Antique and vintage toys by German, Japanese and American makers do well in Miller & Miller auctions

NEW HAMBURG, Ontario - Nov. 16, 2024 - PRLog -- Two early 20^th century toys by the elite German maker Gunthermann sold for a combined $39,530 and a 1930s toy delivery cart by the German maker Saalheimer & Strauss realized $18,880 in two days of online-only auctions held November 8^th and 9^th by Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. Together, the two auctions grossed a robust $468,961.

All prices quoted in this report include an 18 percent buyer's premium and are in Canadian dollars.

The November 8th auction was dedicated entirely to toys. November 9th had Canadiana, toys, historic objects, clocks, canes, firearms, ammunition, and advertising. Both sales featured items from the outstanding Phil Barnett Collection and attracted widespread interest from diverse collectors.

"Rare German toys by Gunthermann, Tipp & Co., Lehmann and others soared well beyond expectations, with some obscurities that set records," said Ethan Miller of Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.  "Lehmann toys in particular exceeded expectations."

Mr. Miller added, "Phil sourced most of this collection from primary sources. There was a lot of fresh content, and it had collectors buzzing." There was plenty of buzz as well the following day, on November 9^th, in a separate sale that featured Canadiana, toys and historic objects (with more from the Phil Barnett collection), plus clocks, canes, firearms and ammunition, and advertising.

The overall top lot of the two days was an extremely rare circa 1920 lithographed tin eight-man scull with coxswain toy made by Gunthermann. The magnificent large toy (29 inches in length) depicted a racing team in blue and white uniforms on a light brown scull. It sold for $21,240.

The other Gunthermann item was a scarce circa 1905-1910 lithographed tin Coupe Gordon Bennet No. 5 race car. It bested its $10,000 high estimate by gaveling for $18,290.

The lithographed tin delivery cart made by Saalheimer & Strauss was in very good condition. The company boasted in its 1932 catalog: "Our motorcycles are steerable and with dust-tight built-in rear wheel. The coaches are removable." The toy was marked, "Made in Germany".

To watch a brief YouTube video of some auction highlights, click this link:

https://youtu.be/p21pcE0fk3A



Miller & Miller will ring out the old and ring in the new with three online-only auctions:

• December 7: Petroliana & Advertising
• December 8: Soda & General Store Advertising
• January 25: Pre-1980 Sports Cards & Memorabilia

To learn more, visit www.millerandmillerauctions.com.