Date: Fri 25-Jun-1999

Publication: Ant

Author: SHIRLE

Quick Words:

Inman-toy-Friz-Julia

Full Text:

Randy Inman Auctions Toy Auction

(with 10 cuts)

By Dick Friz

ALLENTOWN, PA. -- Although his first two solo auctions had their share of

record-breaking highlights, the third time around was truly the charm for

former James Julia toy and advertising specialist Randy Inman.

In an invigorating, resounding May 22 and 23 tour de force, the unreserved

sale of the Jerry Kammer and Lowell Fraze collections, Inman's 1,419-lot

mini-motorcade of mostly transportation entries pushed the envelope to over

$800,000.

Despite the relatively tepid performance of more than 250 promos (cast-metal

or plastic scale models of real life cars from the 1950s-90s awarded by car

agencies as giveaways), pressed steel "biggies" and battery operated tin-plate

autos more than picked up the slack, as lots averaged out at over $600.

In the packed Conference Center, new faces in an ever-changing cast of bidders

attested that the hobby is healthier and broader-based than anyone realized.

Surprisingly, many Lehigh Valley collectors have been far less visible at

other East Coast auctions. Inman later noted that some 250 winning bids went

to the phones, while an incredible 4,000 absentee bids made certain that

serious buyers were not caught sitting on their paddles.

Tied with a 1930s Buddy "L" Jr City Dray Truck for top honors was an American

National 1920s Buick coupe in one-quarter scale, pacing an impressive

procession of over 30 pedal cars. Imbued with most of the requisites --

including original paint -- that rouse frenzied bidding, the Buick took off to

$12,650. This fine 24 inch specimen was one of only three known in a rare

color combination of green and mustard with orange striping, and would have

kicked into overdrive were it not for a missing a front bumper, headlights and

license plate.

Another pressed steel pedal car stalwart, a 13«-inch teal blue Keystone

Greyhound Packard Bus, had a lot of bidders on board before curbing at $8,250.

The largest child's rider at Inman's, a 74-inch-long gas-powered black Bugatti

Racer, this example from France, spanning 48 inches and relying on pedal

power, was bid to $2,530. Complete restoration spelled a bumpy flight for an

otherwise spiffy silver Steelcraft Army Pursuit Pedal Plane at $1,485.

A step down in size -- but not in price -- among pressed steel entries were a

profusion of muscular trucks and construction equipment by Buddy "L" Kelmet,

Smith-Miller, Sturditoy, Steelcraft, Kingsbury and Keystone. The

aforementioned 1930s Buddy "L" Jr. City Dray Truck, 24 inches, in yellow and

black with red wheels, was fiercely contested to $12,650. An extremely scarce,

much-coveted Richfield Gasoline promotional item, a 1920s Mack Tanker by

American National, in black with gold lettering, was a major surprise, as this

24-inch beauty nearly doubled high estimate at $9,570.

A classic 1928 Kingsbury Stake Truck, with powerful windup mechanism, was

propelled to $6,600. A Buddy "L" Jr, a 24-inch green and black Dairy Truck,

exacted $3,520, while a 1930s German Bus Co. by the Coach, in black and

yellow, also by the Moline, Ill. maker, added $3,080. In addition, Buddy "L"

excelled with a 1931 Catapult Airplane hangar with monoplane at $3,960 and a

larger, 20«-inch Airport Hangar, with three Monocoupe planes, at $2,750.

Some 100 Smith-Miller pressed steel entries, the largest contingent by a

single maker within memory, was led by a "B" Model Blue Diamond Cement Mixer

at $3,740. A 22-inch cab over tractor trailer lumbered to $2,860.

Continuing to set a scorching pace in fast company were battery-operated and

friction-powered tinplate legends from the 50s and 60s. A 1956 battery

operated, 13-inch Ford two-door sedan, by Marusan, Japan, was clearly a crowd

favorite, streaking to a dazzling $11,550.

Bidding waxed hot and heavy over a 1953 Packard four-door Sedan with original

box, 16 inches long, which realized $7,950. Our nomination for the "sleeper"

of the sale goes to an exquisite 1920s Packard by the obscure Brandenberg

(German) maker, Orobr, which brought $4,950.

A Japanese tinplate friction Ford Station Wagon, with Standard Coffee

emblazoned on the panels, perked up interest at $4,620. A "98" Agajanian

Special by Yonezawa, with Troy Ruttman at the wheels, enticed bidders at

$7,350. The most hotly pursued of the speedsters, however, was a #15 Monza

Star Indy Super Racer from Western Germany, spanning 18 inches, which streaked

home at $10,120.

Cast iron motor toys on land, sea and air brought less stunning, but

respectable, prices. Try these for diversity: an Arcade Mack 6 Bus, 18 inches

long, sold for $4,070; a 13-inch Kenton Ditch Digger brought $1,980; a Hubley

"America" 1920s monoplane realized $3,630; and a 12«-inch Dent "Question Mark"

tri-motor aircraft made a not-so-puzzling $2,860.

A trio of nautical cast-iron carpet toys merit mention. Many admired the

imposing 20«-inch, man o'war New York by Dent, from the 1920s, which

realistically rode the waves at $4,850. An immaculate, all-white with gold

trim, 11-inch Cris-Craft pleasure cruiser by Kilgore brought $4,070, and an

Arcade Showboat, also 11 inches, managed $1,100.

Prices quoted include a ten percent buyers premium.