Rare Robby the Robot Going Under the Hammer at Vectis

An extremely rare Robby the Robot toy (lot 567) from the 1956 sci-fi epic Forbidden Planet, valued at between £2,000 and £2,500, is due to go under the hammer during the TV Generation sale at Vectis Auctions, Thornaby on 14th August. The iconic toy is just one of a number of rare robot lots and Vectis is already saying the sale will be "one of the most exciting TV Generation sales" it's had.

There are a number of Japanese robots that should set pulses racing, including an unusual Asakusa Thunder Robot (lot 501). The impressive tinplate, battery-operated android features a rotating plastic antenna and illuminated guns. It's the first time such a figure has been sold at Vectis and it's expected to achieve £600-800 - it's also featured on the catalogue cover (which we might add is delightfully sci-fi inspired!).

Another rare item is the Nomura X-70 'Tulip Head Space Robot' from the 1960s, which achieved the striking nickname thanks to a head which opens up like a flower. Lot 511 is valued at £300-400. In fact, there are three more fantastic Nomura robots in the sale, including lot 540, 'Space Man Robot' from the 1950s; lot 566 'Moon Patrol Space Division No.3 and, of course, the world famous Robby the Robot.

Other interesting TV-themed lots include a Gerry Anderson’s Fireball XL-5 City Playset, 1964 vintage estimated at £300-£500 (lot 19), lot 104 a GI Joe Aquanaut valued at £400-£440 and a Pelham Puppet Huckleberry Hound, £100-£130.

The diecast section of the sale has a wide ranging selection of models from shows such as Batman, James Bond, Captain Scarlet and Thunderbirds to name just a few. Lot 786 is a bright example of a harder to find James Bond Corgi Gift Set containing Corgi No.271 an Aston Martin DBS, No.269 a Lotus Esprit and No.649 a “Moonraker” space shuttle, this attractive lot has been valued at £240-£300. Lot 795 a Corgi No.268 Black Beauty from the film The Green Hornet comes with a secret instruction pack and has been estimated to achieve £170-£220.

We'll be heading to the sale for our next video auction report, so make sure you keep checking Collectors Club of Great Britain for the results! You can also see the auction catalogue at the Vectis website.