VINELAND, NJ.- Bertoia Auctions’ first major event of an active fall season will be a Mechanical Banks & Cast-Iron Toys Auction held on Friday, September 25, and headlined by the outstanding mechanical bank collection of the late Dr Robert E Booth, Jr (1945-2026). Dr Booth was renowned for assembling one of America’s finest private collections of Americana and folk art.
Dr Booth’s extraordinary home – featured in the pages of Architectural Digest and Antiques magazine – reflected a lifetime of collecting at the highest level. While Dr Booth assembled collections in numerous categories, it is his mechanical banks that will be offered exclusively in the September sale. More than 100 rare, highly sought-after examples will be up for bid.
Additional highlights in the auction include the final portion of the cast-iron toy collection of Tony LaSala, who specialized in cast-iron toy cars; the final portion of the cast-iron toy collection of the late Ira Bernstein, the exceptional doorstop collection of Bob Brady, who has always been known for acquiring Hubley productions in mint condition; and Max Berry’s extensive collection of Charlie Reynolds mechanical banks. For pressed steel seekers, a nice grouping of Dayton, Republic and Schieble hillclimber toys will close out the sale.
Many of the banks in Dr Booth’s collection deserve special attention. One is the Mikado mechanical bank, made circa 1886 by Kyser & Rex. It is a very rare blue-table version and one of only a few known to exist. The bank displays a remarkable action: when a coin is deposited under the man’s hat and a rear crank is turned, the man raises and lowers the magician’s cones. The coin appears to disappear and reappear under the left cone, then disappears into the bank. Estimate: $25,000-$40,000
The Butting Ram – Man Thumbs Up was the only mechanical bank produced by Wagner & Zwiebel Mfg of Wisconsin, and is coveted amongst today’s collectors. It is especially hard to find an example as nice as the one entered in the auction, which is in all-original condition and boasts a strong pedigree from having been part of the Booth collection. It has an almost folksy style, which no doubt adds to its desirability among collectors. Overall, this bank is an exceptional example. It is estimated at $5,000-$8,000.
Also carrying a pre-sale estimate of $5,000-$8,000, a J&E Stevens Milking Cow mechanical bank is a scarcer thin-base version and one of the desirable pedestal series banks, with many moving parts. The entertaining action depicts a man who is kicked backwards as he attempts to milk a cow. It is a hard-to-find bank, all original, free of repairs, and in excellent to pristine condition.
Some of the pieces in Dr Booth’s collection are mechanical toys, as opposed to banks. An example is the Carpenter DeLuxe Burning Building, manufactured circa 1892 and one of only a few made. The cast-iron toy features two ladders, several firemen and an open-armed woman. This version, one of three types in the series, is two stories high and 20 inches tall. It was assembled from mostly original factory parts. It features elaborate mold effects and a pulley-drive appointment to the firemen. It also displays a beautiful patina. Estimate: $8,000-$14,000
A scarce mechanical Alphabet Man or Yankee Schoolmaster was masterfully cast in such a way as to give this distinctive toy a powerful folk-art presence. There has long been a debate about whether the Alphabet Man was created as a toy or a 19th-century schoolmaster’s educational aid. Pressing the lever causes the finely dressed man to point to his chest, which is embedded with a revolving alphabet wheel. Estimate: $8,000-$12,000
From the Bob Brady collection, the Caddy doorstop is an elusive piece in the flat black style. It depicts a boy holding a golf bag full of clubs while appearing to be gazing ahead. Condition-wise, it is near mint and about as good as it gets. Estimate: $1,500-$2,500
A Hubley Messenger Boy doorstop is one of a series of six designed and signed FISH 249. The classic Art Deco molding depicts a boy holding a bouquet of flowers on a red and black base. In near-mint condition, it is one of the best-condition examples Bertoia’s specialists have ever encountered. Estimate: $1,200-$1,800
A Topsy blinking-eye clock manufactured circa 1880s by Bradley & Hubbard is 18 inches tall and boasts all-original paint. It’s in overall pristine condition. Estimate: $1,200-$1,800
From the Ira Bernstein collection, a contemporary, boxed Sehloff 1930 Packard Speedster toy car, 10 inches long and in near mint condition, is expected to roar away for $1,000-$2,000. Also, an Arcade REO Royale coupe, 9 inches in length, has an estimate of $1,000-$2,000; while a Converse Pierce-Arrow touring auto, 15 inches in length, painted in scarce colors, in good to excellent condition, has a pre-sale estimate is $700-$1,400.
A Reynolds Toy Collector mechanical bank from the Max Berry collection (Catalog #7-M, Edition 2 of 4) was manufactured in 1972 and is designed as the bust of a man holding a small Harlequin, Clown & Columbine bank. It is 12 inches tall and in excellent condition. Estimate: $1,000-$2,000
Those who attended the Mechanical Bank Collectors of America Convention in Philadelphia were able to experience a sampling of Dr Booth’s treasured collection firsthand at his house. Now, Bertoia’s is proud to present his amazing collection at auction, offering collectors an excellent opportunity to acquire prized pieces that were acquired by one of America’s most respected collectors.
The September 25 Mechanical Banks & Cast Iron Toys Auction will be held live at Bertoia’s gallery, at 2141 DeMarco Drive, Vineland, NJ 08360, starting at 10AM ET. Preview by appointment only during the week prior to auction. Remote bidding options include absentee, phone, or live online via
Bertoia Live and LiveAuctioneers. For additional information on any item, to leave an absentee bid, schedule a private preview, or reserve a telephone line for bidding, call 856-692-1881 or email
toys@bertoiaauctions.com. Online:
www.bertoiaauctions.com.
