A 1910 bike, that carried a Bootle (Cumbria) doctor on his rounds, and over 1,000 vintage lead toys collected by a farmer from the Kendal area are just some of the star lots being sold by 1818 Auctioneers at their two-day specialist sale on Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 November.
Valuer David Hunter says in these two instances the real treasure is the people stories behind them, as he explained:
“We are selling a circa 1910 Dursley Pederson bicycle which was owned by Dr R S Brown of Bootle, Cumbria. He used it to visit his patients and we expect it to make between £1,000 and £1,500.
“The bike was stored in a dry cellar from about the 1940s and was last ridden in the 1980s. It appears to be entirely original including the frame, leather seat, badge decal, split rubber pedals and the chain. The brake cables are the only thing that is missing and broken.
“Dr Brown certainly invested in a good model and it’s great that so much of it is intact.
“We are also selling a large collection of early 20th century lead toys belonging to a farmer from the Kendal area. Whilst in play worn condition they are in good order. Split into 35 lots, I expect them to make between £3,000 and £4,000.
“Some individual lots will make up to £150, for example there are three boxes of Britains, John Hill & Co and similar lead bulls, cows and calves; and another lot includes a Morestone lead ice cream vendor and tricycle, a John Hill & Co lead policemen, motorcycle and sidecar and a policeman on a motorcycle. There is also one lot of over three boxes of Cherilea, Britains and similar figurines including Zulu warriors, a wind band and Highlanders figures, I expect to see that go for £200-£300.
“One of the best parts of my job is hearing the stories behind the items we auction,” added David Hunter.