Escape from the winter weather and come in to join us for our January 29, 2011 auction. The auction leads off with a fresh collection of ungraded baseball cards and cowboy Hartland figures where collectors will find everything from Mickey Mantle to a Johnny McKay Gunfighter figure.
 
One stellar piece that warrants mention is the Jerome Secor Clockwork Banjo Player from a New England estate valued at $15,000 - $25,000. The sale also has a nice grouping of still banks from the collection of David Stohl, which are very clean and would be a great addition to any collection. There are also some Bell toys including some fine examples from the Bob Brady Collection, exemplifying condition and quality.
 
If you collect Buck Rogers then you need to mark your calendar and be sure to attend this sale. The January 29th auction has one of the best Buck Roger collections ever offered from Wayne Jagielski of Chicago, IL. This Buck Rogers collection includes rare and seldom seen items in great condition such as the Buck Rogers Uniform & Helmet, a Scarce Vintage Buck Rogers Pocket Knife and much more!
 
 
Shoot to outer space with the many lots of space and other collection cards and unsigned comic books. And finish off the sale with a dozen, near mint, boxed Ideal Captain action figures and uniforms including an extremely scare Captain Scarlet figure.
 
 
Order Jan. 29 Catalog  | Online Catalog
 
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Tommy Sage Jr.
Bio | Email Tommy
COO
Morphy Auctions
 

Lovers of the ships and the sea...
Will be delighted by the over 1,000 nautical and maritime items featured in the January 22 sale including a large collection of original life rings from a privately held collection.
 
Highlights amongst these are several from British Navy vessels (lot 616) and examples from the historic ocean liners SS France (lot 620) and the Cunard Line's RMS Lusitania (lot 621). 
 
Additionally, original newspapers (lot 588) detailing the tragic fates of the Titanic, Andrea Doria and Morro Castle are being offered. 
 
SS Normandie collectors will be interested in the vintage French Line travel agency photograph (lot 591) of this classic liner. 
 
Finally, the piece de resistance is a rare (quite possibly one-of-a-kind) Arthur Henning-made 10' corporate office model of RMS Caronia, "The Green Goddess" (lot  614).

Retreat from the winter with stellar antiques!
The January 22, 2011 auction consists of over 100 pocket knives, many rare pieces, case knives and unusual forms. If you have a collection of knives or appreciate the “edge” to it, you should check out the lots in this sale.
 
The sound of music flows with the music box collection featuring bird boxes and 10 small, very rare boxes.
 
Over 100 pocket watches keep us on time this sale with several repeaters and many rare movements.
 
A nice selection of Bakelite will be represented this sale with the exclusive Bakelite witch pin that is sure to dazzle collectors. There is also an abundance of early sterling silver and coin silver pieces.
 
A small collection of ivory with exquisite carving and Scrim Shaw will lead into a broad collection of pottery and tiles including Rookwood, Roseville, McCoy, Muncie, Catalina and others. The glass collectors will not be disappointed because this sale also offers over 100 pieces of green optic Depression glass.
 
New to Morphy’s is a an interesting nautical collection featuring many life preservers from famous ships. But don’t sail away before the selection of Mettlach Steins and others from a large collection.
 
And lastly, Morphy’s will offer a wonderful English Coronation collection with many early coronation pieces of historical significance.
 
Check out our online catalog for details and additional photos.
Come out and join us for the sale!
 
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John Morphy, MD. 
Dr. Morphy's Bio
Dan Morphy Auctions
 

The Cristol/Glickman Collection - Vintage Barbie Collection
 
Even if you are not a huge Barbie doll collector, you can’t deny that the Barbie doll is probably the most famous and probably the most significant doll ever produced. From her humble beginnings to her present day iconic proportions, Barbie is THE doll. 
 
The Cristol/Glickman collection offers something from everyone, from someone wishing to regain their childhood dolls, to the most advance collector.   The collection covers the entire span of the history of Barbie starting with the 1959 doll. It’s a treat to see the evolution of this doll through the collection as she goes from 50’s glamour, to 60’s mini skirts to 70’s hippy. She is truly a reflection of our fashion and culture.
 
