DENVER, PA — Morphy Auctions is poised to offer a remarkable slice of history on May 29 with the first installment of the late Tom Sage Sr.’s lifetime antique toy collection. Sage, a trailblazer in antique toy collecting and dealing, spent five decades amassing an extraordinary and carefully curated collection of European and American toys, many of which are considered unparalleled in rarity and condition.
The centerpiece of the auction is the striking 1904 Marklin Ferris Wheel, made by the renowned German toymaker Marklin. Described as one of only three or four known examples worldwide, the Ferris Wheel is believed to be the finest surviving piece of its kind. Providing a stunning glimpse into its ownership history, the Ferris Wheel comes with vintage photographs from circa 1910, showing its original owner.
“The Ferris Wheel can be traced back to the gentleman’s relative who worked for a Brooklyn department store and who received the toy when the store closed down before World War I. Dad purchased it at Sotheby’s in 1994. It was one of his finest toys, and he thought so highly of it, he kept it in his bedroom,” said Tommy Sage Jr., head of Morphy Auctions’ Toys & Trains department. The pre-sale estimates for this standout item range between $100,000 and $200,000.
Another extraordinary piece that collectors will recognize is a 45-inch Marklin Amerika tin oceanliner, which dates back to 1909–1910. Known for its impressive size and impeccable original condition, this piece is expected to command between $100,000 and $150,000.
The auction also features the Marklin Gefion battleship, a circa-1904 model notable for its “ram” bow, a design element seen on period warships. Sold with 11 original Heyde soldiers, this unique and well-preserved piece carries an estimate of $30,000 to $50,000, reflecting its historic and collectible value.
Tom Sage Sr., who passed away in 2024, was more than an avid collector; he was a pioneer in the antique toy world. Known for his encyclopedic knowledge and unrivaled network within the industry, Sage’s career centered on buying and selling rare toys while cultivating his own dream collection of historically significant and highly sought-after pieces.
While the auction includes many exceptional highlights, other notable items include a hand-painted 13-inch Bing taxi complete with its original store box from Au Bon Marché in Paris (estimated at $25,000–$35,000) and a circa-1912 Fischer Father Christmas car in mint condition ($15,000–$25,000). Additionally, a Marklin clockwork tramway trolley from 1900, complete with original catenary poles and figures, is expected to fetch $20,000–$30,000.
“This auction is a testament to my father’s passion and vision,” Sage Jr. added.
With countless museum-quality treasures set to cross the block, the May 29 auction marks a rare opportunity for collectors to own a piece of toy history. Beyond the financial value, the sale underscores Tom Sage Sr.’s enduring legacy as a steward of antique toy heritage and a champion of preserving these artifacts for future generations.
The auction of Tom Sage Sr’s Private Collection of Antique Toys & Trains – Part I will take place on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 9 AM ET at Morphy’s gallery, 2000 N. Reading Rd., Denver, PA 17517. Bidding options include absentee, phone, or live online through Morphy Live. For questions, condition reports, or to reserve a phone line, call 877-968-8880 or email info@morphyauctions.com. Learn more at www.morphyauctions.com.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.