Tally Ho! Carpenter Coach Leads Bertoia’s Smith Collection Sale – Antiques And The Arts Weekly

VINELAND, N.J. — On March 16, Bertoia presented the world-class early American toy collection of Linda and the late Curtis Smith. This collection is recognized as one of the finest in quality and condition of pre-1900 American toys unrivaled with rarity and provenance from all the great early collectors. The Carpenter coach, the sale’s top lot, has been widely considered the finest example known, completely original, including all the removable figures, a great depiction of early coach transportation. It’s rare for these pieces, given their size and weight, to not have breaks and repairs and turn up this nice. Estimated $50/75,000, the 26-inch-long coach traveled to $120,000, including buyer’s premium. More highlights from this sale will follow in a later review.