The TV, Film and Diecast sale held on the 21^st of January featured the Tees Valley Collection, 260 lots of diecast vehicles, including Corgi, Dinky, Triang Spot-On, Matchbox, Hot wheels, Lion Car and Tekno; plus model rail OO gauge from Hornby and Bachmann. TV related items in this collection included Thunderbirds, James Bond, Batman, The Man from Uncle, and many more, plus Marx Toys plastic clockwork issues. Further items in this sale comprised TV and Film related lots, including Mego Star Trek figures, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Lord of the Rings figures, Dr Who, DC and Marvel figures, and Action Man. Plus, James Bond vehicles, slot car sets, props and replica props, books and posters. Further items included Lego, Playmobil, Star Wars figures, playsets and vehicles, plus much more.

The Ted Watkinson Bassett Lowke / Exley and other Commercial manufacturers 0 Gauge Collection

 Ted Watkinson, had a life and interests that fell into three distinct parts.  Ted graduated from Worcester College Oxford with an engineering degree and his mechanical passions ran from motor cars and motor racing latterly to steam trains.

In the 1930s Ted was a “special friend” of MG motors and raced for them at a number of events culminating in him being a part of the MG team that won the Alpine Cup in 1934.  This was an immensely challenging endurance race and was one of the most prestigious events of its type on the European racing calendar.  In addition to racing Ted was a keen exponent of coach works and won several awards for his cars including his Alvis Speed 20 which is still owned by his grand daughter. 

Having originated from Yorkshire Ted eventually settled in Worcestershire where he purchased Tyre Hill Farm at Hanley Swan where he looked to apply modern technology to effect a model farm.  Ted’s passion was for Jersey cattle and he became the President of the Jersey Cattle Association. 

 It was at Tyre Hill that Ted indulged in his passion for model railways and it was here that his O gauge trains were set up in an extensive attic room that was strictly off limits to his only grandchild.

In latter life Ted was able to indulge his passion for steam trains and purchased a number of items of rolling stock including the Stanier Class Black 5 “5025”.  Ted was one of the driving forces in the early years of the Strathspey Railway.  Ted died in 1981 whilst working to restore his train.  On his death the rolling stock was bequeathed to the charity and Black 5025 is currently undergoing extensive restoration.

Vectis are pleased to offer the 0 Gauge Vintage Model Railway collection for sale at their monthly specialist railway sale in January 2021 here are a few of the items that will be in the sale

The Doll and Teddy bear sale held on the 14^th of January featured a large collection of Charlie Bears, plus Steiff, Merrythought, and Chad Valley, plus artist bears and vintage British, German and French bears. Further items included artists dolls, Barbie, Sindy, My little Pony, and Robertson’s Gollys and badges. The sale also included The Peter Dowsett Collection of Antique, Vintage And Scratchbuilt Dolls Houses And Their Furnishings, of which the funds raised from the collection will go to the following charities: Macmillan Care Reg 263218; Salvation Army Reg 214779; RNLI Reg 209603 and Marie Curie Reg 207994.

The Peter Dowsett Dolls House Collection.

Peter Dowsett had been collecting, and refurbishing Antique Dolls Houses for the past 60years. In the last 30 years Peter had been building new dolls houses and furniture, which were shown at numerous exhibitions.

After leaving the REME in the 1950's Peter became an Architectural assistant, draughtsman and model maker for a London Architectural company. He attended auctions, searched junk shop and toy fairs to find not only antique dolls houses but antique furniture.

Over the years Peter refurbished many old dolls houses and auctioned some of them for charities.

He had a very keen interest in early Lines Brothers /Triang houses. He enjoyed seeing others have the pleasure of owning an antique dolls house restored to “as original as was possible” condition.

Over the years Peter made up a collection of Dolls houses, from 1879 to the 1980's as a social history of Dolls houses and miniature furniture. The early houses were often made by the estate carpenter, but in those days not following today’s scale sizing. Furniture would have been made to fit the house. In large Victorian country houses space was usually available.

Peter collected dolls furniture from the 1870's to modern day.

He was accomplished in fine quality miniature furniture making, and held workshops, with Pat Cutforth and regular weekend modelling workshops at Parham House in West Sussex

Peter had been interviewed on local radio, had written articles and been interviewed by various dolls house magazines, and county newspapers.

Funds raised by the sale of this collection will go to some of the charities he supported.

Macmillan Care.  Reg 263218

Salvation Army.  Reg 214779

RNLI . Reg 209603

Marie Curie .  Reg 207994.