Even if you don’t know author and toy collector Robert Lesser, chances are good that you know his robot collection. The Lesser collection was displayed at the Brooklyn Museum of Art in November 2000 through February 2001. Then the collection was moved to the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, where the robots were exhibited from November 2001 to January 2002, and again from June 2005 until September 2007, when they were shipped to Smith House Toy & Auction Company for auction.

   Smith House’s phone and online auction will open for bidding April 24 and end May 9. (Click on the Smith House name in the above paragraph for more information about this incredible auction.)

   To describe the Lesser collection as remarkable does a disservice to this extraordinary assemblage of the finest condition robots, many with their original boxes. The collection features robots considered “Holy Grail” pieces by collectors and fans. Consider that it was Lesser who coined the description “Gang of Five” for the series of large, battery-operated mechanical men made by Masudaya in the 1950s: Sonic Robot, Radicon Robot, Non-Stop “Lavender” Robot, Target Robot, and the scarcest of the group, Machine Man. The Machine Man in this auction was the first example of the toy to emerge in North America.

   I was thrilled that Craig Thompson of Smith House sent along a photo of Machine Man – let’s face it, this piece is so rare that you might not ever see one but in photographs.

Wow.

   Hello everyone! Thanks for your patience during the last week. Making the change from one magazine to the other wasn't a seemless transition, but the blog has now safely migrated and we're back to talkin' toys! (I think I owe the computer folks chocolate-chip cookies for sure.)

   If you have a topic you'd like me to address, click "Comments" below and I'll do my best.

   Thanks and have a great weekend!

   It's moving day! This blog is officially up and running over on the Antique Trader site, so please change your bookmarks to:

www.antiquetrader.com/toyland

   I don't know how much longer the antiquetrader.com address will function, so please make those changes and we'll keep talkin' old toys and old cars and old toy cars!

   I'd also like to extend a big "Welcome to Toyland" to the regular readership of the Antique Trader site. The "Babe in Toyland" button on that site features the wind-up Marx toy drummer/soldier from the film, Babes in Toyland. That toy is one of my favorite wind-ups ever and, of course, an inspiration for the name of this blog.

   So settle in, feel free to read the past posts, and if there's a toy topic you'd like me to address, drop me an email at: karen.obrien@fwpubs.com and I'll do my best to include it here.

   I just learned that Bob Smith, organizer of the R.A.T.S. (Rochester Area Toy Show) show passed away recently. Bob was a long-time contributor to O'Brien's Collecting Toys and O'Brien's Collecting Toy Cars & Trucks. His knowledge of vehicle toys, especially the early tin pieces, was nothing short of remarkable.

   I learned something about toys every time we spoke (which was all too infrequently), and his loss will impact all in the toy hobby.

   I understand that his collection -- which I never saw in person, but from our conversations I can safely say was amazing -- will go up for auction in the near future. I'll keep you posted when the details become available.

   My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Roberta, and their family.

   I'm always pleased to announce show dates in this blog -- it's no secret that I'm a complete cheerleader for attending shows. Toy shows, car shows, farm toy shows, comics conventions, you name it and I'm happy to spread the word. Why? Becuase it's important to connect in person with other collectors/enthusiasts.

   There's only so much we can do online, convenient as it is. I recently interviewed a show promoter half the country away entirely by email. The beauty of email is that there's no danger of me misquoting my subject, but there's also not as much warmth or personal excitement about the hobby coming through, either. So I followed up with a phone call, and had a very enjoyable conversation that I was able to inject into the article.

   The point is simple: hobbies are about people. You take your risks leaving your house and reaching out at shows, no doubt. But a smile and a well-meant "good morning" can lead you to some great pieces for your collection, or parts for your antique car, and probably some new friends that will enrich your hobby experience. Give it a try, you'll be glad you did.

   What show/swap meet/convention are you attending this weekend? Click on "Comments" below and let me know.

   The swap meet season is well underway, and don't forget these winter events as great locations to find toys. Old car fans are often toy car fans, and their events can yield unexpected treasures for your toy collection.

   This Sunday is one of my favorites, and it's been going strong for 35 years -- the annual swap meet at Bill Jacobs Chevrolet in Joliet, Illinois. The event is presented by the Great Lakes Region Vintage Chevrolet Club of America, but don't let the Chevy sponsorship fool you, this event is for all makes and models. There are usually some hearty outdoor vendors as well as everyone inside the spacious dealership.

   For more information contact: Jim McDonald (708) 485-3633 or email glr@vcca-glr.com

   The club Web site is: www.vcca-glr.com

   Hours are 8am to 1pm, and the address is 2001 W. Jefferson near the corner of Rte. 52 and Rte. 7 -- you can't miss it!   

   Bundle up and enjoy the swap meet!