Rare Character and Transportation Toys from KB Toys Co-Founder to Be Auctioned

As co-founder of KB Toys, Donald Kaufman made thousands of children's dreams come true, and on April 16-17, a portion of the toymaker's own collection of scarce toys will be up for auction, creating dreams again, this time, for thousands of toy collectors. Kaufman's collection, widely regarded as the ultimate private collection of antique and vintage toys, is so extensive as to warrant a series of auctions and this, the third installment, will include the first offerings of his classic American character toys. Disney's Mickey Mouse, Donald and Goofy, along with cinema classics like Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd, will be auctioned, along with early TV character favorites including Howdy Doody and cartoon classics like Popeye, Superman and Felix the Cat.

The April 16 -17, auction will take place at Bertoia Auctions' gallery in Vineland, N.J., and online at LiveAuctioneers.com. Some opening bids start at $50 which makes this an unparalleled opportunity for new and established collectors alike. "The selection will astound collectors - something like this won't happen again in our lifetime," said Rich Bertoia, who catalogued the majority of the auction. "There was only one way that Don liked his toys - factory fresh, or very close to it."

The array of toys offered also includes a selection of Kaufman's vast toy automotive collection which is, simply put.... museum quality, and includes European automobiles, trucks, busses and other unusual pieces.

Last September, when the hammer fell on the closing lot for part II of the auction series, Kaufman's collection of American, European and Japanese toys had already taken in $7.2 million, with much more to come. "The only difference collectors will note this time around is that, sadly, Don will not be with us." Donald Kaufman passed away on Oct. 12, 2009, knowing his toys were in the best of hands at Bertoia's and delighted that so many had already gone to fellow collectors in dozens of countries.

Bertoia's no-reserve auction of the Donald Kaufman Collection will take place April 16-17, 2010. All forms of bidding will be available, including live via the Internet through LiveAuctioneers.com. Information: call 856-692-1881, e-mail Toys@BertoiaAuctions.com or visit www.BertoiaAuctions.com.

Source: Bertoia Auctions