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.