There are so many wonderful things in the collection but to touch on a few that you may not have noticed, here are a few of my favorite things.   I am always so drawn to the first year dolls and fashions so the Number 2 Barbie doll in her pink silhouette box is a favorite (lot number 833). This doll is gorgeous, and in wonderful condition. Wearing the “Sweet Dreams” fashion, it represents the attention to detail that original designer for Barbie, Charlotte Johnson, was so obsessed. The tiny alarm clock, the wax apple, her diary, what else could a teenage fashion model possibly need? These pink silhouette boxes were only given to retailers, and for the most part were discarded, as this program of dressed dolls for display was short lived, so these boxes are rarer than rare!
 
Possibly a sleeper in the collection that may go unnoticed is possibly the most unusual Midge doll I have ever seen.   This straight leg titian Midge (lot number 836) in her original box resembles the illustration of the box more than any doll I have ever seen. She is the rarer version with teeth, but her hair and hairstyle are so interesting. The fiber used for her hair is more shiny and glossy like an early Bubblecut Barbie doll, and it’s shorter with much more curl.   I believe this is quite possibly one of the first Midge dolls to make her appearance on the market!
 
The wonderful “Little Theatre” makes its appearance for this auction. This rare cardboard structure with props is a fantastic way to display your dolls (lot number 973), seldom seen, and complete, this would be a fantastic addition to any collection, and if you need the costumes to complete it, be sure to check out the complete Cinderella set (lot number 877) including the tiny “Glass” slipper.
 
As this collection was amassed, there was attention not only paid to rare and unusual dolls, but all dolls including every member of the Barbie family, their clothing and accessories. The first Ken doll is here in variations of blonde and brunette, but be sure to note lot number 819, which is in never played with condition, complete with his cellophane covering his flocked hair. (2011 celebrates the Ken Doll’s 50th anniversary). Skipper fans will not be disappointed as there is an abundance of Skipper fashions, most complete and in fantastic condition. Licensed products including cases, structures, and cars (Yes, there is the FIRST Barbie car, the Austin Healy in the original box, lot number 967)
 
This collection sparks much nostalgia, and offers the importance of the Mattel Barbie doll, whether she’s the jewel of your collection, or a fond childhood memory. There is so much here, there has to be something for you!
 
Review Online Vintage Barbie Catalog
Order Vintage Barbie Catalog
 
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Bradley Justice
 
Morphy Auctions
Barbie Consultant

December 11, 2010 - Toys, Trains, and Advertising - OH MY! 
 
The December 11, 2010 sale has something for everyone. It features a fresh long time collection of European and American trains. Some of the European highlights are lot 1080- a 1-Gauge Marklin New York Central Passenger Train Set, lot 1090- a 1-Gauge scarce and a desirable Marklin FE Engine and tender.
 
Represented in the American train lot selection are a bunch of obscure early train companies. A number of trolleys are sure to please bidders such as lot 1103- a Howard 2-Gauge Electric Railroad Trolley, lot 1105- a pair of rare Knapp Power Gondolas and lot 1107- a very rare and superb Knapp #221 Steeple Cab Electric Loco.
 
There is also a good representation of Golden Age Lionel trains such as lot 1178- a Brown State Set including optional Illinois car and lot 1193- a complete Walt Disney Lionel Circus train with all cardboard. Not to be left out, the sale a lot has some Ives representation as see in lot 1133- an Ives #40 Passenger Train Set.
 
If you prefer toys to trains then be sure to check out the nice grouping of German and European toys. The toy highlights include hand-painted figural toys plus some boats and cars. Lot 1235 is a great example from the boat selection which is a French Radiquet Live Steam Boat. The cars are highlighted by lot 1252- a Hand-Painted German Carette Limousine Clockwork Toy.
 
 The December auction also has a small selection of cast-iron mechanical and still banks. Among the most coveted of mechanical banks to be auctioned is lot 1280- a J. & E. Stevens Panorama with 95%-plus original paint, from the original owner.
 
A great mix of Pressed Steel trucks, planes and pedal cars will follow featuring lot 1451- a Paige Convertible Pedal Car formally from the Howard Williams Collection and lot 1464- a rare Buddy L #500 Hand Car.
 
Japanese and American toys are also represented in this sale with such attractions as lot 1475- a Japanese I.Y. Harley-Davidson friction motorcycle toy in near mint condition.
 
