The French auction house: Galerie de Chartres has this time 12 very nice Fernand Martin/Victor Bonnet toys in the “LIVE” auction on April 22 -2023. Furthermore, there are many more other beautiful toys in this auction that we can look for.
These prices are in € (Euro) and without Buyer’s Premium and subject to errors. Always check the auction site for the results.
Regarding the objects described in this article, I do not make a statement about condition or value. I advise interested collectors always do to research yourself, to view the object or to contact the seller / auction .
This toy is a platform employee of a train station and dated from 1894. In the books known to us, this toy has the Martin product number 48, but the latest discoveries show that there are two models and that they are numbered 123 and 124.
This person was responsible for transporting passengers suitcases, luggage and packages to and from the trains.
These two versions are different, there is one version with a flywheel drive and another with a mechanical wind-up drive. These two different versions are clearly distinguishable. The version with flywheel has one tin case for the cart, in this case the flywheel is hidden.
These two different versions can be clearly distinguished. The version with a flywheel has one tin case for the cart, in this case is hidden the flywheel.
The version with the mechanical drive is relatively unknown, I only discovered one copy in the collection of the French museum Musée des arts and Métiers – Le cnam. The version with the winding mechanism is presumably provided with two paper-wrapped packages. (see the pictures in this museum)
As the photos of the museum contain a copyright, I cannot show it here, but a digital visit to the site is worth looking at, see this link: https://phototheque.arts-et-metiers.net/?idPageWeb=95 enter the keyword “Fernand Martin” at “rechercher“. The photos you can find at the numbers 0000558_052 up to and including 0000558_056 and at the numbers 0001664-045 and 0000558-174
On the drawing below and on the photos of the museum you can see that a different model key has been used here, this is one of the deviations from the keys known to us that Martin normally used.
On this catalog page the drawing is of the version with mechanism and if you look closely you can see at the bottom left of the drawing: Number 123 — avec volant . (Translated: with flywheel) Number 124 — mechanique. (Translated: with Mechanism)
The French auction house: Galerie de Chartres has this time 12 very nice Fernand Martin/Victor Bonnet toys in the “LIVE” auction on April 22 -2023. Furthermore, there are many more other beautiful toys in this auction that we can look for.
After the auction, I will publish the realized price for this toy.
These prices are in € (Euro) and without Buyer’s Premium and subject to errors. Always check the auction site for the results.
Regarding the objects described in this article, I do not make a statement about condition or value. I advise interested collectors always do to research yourself, to view the object or to contact the seller / auction .
On YouTube, Mr. Jean Brun from France has made 5 beautiful videos about Fernand Martin toys and his successors. The lyrics are in French but the video’s are still beautiful to look at. These videos can be viewed below.
These 5 video’s together are almost 80 min, so take your time, to make them that must have been a lot of work and time.
These YouTube videos are also listed separately in my menu under: “FIND ARTICLE“, the search page for specific articles; chapter 6 – Movies, I have had these videos in my “FIND ARTICLE” menu page for several weeks now, but now I bring them to your attention so that you can see and enjoy them.
first production date : 1912 production number: 229 height: 20 cm / 7,87 inch produced by Georges Flersheim
I have never seen a box with a label myself, but in the book: Fernand Martin Toy Maker in Paris 1878-1912 by Lourens Bas and Arthur Verdoorn, a label is depicted on page 188
This street scene is of course also seen by toy manufacturers and like so many street scenes there was an ingenious inventor who designed a toy out of it. I found an article in the magazine La Nature from 1911 with a description and picture of a “Le Petit Patineur” that looks very much like the Flersheim version.
The original inventor of this toy is Mr. Boucheron, 4, rue de l’Eglise, in Vitry-sur-Seine . Source picture : (Cnum – Digital Conservatory of Arts and Crafts – http://cnum.cnam.fr magazine La Nature 1911
Important Specialty Auctions of Technical Antiques offer a wide range of important collector’s items of high museum quality: Science & Technology, Office-Antiques, Telephones, Mechanical Music, Steam Engines, Photographica & Film and toys.
In this auction two Fernand Martin toys see lot 0498 and 0499
Result: Les Valseurs € 650
Result: Le Gai Violoniste € 350
For the complete overview, Auction terms & Info, Shipping & Payment look at this site:
All prices are in Euro € and without Buyer’s Premium and subject to errors. Always check the auction site for the results.
Regarding the objects described in this article, I do not make a statement about authenticity, condition or value. I advise interested collectors always do to research yourself, to view the object or to contact the seller / auction
Highlighted by the Phil & Joan Steel collection including Martins & Lehmanns, automatons, penny toys, lucxury autos & race cars from the Bill Gelles racing Collection, early table games, trains & airplanes, and more!
In this auction there are this time a lot of Martin, Flersheim and Bonnet toys and some are very rare but of course there are many more beautiful and interesting toys in this auction.
The Bertoia team is dedicated to offering our quality customer service, experience and support. Do not hesitate to contact us for assistance with registration, bidding or any other questions.
These result prices are in US $ and without Buyer’s Premium and subject to errors. Always check the auction site for the results.
Regarding the objects described in this article, I do not make a statement about condition or value. I advise interested collectors always do to research yourself, to view the object or to contact the seller / auction
Join us online for over 800 lots of quilts, glass, pottery, porcelain, furniture, decorative accessories, art, stoneware, redware, carpets, and so much more, including hundreds of lots of antique toys.
Send requests for additional information or photographs to conditions@pookandpook.com. For additional information about the upcoming auction, go to www.pookandpook.com. All bidding for this auction is online on PookLive, Bidsquare, and Invaluable. The buyer’s premium is 26% on all three bidding platforms.
March 16th, 2023 at 9AM
Result: $ 1,100
This time there is only one Martin is in auction with the next discription :
Fernand Martin clockwork “The Perfect Fisherman”, 7 1/2″ l.
Condition: Fishing rod is replaced and lacking fish, stains to clothes, sporadic paint loss heavier to hat, currently working.
