Tag: Jerome Secor

Top lots included $174,000 Freedman’s mechanical bank, Marklin Central Station, and 1870s George Brown ‘Monitor’ war boatVINELAND, N.J. – Antique toy collectors couldn’t have asked for more exciting buying opportunities than they had in 2021, thanks in no small way to the incredible roster of sales conducted throughout the year by Bertoia Auctions. One high-profile collection after another crossed the auction block at the company’s inviting New Jersey gallery, with president and principal auctioneer Michael Bertoia maintaining a lively pace at the podium during each of the events.Original Freedman’s mechanical bank, made circa 1880 by Jerome B. Secor, Bridgeport, Connecticut. Discovered in a New Jersey attic two years ago and one of fewer than 10 known examples. Sold for $174,000 against an estimate of $60,000-$100,000The year’s most talked-about collections included Aaron and Abby Schroeder’s spectacular American and European toys; and Paul Cole’s awe-inspiring Marklin trains and classic American toys, which were sold in a series of dedicated single-owner sales. In April, collectors reveled in bidding on rarities from dozens of high-quality collections in the Annual Spring Auction, whose new hybrid format introduced a section of toys with price points that were especially attractive to new collectors. But how else would Bertoia’s conclude a record-setting year than with the 2021 edition of its popular Annual Fall Sale, which totaled $2.32 million, inclusive of 20% buyer’s premium.Held on November 18 and 19, the auction included more than 200 European tin toys, 50 Lehmann and Martin windup toys, American tin and clockwork toys, 75+ Schoenhuts and roly polys; figural cast-iron including banks; cast-iron automotive and horse-drawn toys; and pressed-steel trains. To the delight of those who collect nautical toys, the auction also featured a formidable lineup of antique American boats from the collection of author and toy boat authority Dick Claus. The top performer