THIS German clockwork tinplate limousine made a surprise £38,000 at Tennants of Leyburn at their latest toy sale.
The 16in (41cm) long toy was produced by Märklin from about 1909
until the First World War and several others are known in
collections worldwide. In May 2006, US auctioneers James D. Julia
of Maine sold a similar large-size limousine for $31,000, despite
having been overpainted.
This example was bought into a Tennants valuation day in
Windermere by a lady from Cumbria, who had no idea of its value. It
had been passed through the family and had sat in a cupboard for
many years.
Specialist tin toy dealer David Pressland told ATG: "This
example was unusual in having the burgundy brown bonnet and cab and
blue striped rear bodywork, as most examples known are in either
green or blue. Although in need of conservation, crucially the
original paint was still reasonably good and restoration should be
a relatively easy project."
He added: "This is by far the best tin toy automobile to appear
at auction in the UK since a Sotheby Belgravia sale in 1973."
Tennants originally valued the car at £400-600 but interest in
the toy saw a packed saleroom on August 21 and eight phone lines
booked.
It sold to a UK telephone bidder.
The buyer's premium was 15 per cent.
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