The world of antique toy collecting is abuzz with anticipation as Morphy Auctions presents a landmark event: the auction of the late Tom Sage Sr.’s esteemed toy collection. Scheduled for May 29, 2025, this sale offers collectors and enthusiasts a rare opportunity to acquire pieces from one of the most revered figures in the antique toy community.​

🧸 A Life Dedicated to Toys

Tom Sage Sr., who began his collecting journey in 1967, was more than just a collector; he was a pioneer in the antique toy industry. His passion and expertise led him to become one of the earliest entrepreneurs to build a business around antique toys, making significant contributions to the field over several decades. His reputation for quality, trustworthiness, and deep knowledge made him a respected figure at antique shows and auctions across the U.S. and Europe.

🚂 The Collection: A Treasure Trove of Rarities

The upcoming auction will feature between 500 and 600 exceptional European and American toys and trains, divided between two sales—one on May 29 and another in late October. These pieces, amassed over a lifetime, reflect Sage’s discerning eye and dedication to the hobby. ​

🏛️ Auction Details

• Auction House: Morphy Auctions
• Location: Southeastern Pennsylvania gallery
• Date: May 29, 2025
• Bidding Options: In-person, phone, and online bidding available

For those interested in participating, slipcased hardcover catalogs will be available, and a fully illustrated online catalog is available here.

⚡ Electricity in the Air: Early Märklin Electric

Among the standout pieces in Tom Sage Sr.’s collection is the rare Märklin ‘Amerika’ electric ocean liner, catalog reference 505011E. This early 20th-century marvel exemplifies the innovative spirit of its era, featuring a dry-cell battery-powered motor capable of propelling the ship for up to seven hours—a remarkable feat for its time. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the ‘Amerika’ boasts a multi-tiered superstructure, lifeboats, masts, and an extraordinary color-coordinated paint scheme. Its presence in the auction not only offers collectors a chance to own a piece of maritime and toy history but also serves as a testament to the technological advancements that captivated imaginations over a century ago.

Another highlight of the Tom Sage Sr. collection is the Märklin FE 4-4-0 electric locomotive and tender. This locomotive and more are featured in our last post covering Marklin’s first use of electricity to power its locomotives.

🌟 A Legacy Preserved

Dan Morphy, president of Morphy Auctions, remarked, “Tom Sage was known worldwide for chasing and collecting some of the finest European tin and American toys ever made.” This auction not only offers a chance to own a piece of history but also serves as a tribute to Sage’s enduring impact on the world of antique toys. ​

In the rich world of Märklin trains, few pieces inspire as much intrigue as the FE 3021 – in both its clockwork and electric counterparts as well as the similar E 3021. The E 3021 is often referred to by collectors as the “pot-bellied pig” due to its distinctive design, this electric locomotive model has sparked debate over its true introduction date.

Before the (penultimate) turn of the century, in the 1890s, besides a few live steam locos, we saw only clockwork trains, which had the disadvantage of rather poor tractive power and short run duration. Although electricity was in still in its infancy and electric motors were rather large, Marklin decided to construct a more widely product electric powered loco in around 1903-1904. They choose the large enough Gauge II scale and tried to fit the motor in the same chassis as the clockwork motors. It did not really fit, so they had to deal with some “work arounds.” What seems to be an imitated coupling rod between the wheels, in reality is the frame of the motor itself. Besides that they equipped the loco with 2 lids on the side to easily access the electric motor and to oil the axles. They also partially enlarged the steam boiler chassis covering the motor. Below we explore several versions of the E 3021 (Gauge 1) and E 3022 (Gauge 2). Aside from the differences in gauges, one interesting variation has a shorter nose and a special pipe (steam whistle) on the smoke stack. American versions of this locomotive have also been found with cowcatcher, bell, and either German or American-style cabs (with rectangular windows). There is also a very seldom seen variation of this locomotive with an all-brass housing.

Previous earl(ier) electric locomotives

A Tale of Multiple Versions

Back in 1905, Märklin released two versions of the “E” class locomotive: a clockwork version and a steam-powered one. Because of this, some publications have mistakenly assumed that the electric version was also introduced that same year. However, that assumption doesn’t hold up under closer inspection.

The FE 3021 first makes a confirmed appearance in Märklin’s 1907 supplementary catalog, a follow-up to the 1904 main catalog. Found on pages H 136, this catalog was published in the autumn of 1907. Although just an add-on, it presented the complete range of electric high-voltage locomotives, suggesting that these products weren’t necessarily brand new in 1907—they could have originated in 1904, 1905, or 1906.

Was the FE 3021 Older Than We Thought?

Indeed, there’s evidence that the FE 3021 may have been in circulation earlier in 1907, if not before. One document, the 1907 Revised Price List for the illustrated catalogs of 1904, 1905, and 1906, already lists the FE 3021—replacing the older E 3021 and referencing catalog page H 48. This strongly implies that the electric version had begun to phase out the earlier model by spring 1907.

So while 1907 remains the commonly accepted year of introduction, it’s entirely possible that the FE 3021 debuted slightly earlier. For now, 1907 stands as the best-documented date.

The Evolution of Features

Interestingly, the 1907 supplementary catalog doesn’t mention electric lighting for the FE 3021—or even its alternating current counterpart, the FE 3021 W. That changes in the 1909 main catalog, where a new variant appears: the FE 3021 EB. The “EB” suffix denotes the addition of electric lighting, and the accompanying catalog image was updated to include the iconic rays emanating from the two lower headlights—a design that would become legendary among collectors.

The End of the Line

What we do know for certain is the final year this model was offered. The 1913 general price list includes the FE 3021 EB, but by the 1914 seasonal catalog, it had vanished. That marks 1913 as the last confirmed year this beloved locomotive was available for sale.

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In Summary:

• 1905: Clockwork and steam versions released—no electric version yet.
• Spring 1907: FE 3021 shows up in revised price list, replacing E 3021.
• Autumn 1907: Officially listed in the supplementary catalog.
• 1909: FE 3021 EB debuts with electric lighting and new design.
• 1913: Last known year of availability.
• 1914: Gone from the catalog.

Whether you’re a historian, a collector, or just a fan of Märklin’s golden age, the FE 3021 remains a captivating piece of toy train history—one that still sparks curiosity more than a century later.

Discover the Charm of Bygone Eras: Grand Toy and Rarity Auction on April 3–5, 2025

Attention collectors and enthusiasts of historic toys and rare treasures! From April 3 to April 5, 2025, Auktion Heilbronn invites you to its Grand Toy and Rarity Auction, an exclusive event featuring an exceptional collection of rare and highly sought-after pieces that will captivate every collector’s heart.

Auction Highlights

Among the many remarkable items, these standout lots are sure to attract keen interest:

• Märklin Liliput 00 Small Model Railway – A rare and original set showcasing the precision and craftsmanship of vintage model railways (26mm track width). This is the “small” Liliput layout which is much more rare than the large one. Only a handful of original examples have been found in the world! Lot 1074.
• Märklin Yacht “Jolanda” 5064/41 – A finely detailed model of this elegant yacht, bringing maritime history to life. This auction features 2 versions of the Jolanda – the normal version and the special small version! Lots 1034 and 1084.
• Märklin Gauge 0 Steam Locomotive L 70/12920 “Cock O’ North” – A stunning example of the historic British railway LNER. Lot 1150.
• Märklin Gauge 0 Adler Train AR 12930 – A model of the legendary Adler, Germany’s first railway train. This is the rare early version from 1935 with the open brush caps! Lot 1002.
• Märklin Gauge 0 Steam Locomotive SLH 70/12920 – Another must-have for railway model collectors – this historic train was known as the “blood sausage” because of its red color and shape! Lot 1024.

Auction Schedule

The auction will take place over three days with the following schedule:

Thursday, April 3, 2025

• 3:30 PM – Small scales (Lots 11,000–11,008)
• 3:35 PM – H0 non-Märklin (Lots 7,000–7,210)
• 5:15 PM – Märklin H0, Part 2 (Lots 14,001–14,212)

Friday, April 4, 2025

• 10:00 AM – Märklin H0, Part 1 (Lots 8,000–8,238)
• 12:30 PM – Antique H0 (Lots 2,000–2,337)

Saturday, April 5, 2025

• 9:00 AM – Large-scale modern trains (Lots 12,000–12,089)
• 9:30 AM – Miscellaneous (Lots 13,000–13,142)
• 10:45 AM – Steam toys (Lots 15,000–15,006)
• 11:00 AM – Tin toys (Lots 10,000–10,041)
• 11:30 AM – Antique small accessories (Lots 6,000–6,110)
• 1:00 PM – Antique railway accessories (Lots 5,000–5,080)
• 1:30 PM – Antique Gauge 0 locomotives & wagons (Lots 3,000–3,098)
• 2:00 PM – Antique large-scale locomotives & wagons (Lots 4,000–4,016)
• 3:00 PM – Antique toy highlights (Lots 1,000–1,240)

This auction is an unmissable event for collectors and toy enthusiasts alike. Whether you are looking for a rare Märklin train, a historic Bing model, or a charming Ferris wheel, there is something for everyone.

Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of history! Visit Auktion Heilbronn for more details and to participate.

Attention toy train enthusiasts and collectors of early American and European toys! Mark your calendars for March 6, 2025, as Stout Auction presents Session 2 of the legendary Jerry Poch collection auction. This session is set to showcase some of the finest and rarest toy trains ever made, with a focus on early American and European masterpieces

This highly anticipated auction will feature some of the best European and American trains ever made, spanning O gauge to gauge IV, from prestigious manufacturers.

