Your chance to own a little bit of TV history
DEL Boy’s iconic cigar jar and Trigger’s inflatable dolphin from Only Fools and Horses are set to fetch thousands at auction next month.
The lots are being sold alongside items from the estate of Bristol-born actor John Challis, who played the sitcom’s character Boycie, and who died in 2021.
The pieces from the iconic sitcom, which although set in south London was in fact filmed at various locations around Bristol, are part of an auction giving fans the chance to own parts of television history.
The inflatable dolphin used by Trigger is expected to sell for up to £8,000 after it featured in the
1989 Christmas special: the ‘Jolly
Boys’ Outing’ in Margate. Del Boy’s ceramic lion cigar jar was the only prop to feature in every single series of the show in the Trotter’s flat and is expected to fetch up to £12,000.
The sale – being hosted by East Bristol Auctions next Friday, December 2, – also features hundreds of lots related to the show and includes part of the personal estate of Mr Challis.
Auctioneer Andrew Stowe said: “The Jolly Boys’ Outing is without a doubt the best-loved episode of the series amongst fans.
“To be able to touch and hold something so iconic is a surreal experience.”
The dolphin is estimated at £5,000 to £8,000.
Referring to Del Boy’s cigar jar, Mr Stowe added: “This ceramic lion jar appeared in every single series of the sitcom. It’s often cited as being another member of the cast. Del’s cigar jar is an icon of British comedy history. Think of any episode and this jar was there on the set.”
Mr Stowe continued: “Its the ultimate piece of Only Fools and Horses memorabilia. For diehard fans, it doesn’t really get much better than this.”
The cigar jar is estimated to fetch between £8,000 and £12,000.
Mr Stowe added: “John Challis was a son of Bristol – so we are completely honoured to be able to offer items from his personal collection for sale in our saleroom. Boycie in particular was a very well-loved character from the show, and John Challis was often called upon to make public appearances or conduct interviews to promote the series.”
One special item from the collection is a vintage Washburn electric guitar, originally owned by the late Rick Parfitt of Status Quo. In the spin-off sitcom The Green Green Grass, Boycie was often heard listening to the band, and the group.
The auction takes place at noon on December 2.