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 Specialist sale held on the 22^nd of January started with The Cotswold Continental Collection, over 200 lots of boxed and unboxed models from Tekno, Lion Car, CIJ, JRD, Quiralu, Mercury and many more. The Isles Collection featured a further 250 lots of Corgi and Dinky cars, trucks, vans, TV and Film related models and gift sets. Further Dinky models were included in The Middlesex Collection, along with French Dinky and The Devonshire Corgi Collection included 50 lots of cars and vehicles. Further items in the sale included Pre-War Dinky, Matchbox, Aircraft, catalogues and leaflets, empty boxes, and much more.

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.

The Denis Morgan Fire Engine Collection

Vectis Auctions are honoured to sell an ex-London Firefighter’s collection of model Fire Engines. The collection, amassed over a lifetime, is currently covering five benches within the Vectis Auctions warehouse.

The collection represents Fire Engines from all over the World, including USA, France, UK, and Germany and will be held on Thursday the 18th of February.

Highlights include a stunning selection of white metal and resin models, of predominantly London brigades, with examples covering from wartime to present day.

Further examples include Fire Engines from Corgi, Minimodels, Ashton Models, Solido and others.  

It is currently being catalogued by our own ex-Lancashire fire fighter David Bowers, and will be available to view online shortly.

'Our dear dad had been an enthusiastic collector for 40 years. 

One of our strongest recollections of him is him being in his office, painstakingly painting and restoring them on winter evenings. 

He'd been an active fire officer with the London fire brigade for over 25 years until his retirement, and was fascinated with its history in all its forms. 

His hobby grew to include collecting from fire departments from all over the world, and he travelled extensively in this regard. 

He made many friends and several of them travelled from abroad to be at his funeral in March. 

He adored the collector’s fares and would often browse these with his younger brother John, who is also a collector. 

The collection is a true labour of love and a tribute to our late much-loved dad and he would be delighted for it to give pleasure to generations to come’.

For further information on this sale please contact David Bowers - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call +44 (0) 1642 750616