The roll-call of European and American brands among the 500-plus lots includes pieces from Gunthermann, Lionel and Märklin, a collection of toys from the French firm of Fernand Martin, and items made by Tippco and Ives.
A particularly choice selection of early tinplate from Märklin is on offer, not only trains, rolling stock and trackside accessories but also a number of desirable boats – battleships and ocean liners.
One of the sale’s rarities is a Zeppelin from the German firm of Ubelacker. It features pontoons enabling it to travel across water, or crawl across a wire or spin from a string.
It comes with its original box that includes a label giving detailed instructions for use. The only toy of its type that Bertoia has seen, the estimate is $20,000-25,000.
