24 December 2013
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Collecting highlights of 2013 - April to June
Read our round-up of some of the best collecting moments from 2013. ...
Collecting highlights of 2013 - April to June Images
2013 has been a fantastic year for collecting. Over the past 12 months we've seen some amazing new releases, plenty of impressive auction results and we've filmed at numerous auctions and toy fairs. So, just in case you've missed any of the excellent coverage on Collectors Club of Great Britain, over the festive period we're going to round-up some of the best content... it's a bit like an advent calendar but with interesting stories instead of rubbish chocolate. To read the content or watch the videos, either click on the 'read more' link or look for the blue links within the text. After already looking at January to March, we're now winging our way into spring!
Auction Price Guide: TV and film collectables
We kick off our new auction prices guide, with a look at some of the TV and film memorabilia sold at auctioneers, including Vectis, Aston's, Mullock's and more! Take a look to see what the items in your collection are potentially worth! READ MORE...
Auction Price Guide: diecast
After looking at TV and film items, this time we review some of the auction prices for diecast models. READ MORE...
Britains Herald Swoppets collection makes hundreds
A superb collection of Britains Herald Swoppets - part of a large ex-shop stock - sold for hundreds during Aston's recent toy auction on March 23rd. The selection featured several complete trade packs of figures, most from the Wild West Series and a selection of American Civil War figures in trade packs. Many of the figures came complete with their original 'I'm a Swoppet!' paper tags - and even their original complaint slips! READ MORE...
Matchbox celebreates its 60th anniversary with new models
Since 1953, Matchbox vehicles and playsets have inspired and helped create countless, thrilling adventures for boys all over the world. From fire trucks to dinosaurs to police cars in pursuit, Matchbox has provided kids with six-decades of imaginative play. To commemorate the brand’s 60 year anniversary, Matchbox has released a collectible die-cast line of 24 vehicles that harkens back to its roots to celebrate its birthday. The assortment features some of the best-loved classic vehicle models, each of which comes with its own retro matchbox sized box! READ MORE...
Topps announces new Mars Attacks trading cards
Great news for trading card collectors because one of the most famous series of all time is returning for its 50th anniversary (although it's technically the 51st but we won't complain). Mars Attacks Invasion from Topps includes 63 new cards featuring the gruesome alien invaders and marks a return for the series after a 20 year gap. Mars Attacks became a cult classic when it was originally released in 1962 and the original cards were reprinted in the 1980s before being turned into a feature film in 1996. READ MORE...
How to spot fake Matchbox models
There are concerns that swapmeets and auctions could be the target of a scam artist after it was discovered two Matchbox models had been purposely tampered with to deceive collectors. The models in question were a Matchbox/Lesney No. 18 Field Car with unusual green wheels and a Matchbox/Lesney No. 72 Fordson Major Tractor with orange wheels. Both were sold during the Toys & Militaria auction at Mullock’s but when the buyer received the models and inspected them cloer it became apparent they weren’t the real thing. READ MORE...
Auction Price Guide: more diecast models
Our diecast price guide this time comes courtesy of Aston's Toy Auctions in Dudley, which sold a huge range of diecast models, TV and film collectables and model railways during its sale on 20th April. You can see the prices achieved for a selection of the best diecast lots that went under the hammer - descriptions are taken from the Aston's catalogue. READ MORE...
Auction Price Guide: toys, games and other collectables
After already taking a look at the diecast and TV and film lots sold during Aston's 20th April sale, today we're rounding up some of the prices achieved for toys, game and other collectables. Below you can see a selection of the best lots and the prices realised, descriptions are taken from the Aston's catalogue. READ MORE...
New Thunderbirds toys from Vivid Imaginations
Great news for Thunderbirds fans because toy maker Vivid Imaginations has announced it has been appointed as the master toy partner in Europe, Australia and New Zealand to create a whole new range of toys based on the upcoming TV series. The products are expected to launch in 2015 alongside the premiere of the new series - 50 years after Thunderbirds first debuted. READ MORE...
Pre-production James Bond Aston Martin DB5 sells for £1,500
A possibly unique pre-production Corgi No. 261 James Bond Aston Martin DB5 from the film Goldfinger was one of the star lots during Vectis' Auctions M and M Collection sale. Although a normally sought-after model that can make hundreds at auction, this particular example was unusual because it had a prototype clear resin roof above the famous ejector seat function. READ MORE...
