One of the oldest toys ever seen at Tennants Auctioneers was a Georgian Dissected Puzzle dating from 1812 – a forerunner of today’s jigsaw puzzle –sold for £420 in January, more than double it’s lowest estimate. Amazingly still complete after almost 200 years, the puzzle was entitled ‘My Pony’ and its mahogany box was inscribed showing that it had been given to a young boy by his governess.
In the forthcoming Spring Toy Sale on Friday, 26th April a Georgian Board Game (lot 229) called “The Mansion of Bliss, a New Game for the Amusement of Youth” from the same manufacturer will be offered for sale. It was published by William Darton in 1822 and is estimated to sell for £200-£300. However, Nick Lambert, Tennants Toy Specialist, feels it could make much more. “It is as rare as the Dissected Puzzle and will attract much attention from both vintage toy collectors and dealers alike”, he says.
Also sure to be a crowd pleaser is a vintage Punch and Judy Show, comprising six 19th Century puppets with papier mache heads, cloth bodies, wooden hands and feet together with a later stage (lot 231). This set is estimated to sell for £200-£300 and will delight children of all ages.
Other rare and unusual toys in the sale include a Jacques Boxwood and Ebony Staunton Chess Set and Chess Board (lot 228) which is estimated to sell for £400-£600. Each chess piece has a weighted base which is a sign of its quality. Also, a very rare Bakelite Austin Saloon Car (lot 241) made by A.G.L. Ranlite, who only produced good quality Bakelite scale vehicles for two years, is estimated to sell for £400-£600.
With ten large lots of the perennial favourite construction toy, Meccano, there is something for every enthusiast. Some lots have been already constructed; items include a working engine and a traction engine and crane. In addition, there are many boxes of loose parts. Lot 163 is an a highly unusual find – an unused Meccano No 10 Outfit in its original oak case with most of the pieces still strung to the display cards, estimated at £400-£600.
There are also a number of lots from the quality German manufacturer of Clockwork Tinplate Toys from the early 1900’s, Lehmann which will attract much attention. Price estimates range from £100 to £500 and as these are getting more difficult to find they will no doubt be popular amongst collectors.
Entries are being invited for Tennants next Toy Sale in late summer 2008. For more information please contact Nick Lambert at Tennants on +44(0)1969 623780
www.tennants.co.uk
