If you fancy stunning a loved one with a gift that could have them gasping with surprise, look no further than the Iconic Style of the 20th Century Auction.
The November 6 sale includes a multitude of fascinating, rare, quirky, sometimes off-the-wall and eclectic items that will resonate with thousands of people and spark nostalgia galore. Everything from vintage toys and policemen’s hats to a Walls ice cream sign are set to go under the hammer. Here we look at just a handful of the lots coming up for auction.
Marvel at poster signed by Stan Lee
This bold, bright and colourful framed poster (below right) of Marvel comic book character Wolverine, bearing the words Valley O’ Death!, is signed by Stan Lee (1922-2018). Lot 1, estimate £400-£600.
Lee was an American comic book writer, editor, publisher, and producer who rose through the ranks to become Marvel Comics’ primary creative leader for two decades, leading its expansion from a small division of a publishing house to a multimedia corporation that dominated the comics industry.
In collaboration with others at Marvel, particularly co-writer/artists Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, he co-created numerous popular fictional characters, including superheroes Spider-Man, the X-Men, Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk, Black Widow, the Fantastic Four, Black Panther, Daredevil, Doctor Strange, Scarlet Witch and Ant-Man.
Splash of theatrical colour
This large, original American theatrical Beau Geste poster, (above left) published by Morgan Litho. Corp., Copyright Paramount Pictures, 1939, would brighten up the dullest day. Beau Geste is a 1939 Paramount Pictures action/adventure film starring Gary Cooper, Ray Milland, Robert Preston, Brian Donlevy and Susan Hayward. Directed and produced by William A. Wellman, the screenplay was adapted by Robert Carson, based on a 1924 novel of the same title by P. C. Wren. Provenance: The vendor did some work for W. E. Berry, a Bradford business that made movie posters. Lot 40, estimate £8,000-£10,000
Ayrton Senna’s steering wheel
What Formula One racing fan wouldn’t want to own this? An Ayrton Senna steering wheel presented to an F1 worker who helped out the Lotus team at Imola, Italy in 1987. It’s presentation mounted and inscribed as a ‘gift for helping his friends at Team Lotus. Senna. Imola 87’. The owner worked for more than 25 years in Formula One. Accompanying items are signed photographs of Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell, autographed to the owner’s son, Adam, who was aged five at the time. Lot 23, estimate £3,000-£5,000
Vintage style for your home
This dramatic – and giant – acrylic on canvas (below,bottom left) is by Lawrence Fifield Jenkins, a follower of David Hockney. It’s called ‘Reflections on a love affair’. Make sure your wall is big enough as it measures 147cm x 220cm. It bears Christie’s and Royal Academy Exhibition 1971 labels. Provenance. The artist is reported to have ‘moved in the same circles’ as Hockney and attended the Royal College of Art the same year. Lot 56, £200-£400.
Ford Capri for Christmas?
If the man or woman in your life watches back-to-back Wheeler Dealers or Top Gear, then how about surprised them with a Classic Ford Capri (above right)? Up for auction is a 1987 Ford Capri 2.8 Injection. D208BPA. Very well maintained, it has lots of documentation, history and records. The paintwork and bodywork is pretty good but there is some slight rust on the driver door. Lot 27, estimate £10,000-£12,000.
Bag some superheroes
Christmas is all about toys – preferably vintage ones. A superheroes-inspired lot (above, top left) includes a Dukes of Hazzard remote control car, Robocop with DVD, boxed Spiderman Sinister 6, Princess Leia figure and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Lot 8, £40-£60.
All lots are due to be sold in the Iconic Style of the 20th Century Auction, November 6. CLICK HERE to browse the catalogue, browse and bid. For further information, please email sale manager Rik Alexander: [email protected]
