BEN BUTLER RARE C. 1880 MINT CONDITION "MAGIC TOY" BY IVES, BLAKESLEE & CO. OF BRIDGEPORT, CT.
Current bid and time status does not automatically update - You must refresh your page frequently to stay updated
Bidding has ended for this item.
Thank you for visiting our past auction results. If you have an identical (or similar) to this auction item, please call or contact us to discuss. We look forward to speaking with you.
Every item is also assigned a price range letter code. This range is our conservative opinion of the item's estimated value.
Item Description
See the previous lot for the U.S. Grant example of this toy. While Grant was a 1880 third term hopeful for the Republicans, Ben Butler was a hopeful for the 1880 Greenback Party nomination. In addition to Grant and Butler, the Ives catalog also shows "Magic Toys" featuring a ballerina, a bird and a black man. The reddish wood bowl-like container is about 1.5" tall by 3" diameter with a glass cover over the open interior. Inside, mounted on the top of a pin head, is a highly detailed figure of Butler in military uniform, recalling his Civil War service. With the slightest movement of the container the head, arms and legs jiggle about moving not only left and right but also up and down- almost magically and thus the toy's name. This is an incredible example in essentially Mint condition. The best of the very few examples we've seen in our 51 years.
Pictures (click images to zoom in)
You don't have any notifications.
Confirm Your Bid
Review your bid and press the Confirm Your Bid button below. Important: By confirming your bid, you are agreeing to purchase the item listed below if you are the winning bidder.