For the complete overview, Auction terms & Info, Shipping & Payment look at this site: https://pookandpook.com/
The result price is in US $ and without Buyer’s Premium and subject to errors. Always check the auction site for the results.
Regarding the objects described in this article, I do not m
Important Specialty Auctions of Technical Antiques offer a wide range of important collector’s items of high museum quality: Science & Technology, Office-Antiques, Telephones, Mechanical Music, Steam Engines, Photographica & Film and toys.
In this auction there are two Fernand Martin toys, lot 0498 and 0499, but there are even more wonderful toys in this auction
For the complete overview, Auction terms & Info, Shipping & Payment look at this site:
After the auction, I will publish the realized price for this toy.
Regarding the objects described in this article, I do not make a statement about authenticity, condition or value. I advise interested collectors always do to research yourself, to view the object or to contact the seller / auction
Highlighted by the Phil & Joan Steel collection including Martins & Lehmanns, automatons, penny toys, lucxury autos & race cars from the Bill Gelles racing Collection, early table games, trains & airplanes, and more!
In this auction there are this time a lot of Martin, Flersheim and Bonnet toys and some are very rare but of course there are many more beautiful and interesting toys in this auction.
The Bertoia team is dedicated to offering our quality customer service, experience and support. Do not hesitate to contact us for assistance with registration, bidding or any other questions.
After the auction, I will publish the realized prices for these Martins.
Regarding the objects described in this article, I do not make a statement about condition or value. I advise interested collectors always do to research yourself, to view the object or to contact the seller / auction
Join us online for over 800 lots of quilts, glass, pottery, porcelain, furniture, decorative accessories, art, stoneware, redware, carpets, and so much more, including hundreds of lots of antique toys.
Send requests for additional information or photographs to conditions@pookandpook.com. For additional information about the upcoming auction, go to www.pookandpook.com. All bidding for this auction is online on PookLive, Bidsquare, and Invaluable. The buyer’s premium is 26% on all three bidding platforms.
March 16th, 2023 at 9AM
Lot 562
This time there is only one Martin is in auction with the next discription :
Fernand Martin clockwork “The Perfect Fisherman”, 7 1/2″ l.
Condition: Fishing rod is replaced and lacking fish, stains to clothes, sporadic paint loss heavier to hat, currently working.
For the complete overview, Auction terms & Info, Shipping & Payment look at this site: https://pookandpook.com/
After the auction, I will publish the realized price for this Martin.
Regarding the objects described in this article, I do not m
KIDD COLLECTION AUCTION PART II KIDD TOY MUSEUM SPECIALITIES
IN THIS AUCTION WAS ONE MARTIN TOY THE : LE POCHARD
Item Details :
Made by Ferdinand Martin. French – 1910. The toy works quite well.
Excellent Plus Condition.
For the complete overview, Auction terms & Info, Shipping & Payment look at this site: https://www.rslauctionco.com
The result price is in US $ and without Buyer’s Premium and subject to errors. Always check the auction site for the results.
Regarding the objects described in this article, I do not make a statement about authenticity, condition or value. I advise interested collectors always do to research yourself, to view the object or to contact the seller / auction
Martin started in 1875 with his first attempts to make toys but in 1878 the first real toy was a real swimming fish with patent number 128445 from Jan-01-1879
This Fish is about 19 cm / 7,5 inc long.
In the early days Martin used a rubber band (elastic) as the drive. By turning it on, the toy started to move. The system consists mainly of a crank, a rubber band and a movement mechanism. The drive mechanism was adjusted for each toy, such as up and down, right, left, spinning etc.
The first piece of Martin: the fish from 1878 Poisson Nageur and as you see Martin started with the product number 100
The crank is in the nose, inside the fish is the rubber band and the mechanism is on the tail.
In this demo model you can see clearly the mechanism in operation, By turning the crank and hold the tail, the rubber band is tightened (twisted) The other side of the rubber band is hooked onto the movement mechanism, the tail. When you release the tail again, the tail swings from right to left so that the illusion of swimming is simulated. Simple but effective.
The only drawback is that the rubber band can age and then break quickly. If it breaks, the hook and mechanism will fall off and mostly get lost.
Martin sold the patent for a swimming fish with a rubber band engine to the Englisch company Cremer Dolls Toys Games 210 Regent street London and that was the beginning of his fortune, he started in 1880 his first factory.
KIDD COLLECTION AUCTION PART II KIDD TOY MUSEUM SPECIALITIES
IN THIS AUCTION IS ONE MARTIN TOY THE : LE POCHARD
There are many more beautiful toys in this auction
Item Details :
Made by Ferdinand Martin. French – 1910. The toy works quite well.
Excellent Plus Condition.
For the complete overview, Auction terms & Info, Shipping & Payment look at this site: https://www.rslauctionco.com
After the auction, I will publish the realized price for this toy.
Regarding the objects described in this article, I do not make a statement about authenticity, condition or value. I advise interested collectors always do to research yourself, to view the object or to contact the seller / auction
A very nice toy with movement and music. After winding up, the pianist moves his hands from left to right over the keyboard and a piece of music sounds. Even our grandchildren can watch and listen with pleasure to this special piece of history.
This Le Petite Pianiste won a prize in 1901 during the first major Concours Lepine in Paris, during this competition Fernand Martin bought the rights from the inventor Mr. Bosquet, Martin then produced it himself and sales started in 1902.
From the Le Petite Pianiste are two versions that do not differ on the outside, the difference is in the melody, one for the French-speaking market and one for the English-speaking market.
French song: J’ai du bon tabac
Englisch song: God save the King
There is also a very rare version known, the pianist is a woman, I have seen one on the internet, it was part of an collection of an American collector, and the second known was owned by a friend of mine and is currently on display in the toy museum in Germany in the city of Soltau. Even if this version is not an original, it turned out very well.
We see Le petit pianiste with and without hair, it could be that in the later years the competition with the German toy import became too high and cutbacks had to be made, on many toys were cut backs like cheaper material, fewer handling in the production, fewer parts and presumably the wig disappeared from this pianist.
The cuts were not big, but you can also see that with the labels on the boxes, they became smaller, which is a very small cut, but given the very large production, it was ultimately a big cut. less storage, less paper and less glue.
Both pictures from: The English illustrated magazin dec. 1905
At the time, this pianist was already a lot more expensive than other Martin toys, this had to do with the very complex mechanism, which meant that not only the material costs, but especially the labor costs, were a lot higher. But when I see how many are left, he must have sold well.
Only 1 Fernand Martin toy in this auction, but a special and very early toy from 1885. Martin produced two different ones. Very rare and highly coveted by Fernand Martin collectors, but also by collectors of spinning tops.
Description of the auctioneer, Lot 2186
Extremely rare and desirable gyroscopic toy of a Balkan couple dancing by the French manufacturer Fernand Martin. Circa 1885. Rarely seen and highly sought after toy. Large scale, measures 75mm tall. Generally good complete condition (faded colors and paint loss) . Unboxed.
Result: $ 475
The price is in US $ and without Buyer’s Premium and subject to errors. Always check the auction site for the results.
This article was posted in 2019 but because of new facts, the article has now been edited.
In 1885, Fernand Martin made a bell ringer, Martin number 102, and calling him “Le Sonneur Endiable”, in older Fernand Martin books you see number 14 but that number is wrong and given without proof by the writers.
It is one of the first Martin toy with a lot fun.
But the Georges Flersheim factory took it more then almost 35 years later and re-released it with a few changes.
They renamed him “Je Sonne La Paix” and it got number 246 The “Je Sonne La Paix” is in English: “I ring [for] the peace“, in other words “I ring [to celebrate] the peace” referring the celebration of the end of the WW1 on November 11- 1918, in which Flersheim himself fought and died.
If you look quickly, you see almost no differences but they are indeed there.
Here the differences in detail:
-the Martin version (102) has the FM name stamped on top of the base plate in the Flersheim version (246) no text is stamped on top of this base, but there is a piece of fabric on the side with the name “Je Sonne La Paix” printed on it.
-If you look at both toys at the bottom, you see, under the male figure at the Martin (102) , an elongated piece of iron mounted as a weight and at the Flersheim (246) a solid plate is soldered and stamped the round FM logo on it.
-The Martin version (102) has a rubber band drive, that of Flersheim (246) a long spiral spring in the pole.
-At the top there is a French flag at the Flersheim (246), for this a hollow pipe has been placed in the roof for the iron flagpole with a fabric French flag.
-The bell has also been given a slightly slender shape by Georges Flersheim.
-The roof off number 102 is found with different reliefs, one just like the roof of the 246 in red with tiles and found with stipes in a yellow/gold paint.
It is currently the last piece that is still numbered in the Flersheim period. It is certain that after the death of Georges Flersheim more, till now, unknown toys were produced, time will tell which and how much.
It is strange that the number 246 has been used twice. Under this number by Victor Bonnet in 1919, his first produced toy is also numbered 246, it is the “Le Auto Transport” WHY???
The images / pictures used are with courtesy of Michael Bertoia, E.T. and from the own collection
Only 1 Fernand Martin toy in this auction, but a special and very early toy from 1885. Martin produced two different ones. Very rare and highly coveted by Fernand Martin collectors, but also by collectors of spinning tops.
Description of the auctioneer, Lot 2186
Extremely rare and desirable gyroscopic toy of a Balkan couple dancing by the French manufacturer Fernand Martin. Circa 1885. Rarely seen and highly sought after toy. Large scale, measures 75mm tall. Generally good complete condition (faded colors and paint loss) . Unboxed.
After the auction, I will publish the realized prices for these Martins.
Photos courtesy Old Toy Soldier Auctions USA Regarding the objects described in this article, I do not make a statement about condition or value. I advise interested collectors always do to research yourself, to view the object or to contact the seller / auction
IN DECEMBER 2022 I MADE A BLOG ABOUT THE VERSION OF MR BOUCERON, NOW AN EXTENSIVE INTRODUCTION TO THIS SPECIAL TOY
There are three versions of this toy made by the Fernand Martin factory. When the key is wound, the cart will go “backward” and the boy’s legs will move as if he were pushing the cart backward himself.
Dimension: length 20 cm / 7.8 inches. Martin production number 218
It started with the version made by Mr. Boucheron This invention was exhibited on the “Lepine Concours” in 1909 and on this show Martin bought the rights and started to make it a salable version and that resulted in this version:
Martin patented this toy in 1910
Not long after, Fernand Martin sold his factory to Georges Flersheim, who continued to produce some of the old toys, but often with some adjustments, other colors, etc. Below the performance produced by Georges Flersheim. The biggest difference is in the design of the closed wheels and the part with the fruit is not so well detailed anymore and of course also the Flersheim key. Fernand Martin has released various colors of this toy and George Flersheim has also produced a number of color versions.
And then there is also a very special version with a case instead of the fruit, this version is very rare and it is not yet clear whether Martin or Flersheim produced it. It is possible that this special version was produced on behalf of a customer, on this suitcase you can recognize a label of the large Parisian hotel “Grand Hotel” This suitcase can also be seen on a special version of the Le Petit Livreur.
The menu bar function “FIND ARTICLE” is an extra function to quickly find specific articles by means of a link, search the article and open the link, then you can read the article.
“FIND ARTICLE” is divided in the following chapters:
1 FERNAND MARTIN TOYS WITH NUMBER: 2 FERNAND MARTIN TOYS NO NUMBER: 4 GEORGES FLERSHEIM TOYS: 5 VICTOR BONNET: 3 GENERAL: 6 MOVIES: 7 ART: 8 OLD NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINS ARTICLES:
The other functions in the menu bar are:
About Fernand Martin. (The latest articles by, with and about Fernand Martin, Georges Flersheim, Victor Bonnet and interesting facts with a link to these toys),
Antique Toys Magazin. Every month what to expect in this toy Magazin
Auctions. With toys from Fernand Martin, Georges Flersheim and Victor Bonnet (new future auctions and past auctions with the results)
Source gallica.bnf.fr / Bibliothèque nationale de France
Fernand Martin’s toys were often sold by street vendors and vendors in market stalls on the Paris promenades at the end of the year at Christmas and New Years, but life was hard for these vendors and during the bad weather of that year, practically earned nothing. Read this newspaper article.