The December sale will present a beautiful display of shaving mugs from two separate collections. Some of the mug examples include lot 1500- an unusual Teachers Mug, lot 1512- an Ice Cream Truck Mug, lot 1532- Laudeville Horse Mug and lot 1533- an extremely unusual Dodge Car advertising a Doge Brothers dealership in near mint condition.
 
The December auction also includes some of the finest examples of general store and advertising such as the large single-owner collection of Orange Crush advertising pieces from Randy Garner. Many of the Orange Crush items are rarely encountered in the market place and of the highest quality. Some feature Orange Crush pieces include lot 1602- a 3-D Cardboard Orange Crush Die-Cut Display, lot 1612- a Cardboard Orange Crush Die-Cut Sign, lot 1652- a Reverse-On-Glass Orange Crush Menu Board and lot 1660- an Orange Crush Lever Style Dispenser. Some other examples of fine advertising is lot 1709- an Ugly Kid root beer dispenser and lot 1731- a Winchester Repeating Arms Company Shotgun Board which comes from a long-time collection in the Mid-West and is complete.
 
Don’t miss the holiday event of the year! Check out the online catalog for more information.
 
Order December 11 Catalog

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Tommy Sage Jr.
Bio | Email Tommy
COO
Morphy Auctions

FRIDAY, DEC. 10, 2010 SESSION - FINE & DECORATIVE ART:

The holiday season provides just the right atmosphere for the beautiful selection of stained-glass windows currently on display at Morphy’s. There are more than 20 such windows at the gallery, each awaiting its turn in the spotlight during the opening session of our December 10 auction of fine and decorative art.

The star of the show, Lot 218, is a fantastic 43 by 72-inch Tiffany Studios window decorated with a garden scene that includes trees, ivy, vines and roses, flanked by two massive columns and an urn-topped wall. This is the art of Louis Comfort Tiffany at its finest. The window was created at the turn of the 20th century for a church in Duluth, Minnesota, and has been in the collection of its present owner (the consignor) for more than 40 years. This important artwork is accompanied by a letter of authenticity written by the premier authority on Tiffany art glass, Dr. Egon Neustadt. We think it could make in the vicinity of $150,000-$250,000 on auction day, since it’s very unusual for a Tiffany design of this magnitude to be made available to the public.

Another window of exceptional quality in our sale came from a residence in upstate New York and is attributed to the genius architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Its linear composition and jewel-like mother-of-pearl accents combine to form a window that would quickly become the “statement piece” in nearly any room. Entered as Lot 226, it is estimated at $10,000-$20,000.

I think even Morphy Auctions “regulars” who have attended our sales for several years are going to be stunned by the quality of the antiques and art in our upcoming sale. The selection is amazing. One of my favorite items is Lot 133, an Austrian art glass vase, green with silver striations and overlaid with and intricately cut-out silver collar. The estimate on this lot is $2,500-$3,500. It’s only one of many outstanding vases, jugs, vessels and tiles included in the art pottery section, which features 30 pieces of Roseville and 100 pieces of Grueby, as well as designs from a number of other distinguished companies.

It’s rare for premium-quality Arts & Crafts furniture to have a bad day at auction, especially if it’s a piece as useful as Lot 323, a Gustav Stickley
double-door bookcase with glass panes and original hardware. This handsome bookcase stands 55½ inches tall and is signed inside. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000.
 
SATURDAY, DEC. 11, 2010 SESSION - ANTIQUE TOYS, BARBIE DOLLS, TRAINS, ANTIQUE ADVERTISING, OCCUPATIONAL SHAVING MUGS
AND MUCH MORE:
It’s no secret that I enjoy the history and variety of art displayed on occupational shaving mugs. We’ve had several terrific collections of these mugs in past Morphy sales. This time, in our Dec. 11 session, we’re offering a single-owner collection of 70 mugs with very desirable, seldom-seen images, like a Dodge dealership, taxi service and even a carnival horse performing a vaudeville-style trick, spelling his name in the sand. But my favorite is Lot 1512, a shaving mug with the owner’s name “C.E. Oldt” and a wonderful image of an old stake-bed delivery truck with signage for an ice cream company. This mug is extremely rare, and its $2,000-$4,000 estimate could prove conservative on auction day.

