Vintage toy nets $156,000 at auction: Why was it so valuable?
Share and Follow

(WJW) – A rare collection of antique toys and trains earned more than $2.5 million at an auction in late May, with the highest-valued toy going for $156,000.

The collection came from world-renowned antique dealer Tom Sage Sr., of Allentown, Pennsylvania, according to a press release from Morphy Auctions. Sage had started collecting Lionel trains in the 1960s, his obituary explained, and his collection grew to include tin toys, mechanical banks, and boats.

“He had an eye for the finest things and only kept an item if it was in excellent condition,” per his obituary in The Morning Call.

The collection was available May 29 through Pennsylvania-based Morphy Auctions and included nearly 300 items. The item that fetched the single highest price was a 1904 Ferris Wheel made by the revered German firm Marklin.

This Marklin Ferris Wheel, circa-1904, is one of only a handful known to exist. (Morphy Auctions)

“One of only three or four of its type known to exist, it was likely the nicest of that elite handful of survivors, retaining its six original gondolas, attractive stained glass, and original figures,” read the release. “It had passed down through the family of a gentleman who worked for a Brooklyn department store and had received the toy when the business closed down sometime before World War I. Its auction ride concluded at a buoyant $156,000.”

A clockwork-powered Marklin toy boat and a detailed Marklin limousine were also highly coveted items, going for $79,950 and $72,000, respectively, at auction.

“Part II” of the toy lot is going up for bid with Morphy Auctions in October.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

‘Guide on Teaching Your Dragon’ is the Most Popular Movie in the US, While ‘Elio’ Represents a Disappointing Result for Pixar

NEW YORK – Neither Pixar nor zombies were enough to topple “How…

Storm Team 3 predicts fog may occur Monday morning, followed by a week of high temperatures.

The heat is about to lock in for the new week. First,…

Oil prices increase and US stock market futures decline due to market response to US attack on Iranian nuclear facilities

The facade of the New York Stock Exchange is seen, Wednesday, June…

US strikes 'obliterated' Iran's nuclear ambitions: Hegseth

(NewsNation) — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Sunday that U.S. military…

Continued High Temperatures Forecasted by Storm Team 3

Another hot and humid day is ahead, with high temperatures climbing into…

Increase in fees possible for certain visitors to national parks in 2026 as part of budget plan

(NEXSTAR) — After the busiest year on record, and an already busy…

Security Guard Shoots and Kills Suspect After Church Shooting in Michigan

WAYNE, Mich. (AP) — A gunman opened fire during a service at…

25th Anniversary Walk to the Historic Dorchester Academy

RICEBORO, Ga. () — Saturday marked the 25th year of the Walk…