Ron Jobson "War in the Pacific" original artwork

Back in October 2011, we had the privilege of selling some of Matchbox and Airfix artist Ron Jobson's original box art, together with some non-commissioned WW2 themed works.

This December we are pleased to once again have some of the famous artist's original, non-commissioned art in our monthly auction. Four pieces on the theme of "War in the Pacific", these works depict British soldier in action in the later years of World War Two.

The catalogue will be online by Friday 29th November - be sure to sign up to our mailing list to have it delivered to your email inbox as soon as it is available!

by James McGreen

Laughing Sailor in Operation (VIDEO)

If you've been to visit Aston's Toy Auctions in the last month, you will have noticed the "Laughing Sailor" on display in our entrance hall. If you haven't seen him working, here's a short video clip:

He's available to buy in our Arne Toy Museum auction on 8th November. You can find him in the catalogue here: http://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/astons-toy-auctions/catalogue-id-2891301/lot-19604020

By Kayleigh Francis

Arne Toy Museum Auction [VIDEO PREVIEW] - by Chris Aston

We've been so busy cataloguing this sale that I haven't managed to put aside much time to write about it - but luckily for me other people have!

The sale has been featured in The Antiques Trade Gazette, The Times, The Metro and of course the Collector's Gazette - who have also kindly produced these two videos following the process of putting the auction together.

A third video will follow tracking the auction itself and reporting on prices realised.

I was also invited onto the Alan Titchmarsh show on ITV to talk about some of the toys from the museum collection - you can watch this on ITV player until the 26th October, it's the 27th September episode!

By Chris Aston

Arne Toy Museum Catalogues [AUCTION PREVIEW] - by Chris Aston

Hot off the press!

Full colour glossy catalogues for the very special Arne Toy Museum Auction are now available for £8 each or £10 including UK postage.

Please call Marie Doherty on 01384 250220 or email info@astonstoyauctions.co.uk to obtain your copy.

The auction takes place at our main saleroom on Friday 8th November 2013 at 10am.

More details about the sale can be found on at www.astonstoyauctions.co.uk

By Chris Aston

Dressed for the Death Star! [FEATURED COLLECTION] - by Kayleigh Francis

Star Wars toys are a staple of our monthly toy auction at Aston’s Auctioneers, with Kenner and Palitoy figures and ships always being popular. This month, however, we have some different vintage Star Wars toys to show you…
 
Lot 128 includes two 1983 Acamas Toys costumes, Darth Vader and a Stormtrooper, which are still boxed and unworn.
 


Lot 130 is a classic Don Post Darth Vader helmet. This one is particularly interesting, as it’s a rare first issue from 1977 and still has its sticker attached on the inside.
 


Lot 135 is another item from Don Post, a full size latex Admiral Ackbar mask, released in the 1980s.
 


Lot 139 includes lots of masks! Mostly by Cesar and Ben Cooper, it’s great to see so many of these have survived with their tags intact.
 


Lot 155 is a boxed Palitoy Talking R2-D2. This item was exclusive to Palitoy, so was only released in the UK and can be sought after by collectors.
 


Lot 157 includes a Darth Vader figure carrying case which still has its original colour insert. This one is a first issue, and still has its mail-away shipping box.
 


Last of all, lot 158 includes some ARII Space Convoy model kits. These Japanese bootleg toys feature some great box art, with creatures looking very suspiciously like Star Wars characters – but with claws! These are very hard to find, and even a recent reboot of these kits are demanding a high price on the collectors market.
 


Take a look at our toy auction catalogue for the auction on Saturday 14^th September for more similar items, as well as a whole host of other toys.
 
By Kayleigh Francis

A day at our Toy Auction! [VIDEO] - by Chris Aston

[VIDEO]

A day at our Toy Auction!

 

Thanks to my good friend Bobby Bridgeman who has kindly put this video together for us!

Hopefully it gives a good idea of what a toy auction is like to those of you who have never attended one in person

 

Chris Aston

Super Sci-Fi Lots - SOLD [AUCTION REPORT] - by Kayleigh Francis

We have some very exciting sales coming up in the next few months here at Aston’s Toy Auctions, which I’m sure we will be filling you in on very soon. While we’re busy getting lots ready for our 14^th September sale, I’d like to share with you the hammer prices on some of our sci-fi and TV related lots from our last auction on 17^th August.
 
This very exciting rare Mego Black Knight Jousting Horse Cover, which you may remember from my last blog post, sold for £950 hammer price to a very determined bidder.





Hasbro G1 Transformers always sell well and this Optimus Prime, complete with accessories, was no exception with a hammer price of £70.



