The Ferris Wheel’s Enchanting Arrival
Crafted in 1904 by the esteemed German toy-maker Marklin, this Ferris wheel transcends mere plaything status. One of only three or four known examples, it retains six original gondolas, stained-glass panels, and eleven delicately molded figures dressed in top hats and flowing gowns—an exquisite snapshot of turn‑of‑the‑century elegance .
Its provenance adds significant weight: originally gifted to a Brooklyn department-store employee when the store closed prior to World War I, it later entered the collection of Tom Sage Sr. after his 1994 purchase at Sotheby’s. Accompanied by period photographs, Sage’s receipt and auction tag, the piece arrives today with rich documentation that reinforces both its narrative and historic value .
On May 29 in Denver, Pennsylvania, this mechanical marvel soared past its estimate to hammer at US $156,000, becoming the highest‑priced lot in the two-day sale. That result underscores its cultural stature as much as its mechanical rarity—affirming it as an enduring artifact of miniature artistry .
Tom Sage Sr.’s Curated Legacy in Tin and Steel
Allentown native Tom Sage Sr. (1939–2024) devoted over fifty years to assembling 295 lots of European and American antique toys and trains. His passion and meticulous collecting methods earned him a reputation as both visionary collector and respected dealer .
Part I of his collection debuted at Morphy Auctions on May 29, bringing in US $2.6 million. That total reflects not only the rarity and quality of the lots but also Sage’s deliberate pursuit of museum-grade condition—often securing objects featured in David Pressland’s Great Book of Tin Toys and similar references .
Sage was known for paying above-market prices to acquire only the finest examples. His philosophy of prioritizing condition and provenance elevated the entire sale and demonstrated how such exacting standards can transform a private hobby into a collection of cultural significance .
Standout Masterpieces Among the Treasures
The auction featured other standout creations that captivated collectors. A circa‑1902–1904 Marklin clockwork paddle‑wheel boat, known as “Boston,” fetched US $79,950, dramatically surpassing its $30,000–$40,000 estimate despite minor restorations—underscoring the demand for rare marine toys .
A circa‑1909 Marklin limousine, complete with chauffeur figure, original tires, and lamps sold for US $72,000, while a 29‑inch Marklin ocean‑liner Amerika, including original stand and wooden box, closed at US $60,000—each sale exceeding high estimates and spotlighting the market’s appetite for well-preserved luxury tin models .
Additional rarities included a mint-condition Fischer Father Christmas car from 1912 (US $84,000), a Bing taxi in its originally labelled Paris store box (US $50,400), and a circa‑1900 Marklin tram trolley with intact figures and track (US $48,000). A robin’s-egg-blue triple‑globe streetlamp also achieved US $24,000, doubling expectations. These results reflect both Sage’s discerning acquisitions and the collector base’s eagerness for pristine, historically resonant pieces .
Part II of the Tom Sage Sr. collection is scheduled for October 30 at Morphy’s Denver gallery—anticipation is high that equally exceptional pieces await discovery.