Corgi takes to the skies at model auction

The UK Toy and Model Auctions event fielded a good array of Dinky and Corgi models, the latter being of particular interest to the aviation enthusiast. Amongst the models offered in the Corgi Aviation Archive were a Panavia Tornado (of No 13 Squadron): mint and boxed, it sold for £50; a BAC TSR-2, XR219 (the only prototype that ever flew), which made £95; and a mint and boxed ‘War in the Pacific’ PBJ-JD (B-25) – ‘Black 310’ that went to a new home for £60.

Also in the Corgi listings were 12 mint and boxed later issue Chipperfields Circus models: trailers, a booking office, animals and even a flatbed lorry were included, this useful lot settling on a healthy £120.

Dinky items of note included an excellent No 414 Dodge Tipper truck in blue and grey with a slightly tired box (£120) and a lovely Lucas Oil articulated tanker in fetching green and white livery, contained within a bubble pack (£90).

The more unusual lots attracted much attention: a trio of Matchbox accessory items (Home Stores, a lock-up garage and a set of road signs, all mint and boxed) was bid to £90 while a similar lot, containing another lock-up garage (albeit in a later box) together with a BP garage and parts still on a sprue, realised £75. The Moko Pop Pop series girl on a green motorscooter with sidecar was the key focus, though; complete, with original box, this was contested all the way to £420, an indication of its scarcity.

Another interesting lot that was finally knocked down for £80 contained an eclectic assortment: a pale metallic blue E-type Jaguar from Benbros wasn’t mint (but was rare); this was sold alongside a blue Cooper Bristol racing car in the Morestone “Petrol Pump” series and was accompanied by a Ford Model T from Politoys. All were boxed.