This hand-decorated tin plate ‘Charles’ fire-hose reel, made by George Brown & Co. of Forestville, Connecticut, USA c. 1870, became the first $1-million antique toy when it was sold privately in 1990 by dealers Mint & Boxed of London.

This hand-decorated tin plate ‘Charles’ fire-hose reel, made by George Brown & Co. of Forestville, Connecticut, USA c. 1870, became the first $1-million antique toy when it was sold privately in 1990 by dealers Mint & Boxed of London.