Morphy’s chosen to auction private collection of influential antique toy dealer the late Tom Sage Sr

Between 500 and 600 extremely rare and fine European and American toys and trains will be divided between two sales to be held on May 29 and in late October

DENVER, Pa. – Morphy’s has won the right to auction the private collection of legendary antique toy and train dealer/collector Tom Sage Sr, who passed away in November 2024. Under instruction from Tom Sage’s heirs, the 500- to 600-piece collection of rare and important European and American toys will be offered in two parts, with the first session to be held May 29 and Part II to follow in latter October. Both sales will take place at Morphy’s southeastern Pennsylvania gallery, with all forms of remote bidding available.

In addition to being an astute collector since 1967, Sage was also amongst the earliest entrepreneurs to develop a business around the buying and selling of antique toys. He was a ubiquitous presence at antique shows – and later, auctions – both in the United States and Europe, and had a name that was synonymous with quality, trustworthiness and a superior knowledge of the categories in which he specialized.

Dan Morphy, president of Morphy Auctions, remarked, “Tom Sage was known worldwide for chasing and collecting some of the finest European tin and American toys ever made. He also had a very good eye for identifying exceptional antique advertising, fine and decorative art; and folk art pieces. His collection of Tiffany lamps and other artworks will be featured in our Fine and Decorative Art sales later this year.” 

Slipcased hardcover catalogs will be available for both toy auctions, and the fully-illustrated online catalog for the May 29 session is expected to publish online in March. Watch for updates on Morphy’s website at www.morphyauctions.com. For condition enquiries or to reserve a line for phone bidding, call Dan Morphy tollfree at 877-968-8880 or email [email protected].