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#MikadoBank #KyserRex #BoothCollection #BertoiaAuctions #MechanicalBanks #FolkArt #HubleySanta #AlphabetMan #ButtingRam #HubleyDoorstop #UncleSamBank #ReynoldsBank #ArcadeREO #KentonChrysler #CollectiblesSaleOct23
Bertoia Auctions’ September 25 Cast‑Iron sale in Vineland, N.J., realized more than $515,000 from the mechanical‑bank and related collections of the late Dr. Robert Booth, as well as consignments from Tony LaSala, Ira Bernstein, Bob Brady (doorstops) and Max Berry (Charlie Reynolds banks). The auction highlighted Booth’s view of early mechanical banks as “Americana”—figural, colorful historical objects he enjoyed using and demonstrating to friends, neighbors and children, rather than treating them as pristine display pieces.
The star lot was a circa 1886 Kyser & Rex blue‑table Mikado mechanical bank, one of only a handful known. Its intricate action—coin placed under a right hat, rear crank turned, cones rise and fall to make the coin disappear and reappear before dropping into the bank—earned $38,400, sitting comfortably within its $25,000–$40,000 estimate. Bertoia noted the Mikado’s rarity (perhaps a dozen extant) and complex mechanism, which made it costly to produce and highly sought after.
Following the Mikado, a scarce Alphabet Man (also called the Yankee Schoolmaster) fetched $20,400 against an $8,000–$12,000 range. This part‑toy, part‑educational aid features a revolving alphabet wheel on the figure’s chest; its folk‑art appeal and strong mechanical action drove the price well over estimate.
Other notable results included:
* A Hubley Santa still bank (Booth collection) that sold for $3,300, double its $1,200–$2,000 estimate.
* A Hubley Messenger Boy doorstop (Art Deco series) that realized $3,600, twice its $1,200–$1,800 high estimate.
* A Hubley Bathing Beauties doorstop (signed “© FISH 250”) that brought $3,900, more than double its high estimate.
* An uncommon Sears, Roebuck & Co. Uncle Sam mechanical bank (1970 limited‑edition, #60 of 99) that sold for $3,600, far above its $200–$400 estimate.
* A pre‑production Reynolds Uncle Sam Lawyer bank (2003, one of two made) that achieved $3,000 versus a $2,000 high estimate.
* Arcade REO Royale Coupe toy car ($3,600 vs. $2,000 estimate) and a Kenton 1934 Chrysler Airflow ($2,700 vs. $1,000 estimate) from the LaSala and Bernstein consignments.
Bertoia emphasized that Booth’s willingness to actually operate his banks—uncommon among high‑end collectors—added to their charm and helped spark lasting interest in mechanical banks among local children who later recalled the demonstrations. The sale’s strong performance across categories (mechanical banks, cast‑iron toys, doorstops, and specialty banks) reflected robust collector demand and affirmed Booth’s legacy as a passionate steward of American folk‑art mechanical banks. The next Bertoia Auctions Collectibles Sale is scheduled for October 23. (Word count: 348)
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