If cars could talk, the iconic Toyota Landcruiser would be the one with the most interesting stories! Conjuring up images of off roading and adventure, this is a vehicle that bears no resemblance to the shiny high tech trucks that we see splashing through mud puddles in today’s commercials. This is the real deal. From its beginnings in 1951 as a mobility vehicle for Japan’s National Police Reserve, the Land Cruiser is the longest produced vehicle in Toyota’s history. Originally a product of the Korean war, which created a demand for military trucks, it was originally known as the BJ prototype. Famously known for scaling over 8200 feet, up Mount Fuji, in 1953 Toyota officially entered series production for commercial sales. The beauty we have up for sale is the “G’ series, with a diesel engine and a bullet proof 5 speed manual transmission. With 2 brand new batteries, this car starts like a dream, and was being driven daily until recently. Well cared for, with an annual oil underspray, there are very few condition issues for a car of this vintage. A small hole in the floor on the passenger side. The dent on the roof, from a falling tree. The small crunch on the bumper, a badge of a long life! The back seat upholstery is worn and rear passenger tail light needs replacing.Take a look at elitelandcruisers.com if you’d like an idea of what a fully restored Land Cruiser could look like, but really, its beauty is in its scars. This vehicle is built to last, and has many years of life left.
We were fortunate to receive a number of items from one of our favourite consignors, whose eye for the unusual and exciting is unparalleled! A series of large, black and white posters documents the little known story of the oldest museum in North America, which changed homes several times, moving back and forth across the Canada US border, until it found its permanent (for now!) home in Niagara Falls Ont. We have a fabulous old burlesque poster of “Irma the Body”, a large, colourful antique circus poster, proclaiming “THE GRAETEST ASIATIC NOYELTY”, and antique court documents from Lambton County, which provide a fascinating insight into the court system in the late 1800s in Ontario. And we would be remiss not to mention the life size fibreglass ogres, one for hanging on the wall, pointing menacingly in any direction you choose, and one designed to sit in judgement, with arms crossed, on the floor or table top.
At the other end of the spectrum completely, is the gorgeous 14 K gold Tissot, women’s watch. Classic in its simplicity, it’s the perfect accessory for any occasion. We have a number of vintage timepieces which have stood the test of time, including 2 Wittnauers and several antique pocket watches. And on the subject of keeping time, we have an extensive collection of antique and vintage clocks, including grandfather clocks, 400 day, or anniversary, clocks and antique wall and mantle clocks.
Our collection of antiquities and artifacts from other cultures range from a number of very early pottery pieces and effigies from Peru and Mexico, to carved wooden masks and ceremonial items from Africa, including a Dan Wurkirile ceremonial spoon from Cote d’Ivoire. Also known as “Wunkirmian” or “spoon associated with great feasts” , these spoons were considered badges of honour for the women of the tribe known for their exceptional hospitality and generosity.
We have a large selection of vintage and antique toys, ranging from the late 1800s to the mid 20th C. It is always interesting, and sometimes shocking, to see how far we have come as a society in a relatively short time, and toys are really a microcosm of that evolution. The casual racism which did not even raise an eyebrow in the 70’s, would now be unthinkable. At the same time, they remind us of the universality of childhood, and the games that entertained – like “Corner Grocery”, a boxed Parker Bros. “game” from 1887, is essentially the same game we play with our very young children to this day. We have an antique log cabin building set in its original wooden box, and a “Super City Sky Scraper Construction” kit from the 1970’s. A little nostalgia, no matter what your age!
As always, we strongly encourage a preview of this auction. Despite our best attempts at descriptions and photographs, nothing can compare to in person viewing!
Give John a call at 416 453 0920 to set up an appointment.
