Vectis opens new Oxford office

Good news for those collectors/sellers in the south that don't fancy a trip up to Vectis' Thornaby-based headquaters in the north east (then again, if you are up there, Saltburn is particularly lovely) because the world's biggest toy auctioneer has opened up a new office in Oxford.

It will be managed by Mike Delaney, one of the auctioneer's train specialists, and will be open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Although there will be no auctions held at the site, vendors can drop off items they would like auctioneed - rather than arranging for them to be collected. Currently Mike is working between both Thornaby and Oxford but will eventually be based full time in the south.

The address for Vectis Oxford is:

Unit 5A
West End Industrial Estate
Witney
Oxon
OX28 1UB

Meanwhile, the July 22nd Specialist Diecast sale now includes a large private owner collection of European diecast. The Chris Heath Collection, features a number of Italian diecast including many Alfa Romeo models. Chris was widely known for his collecting and has even featured in the press; however he has now decided that the time is right to sell the collection and Vectis is pleased to be able to offer the models for auction.
 
Chris Heath's passion for collecting Italian cars began in the 1950's, when the great Italian racing cars were at the forefront of the sport.  "Why Italian?" he says, "because simply they were the most beautiful". His early collection began in the Far East while based in Malaya with the Army and a young family. After leaving the Army he joined the motor trade, and in the 1970s and 80s established a chain of Alfa Romeo dealerships in Devon. 
 
He continued to steadily collect and make up specialist kits and he trawled the country at specialist fairs and swapmeets over this time; and with an empty nest and a double garage, his 'museum' became his pride and joy.  His particular interest concentrated on the BBR and ABC model makes, which are his personal favourites within his collection. Retirement brought more time and investment in his passion, and his collection grew to the extensive range it is today.

Embracing trading on the internet and attending swap meets late into his 70s where he was a familiar figure. His long suffering wife, Angela found it impossible to keep the house from being encroached and taken over but now in his 85th year he has relented and now, save a selection put by for his nine grandchildren, his beloved collection will be sold for the next generation to enjoy.

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