Magazine: La Fonde December 1901
Poor street vendors! how sadly they spent the Christmas night that had not turned out to be what they had been waiting for weeks. The long faces, the dull eyes, they watch the rain fall slowly on the asphalt of the sidewalks, driving away the few little walkers. He cries in my heart when it rains on the city, they could have repeated with “Verlaine” (a French poet). Sales were indeed not very fruitful, the day was desperately gloomy yesterday and the evening was hardly more lively. So much effort, energy, patience and ingenuity that these brave people put into this traditional sale for months.
The toy competition organized by Mr Lépine had given the small manufacturers some hope; the public seemed to be interested in these humble inventors, and there was every reason to think that Christmas Eve would be a happy one, bringing a little joy and well-being to the households of the cheap-clothed toymakers. The more than gloomy weather has spoiled all these beautiful hopes, and we must hear the grievances of these poor devils who have made great sacrifices of themselves to promote these people. Small barracks, ugly and clumsy, but part of the old Parisian traditions. “But you managed to make some profit the day before yesterday,” I said to a tall, pale woman, who cast a sad look at the gaudy colored dolls lined up on the edge of her sales bench. “No ma’am. Although the weather was beautiful, and a really big crowd on the boulevard earlier in the evening, it was not the day of shopping. – What do you mean? – I mean by this: The custom is that on Christmas Eve we buy our presents, the day before we will only look, we make our choice, we compare the prices of the toys, but then don’t buy it yet. And lady, the hour of the sale may have come, when the weather is as bad as tonight, you understand that customers are in no rush to visit our stores. “Oh shit, we always think we’re going to make some money and instead we go home with more debt.” It is very unfortunate that instead of this ugly sad rain we did not have a nice evening, cold but very dry. Everyone would have benefited from it: the rich in gaiety, the poor in large pennies. Perhaps the stalls on New Year’s Day had never been so stocked with new and varied trinkets. Several toys had been exhibited in previous toy competitions. But then most were just more or less rough-edged models, here they are fresh and finished in their beautiful bright colors. It is the Santos-Dumont that doubles the platforms of the Eiffel Tower, it is the fighting
Boer ( Le vaillant Boer Martin number 174-176 ? ) in question, who is so ingenious in its simplicity, the latest locomotive,
the automatic city police, ( Les agents Martin number 178). It is the Englishman fighting an invisible enemy
(Le Gentleman Khaki Martin number 175) That still others must be mentioned among the mechanical toys. The few shoppers are told what’s new, they ask about the toys seen in the competition; For example, last night an old lady insisted that a merchant tell her where “Le Singe a la marmite” the monkey in the pot, by Frémiet, was sold.
—”It’s for my grandson,” she said, “he will enjoy it very much.”
— In vain, the shopkeeper offered her the most recent creations of articulated toys. The grandmother persisted. – No, no, it’s “the monkey in the pot” I want, I promised to bring it… “But I tell you I don’t have it,” replied the merchant angrily. Do you know that in order to produce this toy well it would have to be sold very dearly and then not for 2 fr. 95 which we could ask for like for all these dolls. And then, I don’t really want to say it, but this famous monkey is not that beautiful and to amuse children, there is still nothing like these old dolls… I had to smile at this naive joke which failed to convince the grandmother, for I saw her resume her pilgrimage in the rain past the little huts, dimly lit by the dim lights and quivering from the smoky oil lamps. I imitate her and continue my traditional visit to these varied displays, some of which are arranged with taste. Among the toys I find old acquaintances:
the goose that wobbles when he nods his head, ( L’oie Martin number 169)
the laundress who puts her arms in her bathtub,(La Blanchisseuse Martin number 171)
the mower that rhythmically shakes its small scythe (le Faucheur Martin number 170)
Street vendors who can’t afford to “stand on the boardwalk” send swarms of articulate beasts running down the muddy sidewalks: ladybugs, lizards, frogs, cockchafers, seals, it’s as if someone just knocked over Noah’s ark. There’s something for everyone, for all budgets, from the modest two-cent piece to the two-franc piece. Huddled under the porches or shrunk behind the canopies of the shops, the poor devils make a terrible noise to attract the attention of buyers, while looking out for the city police, the “police” as they call them in their own picturesque language. — Ask for the Christmas Angel — The latest novelty of the year. “What doesn’t this Christmas present have?” It’s deafening. And the raging wind violently shakes the huts and blows an icy rain in the faces of the few passers-by. Soon the boulevards are deserted and gloomy. The cafe terraces are empty and it is raining. It’s New Year’s Eve. Groups of night owls trying to be merry still roam as they sing choruses of café music, and as the gusts double their violence, a few revelers are still eating their dinner on New Year’s Eve. – We’re not eating now, I had to say to an old lady yesterday, we were bickering. “Oh! I should be ashamed, she moaned, if, despite my age, I had a stomach as weak as the one my daughter’s friends complain about. And in this connection I remembered the funny song “New Year’s Eve in two parts”, from Charles Monselet, – ( a French journalist, novelist, poet and playwright, nicknamed “the king of the gastronomes”) – But it doesn’t matter, it took hard vices to sustain this earthly lavishness.
Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Fröhliche Weihnachten und ein glückliches Neues Jahr Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo Boas Festas e um feliz Ano Novo Kala Christougenna Ki’eftihismenos O Kenourios Chronos God Jul och Gott Nytt År Glædelig Jul og godt nytår Geseende Kerfees en ’n gelukkige nuwe jaar Hyvää joulua ja onnellista uutta vuotta
We all know that Martin was not the inventor of all his toys himself. Many of his toys were invented by small toy makers who took their inventions to the annual “Concours de Lépine” a competition in Paris to present and hopefully sell their inventions. One of these inventors was Mr Boucheron from whom Martin has bought several inventions. One of these inventions was the L’Autopatte. On the box and the catalogue page of this Martin toy you can see that it won a “Grand Prix” price on the “Concours Lépine”. In the magazine “La Nature” from 1909 page 204 a small article of this invention was described the L’auto-pattes
The translated description is as follows:
A production by M. Boucheron that solves wishes. The L’ Autopatte is a motor vehicle a african boy sits in front of the person falling to the ground that is propelled in circular long durations. The mechanism is simple. A lever that performs the functions of the femur is placed in the extended mechanism where it is received in an arc. A cam enhances this lever to move up and down. Finally, each leg carries a lever. The knee joints are more than primary. The legs hang at the end of the knees. But when the toy is walking, the controlled bars go up one by one, and the legs take the vertical position by their own weight, and when they are lowered, the legs touch the ground. As the toy rolls, these feet stay on the ground for a short time and lengthen to return vertically to the next move. Because this steering is alternate, the feet land on the ground one by one and the africa boy feels in fact he is actually responsible for the propulsion of the vehicle with his feet in reverse. –
Mr. Boucheron lived on the rue Rachel, in Vitry-sur-Seine.
In January 2023 a blog with more about this nice toy
Milestone Auctions is proud to present this auction event. Many wonderful Toys will be offered in this 1 day sale! Collectors will have the chance to bid examples of many different categories of Antique Toys & Star Wars Toys!!
In this auction a large number of Fernand Martin and Victor Bonnet toys, some with box
All prices are in US $ and without Buyer’s Premium and subject to errors. Always check the auction site for the results.
Photos courtesy Milestone Auctions
Regarding the objects described in this article, I do not make a statement about condition or value. I advise interested collectors always do to research yourself, to view the object or to contact the seller / auction
The RSL Auction Company is excited and pleased to announce a two-day Crème de la Crème sale which will be held Saturday, December 3, 2022, and Sunday, December 4, 2022. The sale will include fantastic selections of Toys, Still Banks, and Mechanical Banks from the 50-plus-year collections of Frank and Joyce Kidd, Ed and Naomi Singer, and Alvin Goldstein. The 40-year Doorstop collection of Mr. John Oppenheimer will be sold as well.
The RSL family has known the three bank and toys consignors since the early 1980s and considers them lifelong friends and mentors. Frank, Joyce, Ed, and Alvin share a passion for collecting antique toys and banks and are eager to see their collections spread to future generations of collectors.
We are truly honored to have been selected to sell these four world-famous collections.
IN THIS AUCTION IS ONE VERY RARE MARTIN TOY THAT WAS MADE IN 1913 IN THE GEORGE FLERSHEIM PERIOD. MARTIN NUMBER 237 NAME: DAME DE LA CROIX ROUGE
For the complete overview, Auction terms & Info, Shipping & Payment look at this site: https://www.rslauctionco.com
The result price is in US $ and without Buyer’s Premium and subject to errors. Always check the auction site for the results.
Regarding the objects described in this article, I do not make a statement about authenticity, condition or value. I advise interested collectors always do to research yourself, to view the object or to contact the seller / auction
The brandnew catalog of the 95th Toy Auction is online!
This auction features more than 2500 items of tin toys, trains, figures and model cars and this time with some Fernand Martin / Victor Bonnet toys.
This is a room bidding but you can also take part in the online bidding live via telephone, register your written predids or using the auction platforms lot-tissimo, the-saleroom and liveauctioneers and Sixbid you are able to to bid online. So you can submit your bids in real time during the auction. Therefor it is necessary to register on the platform of your choice not later than 24 hours before the auction starts.
The easiest way to participate in our auctions is to use our online catalogue. Here you can view all the items and directly place written pre-bids. See the catalog in the link below. You can also read the catalog in English
We hope you enjoy reading and browsing through the new catalog!
All prices are in Euro € and without Buyer’s Premium and subject to errors. Always check the auction site for the results.
Regarding the objects described in this article, I do not make a statement about condition or value. I advise interested collectors always do to research yourself, to view the obj
Milestone Auctions is proud to present this auction event. Many wonderful Toys will be offered in this 1 day sale! Collectors will have the chance to bid examples of many different categories of Antique Toys & Star Wars Toys!!
In this auction a large number of Fernand Martin and Victor Bonnet toys, some with box
Wonderful collection of Robots and Space Toys! Includes “Diamond Planet Robot” & More!!!
Great selection Star Wars Figures! Many Graded!! Includes 12-Back A Vinyl Cape Jawa AFA 80+ Great collection of Early Mickey Mouse & Disney Toys, Popeye Toys, and More Character Toys!
Many tin Windups by Marx, Chein, Lindstrom, Ohio Art, Wyandotte, and Linemar, More!! Many with original Boxes!!
Rare Marx Prototypes!!
Great selection of Hand Painted German Toys, Lehmanns, Distler, Gunthermann, and More!!
Plus great collection of Pressed Steel Trucks by Buddy L, Keystone, American National, Keystone, Tonka, and More!!!
After the auction, I will publish the realized prices for these Martins.
Photos courtesy Milestone Auctions
Regarding the objects described in this article, I do not make a statement about condition or value. I advise interested collectors always do to research yourself, to view the object or to contact the seller / auction
Three “different” versions of the “Le Cab” were made in the period between 1889 and 1919.
These vehicles were the means of transport in the city in the late 1800s and early 1900s, they were actually the first taxis
THE FIRST VERSION OF THE LE CAB FROM 1889 with number 110:
Fernand Martin launched his first version of the Le Cab in 1889, the differences with the later version from 1903 and 1912 can be recognized by the following points.
