All the fun of the fair... what an auction ride
OUR toy department grows stronger with every passing year and its specialist sales have been booming in 2020. We’re collecting items for our January Toy Auction as well as our general antiques and collectables sales and, although tier restrictions are in place, it’s business as usual.
So, if you’ve been wondering whether to rescue your vintage Action Man or Barbie doll from the loft, part with that model train set or let that vintage Dinky toy collection go to pastures new, now’s the time to come and see us.
January is a booming month for sales as collectors are keen to buy after the lengthy festive break. Consequently, it’s a good time to turn unwanted items into cash.
Bearing all that in mind, let’s look back at the results of our two-day November Toys, Models and Gaming Auction to show you what’s in demand. Stars of the show were two particularly impressive private collections. Model fairground rides and vehicles, handmade and painted by a Derby man, the late Patrick Burton, soared to success. Each fair ride took him two to three years to build.
Consequently, lot 6401, a superb model of a Noah’s Ark ride built, sold for £1,900. Lot 6403, a Chairoplane ride, made £1,000; lot 6404, scratch-built fairground vehicles, were contested to £880 and lot 6402, a Cake Walk, made £600.
These extraordinary models were unique and deserved to sell well – and gain TV coverage. In a year when fairs were crushed by Covid, it was a joy to see the bold colours and glittering lights when the rides were set in motion.
Another major private collection which stunned our toy valuers – and delighted bidders – was a huge array of vintage figures made by Britains. They had been stored in a safe for
many years and, when we opened the box at our Etwall saleroom, we were stunned by the sheer volume and variety of figures inside.
The W. Britain brand name of toy and collectable soldiers is derived from a company founded by William Britain Jr, a British toy manufacturer who in 1893 invented the process of lead hollow casting. This revolutionised the production of toy soldiers. The style and scale of Britains figures became the industry standard for toy soldiers.
In 1907 the family proprietorship, William Britain & Sons, incorporated as Britains, Ltd. The Britain family controlled the firm until 1984 when it was sold to a British conglomerate. During the first half of the 20th century, Britains expanded its range and by 1931 it
employed 450 at its London factory.
Collectors came out in force to obtain rare sets such as lot 6278, British Army Grenadier, adier, Coldstream, Scots and Irish Guards, complete in original al box. It sold for £1,000. Then there was lot 6346, assorted early 20th century American display figures, which sold for £750.
Britains’ soldiers s marched on to glory ry with lot 6288, Colonial nial
Army and Australian an Infantry figures, £600; lot 6329, three trade box sets, Herald Series, £580, and lot 6297, Greek Army, Greek Cavalry, possibly a 1925 version, £520. Buyers also liked lot 6363, a boxed Taylor & Barrett Tiger Hunting scene, which s sold for £520. It’s won wonderful to see one-of one-off major colle collections and uni unique finds but th that’s far from the fu full toy story. This sp specialist market of offers huge va variety.
T Thanks to Der Derby’s trainmakin making heritage, we see many man rail-related items and th they, too, spark strong bidding bidding.
Lot 6239, an Accucraft, S20-3 ‘Peveril’ locomotive in original box sold for £850. On the same theme, lot 6130, a collection of 00 gauge kit built locomotives made £340 and lot 6129, a collection of 00 gauge kit built LMS locomotives reached £300.
Lot 6155, a boxed Athearn Genesis, Big Boy 4-8-8-4, Union Pacific, sold for £300 and lot 6156, an Athearn Genesis, Northern 4-8-4, Union Pacific FEF-3, reached £280. Too many toys for the boys? Lot 6246, a vintage 1964 Barbie Black Magic Ensemble doll set reached £270. Not bad for a glamorous beauty tucked away nearly 60 years ago.
The joy of auctions lies in their eclectic nature. Nostalgia, history and memories come to the fore thanks to the finds you bring to our door. Keep them coming!
If you have items to sell in our general or specialist sales, do get in touch. Hansons’ Etwall Auction Centre is open by appointment for valuations, consignments and deliveries.
We also offer free home visits and remote valuations. Email: service@ hansonsauctioneers.co.uk or call 01283 733988.
And if you’re on the hunt for Christmas presents, we have a bumper week of Fine Art auctions running from December 7-11.
View our catalogues at hansonslive.co.uk.