The inaugural Pook & Pook Inc. with Noel Barrett toy auction took place on Dec. 2 and 3 and proved that the two companies make quite a team. A packed gallery, active phones, and two platforms of over 1,000 internet bidders made this collaborative event quite a success.
Day one sent a large group of Schoenhut pieces across the auction block, many of which met or exceeded their estimated values. Lot 66, a rare Schoenhut half rolly-dolly sheep toy, was a highlight, doubling its proposed estimate. Intricate miniatures followed, offering everything from school rooms to publishing houses filled with original parts. A toy butcher shop and deli counter caused excitement amongst bidders. Crafted with a plexiglass front, it contained a variety of toy meats and cheeses. The piece realized $1,600 after a round of active bidding. Other Friday night highlights included Lot 117, a French Decamp clockwork walking elephant that brought $2,200 and Lot 147, a Steiff mohair teddy bear with shoe button eyes, which realized $3,300.
Day two, the longer of the two sessions, began with tin wind-up and clockwork toys, which were popular categories with bidders. Rare forms, such as a knife grinder and a washerwoman, exceeded expectations, as did Lot 198, an unusual German clockwork alligator with a gentleman rider, which realized $1,140. A painted deep sea diver, Lot 282, also captured bidders’ imaginations. With its original ax and lantern, it realized $2,400 after a round of spirited bidding. Swiss Bucherer figures were equally successful, with all lots exceeding their estimated values.
The middle of day two brought a collection of lithograph-decorated wood and paper toy boats, a group whose success was quickly rivaled by a collection of early Mickey and Minnie Mouse toys. A Knickerbocker Toy Co. “Mickey in his Sunday Best” realized $7,800, while a Knickerbocker “Drum Major Mickey” sold for $6,150.
One surprise of the day was a unique German painted tin steam toy model of a workshop. Probably made by Bing, the piece included six workers operating machinery under a canopy. It was estimated at $200-$400 and realized a solid $1,440. Lot 492, a French C. B. G. Mignot diorama of Admiral Perry's 1909 North Pole Expedition, also skyrocketed, bringing $4,800.
The standouts of both sessions, however, were Lots 494 and 526. Lot 494, an elaborate English butcher shop diorama window display made primarily of painted wood and embossed paper board, soared past its expected range of $4,000-$6,000 to bring $33,600. It contained 75 cuts of meat, two butchers, and a delivery boy, and was in extraordinary condition with very little wear or color loss. Lot 526 was also an impressive piece. The beautiful black Gustave Dentzell carved and painted outside row standard carousel horse, circa 1905, and retaining its original polychrome decorated surface, realized $20,400. It sold to a private Pennsylvania collector.
Overall, Pook & Pook Inc. with Noel Barrett presented a successful, steady auction with several peaks and very few valleys. The two companies look forward to their next joint auction, which is scheduled for Saturday, April 1, 2017.
For additional information, contact Pook & Pook Inc. at 610-269-4040 or info@pookandpook.com.