Ships, steam and songs...
Gr e e n s l a d e Taylor Hunt’s last auction was held under the moniker of Collectables but it included a fair number of toys amongst the lots.
Of note was a large tinplate Tri-ang Push and Go heavy duty crash truck in cream and red livery with an attached electric searchlight. The model had huge presence and although the light was untested, the bonus of a box propelled it to £50.
A collection of Waterline model naval ships was an unusual lot: most were painted metal and by Wiking, Germany, the largest being 21cm long. Accompanying the fleet was a group of Erzgebirge style painted wooden harbour sections. The ensemble realised £110.
For railway buffs, the star lot was a 3 1/2inch gauge live steam LBSC “Mona” 0-6-2 tank locomotive. Boasting green livery and 70cm long, despite the absence of boiler history and lacking an injector and grate, it nonetheless attracted plenty of bids and sold for £750.
Obsolete Oz is fond of records and would have loved the Beatles’ Please please me LP: this was the first UK mono version, with a sleeve that contained all the desirable credits. The auction house noted some surface marks and a few light scratches while the inner sleeve had an ownership inscription. Despite these faults it was rare enough to command £480.
Finally, for petrolheads, an Esso tiger plastic petrol pump globe was a wonderful find. Some 42.5 cm high, it came with a quartet of “I’ve Got a Tiger in My Tank” rear bumper stickers. The globe was generally good albeit a little faded and scratched; it raised £350. ■