Sotheby's expects 'more than $10m' for Jerni antique toys collection

2010 was a great year for antique toy sales, with our recent reports including Sotheby's sale of Malcolm Forbes's legendary collection, including historic board games and battleships, and Bertoia's successful $1.6m end of year sale.

And now Sotheby's is set to pave the way for blockbuster toy sales in 2011 with its upcoming auction of the Jerni Collection. The collection comprises more than 27,000 toys made between 1850 and 1940 and will be offered as a single lot.

Given the past success of toys on the auction block, expectations are high for the auction. Sotheby's expect to net around $10m from the sale, while other experts predict a much higher value.

Included within the lot are hand-painted station houses, bridges, Ferris wheels, barges and hundreds of figurines with some examples adorned in 19th century Prussian army uniforms.

According to reports, half the collection was made by top Germany toy company Maerklin at the turn of the 20th century. The company specialised in tin train stations and trains (like the example pictured). Other toys date back to the 19th century.

The collection was amassed by Jerry Greene, 67, a Pennsylvania-based music executive who was fascinated by their beauty and history. Some pieces are fitted with working fountains and clocks, while others are miniature replicas of actual buildings in Germany.

Watch this space for upcoming news on the sale.

 

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