Captain Scarlet at Greenslade
Gre en slade Taylor Hunt’s pre-Christmas sale proved yet again that the market for old collectables remains as buoyant as ever.
Surprise lot of the day had to be a 21 Toy Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons playsuit. Contained within a worn box with the lid exhibiting a split to one corner, the suit top’s lining was somewhat worn. However, the ensemble appeared to be complete; estimated to make £40-45, this fantasy outfit attracted much attention, and finally settled on £320.
Not all sci-fi is worth a bomb, though: in stark contrast was the Merit Dan Dare Space Control Radio set, in a good box, which struggled to make £38.
A most unusual item for the car enthusiast was the fully restored Austin Centurion pedal car in red with chrome details. It was fitted with electric lights, a horn, a clockwork (!) radio and a handbrake, and even boasted a miniature A.A. badge to the front grille. A refreshing change from the usual J40 Joycars that crop up at auction, this example was knocked down for £800.
In terms of true antiques, the Fernand Martin tinplate Le gai Violiniste from around 1900 was a delightful toy. He had a hand-painted face and wore a grey top hat marked F.M. to the crown, was dressed in fabric clothing and his fixed-key clockwork mechanism was working. Becoming hard to find now, this happy chappy sold for £240.
Whilst there was nothing particularly outstanding in the model train section, the railwayana up for grabs did well: four Great Western Railway Chard branch line brass shelf plates (Creech Junction, Hatch, Ilminster and Chard) attached to a wooden board steamed off to make £1,900, while a 1941 GWR guard’s van double bullseye lamp and marked TE Bladon and Son sold for £70. ■