Author Archives: Paul

Early European Train, Jerry Poch Train Collection Session 8

Attention all collectors of antique and pre-war model railways! A truly exceptional event is on the horizon that promises to be a landmark sale for the hobby: Stout Auctions is proud to present “Early European Trains: The Jerry Poch Collection Session 8.” With each session, more and more rarities come up for sale!

This is more than just an auction; it is the dispersal of one of the finest, most meticulously curated collections of Gauge I, Gauge O, and Gauge III model trains from the golden age of European manufacturing.

A Legacy of European Tinplate

The late Jerry Poch was renowned for his dedication to collecting the highest quality, most pristine examples of early European tinplate toys, focusing particularly on German, French, and British manufacturers from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The catalog is a treasure trove of legendary brands, including:

  • Märklin (Germany): Expect to see ultra-rare examples from the premier manufacturer, especially in the larger Gauge I and Gauge O scales, often featuring detailed clockwork and live steam mechanisms.
  • Bing (Germany): Known for their intricate railway stations, accessories, and a wide variety of rolling stock.
  • Georges Carette (France/Germany): Highly sought-after pieces known for their elegance and scarcity.
  • Fulgurex, JEP, and other elite manufacturers.

Highlights often include meticulously preserved locomotives, hand-painted railway stations, and rare European train sets that have not been seen on the open market in decades.

How to View the Catalog and Bid

This is your opportunity to acquire museum-quality items from a collection that has been built with a lifetime of passion. Don’t miss this chance to add a cornerstone piece of model rail history to your collection.

Auction Details:

Click the link above to explore the full catalog, register to bid, and view the high-resolution images of these historic locomotives and accessories.

Auktionshaus Heilbronn’s “The Great Toy and Rarities Auction” This October!

Attention all collectors and enthusiasts of rare, historic toys! Get ready for a spectacular event, as Auktionshaus Heilbronn presents its much-anticipated “Große Spielzeug- und Raritätenauktion” (The Great Toy and Rarities Auction).

This exclusive three-day event, running from October 2nd to October 4th, 2025, will showcase an extraordinary collection of vintage treasures (of many gauges including 00/HO) that will captivate any collector’s dreams.

You can look forward to a stunning array of items, including:

  • A Märklin CCS 66 12920 “Crocodile” and mint-in-box SLH 70 12920
  • Both the big and small variations of the Liliput/Marklin layouts
  • Two Marklin “holy grail” pieces from the 00 range: the E 800 LMS and the E 700
  • Highly-detailed steam locomotives and wagons.
  • Historic ships and tin toys.
  • A wide range of miscellaneous accessories.
Märklin Spur 0 Dampflok "Decapod"
A rare and seldom-seen Marklin “Decapod” in O Gauge. View Lot
Märklin H0 Zugset HR 749 LNER OVP
A fantastic 00 set for British export Market circa 1937/38. View Lot
Märklin Kriegsschiff 1090 Kreuzer "HERTHA"
Marklin medium-size warship cruiser complete with canons, flags, lifeboats, and more!
View Lot

This is an unmissable opportunity to acquire a piece of toy history, whether you’re a seasoned collector or a new enthusiast.

For more details on the auction, including the full catalog and how to participate, visit the official auction page and place your bids!

https://www.auktion-heilbronn.de/Auktionen/Die-Grosse-Spielzeug-und-Raritaetenauktion-2-4-10-2025/

or go straight to the auction catalog:

https://www.lot-tissimo.com/de-de/auction-catalogues/heilbronn/catalogue-id-heilbr10008

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

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

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

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. ​

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