Single owner tinplate collection comes to auction at Vectis

For lovers of tinplate it’s time to make a diary note. Coming up for auction on 21 March is something a little bit different from Vectis.

The sale in question comprises a private, single owner collection from Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The seller, who is now in his 80s, inherited his collecting bug, and some of his collection, from his father - and the results are something spectacular.

What sets these apart from the usual tinplate toys, novelty items and games, is the condition of the lots. Many are pristine, with seldom-seen boxes, their bright colours still vibrant; and complete sets are abundant, with some pre-War items from manufacturers such as Lehmann, Marx, Tri-ang and Chad Valley. 

There are some interesting biscuit tins, tea caddies, confectionery tins and shop displays. As a North Yorkshire collection it is fitting that one of the shop displays comprises a realistically painted tinplate chocolate counter display from Rowntree’s of York. This sits perfectly with a Fry’s Milk Chocolate Hazel Bars Whole Nuts display.

There are also some larger scale toys, including a Tri-ang vintage pedal car (although in need of some restoration) and an interesting spinning see-saw made by Leeway.

The collection also includes a stunning radiogram, a radio gramophone, complete with enclosed instructions and a postcard delivery note dated 1 October 1938. This is in pristine condition, along many of the other, obviously, well loved and cared for pieces.