Cape Ann Auction’s Sale Features Hundreds of Antique Toys – WorthPoint

When auctioneers Walt and Robin Kolenda of Cape Ann Auction were picking through items in a home in Massachusetts, they were just about ready to wrap it up when Robin spotted a hidden door to an attic. Sensing an adventure, she urged Walt to open the door and explore.

While it initially looked like old wiring and unused pipes, there was more—a collection unlike the two experienced pickers had seen in years. Behind the door, Walt and Robin found a collection of antique tin toys, books, and vintage banks stashed in the crawl space. As Robin and Walt pulled out each box, their excitement grew at what they had found.

“You Just Don’t Find These!”

When they counted and cataloged each piece, the total came to 207 items—most dating from the 1930s and earlier. Walt and Robin have assembled an auction of the items to begin on January 31. It’s a time capsule of items that perfectly represent the period. Cape Ann Auction is a boutique auction house in the seaside town of Gloucester, Massachusetts. Walt, Robin, and their family spend time curating the best art, furniture, and vintage items from estate sales and picking trips before offering their finds at auction.

Whether it’s a whole house that needs cleaning out or just a few items for consignment, Cape Ann Auction brings quality antiques and collectibles to the market, delighting customers and buyers alike.

The recent find of tin toys and playsets from makers such as Kenton, Hubley, and Marx—along with Disney vintage books and Parker Brothers—are included in the upcoming auction, which is an “Absolute Auction,” meaning that every lot will sell to the highest bidder, no matter the price. That means it’s a chance to scoop up some stellar vintage items at a fair price. Bidding on the tin toys, books, and other items will start at $1, but many of the toys are extremely rare, so buyers and toy enthusiasts won’t want to miss this collection.

Bidding for the online auction begins on January 31 and closes on February 7. Finding games, books, antique toys, and vintage coin banks from the early part of the 20th century in such quantity and condition seldom happens, so check out the lots early for the best selection.

Brenda Kelley Kim lives in the Boston area. She is the author of Sink or Swim: Tales From the Deep End of Everywhere and writes a weekly syndicated column for The Marblehead Weekly News/Essex Media Group. When not writing or walking her snorty pug, Penny, she enjoys yard sales, flea markets, and badminton.

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