Marklin, Bing, Ernst Plank, Bub, Georges Carette, Issmayer, Schoenner, Rock & Graner, Voltamp, Boucher, Carlisle & Finch, Knapp, and Howard are all represented!

🚂 A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

This auction isn’t just another sale—it’s a historic event! Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your journey into the world of vintage toy trains, this is a rare opportunity to acquire museum-quality pieces with incredible provenance and craftsmanship. Many lots in this auction will be first-ever opportunities to own some of the rarest toys in existence where other known examples are locked away in museums or private collections that will never be sold!

Expect bidding wars and record-breaking moments as these stunning trains find new homes. Don’t miss out on this mind-blowing selection of early trains that have shaped the history of model railroading.

📅 Save the Date – March 6, 2025

The countdown is on! Make sure you’re registered and ready to bid. Bid now through Invaluable or learn more about the special auction from Stout Auctions.

Auction Highlights

The late 19th and early 20th centuries were a period of profound industrial transformation. Companies like Märklin not only responded to the industrial boom but also inspired future generations through intricate model replicas of working workshops. Märklin’s “Komplette Betriebswerkstätten” (Complete Operating Workshops) stood out as a unique blend of engineering marvel, educational tool, and collectible art piece.

The Appeal of Märklin’s Workshop Models

Märklin’s workshop models, like the ones showcased in the provided vintage catalog page, were miniature industrial masterpieces. These models combined form and function, often featuring working components powered by steam or electricity. Their appeal lay in their ability to capture the essence of the Industrial Revolution, offering enthusiasts and hobbyists a hands-on way to explore industrial processes on a smaller scale.

A Closer Look at the Models

1. No. 4282: Mechanische Werkstätte (Mechanical Workshop)
   • Dimensions: 70.5 x 82 x 45 cm
   • This compact workshop included a steam-driven power plant alongside a transmission system connecting five machine models. These machines, such as drills, lathes, and polishing equipment, showcased the versatility and precision of early industrial equipment. The attention to detail in the iron supports, tinplate construction, and functional miniature tools highlighted Märklin’s dedication to authenticity.
2. No. 4283: Fabrikanlage (Factory Plant)
   • Dimensions: 93.5 x 48.5 x 75 cm
   • A step up in complexity, this factory featured both steam and electric motors, offering dual-power capabilities. It came with a variety of operational tools, including band saws, grinders, and electric arc lamps. The inclusion of adjustable power systems emphasized its educational value, enabling users to experiment with different modes of operation.
3. No. 4284: Fabrikanlage (Factory Plant)
   • Dimensions: 102 x 60 x 80 cm
   • The most advanced model, this factory included an expanded suite of machines and equipment, all housed in an elaborate iron and glass construction. With electric motor integration and specialized components like circular saws and presses, it reflected the pinnacle of Märklin’s engineering artistry.

Steam collector Brent Rowell from the US found parts for an original example of this rare steam workshop in Michigan. After months of hard work, he completed the workshop using a mix of original and replica parts. The final workshop is an absolute marvel and even runs and operates just as it did when it left the factory. A video of his incredible project can be found on YouTube.

Record Price for Marklin Steam Workshop

The first public sale of such a workshop that we know of was by Auktionshaus Hohenstaufen on February 5 and 6, 2016, featuring individual collectible items from former aristocratic ownership. It highlights the sale of a large factory model made by Märklin in 1905, described as the largest toy model ever made by the company.

• Item Highlighted: A large factory model produced in 1905 by Märklin, with dimensions 103 x 70 x 85 cm.
• Record Price: The item achieved a world record price of €442,800, the highest price ever for a Märklin object.
• Provenance: It was previously displayed in the Märklin Museum in Göppingen.

The image prominently shows the large Märklin factory model, showcasing its detailed craftsmanship.

Another steam hall is featured in one of Marklin’s books. It is unclear if this is the same steam hall which was sold at Hohenstaufen Auktion and also was displayed at the Marklin Museum. Comparing the scratches on the hall housing, there are many similarities but also some noticeable differences. The one featured in the book has a section cut out of the green base side and also has a different electric dynamo in front.

Educational and Entertainment Value

While these models were primarily marketed as tools for learning and amusement, their potential applications extended further. For amateur machinists, they served as an introduction to the principles of engineering and mechanics. For educators, they were tangible demonstrations of how energy sources powered complex industrial processes. And for collectors, they were symbols of a bygone era, combining artistry with technological history.

The Märklin Legacy

Märklin’s model workshops encapsulate the company’s commitment to quality and innovation. These intricate replicas were more than toys; they were gateways to understanding industrial advancements and celebrating craftsmanship. Today, they remain cherished by collectors and enthusiasts as historical artifacts that bridge the worlds of industry and hobby.

Conclusion

Märklin’s “Komplette Betriebswerkstätten” represent a fascinating chapter in the history of model-making and industrial education. They remind us of a time when curiosity and craftsmanship drove innovation and continue to inspire those who value the intersection of history, technology, and artistry.