Vintage toy auction tops $1.8 million as rare robots and prototypes soar

Milestone Auctions in Willoughby, Ohio, set a house record with a $1.8 million sale of antique and vintage toys on October 17. A 1960 Masudaya Machine Man robot led the auction at $134,550, while rare pieces from Japan, Germany and the U.S. drew far above estimate bids.

Why it matters: - Milestone Auctions set a new company record with a $1.8 million toy sale in metro Cleveland. - The results showed strong demand for rare, high-condition antique and vintage toys across American, European and Japanese collecting markets. - Several lots sold far above estimate, signaling deep bidding interest for museum-grade pieces with provenance, rarity and original condition.

What happened: - Milestone Auctions held its record-setting auction on October 17 in Willoughby, Ohio. - The sale featured around 150 lots of premium antique and vintage toys. - The auction generated $1.8 million, the highest grossing sale since the business opened its gallery doors 12 years ago. - A 1960 Masudaya Machine Man robot brought the top price at $134,550. - An anonymous American collector won the robot by phone after 41 bids.

The details: - The Machine Man robot was made in Japan in 1960 and is one of the rarest of the large tin robots known as the “Gang of Five.” - Milestone described the robot as one of only a handful known in such high condition. - The robot carried a pre-sale estimate of $60,000 to $80,000. - A Marx 12-inch prototype of the 1939 New York World’s Fair Rocket Ship sold for $64,350, against a $10,000 to $15,000 estimate. - The Marx prototype featured a wedge-shaped cockpit, hand-painted details, visible passengers through the windows, and markings reading New York World’s Fair 1939, ERIE 12-7-38 and 1769. - A working oversize Marklin sample steam plant sold for $81,900, against a $40,000 to $60,000 estimate. - The Marklin piece measured 47 by 34½ by 34½ inches and was described as one of only two known, with the only one believed to be in North America. - A Hoge 14-inch Popeye the Sailor Mechanical Rowboat sold for $22,800, above its $10,000 to $15,000 estimate. - The Popeye rowboat remained in its original box and included its original oars and rudders. - A Meier tin windup Motorcycle Go Round sold for $12,000, against a $3,000 to $4,000 estimate. - The Meier toy came with its original pictorial-label box and retained its flag and start sign. - Yonezawa’s tin friction #58 Atom Jet Racer sold for $27,000, above a $10,000 to $15,000 estimate. - The 26-inch racer included its original driver figure and clear plastic-and-chrome bubble cockpit. - A Turner pressed-steel Lincoln Yellow Cab sold for $31,590, against a $10,000 to $20,000 estimate. - Milestone said the 28-inch cab was the first of its kind ever to appear at auction. - A Wilkins 10-inch cast-iron horse-drawn Mowing Machine sold for $16,605, against a $3,000 to $5,000 estimate. - The Wilkins toy came with its original paper-labeled box, which Milestone said was the only original box the team had ever seen for that model. - A 1920s Gendron Marmon pedal car sold for $19,890, against an $8,000 to $12,000 estimate. - The pedal car featured original paint, intact decals and accessories including a windshield, cowl light, hood ornament, horn and spotlight.

Between the lines: - The auction showed that condition still matters as much as rarity in the vintage toy market. - Original boxes, complete accessories and untouched paint helped push several lots well beyond estimate. - The results also reflect the broad appeal of mid-century robots, mechanical toys and early automotive-themed collectibles. - Miles King said strong bidding came from collectors in Europe, Japan, Australia and across the United States. - King also said collector demand, not auction estimates, ultimately set the market value on sale day. - Milestone has grown beyond toys and now also handles antique advertising, gambling and coin-op machines, militaria, and antique and vintage firearms.

What's next: - Milestone is seeking consignments for future auctions of antique toys, advertising, gambling and coin-op machines, militaria, and collectible firearms. - The company says consignments can range from a single item to an entire collection, and discussions are kept confidential. - More information is available on Milestone Auctions' website.