Valuable dolls and teddy bears – including one designed by Jermey Clarkson’s mum – have been discovered hidden away amid hundreds of boxes of toys.
And are all are set for auction in a Toy and Nostalgia sale on September 5-6 at Bishton Hall, Hansons Auctioneers’ country house saleroom at Wolseley Bridge, Staffordshire.
The huge task of sorting through an enthusiast’s giant toy collection was undertaken by Hansons’ consultant doll and teddy bear valuer Janet Rawnsley – and she discovered some childhood treasures.
She said: “There were some lovely items hiding in the middle of the boxes amid balls of wool, broken toys and some cheap dolls. I have painstakingly sifted through all the boxes and it’s been worth it.
Quality finds include lot 22, a first-issue 1971 Paddington Bear, above, made at a cottage factory started by Clarkson’s mum, Shirley Clarkson. It’s set for auction with an estimate of £60-£80.
Janet, a keen doll collector who has written books on the subject, said: “Paddington emerged, unused and in mint inside his original shipping bag. I have never seen one in unused condition as they were generally loved and played with – like mine which I still have! The original Dunlop boots, felt hat and coat are pristine.
“The very first Paddington Bear soft toy was designed by Shirley Clarkson as a Christmas present for her children, Joanna and Jeremy, now a world-famous TV presenter and journalist.
“They proved so popular with Joanna and her friends that Mrs Clarkson went on to make many more Paddington teddies, lovingly hand-stitched in her kitchen. So many people liked them her company, Gabrielle Designs, was granted a licence to sell them in the UK in 1972. Mrs Clarkson agreed royalties with Paddington Bear’s creator Michael Bond.”
Paddington is just one highlight in a sale which covers 150 years of toy history. It includes two French fashion dolls dating back to circa 1870, estimate £300-£500 each, dolls’ houses and related ephemera, pre-war dolls, post-war baby boomer dolls, modern post-1970s dolls and beyond.
Star lots include a Merrythought wartime teddy bear in a Second World War uniform, £40-£60; Twiggy modern fashion dolls, £60-£80 plus outfits £100-£120, and Silkstone Barbie dolls, £120-150 each. Another recent find discovered at a valuation event is a Philip Heath African/American doll, circa 1990, £140-180.
“The Philip Heath doll is another wonderful find with Staffordshire connections,” said Janet. “Philip Heath was born in Stoke in 1948. He studied at art college and became head of ceramics at a school. However, in 1985 he left teaching behind to make dolls. He collaborated with German doll manufacturer Götz in the 1990s.
“His vinyl dolls are renowned for their life-like features and incredible quality. They represent children from around the world. Sadly, Philip passed away aged only 62 in 2011 but his dolls live on to bring joy to both children and collectors.
“Cataloguing this collection has been quite a voyage of discovery for me and hard work. But it’s been so rewarding to come across several important dolls and teddy bears among all those boxes.”
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “Hansons’ specialist toy auctions are going from strength to strength and I’m delighted to extend them even further. Thanks to Janet’s expertise, this nostalgia-fuelled sale will offer a comprehensive dolls and teddy bears section to delight collectors worldwide.”
Entries are invited until August 10 for the Toy and Nostalgia Auction at Bishton Hall on September 5-6. To arrange a free doll or teddy bear valuation, or to discuss a consignment, email: [email protected]
