Bertoia's Oct. 23 sale to spotlight rare robots, toy soldiers and vintage military collectibles

Bertoia Auctions will hold its Collectors Sale on Oct. 23 in Vineland, New Jersey, with 425 lots led by rare Japanese tin robots, space toys, toy soldiers, automobiles and military collectibles. Top offerings include a boxed Masudaya Radicon Robot, a scarce Horikawa Fork Lift Robot and a Cold War-era Martin-Baker ejection seat.

Why it matters: - The sale pulls together high-demand categories for collectors of toys, militaria and vintage aviation pieces. - The top lots include rare examples with strong condition, original packaging and specialized historical interest, which can drive competition at auction. - Bertoia Auctions is offering remote bidding, expanding access for absentee, phone and online participants.

What happened: - Bertoia’s Collectors Sale is set for Friday, Oct. 23, at the company’s gallery at 2141 DeMarco Drive in Vineland, New Jersey. - The auction starts at 10 a.m. ET. - The sale will feature 425 rare and highly collectible lots. - Preview is by appointment only during the week before the auction. - Remote bidding will be available through absentee, phone and live online bidding via Bertoia Live, LiveAuctioneers or Invaluable.

The details: - A boxed Masudaya battery-operated Radicon Robot from Japan leads the sale. - The 14½-inch robot comes with its original colorful box, remote control and accessories. - The robot is described as near-mint and appears unplayed with. - The pre-sale estimate is $8,000 to $14,000. - A boxed Horikawa Fork Lift Robot from Japan is another featured lot. - The 11½-inch robot combines a tinplate body with a working forklift mechanism. - The estimate is $2,500 to $3,500. - A battery-operated Marx Whistling Spooky Kooky Tree includes a replica display box. - The scarcer version is lithographed with vines and mushrooms. - The 14-inch toy is in pristine condition and carries a $1,000 to $1,600 estimate. - A Martin-Baker aircraft ejection seat, likely from the early Cold War era, is among the non-toy highlights. - The 54-inch seat has riveted metal construction, cushions, harness assemblies and safety markings including a red handle plate reading “DANGER DO NOT PULL.” - The estimate is $1,200 to $2,000. - Two circa-1920s and 1930s Italian Royal-era colonial pith helmets will be sold as one lot. - The pair includes a Royal Carabinieri example and a second helmet with a crowned Savoy eagle insignia. - The lot also includes period tinted sand goggles and is estimated at $500 to $900. - A German WWII Kriegsmarine ship or instrument clock by Junghans has a black dial, subsidiary seconds register and naval Eagle-over-swastika marking. - The 3-inch clock shows original-looking luminous elements and is estimated at $400 to $700. - A heavy brown leather coat with a label reading “Made of Genuine Horsehide Front Quarter” comes with a period-style helmet and goggles. - The coat has a full zipper, four front pockets and a dark mouton-style collar. - The estimate is $300 to $500. - Two Italian Navy uniforms will be sold together. - The lot includes a dark blue officer’s frock coat with gilt buttons, gold-bullion epaulets and sleeve rank stripes, plus a post-WWII double-breasted uniform with trousers, ribbon bars, badges and frogman/diver insignia. - The pair is estimated at $250 to $450. - For more information, absentee bidding or a private preview appointment, call 856-692-1881 or email toys@bertoiaauctions.com. - Online information is available at Bertoia Auctions.

Between the lines: - The strongest lots combine rarity, original packaging and condition, three factors that usually matter most to serious collectors. - The sale also mixes playful toy categories with military and industrial relics, broadening its appeal beyond one niche market. - The Mexico discovery story on the Masudaya robot adds provenance interest, which can increase attention from bidders.

What's next: - Bidding will unfold live in the gallery and through remote channels on Oct. 23. - Preview appointments will continue in the week leading up to the sale. - Final prices will show how deep collector demand remains for Japanese robots, early space toys and military artifacts.