Racing away at Wallis and Wallis

On the diecast front, all eyes were firmly fixed on the Corgi Gift Set 15, the Silverstone Racing Layout. Lucky indeed would have been the child who received this as a present back in the 1960s. Representing Corgi in overdrive, this highly desirable set included the track mat, spectators, buildings in kit format, the necessary racing cars and even a tube of glue (contents untested!). It’s hard to value this set, since it so rarely comes to market, but Wallis & Wallis made a stab at £3,000-3,500. Sadly, it was a no-sale on the day. Next time around, perhaps?

A large number of Lineol composition figures went under the hammer: these were mostly of famous German WW1 and WW2 personages. A Rudolf Hess model in a black uniform, saluting, fetched £40; Ernst Rohm in a white outfit made £60; and two models of Adolf Hitler, one with a posable arm, made £50 and £60 respectively.

Some high prices were achieved at the sale, however. A rarely-sighted Shackleton David Brown Trackmaster 30 Crawler Tractor was another marvel to behold: one of just 50 made, this diecast and tinplate model was still in working (wind-up) order and bore red paint, albeit this was a little chipped. It was missing its headlights but the tracks were present, as was a tired box. Estimated at £1,000-1,500, it finally sold for a useful £1,300.

And finally, for something a little different - wooden amusement machines. These included a beautiful oak-cased Allwin. This item would have probably been made in Germany but since international relations were difficult with that country around the time of the Great War, such machines often bore alternative origins. With Art Deco decoration, a velvet playing field and in good working order, it made £500. A similar-aged but simpler spinning wheel type machine, the Gypsy (which allegedly foretold your fortune) sold for £380.