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186 Munich Toy Auction: Rare Vintage Toys and Trains – Special Focus on Märklin 00/HO

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Exciting News for Collectors: 186. Auction by Münchner Spielzeugauktion

Attention all collectors and enthusiasts! Münchner Spielzeugauktion is back with its highly anticipated 186th auction, featuring over 2,000 remarkable items up for bid. This exclusive auction will be held over two days, giving you the chance to acquire some incredible pieces for your collection.

📅 Auction Dates and Times:

  • Friday, May 30: Categories 1000 and 4000 will be auctioned, starting at 9:00 AM.
  • Saturday, May 31: Categories 3000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, and 9000 will be up for grabs, also starting at 9:00 AM.

Both days will take place as live in-person and online auctions. Seating reservations are available, so be sure to secure your spot in advance. Alternatively, you can participate in the auction online through Lot-tissimo, where you can register, browse the catalog, and place your bids conveniently from anywhere.

Special Highlights

An intriguing addition to the realm of treasures offered in this auction is the 1948 locomotive variants which were supposedly produced by the Mahle company. These special variations are distinguished by their unique alloy composition. Unlike the standard series, which were typically composed of zinc, only five pieces of this specific variant were produced by the Mahle company, crafted from a different alloy blend. This limited run makes it an exceptionally rare and valuable find for collectors.

The 1948 model features two 7 mm wide, light gray cross structures with hand-painted ivory and light green accents. The roof ventilation lacks the typical grille formation, instead showcasing a single inserted rivet. The drive shafts were initially silver but later transitioned to black, and the bogies are painted in a striking light gray/black combination. This particular variant is equipped with two Schleifer Type 3.1 and two Bügel Type 4.2.2 components.

For those interested in examining or acquiring one of these rare models, there are 3 available for sale at the upcoming auction in all three color variations!

Marklin ST 800 pre-series Red version 0. View and bid here.
Marklin ST 800 pre-series Green version 0. View and bid here.

🔍 Preview Information: Previews are available now until the auction dates, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. To arrange a viewing, please contact the auction house directly.

💻 Online Bidding

Can’t attend in person? No problem! Register and bid online through Lot-tissimo here: Start Bidding Online

Don’t miss your chance to add rare and exceptional pieces to your collection. We look forward to welcoming you to the auction and wish you the best of luck with your bids!

Stout Auctions Presents: Jerry Poch Collection Session 3 – A Historic Toy Train Auction

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Stout Auctions is proud to announce the third session of the “All Time Greatest Auction Series,” featuring the extraordinary Jerry Poch Collection. This landmark event will take place on May 15, 2025, at our Indiana gallery, showcasing a remarkable array of rare and diverse toy trains.

🧳 Auction Highlights

This session offers collectors a unique opportunity to acquire some of the finest early American and European toy trains ever assembled.

  • European Masterpieces: An exceptional selection of O gauge to gauge IV trains from renowned manufacturers such as Marklin, Bing, Ernst Plank, Elettren, Bub, Georges Carette, Issmayer, and Schoenner.
  • American Classics: Rare early American trains from Voltamp, Boucher, Carlisle & Finch, and Knapp, reflecting the rich heritage of U.S. toy train manufacturing.

Each piece in this collection has been meticulously preserved, offering both historical significance and exceptional craftsmanship.

📅 Event Details

  • Date: May 15, 2025
  • Location: Stout Auctions, 529 State Road 28 East, Williamsport, IN 47993
  • Contact: (765) 764-6901 | [email protected]

For those unable to attend in person, online bidding is available. View the full catalog and register to bid here.

🔔 Don’t Miss This Opportunity

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a passionate enthusiast, this auction represents a rare chance to own a piece of toy train history. Join us in celebrating the legacy of Jerry Poch and the timeless allure of these toy marvels.

The Legacy of Tom Sage Sr: A Collector’s Dream Comes to Auction

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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.

MARKLIN CAT. REF. 5050/11E "AMERIKA" ELECTRIC VERSION OCEAN LINER
Marklin AMERIKA ship 5050/11 E

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.

MARKLIN HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FE LOCOMOTIVE & TENDER
Marklin FE 3021

🌟 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. ​

Origins of Electric: The F/E 3021 Märklin’s Electric Masterpiece

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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.

Comparison of early E 3021/3022 locomotives
E 3021 American version, but still with German-style cab. Source: Auktionshaus Hohenstaufen
E 3021 American version, with American-style cab. Source: Vectis Auctions
E 3021, brass housing variation also with early style wheels. Source: Auktionshaus Lankes

Previous earl(ier) electric locomotives

Marklin’s very first known electric locomotive, dated 1896
Early Marklin electric, possibly before 1903 but with overpainted wheels. Source: Lankes Auktionshaus

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.

FE 3021 and FE 64/3021 electric in special supplement catalog 1905

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.

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.

Auktionshaus Heilbronn: Grand Toy and Rarity Auction on April 3–5, 2025

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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.

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