Robby the Robot is a sci-fi icon, and this Osaka Tin Toy Institute Tin Age Collection was a very nice model, limited to 2000 pieces. The winning bidder, who paid £220 before commission, expressed his amazement at finding such a wonderful piece here in the West Midlands!
 


One bidder was obviously keen to join the dark side, as this full size Master Replicas Star Wars Stormtrooper helmet fetched £160.


Don’t worry too much, though, as I’m sure Luke Skywalker will be here to help any minute, in his Code 3 Collectibles X-wing Starfighter, which sold for £200.
 


We had quite a few lots of Konami figures, including this lot of Wacky Races models. The bidding raced ahead on this lot, and ended at £180.



We had loads of lovely lots for Gerry Anderson fans. These two Comet Miniatures models, along with a binder containing autographs, sold for £300.
 



This Takara Thunderbird 2 received a lot of interest, and sold for £280.
 


I hope you enjoyed taking a look at some of these prices, the full sale results will be available on our toy auction website shortly.
 
Keep your eyes peeled for some more interesting sci-fi lots in September, including some vintage Star Wars masks!
 
By Kayleigh Francis

Super Scarce Stallion! By Mego [STAR LOT] - by Kayleigh Francis

We are Mega excited about a Mego item that has just come in at Aston’s Toy Auctions. We have a World’s Greatest Super Knights Black Knight Jousting Horse Cover!




The vendor who is entering this item into auction found this Planet of the Apes Action Stallion box while clearing out his father’s attic, and contacted us when he realised the picture shown on the box was very different to what he found inside.




The Mego horse was used in many of their action figure lines, usually with a different paint job. The Planet of the Apes version had a black tail and ankle hair, but the horse in this box has a yellow tail and ankle hair with a light coloured saddle and reins. It appears to be Shadow, the horse from the Heroes of the American West line.


 


However, the most interesting piece is the jousting cover. Mego released the World’s Greatest Super Knights between 1975 and 1976. The Black Knight Jousting Horse was shown in a catalogue, but as far as we’re aware only one other example has been found.


 
The vendor explained that in the 1970s his father worked for a company called Combex, later taken over by Wembley Playtoys. His job involved shipping toys and setting up stalls at large toy shows. The family believe he most likely purchased this item at a toy show in Wembley.

If you’re as excited about this find as we are, and would like a chance to own it, look out for the catalogue for our 17^th August auction which will be available on our toy auction website from 9^th August.

By Kayleigh Francis 

A closer look at some rare Star Wars collectables [AUCTION PREVIEW] - by Kayleigh Francis

Our next toy auction on 18^th May is a big one for Star Wars fans. We have almost 200 Star Wars lots, with items for every type of collector. We’ve picked a couple of interesting lots for a closer look:


This Hasbro Star Wars Unleashed figure is one of the modern Star Wars toys that is harder to find. This Darth Vader features a removable helmet to reveal Anakin Skywalker underneath. (Lot 399)



This Paploo figure is one of the 'last 17', one of the very last action figures to be released in the original Kenner line as interest in Star Wars faded. The last 17 are now some of the most sought after figures. This figure has been graded by the Action Figure Authority (AFA) which increases its value, as collectors can be certain that it’s in excellent condition. (Lot 405)




The Palitoy Death Star set greatly differed from its plastic Kenner counterpart. Having fragile cardboard pieces it’s difficult to find complete and in good condition. It’s an item that many American collectors wish for, as it was never released in the USA. (Lot 406)



Mara Jade, Luke Skywalker’s wife, has not featured in any Star Wars films, but is a character in the Expanded Universe books, comic books and games. Despite this, she’s very popular and Master Replicas honoured her with this lightsaber. (Lot 526)



Boba Fett, although a relatively minor character in the films, has become a cult figure. This highly detailed sculpture from Compulsion Gallery is a limited edition and has been signed by Jeremy Bulloch, the actor who played the bounty hunter. (Lot 573)


Check out the rest of our catalogue for more items. We hope to see you on the 18th.

By Kayleigh Francis

007 Underwater Battle From Thunderball [STAR LOT] - by Nell Hilditch

Check out this scarce Triang James Bond Underwater Battle game, featured in our next toy auction on May 18th!

Lot 330, estimate £140-£180



The game is based on the underwater battle scene between Largo and James Bond in the 'Thunderball' film. The set is very difficult to find complete as there are many small parts, however this set is near complete with only a few power packs/body parts missing!


























See you all on May 18th! - Nell Hilditch

Calling all Barbie collectors [FEATURED COLLECTION] - By Nell Hilditch

Featured in our toy auction on May 18th we have a fantastic selection of vintage Barbie dolls and outfits!





