04 July 2014
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Corgi artwork auction at Aston's realises thousands
Ex Corgi designer John Gilbert gives us his thoughts on the unique diecast sale. ...
Corgi artwork auction at Aston's realises thousands Images
Earlier this year we met John Gilbert, ex Corgi designer manager who was planning to sell a huge collection of box artwork, advert designs and Corgi models that he had accumulated while working at the manufacturer between 2001 and 2006. The fantastic collection featured some very rare and unique items and has now gone under the hammer at Aston’s Toy Auctions in Dudley.
The auction featured dozens of lots containing a mix of models, prototype boxes, concept drawings and specially made pre-production items. Some of the most eagerly anticipated pieces were four examples of the James Bond gold ingot from the Corgi Premiums range. These impressive designs included a gold-coloured cardboard ingot that opened up to reveal an Aston Martin DB5 inside.
Originally they were produced as promotional samples for businesses who may want to use Corgi to make special models but, due to their success, they were also put into wider production as limited edition entries in the James Bond Definitive Collection range. They hardly ever crop up at auction so the appearance of four in one sale is a very rare occurrence.
Two of the examples were pre-production samples of the design, along with unused concepts for the ‘Classified Information’ and ‘For Your Eyes Only’ leaflets included with the finished products. These sold for £950 and £750 respectively.
However, it was the finished products that really caught the eye and one was in absolutely mint condition. Numbered 99/99 the Golden Opportunity set came with a 24ct gold-plated Aston Martin, numbered ‘Classified Information – letter from M’, fold-out certificate and outer box. Incredibly this particular piece had never even been removed from its tissue wrap. As such, this was a unique opportunity to pick up an example in such great condition, so it should come as no surprise to hear it sold for a golden £1,800. The other, which had previously been opened and was numbered 94/99, sold for £1,300.
Take a closer look at the ingots and find out John's reaction to the auction in the video below:
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The auction featured dozens of lots containing a mix of models, prototype boxes, concept drawings and specially made pre-production items. Some of the most eagerly anticipated pieces were four examples of the James Bond gold ingot from the Corgi Premiums range. These impressive designs included a gold-coloured cardboard ingot that opened up to reveal an Aston Martin DB5 inside.
Originally they were produced as promotional samples for businesses who may want to use Corgi to make special models but, due to their success, they were also put into wider production as limited edition entries in the James Bond Definitive Collection range. They hardly ever crop up at auction so the appearance of four in one sale is a very rare occurrence.
Two of the examples were pre-production samples of the design, along with unused concepts for the ‘Classified Information’ and ‘For Your Eyes Only’ leaflets included with the finished products. These sold for £950 and £750 respectively.
However, it was the finished products that really caught the eye and one was in absolutely mint condition. Numbered 99/99 the Golden Opportunity set came with a 24ct gold-plated Aston Martin, numbered ‘Classified Information – letter from M’, fold-out certificate and outer box. Incredibly this particular piece had never even been removed from its tissue wrap. As such, this was a unique opportunity to pick up an example in such great condition, so it should come as no surprise to hear it sold for a golden £1,800. The other, which had previously been opened and was numbered 94/99, sold for £1,300.
Take a closer look at the ingots and find out John's reaction to the auction in the video below:
Remember, to get the latest collecting news delivered direct to your inbox every two weeks, sign up for our e-newsletter.
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