WHAT: A rare composition toy with George Washington watching as a child chops down a cherry tree brought $10,620 in a recent auction of antique and collectible toys at Bertoia Auctions. Composition refers to the makeup of the body, which ranged from sawdust with glue to clay, fabric or you name it. The base is wood.
MORE: At 11 inches wide and 14 inches high, this toy was probably made as a display figure. Animated figures in shop windows lured passers-by to linger, then shop inside.
SMART COLLECTORS KNOW: The 19th century was the golden age of clockwork toys, when movement was driven by clock mechanisms. Expensive and special, clockwork toys were not meant for rough and tumble play. Those that survive were probably kept for โgood.โ
HOT TIP: This tableau is in excellent condition. Everything, including fabrics, is intact with no fading, tears or smudges.
BOTTOM LINE: Rarity of subject, a larger size and pristine condition combined to bring top dollar.