Also during the second session, one of the greatest examples of firearms advertising I have ever seen is going to be auctioned as Lot 1731. It’s a three-dimensional advertising board with examples of many types of cartridges produced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Together, the shells create a stylized “W” for “Winchester.” This sign is from the early 1900s and spent many years in a private collection in the Midwest. Its condition is excellent-plus, and it carries a presale estimate of $15,000-$20,000.

We’re extremely proud of the selection of fine and decorative art we’ll be auctioning on Friday, December 10th; followed by the Saturday, December 11th session of antique toys, trains, Barbie dolls, advertising and shaving mugs. Be sure to visit our online catalog, and if you can’t join us in person, consider leaving an absentee bid, reserving a line to bid by phone, or bidding live via the Internet through Morphy Live.
 
Order December 10 Catalog
Order December 11 Catalog
 
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Dan Morphy
CEO
Dan Morphy Auctions
 

Three words say it all: "The Hirsch Collection"
Review Online Catalog | Buy Catalog

Even those of us who consider ourselves seasoned collectors of
antique advertising are floored when we view the fantastic
collection Dave and Marcia Hirsch managed to put together
over the past 40 years.

The Hirsch collection, which is being auctioned here at Morphy’s on
November 19 and 20, is full of visual surprises. It’s been on display at
our gallery for several weeks, and you’d think by now I would have
noticed all of the top-shelf items, but that’s not the case. Every time I
pass those rows and rows of rare and beautiful tins, signs and store
displays, I see another killer piece I hadn’t noticed before.
 

Take, for instance, lot 358, the Greenback Smoking Tobacco oval
cardboard store display. It dates to around 1886, which is amazing,
since the cover graphics of a humorous, sleepy-looking frog are still
bright and crisp. Dave and Marcia have worked in commercial art and
design for many years. I can see why this particular image would
have appealed to them.

Lot 470, an “Ace High – King of Tobaccos” flat pocket tin – makes a
big statement with its minimalist design and card-player’s theme of a
black club and bold red lettering. This is a really rare tin, with the
artwork on both the front and back of the tin.

Tobacco advertising is the most prominent category in the Hirsch
collection, and Dave and Marcia always went for the best. Their Derby
Smoking Tobacco sign, lot 585, is a tribute to the design aesthetics of
late-19th-century artists who created packaging and advertising
materials of their day. The central figure in the sign is a jockey riding a
racehorse in full stride. It’s a graceful, perfectly balanced
composition. I could see those colors of red, gold, teal and black
fitting in perfectly in a study or office.

One of the tobacco-related items that always stops previewers in their
tracks is lot 866, the crimson and gold reverse-on-glass sign that
advertises Opia Cigars. It’s a knockout. The ethereal lady with a veil,
the poppies and gold stars – while they’re artistically very compelling
,they also deliver a message that Opia is not your run of the mill
smoke, so you’d better fasten your seatbelt. This is the sort of
Victorian subtlety often seen in signage of the late-19th and
early 20th century period.

Another of my favorite pieces in the Hirsch collection is lot 81, the Moa
5 Cent Cigars tin store bin. This amazing tin was made around 1910
for the Detroit tobacco firm Gustav A. Moebs. The zoological-style
artwork on the front depicts a large, extinct emu-like bird from New
Zealand known as a “moa,” hence the name of the product. Again, the
message was a subtle one – a cigar this good is as rare as a moa.

The “pretty lady” theme has always been a popular one in advertising.
Lot 4, a Larus & Bro. Exquisite Cut Plug Tobacco tin, features an
elaborately detailed background and a club-shape cartouche to
highlight the image of an uptown beauty in an evening gown.

Lot 309, the Home Run Cigar tin is as all-American as it gets. As the
name suggests, the graphics on all sides of the tin are of baseball
players in action, with a runner safely sliding across home plate as
the catcher leans forward with his glove to make a catch. This is a
Pennsylvania-made tin that has a lot going on, visually, and it has a
very nice palette of colors.

Baseball is also the inspiration for lot 465, a 3 Strikes Granulated Cut
Plug Tobacco pocket tin. There are very few examples known of this
tin, which has a great image of an old-time baseball player in uniform
and holding a bat. I think we might see some heavy bidding action on
this tin.

