02 June 2020
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How one auction house seems to be weathering the current pandemic in fine style
British Toy Auctions is one auction house that seems to be weathering the current pandemic in fine style: it’s as if there were no problems at all around the world! It ran two online auctions in May, for example, and whilst many lots comprised groupings of toys, some interesting (and inexpensive) collectables went under the hammer.
Over the two sales there were plenty of diecasts and slot racing lots, as well as a collection of Popeye memorabilia in the shape of figures and games and the like. Signage also came in for attention. A cast iron Underground sign, approximately 19 x 27cm, raised £10, a reminder of places that were forbidden until recently. A circular cast iron Tottenham Hotspur wall plaque (“Come on, you Spurs!”), around 24 cm diameter, fetched £12, whilst large cast iron level crossing railway sign, approximately 59 x 30 cm was bid to £30. Finally, a lovely cast iron black and white Flying Scotsman railway sign, (11 x 90 cm), sold for £22.
On the topic of railways, someone was lucky enough to bag for £40 ten pieces of Lehmann LGB G gauge brass rail track: the lot comprised nine 1100 curved sections and one crossing section. A mixed lot of Falcon Brass Q-Kits, Tri-ang and Langley Miniature Models in OO gauge, together with spares, also attracted attention. The items were in playworn condition and were unchecked for completeness but realised £60.
And so to girls’ fare: a Sindy lot comprising a vintage Sindy doll in her original box (ref 42045 Ballerina) exhibited some crushing to the box and a tear to the window; this was partnered with two Sindy playsets (ref 44263 Glow Disco and Day Dreaming Bed), as well as a Sindy baseball cap and doll set. Every little girl’s favourite was taken to £65. Another item with female interest was the Britains Hospital Ward Set, No 7857. This was in a special Night and Day box, near mint in a good to very good window box. With the NHS very much in the news, bidding propelled this to £40.
If you’re into vintage electronic games, then you’ll know that Nintendo is collectable, especially in the little watch/play format. An example of the widescreen Popeye Game & Watch hand-held game system (although unboxed), together with a Popeye game cartridge, raised £50.
Hot Wheels and IXO Models also sold well: a collection of five Hot Wheels (IXO) La Storia Ferrari Collection diecast Ferrari racing cars included the SF07/71 Ferrari 312B2 No5 GP Nurburgring 1971 and a SF04/75 Ferrari 312T No12 Winner Monaco GP 1975, amongst others. Models were mint and achieved a creditable £100.
Still on cars: Piccolino models are the smallest around and don’t come up for sale very often. A collection of nine white metal model Jaguar cars and kits included a Jaguar D-Type, a 1959 Lister Jaguar and a 1939 Jaguar SS100. Two of the kits were built, one was part built and six remained unmade. The built items were in excellent condition and all models retained their rigid perspex boxes. For £75, this was a bargain for one lucky bidder.
Finally, back to the future. A boxed Yonezama Daijim Giant Robot in good overall condition and in a good box (albeit with some imperfections noted) was quite desirable, especially since it was functional: it trundled off to make £35.