Meccano toy makes more than double its top estimate

REVIEW: Toys & Collectors’ Models, Lacy Scott & Knight, The Auction Centre, 10 Risbygate Street, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 3AA. 17 August

With more than 2000 varied lots keeping bidders busy across two rooms on Saturday 17 August, the ‘something for everyone’ phrase seemed apt at Lacy Scott & Knight’s summer collectors’ sale.

Making the top price for a model car was one of those highly soughtafter Meccano Car Constructor No2 models, a red and cream example complete with original driver figure. This good looking, nostalgic model was estimated at £400-500 but found £1050 on the day (all lots plus 24% buyer’s premium including VAT).

W Britain is known for its military figures but it also produced some collectable vehicles too. A No 1448 Army Staff Car with officer and driver figures, in its original red box with black and white label was tipped at £150-200, but rose to £380. For motor racing fans there was a Tamiya 1/10th scale plastic kit for a John Player Special Lotus 49, suitable for radio controlled conversion and in its original picture box. This raced away from its £60-80 estimate to take the flag at £440.

For collectors specialising in marque models from a specific period, a contemporary garage or petrol station makes an ideal part of a display. A fine Dinky Toys No48 tinplate pre-war filling and service station provided one such option, selling for £180, while a red and yellow Matchbox MGA1 Garage in its original box was a good buy at £80. The next LSK collectors’ sale is to be held at Bury St Edmunds on Saturday 16 November. ■ lsk.co.uk