At $151K, May 25 Discovery sale sets new benchmark
for Morphy’s popular series of one-day sales

DENVER, Pa. – Dan Morphy’s May 25 Discovery sale featuring two headliner collections of fine antique and vintage dolls set a new record for the popular auction series introduced two months ago. The 599-lot sale attracted more than 150 live bidders and 1,000 Internet bidders, with the final tally coming it at $151,000 (inclusive of 15% buyer’s premium).

Dolls topped the list of prices realized. A Kley & Hahn (K & H, Germany) 17-inch bisque character doll with jointed composition body, brown sleeping eyes, closed mouth and dimples was expected to sell somewhere in the $2,500-$3,500 price range. The nicely dressed example did not disappoint, reaching $3,200.

A Kestner bisque Baby Hilda 237 character doll, 16 inches tall and dressed in antique clothing, also finished within estimate, at $2,200. Another desirable bisque creation was the 20-inch Francois Gaultier (F.G.) jointed composition child doll dressed in a scarlet, puff-sleeved frock. The French beauty charmed a winning bid of $2,200.

In the antique advertising section, an embossed-tin Nine O’Clock Washing Tea sign dating to the latter part of the 19th century swept past its $200-$300 estimate to settle at $1,150. Advertising tins and containers were led by an eye-catching yellow and black circa-1890s J.H. Allen & Co. Coffee bin, which brewed up a top bid of $575.

The auction session’s pleasing selection of toys included several pressed-steel vehicles by Buddy ‘L.’ A scarce flivver dump truck, 11 inches long and complete with Buddy ‘L’ decal behind the seat, reached the top of its estimate range at $900.

A cheery lot that proved irresistible to multiple bidders was an early figural rabbit head parade mask with nicely painted pink eyes, nose, mouth and inner ears. In very good condition and ready to wear in next spring’s Easter parade, it ended its bidding run at $575.

“We had a very nice turnout for this sale,” said Morphy’s CEO and owner, Dan Morphy. “Each one of our Discovery auctions seems to have its own character, which the bidders really enjoy. Whereas this sale featured two fresh to the market doll collections, our June 15th Discovery lineup will include an outstanding collection of dental antiques, and 50 or 60 guitars and records signed by some of the music industry’s most famous artists. We’re expecting an excellent response from collectors of these specialties.”

Visit www.morphyauctions.com for additional information on the June 15 event and other sales coming up at Dan Morphy Auctions. Contact Morphy’s at 717-335-3435 or e-mail dan@morphyauctions.com.