The 1889 version compared to the 1903 and 1912 models: -The carriage had no passenger section. (it’s closed on the front) -The wheels have 8 spokes, (the 1903 and 1912 versions have 10 spokes) -Closed-side windows. (Only painted windows in red) -Driven by a flywheel mechanism. -This edition has 35 metal separate parts, (that is what you can count on the drawing), to build and complete the hole toy. That did not include the rein so actually 36 parts in total.
This first version of the Le Cab is very very rare and hard to find, so far I only know a few copies : –1 in the collection of the Parisian museum: Musée des arts et Métiers this one was part of the gift from Fernand Martin to the museum in 1908, that one has a brown horse. –1 sold a few years ago at the French dealer l’Orangerie – François Binetruy, this one also came with an original box and a brown horse. –1 in the Spielmuseum Soltau in Germany with a white horse. –1 in the collection of a friend of mine with a white horse. –1 in my own collection with a white horse. But there will probably still be some other copies in museums or collections over the world.
Below you see an original box label and an image from the original catalog. If you look very closely you will see differences between the box label and the catalog image. 1- The four corners of the box label are not richly decorated. 2- Below the triangle with number 138 are on the box label data of various gold medals that Martin has won. 3- the “instructions” are different in width and the number of lines is different, on the box label the lines are wider then on the catalog image. 4- Below the legs of the horse the text “Made In France” appears on the catalog image and not on the box label. 5- On the right and left of the FM logo are small decorations on the box label.
As already mentioned there is one known copy complete with box, so very rare and that one has a brown horse.
On the inside of the passenger seat there is the imprint of the Fernand Martin factory
SECOND VERSION WITH THE NUMBER 192 FROM 1903
In 1903 Martin released this same toy again in a slightly modified version, now with a passenger section and also open side windows, a clockwork drive and a complete new box label. It got number 192.
The coach of this 1903 version came in the black / red color combination. The drive was now a wind-up mechanism and with the recognizable Martin key. This toy was marked on the inside of the passenger section and on the backsite above the key .
THE FLERSHEIM VERSION WITH THE NUMBER 192 FROM 1912
In the Flersheim period from 1912, the Le Cab was re-released, the version was almost the same as the Martin version from 1903 and the Martin number remained the same with 192. This version is only marked on the roof with the well nown triangel marker. This version also had a wind-up mechanism but now with a Martin or Flersheim key. It was sold in multiple colors.
I have come across this Flersheim version with the coach, so far, in the following colors Lower part of the sides – Upper part of the sides – the top of the roof. -Brown – brown – brown. -Blue – black – black. -Green – green – green. -Blue – blue – black.
What is also striking in this version and recognizable as Flersheim is that with all Flersheim models I have seen, the fixing tabs for fixing the back, are facing backwards. With the Martin version, these tabs are always facing inwards.
Yet another deviation is that for the toys of which the carriage is completely colored, (the green and light brown version) the colors appear to be “sprayed”, but that they were only sprayed after the carriage was already partially assembled. If you look closely at the carriage, you will find color residues on the drive section, the rods to the horse, but only on the inside at the location of the wind-up mechanism, the key and also on the inside of the rear lower protruding ornament parts.
The same horse was used many years by Martin, Flersheim and Victor Bonnet for divers toys: from 1890 the Don Quichotte, the horse with a cover number 110 Le Cab version with fly wheel made by Fernand Martin in 1889 number 122 Le Courrier Parisien made by Fernand Martin in 1892 number 192 Le Cab version with a wind-up mechanism made by Fernand Martin in 1903 number 192 Le Cab version with a wind-up mechanism made by George Flersheim in 1912 number 194 de La Voiture A Bitume made by Fernand Martin in 1906 number 203 de Le Laboureur made by Fernand Martin in 1906 number 255 La Charrette Paysanne made by Victor Bonnet in 1927
The RSL Auction Company is excited and pleased to announce a two-day Crème de la Crème sale which will be held Saturday, December 3, 2022, and Sunday, December 4, 2022. The sale will include fantastic selections of Toys, Still Banks, and Mechanical Banks from the 50-plus-year collections of Frank and Joyce Kidd, Ed and Naomi Singer, and Alvin Goldstein. The 40-year Doorstop collection of Mr. John Oppenheimer will be sold as well.
The RSL family has known the three bank and toys consignors since the early 1980s and considers them lifelong friends and mentors. Frank, Joyce, Ed, and Alvin share a passion for collecting antique toys and banks and are eager to see their collections spread to future generations of collectors.
We are truly honored to have been selected to sell these four world-famous collections.
IN THIS AUCTION IS ONE VERY RARE MARTIN TOY THAT WAS MADE IN 1913 IN THE GEORGE FLERSHEIM PERIOD. MARTIN NUMBER 237 NAME: DAME DE LA CROIX ROUGE
For the complete overview, Auction terms & Info, Shipping & Payment look at this site: https://www.rslauctionco.com
After the auction, I will publish the realized price for this toy.
Regarding the objects described in this article, I do not make a statement about authenticity, condition or value. I advise interested collectors always do to research yourself, to view the object or to contact the seller / auction
Collectors will not want to miss this auction. Signature grade Day 1 selections to include the last toys from Bob Bradys home shelves, the complete Jack White mechanical bank collection, an astonishing assortment of European tin toys and boats, Kingsbury from Michael Yolles along with other pressed steel toys, and an outstanding Japanese Robot collection to draw worldwide attendance.
Day 2 will begin with over 250 lots of Christmas and holiday items highlighted by the wonderful Christmas collection of Curtis & Linda Smith. Also included are Steiff bears, German skittles sets, dollhouses, and Schoenhuts. The second half of the day will include a large mix of European tinplate toys, surely to attract a wide audience.
In this auction there are on the first day, four lots with some very rare Martin toys, but of course there are many more beautiful and interesting toys in this auction.
The Bertoia team is dedicated to offering our quality customer service, experience and support. Do not hesitate to contact us for assistance with registration, bidding or any other questions.
All prices are in US $ and without Buyer’s Premium and subject to errors. Always check the auction site for the results.
