Vectis Specialist Diecast TV Generation Sale was out of this World

A whole host of TV and film memorabilia went under the hammer at Vectis Auctions on May 15th, with many lots realising prices well over their estimates. In particular the Nick De Ville Action figure collection was extremely popular, with many items reaching and exceeding their top estimate.

Among the Nick De Ville selection were 101 'Star Wars' figures - some of these cost Nick just 50p for carded, mint, factory sealed models. Highlights included an almost complete set of 'Return of the Jedi' carded figures and an alien called 'Yak Face' from Jabba the Hutt's court, which was quite rare even in the handful of countries that released it. The unfortunately named alien realised £280. Other noteable entries included: lot 3124, a 1983 issue 'Return of the Jedi' Tri-logo Luke Skywalker in Hoth Battle Gear, which reached an impressive £432 from a £100- £140 estimate.

Nick explained a little about his passion for collecting: "Roughly speaking my collection covers the last three decades of the 20^th century. I collected action figures over the whole of this period; not always methodically, perhaps, but fairly assiduously. In each decade I had a favourite: 'Star Wars' first, then 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles', then the output of Todd McFarlane's studio.

Each one summed up for me a different aspect of action figure world, and the way it was developing. I hope it might be an appropriate introduction to my collection to explain how, out of all the lines of action figures that have come and gone, these three say so much to me about collecting action figures."

Also in the sale was a rare vintage 1962 Gerry Anderson Fireball XL5 Jetmobile that brought a great deal of interest and a number of bidders battled it out until the lot was won for £960 - three times its original estimate. Meanwhile for James Bond fans there was a number of interesting items which proved popular, an Airfix No. 723 Toyota 2000GT from the film 'You Only Live Twice' achieved a final selling price of £504. A rare issue Corgi Rockets No. 978 4-piece gift set from the film 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' achieved £2,760 while a 'For Your Eyes Only' 23-carat gold plated Citroen 2CVreached £2040.

All prices include buyers premium. You can see the full auction results at www.vectis.co.uk