Back in 1998 Lacy Scott & Knight of Bury St Edmunds were instructed by local art teacher and model enthusiast John Clibbon to sell the majority of a large collection of tinplate toys.
The 450-lot sale, which contained many
Golden Age tinplate toys by major European makers, is still talked
about to this day.
But like most serious collectors, Mr Clibbon
could not bear to part with the complete collection, and he had
held back a number of cherished toys that were placed in a huge
display cabinet to be admired by visitors to his home.
Four years after he died his family decided
now was the time to auction the remainder of the collection for
future generations to enjoy. It was offered in just over 70 lots as
part of Lacy Scott & Knight's sale of collectors' models on
November 17.
The highlight was this Märklin station made
for the British market at the height of the Göppingen firm's powers
c.1904. Most hand-painted Märklin toys were available in a number
of different 'nationalities' with flags and names chosen by trade
buyers prior to placing an order.
Holborn Station, as it is titled, is formed
of three parts, a station building with booking hall (the interior
complete with seating, candle holder, ticket booth and barrier), a
footbridge and a platform with canopied waiting area and
signals.
In very good and completely original condition (only two pieces
of fencing were thought to be missing), it was estimated at
£6000-9000 but sold to a telephone bidder in Belgium at £41,000
(plus 15% buyer's premium).
Follow us on:
