What’s it worth?
On Antiques & Collectables
Q I have a Del Boy Reliant Robin toy car, by Lledo. It has a “tax in post” windscreen sticker, is boxed and is “as new”. Lewis Mccoy, Cardiff
A That may well be the real Mccoy, er, Mr Mccoy, but even Del Boy would admit this isn’t going to make you a millionaire by this time next year. While it’s a fab novelty, it is likely to fetch between €10 and €50, depending on condition. On the other hand, the three-wheeler used in Only Fools And Horses sold at auction last year for €46,000. Now that was a cushty sum.
Q
I have a copy of Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management 1861. What is it worth? John Andrews, via email A That’s a fasinating item and its value will depend hugely on two things – whether it is a first issue/edition and if it is in a good condition. If the answer in both cases is yes, you could have a €1,800 collectable there – subject to independent inspection. If it’s in poor condition you would be looking at more like €150, if a first edition. The books by Isabella Beeton first appeared in 1861 and were a snapshot of Victorian recipes and advice for middle-class ladies of the day. The most fantastic find would have to be Mrs Beeton’s Christmas Annual from 1887. Published by Ward Lock and Co, it contained a very special story – A Study in Scarlet, featuring a certain Sherlock Holmes, written by emerging author Arthur Conan-doyle! This is worth more than €120,000.
Q My family own a Denby dinner and teaset that has the Greenwheat pattern. They have been used but are all in great condition and remain undamaged. Are they worth much? Louise Birtwell, Kingston, Surrey
A The Greenwheat range has been produced since the 1960s and is a bit of a classic. Dinner sets can make €200 at auction. You might even double that depending on the size and condition of your collection.