horse drawn ambulance with a nickel plated wagon with bell ringing mechanism being pulled by two robust black horses. Far exceeding expectations of $1,500-2,500, it sold for $6,517.
	A phenomenal, highly ornate, one-of-a-kind leaded glass figural boot trade sign from a Wisconsin shoe store was the top-seller of the day. Nothing short of miraculous to have lasted this long, it climbed well beyond its $20,000-40,000 estimate to land at a jaw dropping $109,350!
	An advertising lantern for None Such mincemeat retained all four of its original reverse painted advertising panels that were lit from within and its original tin insert that would rotate from the heat of the candle, casting eye-catching shadows that would almost appear to animate the panels. A rare and highly desirable piece, it sold within estimate for $6,075.