Western Morning News (Saturday)
All aboard for the auction
FOR those that remember them, there is still something incurably romantic about the days of steam locomotive travel.
Today, spectators will flock to bridges to catch a glimpse of steam engines chuffing along on a rare outing. What could be more atmospheric than feeling the engine thundering past in your chest, whilst being engulfed in a cloud of steam à la ‘The Railway Children’?
Perhaps the nostalgia for steam travel is one reason why Railwayana and all things connected with the railways is hugely popular with collectors today.
In David Lay’s next Books and Collectors items sale, a small group of items from the Isle of Wight Railway are sure to cause a stir in collecting circles as its small group of engines were decommissioned and scrapped many years ago.
Consequently, a precious steam whistle saved from the E1 class engine Wroxall is a remarkably rare and highly prized trophy, which may well exceed its £600-800 auction estimate.
The lot (419) together with a rare cast iron railway bridge sign from the IOW (lot 418) is accompanied by some charming reminiscences from the vendor about Wroxall, which served from 1933 bringing coal into Ryde until it was decommissioned in 1960.
He and a friend spent their pocket money on trips to Ventnor or Cowes and occasionally the guard would let him travel with him in the brake end coach.
This is the first sale of the year in which Lay’s has been able to welcome clients back into the saleroom for viewing. It now has a sophisticated appointment booking system for viewing and collections on its website. Although all lots are beautifully photographed on its website, collectors will no doubt wish to browse some of the beautiful and fascinating antiquarian books in the sale.
Not quite antiquarian, but a star booklot nonetheless, is a Harry Potter paperback that has been signed by several stars of the films, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Michael Gambon and Robbie Coltrane to name a few.
This is sure to prove a popular lot, to autograph collectors and Harry Potter fans alike.
Rare coins, interesting medal groups, nearly 300 toy lots and postcards with Titanic interest, there is something for everyone in this 650+ lot sale.
The sale takes place on April 22. Please visit davidlay.co.uk for viewing times or call on 01736 361414.