Online sales boom at Vectis

With the decision taken to move more sales online, Vectis is acknowledging the shifting dynamic of the marketplace. Its online May sale featured military and civilian figures and accessories, and was truly eclectic in its breadth.

Aluminium figures are very niche – and the Wend-Al "Solid Aluminium Models" Toytown Figure set 2TB was somewhat desirable, especially since it was all contained within its open-fronted box. Comprising a drummer, two fifers, the cantinière plus two other ranks at attention, it also included the mounted officer with drawn sabre on a dappled rocking horse and a pair of trees.

The set was even complete with its original price tag (19/3 – or almost £1). Exhibiting some minor storage wear, it was otherwise excellent and realised £260.

In contrast, the Bowman Models "Snipe" was a pre-war example of a live steam speed cruiser, actually dating from around 1931. The woodenhulled cruiser measured some 59cm overall and featured a removable aluminium superstructure. An impressive example of engineering for the local pond (before Elf n Safety filled them all in!), it was bid to £260.

Different again was the Britains for Givjoy Toys 1930s road set. This was H.1 (Set 239), and comprised three AA Road Signs ("Crawley", "School" and "Dangerous Corner"), along with two AA Patrolmen. Very unusual (and scarce in packaging), it sold for £900.

Finally, a real bucolic gem in the shape of a Britains Model Farm Series Set 145f. With a Fordson Major Tractor in blue with orange hubs and driver, a tipping trailer in green, a plough and a disc harrow, it was a rare survivor, and in a near mint box: it was knocked down for £1,800. ■

A survivor from the age of pond boats and yachts, the Bowman “Snipe” was close to being 100 years old.

This Arnold U-Boat was of post-war Occupation Zone manufacture and was in stunning condition for a submersible tinplate creation. It realised £180.