VandM.com dealers offer a treasure trove of antique and vintage toys this Holiday season for buyers with discerning tastes who are eager to surprise and delight a hard-to-please loved ones(s). Although adult toy purchases, especially playful objects, normally apply to gratifying a male’s childhood fantasy, looking at the category of “toys” broadly, the following twelve gift ideas were made with both men and women in mind. Ranging from the decorative arts, sculptural objects, collector’s items, sophisticated games, and whimsical jewelry listed at varying prices, it’s best to approach the hunt with an attitude of “let no expense be spared.”
Kenmore and Dectecto #23 Original Robot Sculptures
by Gordon Bennett Robot Works
26.5″ H (67.3cm)
$2,700
Newly assembled from vintage materials (metal, wood, and found objects) by Gordon Bennett Robot Works in Brooklyn, these one-of-a-kind robots have been featured in international magazines published in Italy, Russia, Holland, and the US. A favorite among collectors, each piece is individually named and numbered with a metal tag. VandM.com dealer City Foundry through http://vandm.com/City_Foundry, (718) 923-1786 or (718) 812-3325.
For the man who has everything, loves everything western, owns a ranch or an estate, the outsider stander Carousel Folk Art carved wood horse found in one of the Coney Island Parks is a rare find. Well preserved with its original eyes and paint, the musculature of the body is finely detailed. VandM.com dealer E & L Alexandria through http://vandm.com/elalexandria, (747) 742-2709.
$475
What could be more charmingly decorative then adorning a child’s room with a set of Japanese wood block prints illustrating Omocha toys from the rich folklore Meiji period. There are seven different sets, each of which has approximately five or six prints. Available from The Dongan Collection at VandM.com dealer Center44. Check out the site for information of the Meiji era, the artist, collector, and publisher Shimizu Seifu and painter Nishizawa Tekiho. http://vandm.com/Dongan_Antiques_LTD, (212) 450-7988.
Not just for kids. This restored red BMW Isetta can be pedaled by a small child, or, for avid fans of classic cars placed not too subtly in home or office. A real conversation opener. BMW Isetta made its debut in 1955 in Italy. VandM.com dealer La Tropical De Luxe through http://vandm.com/LaTropical_deLuxe, 5491149154247.
For a bit of elegant whimsy, not too ominous looking Seahorse cufflinks are for the sophisticated man or woman who are into formal wear and like symbols. Signed “Cartier Italy,” made in 18K gold (marked “750”). VandM.com dealer Gabriel Gibson through http://www.vandm.com/gabrielgibson, (301) 339-4919.
The handmade BW chessboard is nearly an exact edition at 1:1 of the original manufactured by The Naef Bauhaus Designs who own exclusive rights to produce Bauhaus toys. VandM.com dealer Quintessentia through http://vandm.com/Quintessentia_GmbH, 41 76 420 6848.
A pinball machine with a divergent purpose: Japanese lore says that when a lucky cat waves at you, good fortune smiles your way; and when you propel the ball it interacts with the cats (neatly lined up) each having a musical chime to collectively create an orchestrated sound. VandM.com dealer droog through http://vandm.com/droog, (212) 941-8350.
Similar to a weathervane, this hand-carved kinetic Folk Art garden sculpture is wind powered so that the sound of its vibrations discourage pests and other unwanted visitors. The overly long, moveable arms, its best feature, are 21” long. VandM.com dealer Vintage Views through http://vandm.com/vintageviews, (201) 232-4280.
with Miniature Handmade Painted Boats on Deck
A rare handmade wooden fish safe with miniature boats on deck was used to haul bait behind a fishing boat depicting a bit of historical information on New England’s groundfishing industry.
VandM.com dealer East Market Street Antiques through http://vandm.com/EastMarket, (845) 758-9000 or (845) 679-9643.
Swiss guru Rudolph Steiner – philosopher, architect, and designer – created this duck pull toy incorporating his philosophy of using soft angles, circles and round shapes. Still in functioning order, it bobbles its head up and down and moves its bill when rolling. Definitely made for a child’s amusement, but also a sculptural, decorative object from one of the leading thinkers of the day. VandM.com dealer Quintessentia through http://vandm.com/Quintessentia_GmbH, 41 76 420 6848.
Mental dexterity and a gift for understanding spatial relationships will make this modular hand-carved Chinese wood knot puzzle a breeze to dissemble and then reassemble. Interlocking blocks create a stable unit. VandM.com dealer Weisshouse through http://vandm.com/weisshouse, (412) 441-8888.
Where did you get those eyes? Eerily staring straight on are clear blue dolls’ eyes mounted on a wire and covered with a glass dome. Coolly surreal. VandM.com dealer Center44 through http://vandm.com/center44.com, (212) 450-7988.