Regarding the objects described in this article, I do not make a statement about condition or value. I advise interested collectors always do to research yourself, to view the object or to contact the seller / auction
The brandnew catalog of the 95th Toy Auction is online!
This auction features more than 2500 items of tin toys, trains, figures and model cars and this time with some Fernand Martin / Victor Bonnet toys.
This is a room bidding but you can also take part in the online bidding live via telephone, register your written predids or using the auction platforms lot-tissimo, the-saleroom and liveauctioneers and Sixbid you are able to to bid online. So you can submit your bids in real time during the auction. Therefor it is necessary to register on the platform of your choice not later than 24 hours before the auction starts.
The easiest way to participate in our auctions is to use our online catalogue. Here you can view all the items and directly place written pre-bids. See the catalog in the link below. You can also read the catalog in English
We hope you enjoy reading and browsing through the new catalog!
After the auction, I will publish the realized prices for these two Martins.
Regarding the objects described in this article, I do not make a statement about condition or value. I advise interested collectors always do to research yourself, to view the object or to contact the seller / auction
The French auction house: Galerie de Chartres has this time a few nice Fernand Martin/Victor Bonnet toys. Furthermore, there are many more other beautiful toys in this auction that we can look for.
Auction:
In the morning From N° 1 to 274: Quiralu: beautiful collection of M. B. – Various soldiers – Military toys – Games – Documentation – Meccano – Steam engines. In the afternoon From N° 281 to 619: Japanese toys: battery toys – Mechanical toys – Exceptional curiosities: two Rock and Graner catalog albums from the mid-19th century and several late-19th-century fountain castles – Boats including the Leopold II with spur by Märklin – Motorbikes – More of 80 planes – Pedal cars – Automobiles – André Citroën and from 1900 to 1960.
All prices are in Euro € and without Buyer’s Premium and subject to errors. Always check the auction site for the results.
Regarding the objects described in this article, I do not make a statement about condition or value. I advise interested collectors always do to research yourself, to view the object or to contact the seller / auction .
This auction takes place at the auction house Adam Partridge Auctioneers & Valuers in England.
In this auction there are two lots with Fernand Martin toys, one is a very rare Fernand Martin toy from 1894 the Attalage Flamand, but of course there are many more beautiful and interesting toys.
For the complete overview, Auction terms & Info, Shipping & Payment look at the site of auction house Partridge Auctioneers & Valuers https://www.adampartridge.co.uk/
All prices are in British pounds (£) and without Buyer’s Premium and subject to errors. Always check the auction site for the results.
Regarding the objects described in this article, I do not make a statement about condition or value. I advise interested collectors always do to research yourself, to view the object or to contact the seller / auction
This auction takes place at the auction house Adam Partridge Auctioneers & Valuers in England.
In this auction there are two lots with Fernand Martin toys, one is a very rare Fernand Martin toy from 1894 the Attalage Flamand, but of course there are many more beautiful and interesting toys.
For the complete overview, Auction terms & Info, Shipping & Payment look at these sites
After the auction, I will publish the realized prices for these Martins.
The auction is in British pounds
Regarding the objects described in this article, I do not make a statement about condition or value. I advise interested collectors always do to research yourself, to view the object or to contact the seller / auction
In the Martin books known to us, a few figures are included with, as it turns out, the wrong number. Here are the adjustments, after these adjustments, there are still a few toys without a number.
This blog is made with help of Bruno Cirla and Christophe Feraud from Massilia Toys in Marseille, my big thanks for this
ADJUSTMENTS:
Number 174 and 176 The numbers 174 and 176 have probably been swapped because evidence has been found that the Le Balayeur has number 174: 174 old number Le Vaillant Boer must be new Le Balayeur 176 old number Le Balayeur must be new Le Vailant Boer
In the Martin literature and books number 180 is given to The Policemen but it turns out number 180 is for the toy: “Present arms” God save the king.
number 180 “Present arms”, God save the King is an sentinel (probably only for the English market including the, in that time, colony of Canada, on the catalog picture there is extra text that has a link to Londen, see below on the picture the text: C&E LONDON
We see that number 180 was been given to The Policemen, (Bobby) made for the Englisch market, but The Policemen must have number 181.
But in the Martin literature and the books number 181 has been given to the Garçon de cafè, what number the Garçon de cafè should now have is not yet clear.
In the Martin books number 182 is given to the postman: Le télégraphiste but it turns out that number 182 is for The Sentinel, what number the postman will get is not yet known.
number 182 The Sentinel (probably only for the English market including the, in that time, colony of Canada) see the picture of the figure with the bear hat below.
number 183 La Sentinelle (a series of presumably 3 soldier figures: French – Russian – and Italian) These 3 Sentinelles are mentioned in Martin’s gift to the Musée des arts et métiers Paris in 1908.
OVERVIEUW NEW NUMBERS
Changes in the book: FERNAND MARTIN toymaker in Paris 1878-1912
174 Le Balayeur. 176 Le Vaillant Boer. 180 “Present arms” God save the king. 181 The Policemen (Englisch market) The waiter: Le Garçon de cafe NO NUMBER UNTIL NOW. 182 The Sentinel (Englisch market) The Postman: Le télégraphiste NO NUMBER UNTIL NOW. 183 La Sentinelle 3 soldiers French- Russian and Italian
My question to the readers:
Now I am looking for other missing numbers If there is someone who can give me one or more of these missing or the correct numbers, I would be very happy, and if you can help me, mail me: cor@vanschaijk.com . It’s about: The right number for the Soldat French – English – Belgian – Russian – Portuguese, These numbers are available: 235-236-239-242-243-244-245
The postman: Le télégraphiste, WHAT IS HIS NUMBER??
The waiter, Le Garçon de cafè, WHAT IS HIS NUMBER??
Collectors will not want to miss this auction. Signature grade Day 1 selections to include the last toys from Bob Bradys home shelves, the complete Jack White mechanical bank collection, an astonishing assortment of European tin toys and boats, Kingsbury from Michael Yolles along with other pressed steel toys, and an outstanding Japanese Robot collection to draw worldwide attendance.