The previous owner, who grew up in America, was taught to take great care of her Barbie's clothing and accessories. She recalls how her mother would follow in her tracks, picking up the odd shoe or necklace - and thank goodness she did! 
Almost fifty years on and the collection has fallen in to our hands to be auctioned off. It is estimated that there are well over 100,000 Barbie collectors across the world, with many websites and forums dedicated to the queen of elegance, and we are delighted to have this collection in our next sale.   
Whilst the outfits are not boxed, there are many complete or near complete ensembles, including the Commuter Set, #916, c.1959-'60. This is a very sought after set and it is not often that collectors come across the complete outfit (Barbie's tiny bracelet is the only thing missing!). The set consists of:
navy cardigan suit jacket and matching sheath skirt;
blue and white nylon body blouse;
white satin body blouse;
silk hat;
cardboard hat box marked 'Barbie TM' with cord handle;
double strand crystal necklace;
short white gloves;
open toe heels.


Barbie will be flying high in this American Airline Stewardess outfit, #984, c.1961-'64:




The set consists of:
navy jacket with 'silver' wings, and matching sheath skirt;
white nylon body blouse;
navy hat with wings;
black shoulder purse;
navy flight bag;
open toe heels.


Barbie will be ready for picnics in the sun, in this Plantation Belle set, #966, c.1959-'61:




The set consists of:
pink sheer dress with lace and braid trim;
white full half slip with ruffles and bow;
large hat;
pink straw purse with sequins and beads;
pearl necklace;
pink open toe shoes.


And she'll be skipping down the aisle in this Wedding Day outfit, #972, c.1959-'62:





Consisting of:
detailed bridal gown in white satin with an overlay of flocked and silver glitter tulle, and a full double tiered skirt with train and long sleeve tulle bodice;
white veil with a ring of pearls;
blue sheer garter with flower accents;
short white gloves;
pearl necklace.


Do not miss all this and more in our May 18th toy auction, at 10am!


By Nell Hilditch

May The Four... er 18th Be With You [FEATURED COLLECTION] - by Marie Doherty

In May, the force will be with us here at Aston’s Auctioneers! Our May 18^th toy auction includes a huge Star Wars and sci-fi collection.

 

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away (well, 1977 in the USA…) the first Star Wars film was released to become the highest grossing film of the time. The Kenner toy line was released shortly afterwards and was a huge hit with fans, many of whom are still collecting Star Wars toys today.

As well as having a good selection of vintage and modern toys, we have many toys for big boys and girls! We have detailed scale models for adult collectors, from companies such as Gentle Giant, Master Replicas and Sideshow Collectibles.
This Master Replicas Luke Skywalker lightsaber is a limited edition of only 1500, and was modelled directly from the film prop:




This large Han Solo in Carbonite statue from Sideshow Collectibles was limited to 2000, and makes a great trophy for any bounty hunter:
 


Combining Star Wars with Lego was always going to make for an instant hit. This Cloud City set is one of the most desired by collectors:



We also have a fantastic collection of Generation 1 Transformers. Though Transformers are now almost 30 years old, they are still as popular as ever. This Generation 1 Sixshot is boxed and still has its decal sheet:



We hope you’ve enjoyed this sneak peek. The catalogue will be online from the 10^th May if you'd like a closer look.

Fantastic Fashion Doll Find [FEATURED COLLECTION] - By Marie Doherty

After sorting through a fantastic ex-shop stock collection, we have found some wonderful items that are guaranteed to interest any lover of the fashion doll.
Pippa the pocket sized doll was released by Palitoy during the 70's and 80's and marketed using the slogan "the pocket money fashion doll that puts fashion in your pocket". With various friends, fashions and accessories, Pippa proved to be very popular and more affordable than her main competitors, Barbie and Sindy due to her small stature.
We are delighted to be auctioning several of Pippas fantastic fashions, which are very rare to find in the original packaging, never mind the original trade box!


 
Pippa's first three friends, Marie, Tammie and Brit were launched in 1972, over the years more friends were added to the line up.
Here we have a couple of Pippa's original gang - Marie and Tammie, both in original boxes and so unusual to find in such lovely condition!

 


Amongst this collection we also spotted Sindy's mischevious little sister 'Patch'.
Patch was introduced by Pedigree Dolls in 1966 and various issues were made and sold before her retirement in 1973. 
This particular doll is a super example of a second edition 'Patch', made from 1967 until 1970 with Hong Kong written on her shoulders. She has straight auburn hair in a bob and her limbs do not bend. She is an example of the minature version doll, measuring 21cm.

 

 
Last but certainly not least, we have some fantastic examples of Patch's big sister Sindy's outfits as shown below.
 

 
All of the items featured in this post will be auctioned at Aston's on Saturday 23rd March.

Hope to see a few of you there!

By Marie Doherty