Going like clockwork!

The February UK Toy Auctions sale saw virtually every lot depart to a new home, according to co-organiser Tony Oakes (of swapmeet fame). There was so much that was interesting, it is hard to know where to start.

A Kenna Models example of the Lotus Elan Estate car (the famous Elanbulance) was modelled on the real thing and is rarely seen: this lovely example in metallic blue looked the business, and was pegged at £60-90. Still on fast cars, the Britains 1400 Bluebird Land Speed record car was equally pretty and featured a lift-off body. Tyres were still intact (all six!) and its box was in great shape too: it carried a guideline of £120-180.
For toy soldier devotees, the lead Britains Machine Gun Section, comprising three seated gunners and three prone machine gunners, were in good plus condition. This British Expeditionary Force example’s box had taped corners and was listed as £70-100. Slightly more unusual was the Ref. 2060 Confederate Army set. In good plus to excellent in a good plus box, this colourful array of seven (including one figure in butternut coloured clothing) was expected to make £60-£90.

Rarities included the Corgi Toys carded window hanging shop display sign for No.428, the Smiths Carrier Ice Cream Van; this found a buyer at £140. Then there was the truly comprehensive Corgi Toys GS25 Shell or BP Garage Layout. This included a playmat, cars, buildings, accessories and figurines: a vast lot overall. One or two items were absent but it was still an amazing find – and ready to be completed. It sold for a healthy £850.

A gold St Michaels (Marks & Spencer) TR2 by Corgi might have been missing its steering wheel but it still attracted due interest (selling for £85), whilst the best of the clockwork Shackleton entries (there were five in all), a flatbed truck in vivid green with red mudguards, accessories and a decent box, rumbled off to achieve a stunning £850.