Animated Pig Pull Toy, ca. 1900

Appraised on: June 6, 2009

Appraised in: Atlantic City, New Jersey

Appraised by: Noel Barrett

Category: Toys & Games

Episode Info: Atlantic City, Hour 3 (#1406)

Originally Aired: February 8, 2010

IMAGE: 1 of 2  

Appraisal Video: (1:47)

GUEST: I found this pig about 25 years ago.

APPRAISER: Uh-huh.

GUEST: And I found it in an antique junk shop and collectibles. And I had to have it. I just couldn't resist.

APPRAISER: And what did you pay for it?

GUEST: It was around $200. Which was a lot of money for me 25 years ago. But I thought myself, it's really a unique object. I had never seen anything like it.

APPRAISER: Well, nothing is unique in our business, but...

GUEST: Unusual.

APPRAISER:...sometimes you see something you've never seen before.

GUEST: Right.

APPRAISER: And I must say, I've never seen this before. It's generically a pull toy.

GUEST: Right.

APPRAISER: Cast-iron wheels, and probably made in Germany.

GUEST: Okay.

APPRAISER: Probably made around 1895 to 1910. Most pull toys you see from Germany are, like, horses. Right. They're about this big, little wooden platforms. Sometimes a lamb; lambs are very popular.

GUEST: Right.

APPRAISER: Goats are very, very popular. You seldom see pigs, and you seldom see platform toys this big.

GUEST: Right.

APPRAISER: So, I mean, this is really exciting. Plus, you seldom find them so cute and so animated.

GUEST: Right.

APPRAISER: So, push him over here. (oinks) And listen to him, and you see his mouth go. I mean, this guy is really a little charmer. Glass eyes, painted papier-mâché snout and teeth. It's got this incredible action and just absolute charm. My hunch is at auction this could easily bring $2,000 to $2,500.

GUEST: Perfect. (laughs)

APPRAISER: I mean, I think he's just a winner. Thanks for bringing him in.

GUEST: Oh, thank you. I really appreciate it.