Toy planes, trains, automobiles, boats, ships, trucks, motorcycles and more - if it was built for transportation, it was collected, and on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, May 19, 20, and 21, a number of these items will be sold by Rich Penn. The companies that made these collectible toys were titans in the industry and will all be represented at the Rich Penn Auction event to be held in Waterloo, Iowa, at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center: Bing, Orkin Craft, Kenton, A.C. Williams, Arnold, Ives, Marklin, Dent, Fleischmann, Lionel, Arcade, Vindex, Marx, Schuco, and others.
“This is the first time we've held an auction in our hometown, and we're excited about it. We were never able to get dates that matched our schedules, and finally, after working well in advance, it's come together. This will be a fabulous auction to be our ‘kickoff’ in a new facility. There's a wonderful variety and we're selling several amazing collections, and as always, there are no reserves,” said Rich Penn.
Those early titans that made toys also had titans in the field that collected them. The late Dick Borgerding, and also George Chartier, both from Michigan, were two such collectors. Borgerding had one of the greatest collections of toy boats, ships and motors. A pharmacist by profession, he started in the 1970s. But his interest then was big boats. In the 1980s, a friend gave him a toy Chris Craft, and at his first toy show, in Saline, Mich., he bought 31 toy boats. Hundreds of boats later, and hundreds of friends later, Borgerding became well known in boating circles. Many of his boats were featured in reference books. His entire collection is now coming to auction.
Chartier's collecting interest started in the 1960s. He liked small toys that were powered by electricity and collected toy outboard motors; nearly all are mint in their original boxes. His interest in miniatures got him his first big job. In 1962, after 3,000 hours of labor, he finished a miniature radio-controlled car. The futuristic car was carved from basswood and finished with 20 coats of lacquer. Headlights, tail lights, turn signals - everything was functional. And it zipped along at 2 mph. He took that model with him for a job interview as a clay modeler at Ford. He took it through its amazing functions in the Design Center Lobby and landed the job. Chartier is still building. His current project is a miniature flying saucer, complete with an alien pilot.
Miniature motors also come in air-driven models. Nearly 100 carefully handcrafted and machined miniature motors were built by the late Clifton Eichelberger. He machined each and every part for these compressed air-driven motors. The collection is amazing in detail and mechanics. From V-4s with overhead cams to unusual rotary engines, the engineering is remarkable.
Of the nearly 2,000 lots in this three-day auction, these toys make up several hundred. But there is much more than toy boats and motors. There is a great collection of tin windup and cast-iron toys. Many of the windup toys come with original boxes. Among those are Joe Penner, Jazzbo-Jim, Charleston Trio and a number of other. Many other much-sought-after windups are included, such as Superman roll-over, Tidy Tim, Jackee Hornpipe Dancer and more. There are also banks, both still and mechanical.
Advertising signs will be offered in a variety of categories: tobacco, Coca-Cola, other soda brands like Pepsi, Hires, 7 Up, and other popular beverages; Breweriana; general merchandise; and others. Clocks will be sold with advertising and neon as well as classic regulator and shelf styles.
Among the most exciting signs are a number of Coca-Cola porcelain signs. From flanges to large double-sided porcelain, there are great choices. Perhaps the most striking Coca-Cola sign is a three-piece “Drink Coca-Cola” button flanked by two porcelain wings with a hand offering a Coke. In near-mint condition, this 65-inch-wide sign should attract serious attention. An Edelweiss double-sided porcelain is equally exciting. A 1940s sign, with original frame, this sign measures 33 by 33 inches and is in excellent condition. Not a sign, but another rare and desirable Breweriana piece is an excellent-condition Anheuser-Busch 1910 serving tray. This tray shows a Roman goddess and cherubs. Great signs can be on paper or cardboard too, like a circa 1910 Dr Pepper chromolitho. In great condition, this 15-by-10 inch rare litho has an error in the printing. Dr Pepper was bottled in Waco, Texas. The label on the bottle has Waco spelled “Waoc.”
Toys come in bigger sizes for bigger boys and girls, so collectors can also expect to be offered coin-operated machines, slots, arcade, vending and juke boxes. This variety includes a number of “as found” juke boxes, many in storage for 40-plus years. Among the most rare are two AMI Streamliners. These machines were made in the 1930s in limited numbers. With fewer than 3,000 made, there are only a handful still in the market. One of these machines was actually modified by a Canadian company. It is unusual in that the 20-selection machine selects by using one of 20 coin slots.
Slot machines will be offered in both original and restored condition. One of the most unusual is a Caille five-cent four-reel Superior. Nearly all others are three reel. This is a 1930s machine and is a rare version of the Superior. Line up the 1, 2, 3, and 4 symbols on the pay line and win the “5 in Trade” jackpot. Another rare machine is the five-cent Mills “Automatic Salesman” with side vendor. Both of these machines are great original examples. The coin-op machines also include rare Postage Machines, Harvard Metal Typers, Penny Scales, and other vendors.
As always, a Rich Penn Auction comes with great country store pieces. This auction is no exception. Several salesman's samples, spool cabinets, dye cabinets, ribbon cabinets, display cases and show cases will come in a variety of sizes and configurations. A 10-foot seed counter, by Universal Counter Co., Herkimer, N.Y., is one of the premier pieces. In original condition, it would make a great statement piece in any country store collection.
“The Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center is just 100 yards from our office. We were finally able to get the dates we needed. It's a great facility and is connected to a hotel. Both are connected by an enclosed skywalk. Plus, it's within walking distance to some great restaurants. The hotel gave our guests a special $79 room rate, and I think we'll have some other fun things lined up too. We're really looking forward to it,” added Penn. The site is located in downtown Waterloo, just one block off the freeway.
For those who are unable to attend, Penn offers multiple bidding options, including absentee, telephone and live bidding online through LiveAuctioneers. Find the links to the online catalog on Penn's website. Full-color catalogs will be available for $40. Prices realized will be posted online. To order, call Rich Penn Auctions at 319-291-6688.
For more information, visit www.RichPennAuctions.com.