Corgi auctions off unique 1/36 scale Mini model
Corgi has launched an eBay auction to win a one-off limited edition 1/36 scale Mini model, which is also the last ever casting with the number 822. The model is being auctioned off to raise money for the Toy Trust charity, as members of the Corgi team (along with their colleagues) at Hornby are cycling 70 miles around the Isle of Wight to raise money for children with special needs. READ MORE...
ModelZone administration
June was really dominated by the sad news that hobby retailer ModelZone had entered administration. Things stated off well enough with the opening of a new central London flagship store but by the end of the month, the administrators announced the retailer was experiencing difficulties and Hornby was forced to make a statement to its investors.
Your Shop - Metropolis Vintage Toys
For the Collectors Gazette we reguarly travel up and down the country meeting collectors and also taking a look round the many superb shops, dedicated to vintage toys. For the July issue, we headed to Metropolis Vintage Toys in Warwick to meet owner Chris Malbon and find out why he decided to open a shop dedicated to collectables and also get some advice for those thinking of following in his footsteps. READ MORE...
Daryl Burchmore James Bond collection heading to auction
Daryl Burchmore has (or rather had) arguably one of the great James Bond collections in the country featuring hundreds of 007 items, such as Lone Star guns, Corgi cars, and film memorabilia - plus more unusual pieces like bubble bath and imported plastic kits from Japan. He has been collecting Bondonailia (a phrase we've just coined) since 1979 when he got his first job and spent all his spare cash on anything bearing the Bond name. READ MORE...
Oxford Diecast new releases
We met up with Oxford Diecast Lyndon Davies to get an exclusive look at some of the company's upcoming models, including a range of N gauge releases, new 1/43 and 1/76 scale models and military vehicles.
Corgi launches Team Lotus Formula One range
Corgi and Scalextric held a glitzy ceremony for the launch of Corgi's brand new Team Lotus Formula One range of diecast models, while Formula One Drivers Romain Grosjean and Davide Valsecchi tried their hand at some slot car racing, courtesy of Scalextric's latest Lotus models. The event was held at the Lotus Originals Store on London's Regent Street and also gave enthusiasts the chance to meet the drivers and even have their models signed. READ MORE...
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APRIL
Auction Price Guide: TV and film collectables
We kick off our new auction prices guide, with a look at some of the TV and film memorabilia sold at auctioneers, including Vectis, Aston's, Mullock's and more! Take a look to see what the items in your collection are potentially worth! READ MORE...
Auction Price Guide: diecast
After looking at TV and film items, this time we review some of the auction prices for diecast models. READ MORE...
Britains Herald Swoppets collection makes hundreds
A superb collection of Britains Herald Swoppets - part of a large ex-shop stock - sold for hundreds during Aston's recent toy auction on March 23rd. The selection featured several complete trade packs of figures, most from the Wild West Series and a selection of American Civil War figures in trade packs. Many of the figures came complete with their original 'I'm a Swoppet!' paper tags - and even their original complaint slips! READ MORE...
Matchbox celebreates its 60th anniversary with new models
Since 1953, Matchbox vehicles and playsets have inspired and helped create countless, thrilling adventures for boys all over the world. From fire trucks to dinosaurs to police cars in pursuit, Matchbox has provided kids with six-decades of imaginative play. To commemorate the brand’s 60 year anniversary, Matchbox has released a collectible die-cast line of 24 vehicles that harkens back to its roots to celebrate its birthday. The assortment features some of the best-loved classic vehicle models, each of which comes with its own retro matchbox sized box! READ MORE...
Topps announces new Mars Attacks trading cards
Great news for trading card collectors because one of the most famous series of all time is returning for its 50th anniversary (although it's technically the 51st but we won't complain). Mars Attacks Invasion from Topps includes 63 new cards featuring the gruesome alien invaders and marks a return for the series after a 20 year gap. Mars Attacks became a cult classic when it was originally released in 1962 and the original cards were reprinted in the 1980s before being turned into a feature film in 1996. READ MORE...
