ONLINE ONLY, TIME-BASED AUCTION TO FEATURE AN ASSORTMENT OF RARE AND VINTAGE COLLECTIBLES ALONGSIDE A CURATED SELECTION OF CARS
LARGELY OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
OPEN FOR BIDDING 5 MAY AND CLOSING 12-13 MAY
• RM Sotheby’s is set to offer the most fun and whimsical auction held via its Online Only platform yet this spring
• Dubbed the “Handle with Fun” auction, the online sale will feature an eclectic assortment of hundreds of lots of memorabilia, including toys, coin-operated equipment, vintage signs, gas station ephemera, alongside fun cars and motorcycles, largely offered without reserve
• Lots will open for bidding on 5 May and close in a staggered format beginning on 12 May and continuing through 13 May
• Additional information available on rmsothebys.com
BLENHEIM, Ontario (23 March 2021) – RM Sotheby’s is thrilled to present the most fun, whimsical and odd-ball auction to come to its Online Only sale platform yet, the Online Only: Handle with Fun auction. Offered largely without reserve, the time-based auction will feature a diverse collection of rare and vintage collectibles and memorabilia, as well as a curated selection of delightfully quirky cars. Kicking off the spring season, the Online Only auction is set to open for bidding at 11:00 am EDT on 5 May with lots closing in a staggered format beginning at 10:00 am EDT on 12 May and continuing on the following day, 13 May.
Leading the auction’s featured car highlights is a charming 1956 Messerschmitt KR 200. Previously holding residence within the personal collection of a world-renowned microcar collector and restorer, the Messerschmitt has been fully restored and presents in virtually show-ready, concours condition. It comes complete with its factory tool kit and owner’s manual (Est. $60,000 - $70,000, offered without reserve). Joining the microcar is a tastefully restored, two-door 1964 Volkswagen Beetle ‘Sunroof’ Sedan. This rare and desirable factory sunroof example has been well-maintained and carefully stored indoors since its restoration (Est. $18,000 - $22,000, offered without reserve). A truly stunning 1973 MG MGB will also be on offer, fitted with an inline four-cylinder engine featuring dual carburetors and a four-speed manual transmission (Est. $12,000 - $16,000, offered without reserve).
Additional motorized vehicle highlights include a highly-collectible Rupp Roadster Mini Bike released in 1971 and sporting a Tecumseh HS40 engine, 12-inch wheels, and red gloss paint (Est. $2,000 - $3,000, offered without reserve); a sporty 2006 PGO PMX 50 'Black Cat' Scooter in mint condition, showing less than two miles on the odometer (Est. $3,000 - $5,000, offered without reserve); and an iconic, single-cylinder, two-stroke Kawasaki KH100, capable of 10.5 hp with a top speed of 104.6 km per hour (Est. $2,500 - $3,500, offered without reserve).
The eclectic offering of collectibles within the Online Only auction span the spectrum of the market from toys and coin-operated equipment to vintage signs, gas station ephemera, and more. A standout highlight within the lineup is a vintage World's Fair Unisphere Mold-A-Rama Machine. Debuted in 1962, the Mold-A-Rama machines gained popularity in 1964 at the World’s Fair in New York. These coin-operated “mini factories” churned out various molded, plastic figurines right before visitors’ eyes for just 25 cents. One of the most popular machines at the World’s Fair was the Mold-A-Rama that made a mini Unisphere souvenir after the famed stainless steel sculpture in Queens, New York (Est. $25,000 - $30,000, offered without reserve). The collection also offers a Space Shuttle Mold-A-Rama Machine, which produces plastic space shuttle molds (Est. $25,000 - $30,000, offered without reserve). Both of these fully functioning machines are extremely rare pieces, with just 124 known to exist today, and have been expertly restored to reflect the original Mold-A-Rama designs and mechanics.
The auction also features a wide assortment of rare and vintage candy dispensing machines. A fully functioning, coin-operated Pez-Themed Stoner 8-Pull Theater Vending Machine, originally manufactured in 1956, would make a great addition to a home theater or man cave, having been expertly restored inside and out (Est. $8,000 - $10,000, offered without reserve). Also an interesting pieces are the Kit Kat-Themed Stoner 6-Pull Vending Machine, originally manufactured in 1950 (Est. $7,000 - $9,000, offered without reserve); and a M&M's-Themed Stoner 6-Pull Vending Machine, manufactured in 1947 (Est. $7,000 - $9,000, offered without reserve). Both of these machines have been beautifully restored and come to auction fully functioning and coin operated.
The collection also features a variety of period signage, including an original McDonald's Golden Arches Lighted Restaurant Road Sign, which has been modified to be mounted and backlit for better display. This iconic piece of American advertising comes to its next owner in excellent condition (Est. $4,000 - $6,000, offered without reserve). A Toys "R" Us Letters Sign also stands out among the signage offering as another iconic advertising piece. It also comes to auction in excellent condition (Est. $3,000 - $5,000, offered without reserve).
A unique and highly desirable piece that is sure to attract collectors’ attention is a guitar signed by every member of the famed American rock band Kiss. Preserved in a frame, the guitar is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity (Est. $3,000 - $4,000, offered without reserve).
Interested consignors are invited to contact an RM Sotheby’s Car Specialist about entering their unique vehicle in the online auction. Consignments are open through 21 April.
Further information on the forthcoming Online Only auction can be found at rmsothebys.com. Please note, many of the memorabilia lots are to be collected by the winning bidders from Madison, Georgia.