Appraised at $50,000 Goes Live on sothebys.com and ebay.com for 50th Anniversary
Aug 15, 2002/ FW/ --- The first Matchbox® cars sold for less than 20 cents. Now, 50 years later,
although most Matchbox® cars can still be purchased for under a buck, a
miniature Seagrave "Meanstick" fire engine, crafted in gold and precious gems,
is on the auction block -- with an appraised value of more than $50,000.
This one-of-a-kind model, a piece commemorating the
50th Anniversary of the Matchbox® brand, has been
crafted in 18-carat white and yellow gold and accented with 34 gemstones,
including 24 rubies, four golden sapphires, and six brilliant-cut diamonds.
This Matchbox® "Ultimate Collectible" will be auctioned off starting today at
www.sothebys.com and www.ebay.com to benefit Ronald
McDonald House Charities (RMHC).
Matchbox® 'Ultimate Collectible'
(Photo courtesy of Sotheby's)
"Matchbox® is one of the foremost brands of diecast," says Everett Marshall
III, owner of one of the largest collections of Matchbox® cars in the world.
"Matchbox cars have always been excellent representations of real vehicles. The
Ultimate Collectible in particular is an absolutely gorgeous model,
fantastically built." Mr. Marshall has more than 27,000 vehicles in his
collection, many of which are on display at his Matchbox Road Museum in
Newfield, New Jersey, where he is also mayor.
The auction will conclude at 5:00 PM during the 2002 Matchbox International
Toy Show, Saturday, August 24th at Chelsea Piers in
New York City.
Sixteen-year-old Justin Berfield, who plays 'Reese' on the
Emmy-award winning Fox Television series "Malcolm in the Middle," will be at the
Toy Show to officially unveil the Ultimate Collectible vehicle to the public for
the first time. In addition to playing 'Reese,' Berfield donates his time to
charity organizations such as Ronald McDonald House Charities, where he has been
named a national youth ambassador for the year 2002.
"We're delighted to be chosen as the beneficiary for the 'Ultimate
Collectible' auction," says Ken Barun, President and CEO of RMHC. "The donation
will assist RMHC in our efforts to directly improve the health and well being of
children everywhere."
Matchbox® vehicle collectors without the winning bid can still purchase a
replica of this unique vehicle, as Mattel will be offering two limited-edition
replicas: a burgundy version with 50th Anniversary
decoration and a special golden-color version.
Just like their gold counterpart,
these vehicles will feature fine details and a moving ladder, and each will bear
the 50th anniversary commemorative logo. The suggested
retail price is $8 each.
Facts about the Matchbox® "Ultimate Collectible":
This one-of-a-kind gold model is a miniature-scale reproduction of a
Seagrave Meanstick fire engine.
The Matchbox® fire engine is 31/4 inches long,
7/8 inches wide, and 11/8
inches tall.
The body of the miniature truck is made of 18-carat yellow gold. The
chassis, axles, screws, and working extension ladder are fashioned of 18-carat
white gold. Approximately 135.2 grams (4.34 troy ounces) of gold were used to
create the truck and ladder.
The truck's lights are represented by 34 gemstones, including 24 rubies, 4
golden sapphires, and 6 brilliant-cut diamonds. Total weight of the stones is
approximately 1.68 carats.
The truck was created using the lost-wax casting method. This process
requires the destruction of each mold as the gold casting is removed from
within. Hence, the "Ultimate Collectible" is a one-of-a-kind work of art.
The custom-made display case is made of solid cherry wood. The upper case
folds back in two sections to reveal a flared pedestal covered in white satin.
The truck attaches to the pedestal, but may be removed for close examination.
The case features 3 etched brass medallions plated in 24-carat yellow gold. The
medallions read, "Matchbox® / 50 Years / 1952-2002." In its closed position, the
case measures 7 inches tall and 23/4 inches wide.
The truck and case will be auctioned for charity, with proceeds donated by
Mattel to the Ronald McDonald House Charities. The auction will be on www.sothebys.com and www.ebay.com with final bids
taken during the August 2002 Matchbox International Toy Show, Saturday, August
24th at Chelsea Piers in New York City.
The Ultimate Collectible was appraised for $50,800 by Susan M. Kelly,
Appraiser, Graduate Gemologist, West Chester, PA.
