Toys, dolls and teddy bears go under the hammer this November

Special Auction Services will be holding its biggest ever auction of Teddy Bears, Dolls, Dolls’ Houses and Traditional Toys on Tuesday 27^th and Wednesday 28^th November in Newbury.

The auction will comprise over 1000 lots and prices will range from £30 to £5,000.

Teddy bears will be the focus on day one, with highlights including a 28 inch Steiff dated 1910 which will be offered alongside a photograph of its original owner for an estimated £3,000-£5,000; and the Campbell Bears (above), three 1st World War mascot bears from an original group of 398 collected by twin boys David and Guy Campbell which are expected to fetch £800-1,200.

Another highlight will be the remainder of the Teddy Edward Archive which includes Arthur, a bear that featured in Teddy Edward becomes a Red Indian (£300-500), photographs used in the production of the books and other memorabilia. The archive will be sold in 21 lots and is expected to fetch a total of £2,000.

A Steiff rattle teddy bear (c. 1912) dressed in its original felt costume with complete ear label is expected to fetch £800-1,200. It is thought that this bear was a groom from a marriage party, which were often made by fellow workers and given to a colleague as a wedding gift. A very rare 1926 Steiff Urteddy sitting on clockwork vehicle also carries the same estimate.

Also included in the auction will be 250 lots of modern collectible bears that will make for ideal Christmas gifts with prices starting at £30.

The auction of Dolls, Dolls’ House and Traditional Toys will take place on Wednesday 28^th November.

The Lilian Middleton Collection of twenty-five 19th century English poured wax dolls, including two sisters reputedly the property of Charles Dickens’s daughters will go under the hammer with estimates ranging from £100-1,000.

Five 1930s pantomime dolls from the Isle of Wight - including Man Friday, Oliver Twist and Buttons - which were thrown into the audience or given as prizes to children who came onto the stage carry an estimate of £60-100 each.

In addition, an impressive large wall mounted souvenir of the Isle of Wight, featuring two French fashion dolls, circa 1890s, which would have been a very expensive purchase originally, is expected to fetch £500-800.

Expert Daniel Agnew says, “We have some fabulous examples of toys, dolls and teddy bears in this auction to suit all tastes and budgets. This year, we also have a large section dedicated to  modern collectible bears that we expect to be popular amongst collectors and those looking for Christmas gifts.”

For further information/images please contact Suzanne Trisk on 07710 207164 or [email protected]