Our next toy auction on 18th 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
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
In May, the force will be with us here at Aston’s Auctioneers! Our May 18th 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 10th May if you'd like a closer look.
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
[STAR LOT]
Scarce Timpo Puzzle Cubes
Just discovered these Timpo Puzzle Cubes whilst sorting out our next toy sale.
The six pictures which can be created include a ship, a bus and a locomotive. Whilst we often sell puzzle cubes in our mixed lots of games, this is the first Timpo example I have ever seen!
Who know what they will make at auction?
By Nell Hilditch
[FEATURED COLLECTION]
Action Man, the Movable Fighting Man!
The "ex-shop stock collection" in our forthcoming 23rd March Auction includes one of the most desirable figures in the Action Man range, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. The frog, which is made of rubber, and holds the bayonet and sheath, is difficult to find because it is unique to the Argyll uniform, whilst the sporran is rarely found complete as the strap is thin and easily snapped.
Also featured is the 17th/21st Lancers Action Man - another collectors favourite - complete with hard to find pieces such as the cord lines, and the lance and spurs which are both very delicate and easily broken.
We have a good selection of carded outfits and weaponry, including the no.34262 Bazooka on a wood-grain effect backing card:
This 'Soldiers of the World' series French Resistance Fighter Uniform has never been out of the box:
''Girls and Boys Love Palitoys''
Following the success of Action Man, Action Girl was introduced in 1971. She had a fully poseable, jointed body and came with a comic depicting her adventures as a secret agent. Here is a selection of Action Girl outfits in our forthcoming toy sale:
All of these items will be featured in our specialist toy auction on Saturday 23rd March :)
By Nell Hilditch