A classic among patriotic artworks is lot 1094, a Union Leader Cut
Plug Tobacco cardboard sign depicting Uncle Sam reading The
Naval Review. The colors, the professional look of its composition,
the way the message is delivered – it’s obvious why this sign would
have caught Dave and Marcia’s attention.

Another politically related item in the collection is lot 1236, an Old Abe
Chewing Tobacco tin. A very scarce production, this orange-colored
tin features an American Eagle and U.S. Shield above a central
image of Abraham Lincoln. Alongside Lincoln’s portrait are additional
images closely connected with his remarkable life – a picture of him
chopping wood with his log cabin in the background, and two African-
Americans – possibly a father and his son on bended knee – paying
tribute to Lincoln.

It is such an honor to have been chosen as the auction house that
will bring the magnificent David and Marcia Hirsch antique advertising
collection to auction on November 19 and 20. We hope you’ll join us,
either here in the gallery, or via phone or Internet. This is an
opportunity that comes along only once in a blue moon. If you
appreciate antique advertising at its best, this is one sale you
definitely won’t want to miss.

Dan Morphy
CEO
Dan Morphy Auctions

Toys, Toys, Toys
On Display Now!

The November 9, 2010 auction has a lot of interesting and fresh -to-the-market toys. A large grouping of the toys in this sale were packed away in a collector’s garage for over 15 years. The collector didn’t even remember how much he actually had in his collection because of the time that had passed.

This sale features a great assortment of early tin and celluloid comic character toys including a lot of Walt Disney items. In the comic toys there are very early favorites including lot #199 Smitty on the Scooter, lot #216 Jiggs Bumper Car and lot #217 Jiggs Jazz Car. The celluloid toy lots featured in this auction include lot #226 Henry & Henrietta Travelers with their original box and lot #223 Celluloid Henry Trapeze Toy with scarce box variation. Some of the box Disney highlights is lot #293 Whirly Gig Toy, lot #297 Mickey & Minnie Acrobat with color litho box variation, lot #298 celluloid Mickey & Donald Acrobat with original box and lot #299 Occupied Japanese Celluloid Mickey on Pluto toy.

Amongst the comic toys are a nice selection of boxed and unboxed Popeye toys such as lot #257 Linemar Battery-Operated Rowboat, lot  #258 Linemar Popeye Bubble Blower with original box and lot #259 Linemar Popeye Airplane toy.

Also there are a vast collection of Chein toys which spotlight many early scarce vehicles and other toys. The grouping of Marx toys includes lot #66 a Delivery Motorcycle with scarce box variation plus many other Marx Motorcycle and vehicle toys.

November 9 will also take us to outer space with a fine selection of space toys and robots, including lot #39 a boxed Space Target Game, lot #56 a rare Space Tin Litho Bus and 5 tin litho Wind-Up Rocket Fighter Toys (with several boxed examples).

Come check out the selection of dime store and Britain soldiers including lot #410 which is a nice tin Marx soldier display. And don’t forget about the character and non-character cap guns such as lot #499 a Cap Gun Store Display.

If you are looking for trucks and trains, this auction has a small collection of Smith Miller trucks and some O-Gauge and Standard Gauge trains including lot #594 Blue Streak Set, lot #603 Blue Comet Passenger Set.

Some of the highlights of the auction are lot #540 a beautiful Cast Iron Two Frogs Mechanical Bank with provenance from the Steve Steckbeck Collection, lot #245 a rare 1960s Frankenstein Radio Speaker, lot #301 a German Distler Walt Disney Mickey Mouse Hurdy Gurdy Toy with original Minnie Mouse on the roof, and lots #278 & #279 which are two of the rarest Batman toys including a battery- operated Walking Batman in the original box and Batman Utility Belt with the original box.

Check out our online catalog for details and additional photos.
Come out and join us for the sale!

--

Tommy Sage Jr.
Bio | Email Tommy
COO
Morphy Auctions

Dr. Morphy Reviews October 15-16 Auction
The sale begins with the second part of the Michael O’Hearn Collection with a selection of wonderful tin toys in exceptional condition. Included is a full complement of transportation toys including planes, trains, busses, and cars along with a few exceptional examples of television and ice cream cars/trucks. Many outstanding battery operated and friction cars are highlighted by a 1954 tin litho Ford Sunliner with original box (Lot #532) and a Packard Convertible from 1953 (Lot #531). A host of robots and space toys feature a Japanese tin Space Patrol Super Cycle by Bandai (Lot #596). Comic and Disney toys are represented as well including a rare Disney Donald Duck Doll (Lot #635) that is possibly being offered for the first time in any auction. Concluding the Friday session is an abundance of outstanding pressed steel examples.

