Trains, planes and automobiles

Cottees’ recent sale went well, according to the organisers, and once again there was something to tempt all tastes. Nell Hilditch reported that 95% of the 730 lots were sold. The sale featured some interesting live steam pieces, with the star of the show being a 3 ½ inch gauge 0-4-0 locomotive based on an LBSC ‘Juliet’ design, which sold for £1,200.

Another notable lot was the Bachmann 31-999X BR Black and Chrome Twins 10001, which was produced exclusively for Rails of Sheffield. A somewhat unprepossessing locomotive in 1/76 scale, it nonetheless stirred the railway buffs in the room, and it went all the way down the line to achieve a creditable £195.

Another interesting railway lot was the Archangel 32mm Gauge 0-6-4 Moel Tryfan Single Fairlie loco. This was a meths-fired live steam garden railway example and was a copy of that used on the Welsh narrow gauge railways. In obviously used condition and finished in sombre black, this example found a new owner for £945.

The slot racing fraternity was also in for a treat since Cottees had turned up a Scalextric TR4A in bright yellow. This was a race-tuned example and was complete with its distinctive window box that bore chequered flag decoration at each end. Again, interest was keen and this lovely example was bagged for £180.

High prices for comics were the order of the day, with one lot of 14 Tales of Horror and The Vault of Horror comics selling for £450. Following on from the article on Britains Swoppets in the last issue of Collector’s Gazette, Cottees sold a collection of the figures which included a Britains Swoppets Knights of the 15th Century Trade Box, containing thirty figures – just six short of a complete set, but complete with all their weapons. This made £450. A Japanese Rosko/ Nomura Astronaut Robot attracted a lot of interest in the lead up to the sale and, despite having a temperamental motor, it still fetched £350.

Finally, a word on Corgi. Cottees’ Corgi Toys Grand Prix Gift Set No.30 comprised kit versions of the 1500 Surtees TS9, the 1504 John Player Special Lotus, the 1501 Yardley McLaren M19A and came with one complete Surtees model in unique Norris livery. A desirable quartet, thus, which helped propel the lot to the final hammer price of £95. ■