News story of the month: Strong demand for toys and models (15-Apr-11)

“The demand for collectable toys and models is as strong as ever” – that is the positive message from UK Toy & Model Auctions following its highly successful first sale of 2011 on Friday 18th February.

It was standing room only in the sale room at Craxton Wood Hotel, in the South Wirral, with a generous number of absentee bids adding to the mix. Bidding was brisk with Dinky Toys, Corgi, Matchbox 1-75 Series and model railway items selling well.

One highlight was a near mint Dinky Toys Thunderbirds 2 and 4 in gloss green, which sold for £420 against its pre-sale estimate of £250–350. A selection of boxed Matchbox 1-75 models sold for £210 (est £60–90) and a Corgi Gift Set No 28 Carrimore Trans-porter reached £550 (est £300–500).

An excellent but incomplete Tri-ang Minic Roadway/Railway set sold for £320 (est £200–300) and some 20 early Airfix aircraft realised £150 (est £80–120. A quantity of lead and plastic figures, including two boxed Herald Indians on horseback, sold at £300 (est £100–150).
An incomplete early French Hornby Nord 4-4-4T engine, together with some other O gauge items, sold for £300. All prices quoted are subject to 12% buyer’s premium.

This auction story was first published in the May issue of Collectors Gazette. To see which issues of Collectors Gazette are available to buy online, click here.