Automobilia

REVIEW: Specialist Sale, Vectis, Thornaby, North Yorkshire. 11 July

While that auctions, are it is sought ephemera usually after the and at model specialist accessories vehicles toy are collectors often equally as they popular can add among authentic character to a display.

Such was clearly the case in the

Vectis Specialist Sale, which featured many marvellous Matchbox models on 11 July, when a Retailers Counter or Shop Window Display Stand came up for sale. The stand, which dated from 1954/55, was approximately 8in by 7.5in, featured the heading ‘Matchbox Series Perfect Miniature Models – a delight to Every Boy!’

models Mixer, Illustrations No6a No1a Quarry Road show Roller, Regular truck, No3a No18a Wheel Site Caterpillar Bulldozer and two No24a Weatherhill Hydraulic Excavator (one of which is shown minus its lifting bucket). ‘ This is a very rare survivor,’ said Vectis. ‘ This is the first time we have either seen or been able to offer this example for sale.’ Vectis was optimistic enough about that statement to place an estimate of £1500-2000 on it. It turned out that it was justified to believe it would make a strong price as the final figure (including buyer’s premium) was £4560!

Other Matchbox display items that were included in this sale were a Display Stand to hold the entire 1/75 range of regular Wheels models (it carried a factory reference of NoC75), which raised £504 (estimate £200260), and a Superfast DS-14 plastic Display Stand with 48 compartments, which sold for an extremely strong

£228 (£40-60).

vectis.co.uk