Record-breaking auction at Bertoia of Kaufman collection

Flights cancelled due to the ash clouds from the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland prior to Bertoia’s sale of the Donald Kaufman collection, part III, prevented many toy collectors from attending. But those from Europe who couldn’t physically get to the 3,700-lot sale at Bertoia’s Vineland, New Jersey, placed their bids online or by phone instead.

Prices certainly didn’t suffer, as the auction went on to gross $2.38 million (includes 15% buyer’s premium) – and helped create a new world record.

Early automotive toys fetched high prices. A c.1920 clockwork fire pumper made by Marklin, realised $48,587; while a boxed 1896 Faivre Panhard Levassor nearly doubled its estimate at $26,450. An exceptional example of a four-seat tourer, a Bing tinplate double phaeton, 13” long with composition chauffeur, made $25,300.

The top lot of the early European tin category was a Marklin c.1903 hand-painted four-seat tourer, which reached $55,200. A c.1924 American National Packard coupé pedal car with wicker-style door panels sold for $43,700. A 1920s American National pedal fire truck reached $32,200.

The auction earned its place in the record books. Combined with gross figures from Kaufman I and II, the April 2010 sessions pushed the cumulative total for the Kaufman series to $9.3 million – the highest amount ever achieved at auction by a single-owner antique toy collection. And there’s more to come; Bertoia will present the fourth sessions featuring the Donald Kaufman collection on 24-25th September.

More details at www.bertoiaauctions.com. Tel: 856-692-1881 or e-mail: [email protected]