Japanese Tin Friction Toy Motorcycle Romances Bidders At Milestone Auction – Antiques And The Arts Weekly

WILLOUGHBY, OHIO — “Elmer’s place,” formally known as Elmer’s Auto and Toy Museum in Fountain City, Wis., was a unique repository for vehicles and automotive toys of all types. Elmer Duellman passed away in 2019 at age 79, and with the blessing of his heirs, Milestone Auctions is auctioning the vast collection of antique and vintage toys that Elmer displayed at his museum. The multi-year series of quarterly sales debuted on October 28 at Milestone’s gallery. One of the most sought-after of all postwar tin friction motorcycles by I.Y. Japan, known as the “large blue version” of the “Romance” motorcycle, with a $2/3,000 estimate, blew away expectations, racing to $25,830, including premium, from a $1,000 starting price. Deemed “a great addition to any collection,” this was a complete example with pleasing colors and the desirable male driver and female passenger. The kickoff auction comprised more than 800 lots from the museum collection, which consists of more than 20,000 toys of all kinds. A follow-on review will present additional notable highlights.