Wind up auction tin toys to set collectors buzzing

A rare tin bee on a flower made in the 130s by German company Spark is just one of the strong attractions for collectors planning to attend Leonard Joel’s latest Collectables auction that features a range of tin toys from the early to mid-20^th century.

The auction, from 2pm Thursday June 22 at 333 Malvern Road South Yarra, has many unusual pieces including a 1930s wind-up ‘Beat It! The Komical Cop’ made by United States company Louis Marx & Co.

A collection of circus related tin toys made in Japan during the 1950s-60s and featuring a performing elephant is another drawcard.

Unusual is the Kohler wind-up cowboy with lasso on a horse, while two Mettoy motorcyclists – one from the 1940s and the other a police patrolman from the 1950s – should attract plenty of attention.

A 1950s wind-up horse and cart and a lever action car, both by Marx, are other interesting inclusions – while the rare German ‘Mother Hen and Chicks’ is bound to make some lucky collector very happy.

Other attractions include a rare early Lego wooden truck bus made in Denmark and a 1930s Schuco Examico 4001 wind-up car.