Saturday session beings with the Cristol/Glickman Doll Collection. Over 350 doll lots, with focused attention on a fabulous Bebe Jumeau (Lot #928) estimated at $6,000 to $9,000 and an exquisite Bru Jeune Bebe (Lot #929) estimated at $18,000 to $22,000. Also to be sold is a nice penny toy collection highlighted by a tin litho ferris wheel (Lot #1904) and a Marklin Decidee gun boat (Lot #1341) in original condition and estimated at $10,000 to $15,000.

Many train lots are included in addition to a nice grouping of still and mechanical banks. Key lots includes an electric railroad still bank (Lot #1506) estimated at $3,000 to $6,000 and a lion hunter mechanical bank (Lot #1597) estimated at $15,000 to $20,000 in near mint condition.

The Baird clocks are truly pieces of American advertising history with focus on a Coca-Cola Baird clock (Lot #1734) estimated at $20,000 to $25,000. Also included is a rare Callie Eclipse floor model slot machine (Lot #1784) that is estimated at $15,000 to $18,000.

The advertising section is represented by many high-end Coca-Cola pieces as well as the advertising signs which are highlighted by a wooden trade sign (Lot #1920) of a pig with a Hudson Butcher ad and a rare 1960s Bowden Bicycle (Lot #1931) which is one of only 500 made.
 Order Catalog
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John Morphy, MD. 
Dr. Morphy's Bio
Dan Morphy Auctions

The holiday collection consists of a wonderful array of Christmas, Halloween, Easter, Thanksgiving and Patriotic items.
 
The first part of the auction features the Halloween Collection of Connie & Jay Lowe. Some of the highlights of their collection is lot #2 a wonderful Foot Lantern with a great face and painted faces on five toes, lot # 8 which is a Vegetable Man posing on a cucumber candy container, lot #s 11 & 12 are Vegetable/ Fruit Male & Female candy containers  (Lots 11 & 12 were always together since original purchase in the earlier part of the twentieth century and are a perfect matched pair. In as-found, untouched, all original condition, these fabulous Halloween Candy Containers were fresh to the market and came out of a Baltimore estate (Opfer Auctions, approx 2004). Both featuring a variety of fruits and vegetables and both the male and female both having expressive apple heads. Perhaps the only known surviving examples.), lot #13 is a Vegetable Halloween man with moveable glass eyes, radish arms and likely the only known example. Another stellar piece is lot #17 which is a wonderful Vegetable man with a candle in the top of his head that can be removed for candy container, quite a desirable piece.
 
Be sure not to miss lot # 32 the Apple head with bobbing tongue candy container, lot # 119 rare set of celluloid Halloween nodders with original box in mint condition. Lot #139 is a wonderful black man riding a pig candy container that collectors will love! These are some of the highlights but there are 100s of other lanterns, candy containers and die cut items in the auction.
 
The Christmas collection is highlighted by lot # 241 a Santa candy container and clockwork nodder, lot # 249 a wonderful clockwork Santa and bear family set in a winter scene, which is quite rare. Santa rides on an Elephant nodder in lot # 255 and a polar bear in lot # 259 will also catch collector’s eyes!
 
The Bob Lenz collection is portrayed by hundreds of wonderful glass ornaments, Japanese and German Santa’s, German & Russian Dresden’s and many decorative items. There is a huge selection of celluloid Santa lots, Chocolate molds, and a large collection of Dresden’s, many full figures like lot # 447 a Russian Troika with three horses and four smoke stack ships in lot # 485. There are hundreds of flat Russian Dresden’s and a wonderful array of glass ornaments, Kugels and free blown glass ornaments.
 
This sale has something for everyone, so don’t miss out on this spectacular Holiday auction.
 
Order Catalog
Preview Online Catalog
 
--
 
John Morphy, MD. 
Dr. Morphy's Bio
Dan Morphy Auctions