THE MICHAEL FOSTER REFERENCE COLLECTION OF BRITISH TOY TRAINS
Vectis Auctions are proud to announce they will be auctioning the - Michael Foster British Toy Train Collection on Friday 21st July.
Michael is the celebrated author of a series of four books on British Toy Trains that are recognised as the ultimate reference guides for this sub section of model trains. The auction will feature the toys included in Volumes One and Two of these compendia.
The brand names of Hornby, Bassett-Lowke, Trix and Triang are well known to toy train enthusiasts and much has been written about them. However, several other British manufacturers also made toy trains from the 1900's to the mid 20th Century. Their products, ranging from the "cheap and cheerful" to good representations of their prototypes, are important elements of the history the British toy train industry.
Lack of research meant that there was little information available to collectors and some of these makers were, regrettably, neglected. Fortunately, after many years of research, Michael Foster has addressed these shortcomings with the publication of his series of books on British Toy Trains. Now the standard work of reference, the books are certain to generate an increasing and justifiable interest in these other makers. The series is being produced in four volumes. So far, three have been published.
The sale on 21 July will include many of the actual items that are featured and illustrated in the first two volumes, including examples by Whitanco, Burnett, Chad Valley, Palitoy, Astra, Betal and Marx. The sale therefore provides an opportunity to obtain some desirable pieces that represent significant milestones in the history of the British toy trains. There are also some rare and desirable non train-related toys that are featured in the books, such as the very scarce Whitanco "Barney" WW1 tank. There is also the opportunity to acquire Vol I and II of the set.
Listed below are just some of the lots to give you a flavour -
Lot 3005
Whitanco WW1 "Barney E1" Tank. Very early tinplate clockwork tank in tan with embossed rivet detail. Whitanco trademarks and "Barney E.1" in gold to sides. Original black metal tracks. Hatch at rear opens to reveal the substantial clockwork motor. With non-original key. Motor working when tested. Length 8.25"/21 cm. Some light surface wear. Generally Good Plus in a Fair original box with illustrated label to lid (splits and repairs to corners of base and lid and some punctures to sides of base). (Book 1 page 20) A rare item, especially with its original box.
Lot 3021
Whitanco Richmond Station. Attractively tin printed railway station almost identical in style to the Carrette English station. Red tiled roof, cream walls and printed adverts, including Coleman's Mustard, Bovril, Recketts Blue, Glaxo, Sunlight Soap and two Whitanco trademarks. Length 16"/41cm. Light play wear including some wear to exposed edges but generally Good Plus in a mail box franked 27 April 1928. A rare item, especially in this condition. (Book 1 page 31).
Lot 3032
Chad Valley Carr's 10045 Double Decker Bus. Aluminium and tinplate clockwork London Transport bus in red and yellow with silvered windows, printed conductor and driver. "Chad Valley Toys" and "Ask for Carr's Biscuits and be Satisfied" to side panels. Carr's Table Water adverts to rear. "25 Victoria Station" destination indicators and "CV10045" to number plate. Lift off grey roof. This toy was originally conceived as a Carr's Biscuits Container. Clockwork motor working when tested. Length 10"/25.5cm. tabs attaching cab/bonnet to body of bus are broken. Some rubs and shallow dents to roof, otherwise Excellent. A rare item. (Book 1 page 60)
Lot 3033
Chad Valley No.10032 Games Delivery Van. Tinplate clockwork van in green and black with multi-coloured roof and sides depicting various games including Tiddleywinks, Ludo, Snakes and Ladders etc. Opening rear door with latch. Grey and black tinplate balloon wheels. Clockwork motor working when tested. Length 10"/25.5cm. Some light wear to exposed edges and wheels but generally Good Plus. (Book 1 page 60)
Lot 3107
Marx No. 301 Silver Link Clockwork Train. O gauge clockwork A4 locomotive in silver with black detailing. 2509 to cab sides. Four wheeled tender with "LNER" in red to sides and 2 articulated coaches: "Pullman Streamline" coach and coach buffet. With Marx key. Clockwork motor and bell mechanism working when tested. Length overall 32"/81cm Some light age wear and discolouration but Good Plus overall. (Book 2 page 83)
Lot 3110
Marx No 245 Double Track "Coronation Scot" Train. Tinplate clockwork OO scale locomotive and three coaches in blue with white, black and silvered detailed tin printing. 6220 to cab sides and "Coronation" nameplate printed to loco sides. "Pullman" to coach sides. Clockwork motor working when tested. With oval of tin printed twin track, similar to Marx Speedway track, with switched crossovers. Overall length of train 16"/41cm, width of track oval 49"/125cm. Some scratches to top of loco and coaches but generally Good Plus. Coach sides are bright and Excellent. (Book 2 page 91)
Lot 3111
Marx No. 331 Coronation Scot Electric Train. O gauge 3 rail electric streamlined locomotive in blue with white stripes. 6220 to cab sides and "Coronation? nameplate printed to side of loco. Eight wheeled tender with "LMS" in white to sides and 2 articulated coaches: "LMS" coach and "Dining Car". Length overall 32"/81cm General light play wear and two shallow dents to top of tender. Good overall. (Book 2 page 92)
To view the full REFERENCE COLLECTION OF BRITISH TOY TRAINS please click here
For more information on these or any other lots in the sale please contact -
Mike Delaney on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 01993 709 424 or
Michael Bond on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 01642 750616
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