For collectors of vintage toys and military memorabilia, the upcoming Bertoia’s sale offers a rare chance to acquire pieces that rarely appear on the open market. The October 23 auction brings together a diverse range of lots, from a near-mint Japanese robot to a Cold War-era ejection seat, each with its own story.
The star of the show is a boxed Masudaya (Japan) battery-operated Radicon Robot, recently discovered in Mexico. This 14½-inch-tall toy, part of Masudaya’s mid-20th-century “Gang of Five” robot lineup, comes with its colorful original box, remote control, and accessories. In near-mint condition and appearing unplayed with, it carries a pre-sale estimate of $8,000-$14,000.
A scarce and highly desirable Horikawa (Japan) boxed Fork Lift Robot combines the classic tinplate robot form with an unusually elaborate working forklift mechanism. The 11½-inch-tall toy, in very good condition, is expected to sell for $2,500-$3,500.
Just in time for Halloween, a battery-operated Marx (Japan) Whistling Spooky Kooky Tree includes a replica box for display purposes. This scarcer version, lithographed with vines and mushrooms, stands 14 inches tall and is in overall pristine condition. Its estimate is $1,000-$1,600.
A vintage Martin-Baker aircraft ejection seat, likely dating to the early Cold War era, features riveted metal construction with seat and back cushions, harness assemblies, and associated fittings. The side panel retains the characteristic “DANGER DO NOT PULL” red handle plate and face-screen safety-pin stowage, markings consistent with early Martin-Baker ejector seats of the 1950s. At 54 inches tall, this heavy military aviation relic is in very good to excellent condition and has an estimate of $1,200-$2,000.
Two circa-1920s/’30s Italian Royal-era colonial pith helmets will be auctioned as one lot. The duo includes a Royal Carabinieri example in light khaki cloth with the characteristic silver flaming grenade insignia over a red, white and green national cockade, plus a second helmet bearing a crowned Savoy eagle insignia, accompanied by period tinted sand goggles. Both retain their interior leather sweatbands and cloth linings. The lot estimate is $500-$900.
A German WWII Kriegsmarine ship (or instrument) clock, manufactured by Junghans, features a strong and legible black dial with Arabic numerals and hands, a subsidiary seconds register, and prominent naval Eagle-over-swastika marking. The reverse movement cover bears the Junghans star trademark and J30E caliber designation. Junghans records indicate the J30E movement was introduced in 1940, with surviving examples documented in several Kriegsmarine clock configurations. The 3-inch-diameter clock has original-looking luminous elements and is in excellent condition, with an estimate of $400-$700.
A heavy brown leather coat retaining its original interior label reading “Made of Genuine Horsehide Front Quarter,” a material prized for durability and frequently encountered in mid-20th-century motorcycle and aviation-style outerwear, is accompanied by a period-style helmet and goggles. It is in very good to excellent condition with a full zipper closure, four front pockets, and dark mouton-style collar. The lot is estimated at $300-$500.
Two Italian Navy uniforms — a dark blue officer’s frock coat with gilt naval buttons, gold-bullion epaulets and sleeve rank stripes, plus a post-WWII double-breasted Navy uniform with matching trousers, ribbon bars, badges and frogman/diver insignia — show only light age and service wear. The pair will be sold together as a single lot estimated at $250-$450.
The October 23 Collectors Sale will be held live in Bertoia’s gallery at 2141 DeMarco Drive, Vineland, NJ 08360, starting at 10AM ET. Preview is by appointment only during the week prior to the auction. Remote bidding options include absentee, phone, or live online via Bertoia Live, LiveAuctioneers or Invaluable.
For additional information on any item, to leave an absentee bid, schedule a private-preview appointment, or reserve a telephone line for bidding, call 856-692-1881 or email toys@bertoiaauctions.com. Online: www.bertoiaauctions.com.
Why it matters: This auction offers a rare window into the enduring market for vintage toys and military artifacts, where condition and provenance drive significant value. For collectors, it’s a chance to secure pieces that have become increasingly difficult to find, from iconic Japanese robots to historically significant militaria.
Michael Bertoia
Bertoia Auctions
+ + 1 856-692-1881
