Toys were buoyant in latest Greenslade Taylor Hunt sale

Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s recent auction went very well, according to the auction house’s Peter Rixon, with around 95% of the lots going to new homes. In particular, the diecast vehicle and model train lots were both sell-out sections.

A small collection of boxed Matchbox 1-75 series models, in variable condition, took a combined £1,120, while five 1/18 scale Formula 1 cars, including four Minichamps Ayrton Senna examples, was bid to a hefty £220. Largest of the locomotives on offer was a well-engineered 5-inch gauge model of the G.W.R. 4-6-0 Manor Class “Torquay Manor.” Substantially finished, but lacking a tender and in unlined green livery, it was battled over between a telephone bidder and the internet before the hammer finally fell on an impressive £1,800. Altogether smaller, but of comparatively early vintage, a three-rail Hornby Dublo No.EDL7, GWR Class N2 0-6-2 tank locomotive fetched £260.

On the military front, an opened but clean and unmade 1/25 scale Tamiya Tiger I Tank kit made £130, while a deliciously dusty Bing tinplate river launch, fresh from a sleepy attic, brought in £550, despite it lacking a canopy and the cabin roof.

A selection of model soldiers included eight boxed Napoleonic-era Trophy Miniatures, which were contested to £260; and a group of mainly 54mm Hinchliffe unpainted white metal figures, which sold for £310.

Amongst the dolls to pass the rostrum on the day was a childhood Sindy collection that was eagerly pursued to £380, while a Jaques Staunton pattern weighted chess set, albeit with some damage, commanded a winning bid of £850.