The celebrated Jack Herbert Collection of antique transportation toys will lead a Morphy Auctions sale in Denver next week.
The three-day sale will offer more than 2,000 carefully-curated lots, from tin toys and vintage dolls to rare teddy bears and antique marbles
The sale will offer 350 pieces from the collection of Hebert, the internationally renowned New York expert who served as a regular contributor to Antique Toy World for four decades.
"We are honored to offer many fine selections from Jack Herbert’s world-famous collection of toy transportation vehicles," said Tommy Sage, Jr. Morphy Auctions’ Head of Toy & Train Division.
"Many of these offerings are simply breathtaking in their appearance, rarity, and condition. I am certain that enthusiasts from all over the world will welcome the opportunity to add a piece of his legacy to their own personal collections."
Topping the collection are two exceptional vehicles by early American manufacturer Francis, Field & Francis: a highly rare 19th century omnibus pulled by two white horses, estimated at $15,000-$35,000, and an even rarer, completely original, 1850-1860-era sidewheeler boat valued at $15,000-$25,000.
The collection also features toys from Europe and Japan, ranging from early 20th century Marklin clockwork model boats to 1960s-era Japanese pressed tin cars.
Another major section of the sale is the offering of 125 vintage Steiff German collectibles, with many pieces originating from the collection of Dick Franz, former Archivist for Steiff North America.
"My team and I have worked tirelessly to find, catalog, and present a full range of items from the most sought after makers so that every enthusiast should be able to fall in love with at least one treasure at this sale," said Jay Lowe, Morphy Auctions’ Head of Doll Division.
"This event’s collection of Steiff items is quite exciting as well; as far as we can tell, it’s the first time that several of these button-in-ear rarities have appeared at auction ever!"
The standout lot is a set of Steiff velvet animal skittles, produced for the European market circa 1905/06. Presented in museum quality, and described as "unquestionably the finest set of early Steiff skittles to come to auction in memory", the set is estimated at $8,000-$15,000.
Collectors will also have the chance to bid on 160 lots of antique and collectible dolls from quality makers including Kestner, Simon and Halbig, Heubach, Käthe Kruse, and Kammer & Reinhardt; 160 lots of vintage fine glass, china and sulphide marbles; and almost 300 antique still and mechanical banks.
The sale takes place on June 24-26.
