James Bond, Batman and more vintage toys on sale at Staffordshire auction
Collections of model trains and diecast vehicles go under the hammer in a special auction of vintage toys.
Staffordshire’s Richard Winterton Auctioneers is getting up steam for the sale of 440 lots on Thursday, May 12.
A third of the auction, which will be broadcast online as well as hosting bidders live in the room, comprises of a Midlands single owner's collection of more that 160 trains, including models by Hornby Dublo, Tri-ang Wrenn, Lima, Mainline, Graham Farish, Liliput and Dapol.
Toy valuer Jon Price said: “This is a wonderfully impressive collection of locomotives, mostly electric, dating back to the 1950s.
“Many of the OO gauge trains have been rebuilt, repainted, renamed and renumbered – consequently creating a lot of models which you simply can’t buy off the shelf.”
Other lots include rolling stock in various gauges and a large collection of spare parts and locomotive wheels.
The sale at The Tamworth Auction Rooms also features a highly collectable Steiff teddy bear dating back to the 1930s, and a 1960s Japanese tinplate walking ‘moon explorer’, each of which are set to fetch hundreds of pounds.
Sparking the interest of bidders further is a special single owner collection of Corgi and Dinky diecast model vehicles from the 1960s and 1970s, all with original boxes and accessories.
Presented in around 40 lots, the collection features iconic toys from cult television programmes and films including the 1960s Batmobile, Batboat and trailer, Lady Penelope’s car from Thunderbirds, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the Green Hornet, Joe 90, Captain Scarlet’s SPV Spectrum Pursuit Vehicle, UFO, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Oldsmobile including a ‘Waverley ring’ depicting Robert Vaughn’s character Napoleon Solo, and Aki’s Toyota 2000GT car from the 1967 James Bond movie You Only Live Twice.
“This is another impressive single owner collection which has been lovingly treasured by a Midlands vendor,” added Mr Price.
“It is one of the finest collections of diecast I’ve had the pleasure of cataloguing and there is sure to be a lot of interest for these pieces at auction."
“All these models and toys have given great joy to their owners over the years."
“Come sale day there will doubtless be big smiles on the faces of both vendors and purchasers looking to give these special collectables a new home, where they can carry on helping people make happy memories.”
The online catalogue can be viewed via richardwinterton.co.uk/auction-dates and the sale starts at 9.30am.
Viewing at the Church Street auction rooms takes place the day before, on Wednesday, May 11, from 10am-4pm by appointment.
To book or enquire about valuations, telephone 01543 251081 (Lichfield), 01827 217746 (Tamworth) or email office@richardwinterton.co.uk or tamworth@richardwinterton.co.uk
