11 October 2019
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The recent C&T auction posted some excellent prices for diecast models but there were also some interesting tinplate toys that went under the hammer.
The recent C&T auction posted some excellent prices for diecast models but there were also some interesting tinplate toys that went under the hammer.
The best of these was undeniably a fine and rare Marklin gauge one tinplate Café Central Station. Made in Germany for the French market, this lovely building would have been manufactured around 1905 and its estimate of £3,000-5,000 was an indication of its collectability. Enough bidders wanted this terrific example of the toymaker’s art and the hammer finally fell on a highly respectable £7,800.
A Lehmann EPL 689 Adam the Porter tinplate clockwork toy was also fiercely contested. Dating from around 1920 and carrying an estimate £300-500, it slipped past the upper figure to achieve £580. Another great toy, albeit rather more modern, was the Codeg clockwork tinplate Space Shooting Range, which was boxed and looked to be in excellent condition. Firing ball bearings at flying saucers suspended on string was not frowned upon back in the 1960s: those were the days! Estimated at £300-400, its rarity pushed it all the way to £620.
But the diecasts didn’t disappoint those present. A French Dinky Toys (803) Unic SNCF Articulated lorry was bid to £360 whilst a lovely French Dinky Toys (Ref 805) Unic Multi Skip and Gas Tanker achieved a creditable £380.
The French didn’t have it all their own way, though: a beautiful Corgi Major Toys 1101 Bedford S Type Carrimore Car Transporter sold for £320 while the ever-popular Corgi Toys Gift Set 37, the Lotus Racing Team, whizzed past estimate to fetch £420. As for British Dinky, the U.F.O. Interceptor, from Gerry Anderson’s television programme, sold for £320. Finally, a good example of the Tri-ang Spot-On No.217 Jaguar E-Type, although unboxed, still realised £160.