Content continues after advertisements
MAY
How to spot fake Matchbox models
There are concerns that swapmeets and auctions could be the target of a scam artist after it was discovered two Matchbox models had been purposely tampered with to deceive collectors. The models in question were a Matchbox/Lesney No. 18 Field Car with unusual green wheels and a Matchbox/Lesney No. 72 Fordson Major Tractor with orange wheels. Both were sold during the Toys & Militaria auction at Mullock’s but when the buyer received the models and inspected them cloer it became apparent they weren’t the real thing. READ MORE...
Auction Price Guide: more diecast models
Our diecast price guide this time comes courtesy of Aston's Toy Auctions in Dudley, which sold a huge range of diecast models, TV and film collectables and model railways during its sale on 20th April. You can see the prices achieved for a selection of the best diecast lots that went under the hammer - descriptions are taken from the Aston's catalogue. READ MORE...
Auction Price Guide: toys, games and other collectables
After already taking a look at the diecast and TV and film lots sold during Aston's 20th April sale, today we're rounding up some of the prices achieved for toys, game and other collectables. Below you can see a selection of the best lots and the prices realised, descriptions are taken from the Aston's catalogue. READ MORE...
New Thunderbirds toys from Vivid Imaginations
Great news for Thunderbirds fans because toy maker Vivid Imaginations has announced it has been appointed as the master toy partner in Europe, Australia and New Zealand to create a whole new range of toys based on the upcoming TV series. The products are expected to launch in 2015 alongside the premiere of the new series - 50 years after Thunderbirds first debuted. READ MORE...
Pre-production James Bond Aston Martin DB5 sells for £1,500
A possibly unique pre-production Corgi No. 261 James Bond Aston Martin DB5 from the film Goldfinger was one of the star lots during Vectis' Auctions M and M Collection sale. Although a normally sought-after model that can make hundreds at auction, this particular example was unusual because it had a prototype clear resin roof above the famous ejector seat function. READ MORE...
Corgi auctions off unique 1/36 scale Mini model
Corgi has launched an eBay auction to win a one-off limited edition 1/36 scale Mini model, which is also the last ever casting with the number 822. The model is being auctioned off to raise money for the Toy Trust charity, as members of the Corgi team (along with their colleagues) at Hornby are cycling 70 miles around the Isle of Wight to raise money for children with special needs. READ MORE...
JUNE
ModelZone administration
June was really dominated by the sad news that hobby retailer ModelZone had entered administration. Things stated off well enough with the opening of a new central London flagship store but by the end of the month, the administrators announced the retailer was experiencing difficulties and Hornby was forced to make a statement to its investors.
Your Shop - Metropolis Vintage Toys
For the Collectors Gazette we reguarly travel up and down the country meeting collectors and also taking a look round the many superb shops, dedicated to vintage toys. For the July issue, we headed to Metropolis Vintage Toys in Warwick to meet owner Chris Malbon and find out why he decided to open a shop dedicated to collectables and also get some advice for those thinking of following in his footsteps. READ MORE...
Daryl Burchmore James Bond collection heading to auction
Daryl Burchmore has (or rather had) arguably one of the great James Bond collections in the country featuring hundreds of 007 items, such as Lone Star guns, Corgi cars, and film memorabilia - plus more unusual pieces like bubble bath and imported plastic kits from Japan. He has been collecting Bondonailia (a phrase we've just coined) since 1979 when he got his first job and spent all his spare cash on anything bearing the Bond name. READ MORE...
Oxford Diecast new releases
We met up with Oxford Diecast Lyndon Davies to get an exclusive look at some of the company's upcoming models, including a range of N gauge releases, new 1/43 and 1/76 scale models and military vehicles.
Corgi launches Team Lotus Formula One range
Corgi and Scalextric held a glitzy ceremony for the launch of Corgi's brand new Team Lotus Formula One range of diecast models, while Formula One Drivers Romain Grosjean and Davide Valsecchi tried their hand at some slot car racing, courtesy of Scalextric's latest Lotus models. The event was held at the Lotus Originals Store on London's Regent Street and also gave enthusiasts the chance to meet the drivers and even have their models signed. READ MORE...
Remember, to get the latest collecting news delivered direct to your inbox every two weeks, sign up for our e-newsletter.