The earliest home computers and ‘pong’ style consoles are among the retro classics appearing at Hansons London’s first ever nostalgia sale later this month.
While auction houses used to be all about Chippendales and bone china, now there is a growing trend to meet the needs of Gen X and older Millennials
Valuer Chris Kirkham, from the Richmond-based auction house, said: “People who grew up with early computer and arcade games are now in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. They have the disposable income, time and emotional desire to revisit or collect the things they loved as kids.”
Compared to today’s games of ultra realism, AI and full immersion, these games might look prehistoric, but for millions they are a reminder of childhood, he added.
One classic is Binatone’s early home video game, TV Master, which launched in 1976 and had to be plugged into a TV.
Two players could play up to six games, including squash, football and tennis, by using a dial to ‘pong’ the ball.
Binatone was founded in 1959 by brothers Gulu and Partap Lalvani and went on to import electronic goods from East Asia to Britain, including radios and later electronic games.
Also appearing on the rostrum is one of the earliest examples of a home computer. The Dragon 32 (named for its 32kb of RAM) was released in 1982 and attempted to demystify the strange new world of computers.
Chris continued: “While the Dragon 32 wasn’t the best-selling 8-bit computer, it was part of a formative era where people started learn about computers at home. For many in the UK, it was their first exposure to computing.
The Dragon 32 was produced by Dragon Data, a division of the Swansea-based toy manufacturer Mettoy, with the dragon logo reflecting its Welsh origins.
Chris said: “In 50 years we’ve gone from controlling two white paddles on a black screen to exploring photorealistic open worlds with branching narratives and lifelike AI.”
As well as early family computers and early home consoles, the sale includes other iconic names from the era. A vintage Corgi model of the eighties’ classic car, a Ford Sierra will also appear on the rostrum on August 29.
Chris said: “Whether it’s cars, games or prehistoric-looking computers, it seems we are all looking to reconnect with a simpler era.”
Viewing is at Hansons Auctioneers’ London saleroom, 6 Parkley’s Parade, Upper Ham Road, Richmond, TW10 5LF, with the live auction taking place at the auction house’s Derby HQ in Etwall on August 29. Online bidding is available at www.hansonslive.hansonsauctioneers.co.uk. For more details go to www.hansonslondon.co.uk
Auction Details
Auction: London Summer Nostalgia Auction
Auction date: 29th August 2025 | 9:30am
Location: Hansons Derbyshire Saleroom
Auction contact: [email protected]
Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com
