Vectis Auctions

The Graham Hamilton Ultimate Matchbox Picture Box Collection

Part 1 - 26th & 27th May 2021

Part 2 - 29th & 30th September 2021

Does exactly what it says on the tin!

Covering the entire Lesney Matchbox Picture Box era from 1962 - 1982 the collection covers every possible genre of Matchbox collecting. You name it and it’s comprehensively represented including obscure ranges such as Screaming Demons along with Retailers Point of Sale Shop Displays etc.

Well-known and respected in international Matchbox circles Graham has pieced his personal collection together over decades of trading. Many rare and unique models have come directly from Ex-Lesney employees, many of whom worked within the research and development department responsible for designing new additions to the range.

The philosophy of the collection was simple - to assemble an example of every picture box released by Matchbox Toys over the years including significant printing variations where applicable. The hard part was then to match this box artwork to a corresponding model so that body, window, interior, base and wheel variations were an exact match to the artists illustration on the box. Pretty much an impossible task to complete, but we do have a dazzling array of these throughout the sale.

Part 1 of the collection will be held over 26th/27th May comprising both Regular Wheel and Superfast 1-75 series models, with the remainder of the collection being offered on the 29th/30th September.

To commemorate this landmark event Vectis Auctions are publishing a full colour Limited Edition collector’s reference catalogue priced at just £25. Demand for these catalogues is bound to be high, so to avoid disappointment please register your interest in purchasing a copy as quickly as possible.

Check out our YouTube channel for an in depth preview with Graham and our very own Julian Royse:

Providing the Governments road map continues on the right course, the room will be open to the public for this auction. Customers must wear face masks (unless exempt) and regularly sanitise hands. The two-metre rule will also apply.

A photo Album has been created on our Facebook page for additional images from this collection. This can be viewed at the following link: -

Facebook

We have also created an Events Page on Facebook. Any interested parties can join the event and it will send a reminder for the sale and give updates: -

https://www.facebook.com/events/244403950797575/?active_tab=discussion

Viewing times: Tuesday 25th May

10am - 4pm by appointment only

Wednesday 26th May

8am - 10am, auction commences at 10: 00am

Thursday 27th May

8am - 10am, auction commences at 10: 00am

Unfortunately, due to the pandemic no tea or coffee facilities are available. Please bring your own refreshments if required.

TV & Film related – 14^th December 2017

The TV & Film Related sale to be held on the 14^th of December features some interesting items, including a Meccano square cut 18 back Star Wars Boba Fett, which is UKG graded, plus further graded Star Wars figures. There is an unusual collection of Neca Bobble Head / Head Knockers which include Alien characters, Iron Maiden, Predator, Gremlins, Hellraiser and Freddy Mercury, plus a Monkee’s collection which features a talking glove puppet, vintage magazines, Monkee mobiles and collectables, including sheet music and photographs. The sale will also include electronic games, action figures, vehicles, children’s games and toys plus Fast Food premiums, Lego and much more.

22^nd November - Military, Civilian Figures, Equipment & Accessories

The Military, Civilian Figures, Equipment & Accessories Sale held on the 22^nd of November featured The Hampshire collection, over 40 lots of modern, plastic, civilian and British Military issues, plus soldier books and ephemera. The sale also included, from other vendors, Composition and Tinplate figures, vehicles and accessories, Airfix Archive, modern, plastic, and civilian issues plus Militaria, books, catalogues and ephemera plus connoisseur miniatures from Russia.

Some of the highlights from this sale include:

23^rd November – Dolls and Teddy Bear Sale

The dolls and teddy bear sale was held on the 23^rd of November and featured a collection from the ‘Bear Bits’ Archive, including prototypes and artists bears. The sale also included German and French bisque dolls, composition, hard plastic and vinyl dolls. Pedigree Sindy and Mattel Barbie dolls and accessories; puppets, modern bisque dolls, children’s toys and games, annuals, books, vintage clothing and accessories, dolls houses, furniture and accessories, Disney Beanies, Steiff dolls, bears and characters and artists bears.

Some of the highlights from this sale include:

21^st November - Matchbox Magic

The Matchbox Magic sale held on the 21^st of November featured Part 5 of the Ex-Matchbox Employees collection, plus the Australian Collection and the Ex-Lesney employees’ pre-production models collection. The sale also included Regular wheels, Superfast, Matchbox Models of Yesteryear, King Size, Super Kings, Major and Accessory packs.

There were many highlights to choose from in this sale with many lots exceeding their top estimates, and many achieving four-figure auction values, some of the sought after lots include: