Auction Video - Vectis TV and Film Related Sale

A collection of rare clockwork and electronic robots made several thousand pounds at Vectis’ TV and Film Related Sale on 14th August. Among the unusual items was an exceedingly rare Robby the Robot toy – based on the Forbidden Planet film – which achieved an impressive sale price of £1,200 (prices include buyer's premium). You can see some of the star lots in the video below and remember, to get more auction news and videos like this delivered direct to your inbox, sign up for the FREE Collectors Gazette e-newsletter.

Also part of the robotic treats was a ‘tulip head space robot’ – a very rare tinplate/plastic toy created by Japanese manufacturer Nomura in the 1960s. Although a scarce robot outside of Japan, the mechanism had been dismantled and it no longer worked. As a result it fell slightly short of its lowest estimate of £300 but could certainly make someone a nice project if they want to get it working again.

Meanwhile, back on Earth, there were numerous G.I. Joe figures and accessories up for grabs. Although some failed to set the auction alight, there were a couple of lots that attracted a large amount of interest. One of these was lot 104, a G.I. Joe Aquanaut with blonde painted soft head, brown eyes, metal dog tag and wearing a turtle neck sweater (lightweight), black sailor pants, low-cut black boots, black shoulder holster with Lebel revolver, which sold above its top estimate of £440, realising £520.

Diecast was also extremely popular and the auction closed with a great selection of boxed James Bond vehicles, Batmobiles and other TV and film-related models. One of the stars was Dinky No.103 Captain Scarlet Spectrum Patrol Car in metallic red with yellow interior, blue engine cover, cast hubs and white plastic aerial. It was ex shop stock and, as such, included the outer trade carton that would normally hold six pieces. Sadly this lot only included the one Spectrum Patrol Car but it still exceeded its top £160 estimate and went under the hammer at £260.

Something else rather fab was lot no. 732: a Dinky No. 100 Thunderbirds Lady Penelope’s FAB1 (sorry for that awful pun but we just couldn’t resist). The model came complete with both Lady Penelope and her dedicated butler Parker, along with a box in good condition. Originally estimated at £130-150, it zoomed past the top estimate, realising £180.

To see the full list of lots, check the Vectis website.