Trigger’s dolphin and Del Boy’s lion jar set to go under hammer
DEL Boy’s cigar jar and Trigger’s ‘Jolly Boys’ Outing’ inflatable dolphin from Only Fools and Horses are set to fetch thousands at auction.
The famous lots are being sold alongside items from the estate of Boycie actor John Challis, who died in 2021.
Del’s ceramic cigar lion pot appeared throughout the BBC series – on top of the mini bar in the Trotter’s Peckham flat. It is now on sale alongside other items from the show – including Trigger’s dolphin that featured in the 1989 Christmas special on the cast’s memorable day out in Margate.
The unique pieces from the iconic sitcom are part of a huge auction giving fans the chance to own what have been heralded as ‘incredible parts’ of television history.
The inflatable dolphin is expected to sell for up to £8,000 while the cigar jar – the only prop to feature in ‘every single series’ of the show – is expected to fetch up to £12,000.
The sale, hosted by East Bristol Auctions, also features hundreds of lots related to the show and includes part of Challis’s personal estate.
Auctioneer Andrew Stowe said: “The Jolly Boys’ Outing is without a doubt the best-loved episode of the series amongst fans. To be able to touch and hold something so iconic is a surreal experience.
“There is something endearing about the dolphin. This old inflatable dolphin has made millions of people laugh over the last 30 years. It has to be the most famous dolphin in the country. To have an actual prop from the show, from its bestloved episode, belonging to one of its most famous characters is nothing short of incredible.”
The dolphin is estimated at £5,000 to £8,000 and features among hundreds of other Only Fools and Horses related items going under the hammer on December 2.
Referring to Del Boy’s cigar jar, Mr Stowe added: “This ceramic lion jar appeared in every single series of the sitcom.
“It is often cited as being another member of the cast. Del’s cigar jar is an icon of British comedy history.
“Think of any episode and this jar was there on the set – watching over.
“The contents of the Trotter family home changed in every episode, but only one prop remained a constant – this very cigar jar. It is the only prop to feature in every single series. Think of a funny moment and this jar was there.
“We expect Del’s cigar jar to fetch over £8,000 – it’s the ultimate piece of Only Fools and Horses memorabilia. For die-hard fans, it doesn’t really get much better than this.”
The cigar jar is estimated to fetch £8,000-£12,000.
Mr Stowe said the sale will also include around 100 items from the estate of Challis, who died in 2021. Challis, who was born in Bristol, first appeared as smarmy secondhand car dealer Boycie in the series’ second ever episode Go West Young Man.
Writer John Sullivan loved Challis’s portrayal so much that he decided to make him a regular in the series, later to be joined by his wife Marlene, played by Sue Holderness.
Mr Stowe added: “John Challis was a son of Bristol so we are completely honoured to be able to offer items from his personal collection for sale in our saleroom.
“Boycie in particular was a very well-loved character from the show, and John Challis was often called upon to make public appearances or conduct interviews to promote the series.”
One special item from Challis’s collection going under the hammer is a vintage Washburn electric guitar, originally owned by the late Rick Parfitt, of Status Quo fame.
In the spin-off sitcom The Green Green Grass, Boycie was often heard listening to the band, and the group were even central to the plot of one episode.
Mr Stowe added: “Only Fools and Status Quo are two institutions of British pop culture. To have one item that links them both together is very special indeed.”
Other items from his estate include his collection of scripts from The Green Green Grass, an original screen-worn denim jacket, and personal items such as his extensive collection of records and other memorabilia.
A portion of the proceeds from the his estate will be donated to three charities that he supported: British Hedgehog Preservation Society, the Cuan Wildlife Rescue and Tusk Trust.