Day 2 will begin with over 250 lots of Christmas and holiday items highlighted by the wonderful Christmas collection of Curtis & Linda Smith. Also included are Steiff bears, German skittles sets, dollhouses, and Schoenhuts. The second half of the day will include a large mix of European tinplate toys, surely to attract a wide audience.
In this auction there are on the first day, four lots with some very rare Martin toys, but of course there are many more beautiful and interesting toys in this auction.
The Bertoia team is dedicated to offering our quality customer service, experience and support. Do not hesitate to contact us for assistance with registration, bidding or any other questions.
After the auction, I will publish the realized prices for these Martins.
Regarding the objects described in this article, I do not make a statement about condition or value. I advise interested collectors always do to research yourself, to view the object or to contact the seller / auction
The French auction house: Galerie de Chartres has this time a few nice Fernand Martin/Victor Bonnet toys. Furthermore, there are many more other beautiful toys in this auction that we can look for.
Auction:
In the morning From N° 1 to 274: Quiralu: beautiful collection of M. B. – Various soldiers – Military toys – Games – Documentation – Meccano – Steam engines. In the afternoon From N° 281 to 619: Japanese toys: battery toys – Mechanical toys – Exceptional curiosities: two Rock and Graner catalog albums from the mid-19th century and several late-19th-century fountain castles – Boats including the Leopold II with spur by Märklin – Motorbikes – More of 80 planes – Pedal cars – Automobiles – André Citroën and from 1900 to 1960.
After the auction, I will publish the realized prices for these Martin’s
Regarding the objects described in this article, I do not make a statement about condition or value. I advise interested collectors always do to research yourself, to view the object or to contact the seller / auction .
Important sale of old toys including more than 6000 lead soldiers, N gap trains, 100 mechanical toys in sheet metal, old dolls and barbie. In this auction there are also some FERNAND MARTIN and VICTOR BONNET TOYS.
Unfortunately I couldn’t get permission to use their photos, so here’s the list with the results: Lot number : 320 Le pochard € 550,00 Lot number : 321 Le chinois € 1.550,00 Lot number : 322 Le pompier € 320,00 model Fernand Martin Lot number : 323 Le gay violonist € 400,00 Lot number : 340 Le petit pianiste € 550,00 Lot number : 344 L’autopatte € 450,00 model Victor Bonnet Lot number : 347 Le petit livreur € 350,00 model Victor Bonnet Lot number : 349 Le Pigeon ramier € 140,00 Lot number : 380 La boule mystérieuse € 650,00
The prices are in € (Euro) and without Buyer’s Premium and subject to errors. Always check the auction site for the results.
Regarding the objects described in this article, I do not make a statement about condition or value. I advise interested collectors always do to research yourself, to view the object or to contact the seller / auction
In this auction were approximately 530 lots of vintage and antique planes, trains, and automobiles. There will be something for everyone’s inner child. Truly the best way to put the play in your displays and collections.
In this toy auction there were 4 Fernand Martin and Victor Bonnet toys.
All prices are in US $ and without Buyer’s Premium and subject to errors. Always check the auction site for the results.
Regarding the objects described in this article, I do not make a statement about condition or value. I advise interested collectors always do to research yourself, to view the object or to contact the seller / auction
Important sale of old toys including more than 6000 lead soldiers, N gap trains, 100 mechanical toys in sheet metal, old dolls and barbie. In this auction there are also some FERNAND MARTIN and VICTOR BONNET TOYS.
Unfortunately I couldn’t get permission to use their photos, so here’s the list. Lot number : 320 Le pochard Lot number : 321 Le chinois Lot number : 322 Le pompier Lot number : 323 Le gay violonist Lot number : 340 Le petit pianiste Lot number : 344 L’autopatte Lot number : 347 Le petit livreur Lot number : 349 Le Pigeon ramier Lot number : 380 La boule mystérieuse
After the auction, I will publish the realized prices for these Martins.
Regarding the objects described in this article, I do not make a statement about condition or value. I advise interested collectors always do to research yourself, to view the object or to contact the seller / auction
A few weeks ago I was able to add another rare Martin to my collection. It is a Martin from the first period and is from the year 1889 Martin started in 1878 so this is a fairly early copy He later released this model again in 1903 in a modified version and later after 1912 Flersheim also put this model on the market again. This first 1889 version is the Le Cap with product number 110
So far I know the existence of 5 of these rare versions from 1889
In the book Fernand Martin Toymakers in Paris 1878-1912 by Lourens Bas he is depicted on pages 52 and 53 with the number 25 assigned by the authors, later research shows that the correct number must be 110. Martin started with product number 100 see my blog : https://fernandmartintoys.nl/the-numbering-of-the-fernand-martin-first-period-who-can-help-me/ The aforementioned book contains two photographs from the collection of the Parisian museum: Musée des arts et Métiers. One of these photos is an exploded version of the second version from 1903 and the photo on page 53 is the old version from 1889.
Soon I will publish an extensive blog about the various Le Cap versions with all their differences.
Friday & Saturday | October 14-15, 2022 Abby’s Attic Finds & the Entertainment Community Fund
The reinvigorating Americana toy collection which has already hailed over $5 Million at auction has one more round of excitement! Over 150 mechanical banks are matched with stills, early clockwork toys, candy containers, paper lithographed pieces, and numerous examples of rarities which only turn up in a spectacular 60 year old collection.
In this auction there are two lots with Martin toys, but of course there are many more beautiful and interesting toys in this auction
The Bertoia team is dedicated to offering our quality customer service, experience and support. Do not hesitate to contact us for assistance with registration, bidding or any other questions.
All prices are in US $ and without Buyer’s Premium and subject to errors. Always check the auction site for the results.
Regarding the objects described in this article, I do not make a statement about condition or value. I advise interested collectors always do to research yourself, to view the object or to contact the seller / auction