Marz Auctions is proud to present The James Gillespie Estate Soldiers & Cast Iron Toys Auction, featuring Mr. Gillespie’s extensive World War II-era musician and soldier collection along with a separate selection of cast iron toys and antique dolls. The Gillespie Collection includes Lineol, Elastolin, and other collectible soldiers, with historic WWII German figures, Italian figures, Ethiopian figures, buildings, and related accessories represented throughout the offering.
Mr. Gillespie earned his undergraduate music degree from Concord College and continued his academic studies at Indiana University Bloomington, where he received both a Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degree in multiple woodwinds, with clarinet as his principal instrument. His degrees were earned with honors, and throughout his career he received numerous awards and accolades. Mr. Gillespie was a proud member of the University of North Texas faculty, where he ultimately retired as Regents Professor Emeritus.
In addition to the Gillespie Soldier Collection, this auction also features a strong selection of cast iron toys, banks, doorstops, and antique dolls. Makers represented include Arcade, Hubley, Kenton, Shimer, A.C. Williams, J.E. Stevens, Carpenter, Dent, Champion, and others. Also included are a few of our much-loved original factory-found J.E. Stevens casting molds, offering collectors a rare connection to the manufacturing history behind these classic American toys.
