Totems from four regions dominate

STATION totem signs from four of BR's six regions dominated Railwayana Sales' internet and telephone auction that ran from September 26 to October 2, with the flagbearer being BR(W) Bristol Temple Meads at £4050.

This runaway winner was followed by BR(S) Folkestone Junction (£2150), London Midland Region's Windermere (£1450), and Oakleigh Park, an Eastern Region sign which sold for £1050.

Southern Railway target sign Mortlake had its eye on breaking into four-figure territory on its auction debut but fell just short at £920. Prices exclude buyer's premium of 15%.

On the realisation for the Bristol totem, the auction house's Chris France said: “Although Temple Meads is a large station, it is believed only four survived, which obviously makes them desirable,” while he also predicted that the current demand for such signs generally would continue.

“They are easy to display, colourful, and are relevant to collectors for a variety of reasons. I am confident they will maintain their appeal.”

➜ HORNBY O-gauge topped the realisations in a Vectis model train sale on September 23, when a Danish export LNER Class D49‘Hunt'4-4-0 lookalike went for £900. The clockwork model was numbered 955R and unnamed, although it carried a plate for a name above the front splashers.

Two Wrenn OO-gauge models that each sold for £800 were Royal Scot No. 46148 The Manchester Regiment and a second LMS representative, streamlined Princess Coronation No. 6237 City of Bristol in wartime black. Prices exclude buyer's premium of 25% (inc VAT).