Diecasts, dolls and trains
Whilst there were no special prices realised in the recent Vectis sales, nonetheless lots have been selling well across the spectrum, embracing diecasts, dolls and railway items. One lot that aroused plenty of bidders was the Corgi 1103 pre-production colour trial Chubb Pathfinder Airport Crash Truck. This was finished in yellow with a deeper yellow interior, a chrome platform and featured a gold nozzle and hose. The model was never put into production in this colour (the tender is normally red), and it is believed that only six examples were executed. It was knocked down for £1,320.
Equally pursued was the Mattel Hot Wheels Redline 6267 Custom AMX selection: this pair included a metallic magenta and a very light metallic magenta example. Their conditions were put at Good Plus and both came with the correct tinplate badges. Estimated to make £5070, they actually settled on £432. Not bad for something that used to cost about 35p!
Five Miss Rosebud hard plastic dolls from the 1950s all featured the Miss Rosebud signature style script text and MADE IN ENGLAND to the rear of the torso. Complete with Amanda Jane and other outfits, these 19cm dolls were billed as Good to Excellent Plus. They sailed past the upper estimate of £40 to achieve £288.
Steiff also featured, with a rare Mr Cinnamon 1903 replica teddy bear, with white tag and "HAND-MUSTER" tag, indicative of a preproduction sample. He finally sold for £840.
On the rails, a Kitbuilt gauge 1 4-2-2 loco and tender in Midland maroon was running on two-rail finescale electric. This had been professionally built and painted, and included with the lot were three sections of coarse scale tinplate gauge 1 two-rail track. Overall it was excellent, its quality reflected in the hammer price of £840.
Finally, for collectors of memorabilia, the London Underground Circle Line enamel sign was the last word. Exhibiting some wear, it went to £480. ■