September 2012 Sporting and Collectors' Sale Preview

Published 25th May 2012

A variety of motor racing collectables being offered in our September 2012 Sporting and Collectors Auction, estimated at between £40 and £200.

Looking for a birthday card, I came across one with a small boy asking his mother if he could be a scientist when he grew up. Her reply reminded me that, as an auctioneer, it applied to me as well. She said:

"Don't be silly, you're a man, you'll never grow up!"

Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood's forthcoming Sporting and Collectors sale on 26th September 2012 at Dowell Street in Honiton may well prove her correct as the various toys, militaria and collectables prove too much to resist.

Cataloguing mint boxed Corgi cars, Hornby and Meccano brings back memories of birthdays and Christmases past. Makers such as Britain's, Lois Marx and Palitoy have now been overshadowed by the computer age. Many would have discarded the toys' original boxes, but for those still complete in the box, such as this Britain's 155mm filed gun (below), collectors would be willing to pay £150-£200.

A Britain's 155mm gun in original box. Estimate: £150-£200.

In addition to the Dinky and Corgi racing cars, the sale also includes numerous motor racing and automobillia items. From the 'Golden age' of Formula 1 is a collection of photographs including Mike Hawthorn, Fangio, Stirling Moss and many other drivers of the 1950s and 60s.

A motor racing helmet, similar to those worn by many of these drivers, is included in the sale, estimated £50-£100. Classic cars and motor racing collectables have a strong following internationally, so the online sale will attract many buyers for the early Dunlop and 'Old Bill' car mascots at £200-£300 each.

If proof were needed that men never grow up, not only being surrounded by Britains, Corgi and Dinky toys, the sale has a selection of taxidermy, such as silver-mounted deer slot candlesticks, estimated at £200-£300. So it would appear that I have hit the jackpot as an auctioneer, finally getting to play with the toys I could only look at in the toy shop window.

Four silver-mounted deer slot candlesticks, estimated at £200-£300, being offered for auction at our Sporting and Collectors' Sale at our Dowell Street salerooms in Honiton, Devon.

However, I can think of at least one member of staff who spent a good twenty minutes as she looked through the collection of dolls for the sale, nostalgically changing a Sindy doll into her librarian outfit!

For further details on the above items or for consigning any toys and collectables for the Sporting and Collectors Sale on 26th September 2012 at Dowell Street in Honiton then please contact Brian Goodison-Blanks.