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Plenty to Delight at Collectors Sale

November 2022

A poignant piece of World War II memorabilia is interesting avid collectors who are awaiting this Friday’s specialist sale.

Scores of them have logged into the auctioneers’ online catalogue to view the Second World War RAF Irvin style brown leather, flying jacket.

Heartbreakingly its owner Flight Sergeant Francis Grimshaw of the, 99 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, was killed just before Christmas 1944.

He is believed to have acquired the jacket from an Australian member of the same squadron, presumably as a 'spare' or potential upgrade.

The electrically wired thermally insulated jacket, with a sheepskin lining, is generally in good condition and has a pre-sale guide of £200-£300.

Also included in the sale is a fully restored Tri-Ang Centurion pedal car in red with chrome details. Fitted with electric lights, horn, clockwork radio, hand brake, and a miniature AA badge to the front grille, it is a superb example. Measuring just 118cm long it has a guide price of £1,000-£1,200.

A host of “petrol heads” have their eyes on this special vehicle. Other likely highlights include a smart green liveried Aster for Fulgurex live-steam GWR King Class 4-6-0 tender locomotive. This has been “sparingly steamed” and is guided at £2,000-£2,500.

A Jaques & Son (London) in statu quo chess set is another item sparking interest, while some architectural salvage has also caught the eye of collectors.

This large Victorian embossed circular copper plaque was originally affixed to a building in Bath. The head closely resembles the carved stone image from the pediment of the Roman Baths in the city. Its identity has been the subject of much speculation - some suggesting that, despite its masculine appearance, it is a gorgon. Others have proposed a classical or Celtic water god such as Oceanus. Whatever the truth it is offered at a guide of £100-£150.

Collectibles enthusiast Dr Peter Rixon curates these specialist sales, which are put on quarterly. However a comprehensive collectors’ section is also included in each monthly antiques sale.

For more information please call the salerooms on 01823 332525.

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