A varied and interesting collection of lots will be on offer in the Toys, Models, Collectables and Sporting Sale at Tennants Auctioneers on 6th April, with highlights including two 1940s Royal Navy painted brass crests, both offered with estimates of £500-800 plus buyer’s premium. The first crest belonged to HMS Scotsman, bearing a thistle on a Saltire; the HMS Scotsman was an S Class submarine launched in August 1944, which saw brief action in the Pacific theatre in 1945, and was broken up in 1964. The second crest is for HMS Contest, which bears twin cockerels; HMS Contest was a C Class Destroyer, also launched in 1944 and posted in the Far East after the end of the Second World War but broken up in 1960.
Amongst the ephemera in the sale is a handwritten letter from José Raul Capablanca (1888-1942), a Cuban chess prodigy who reigned as World Chess Champion from 1921 to 1927 and was renowned for his endgame skills and speed of play. The letter was written to Dr N L Lederer on 20th January 1927 and reads: “Dear Lederer, What is the matter? I have not heard from you for some time. Hope it is not your health. Let me know whether or not I am to leave Havana on the 31st as suggested in my letter. Please cable me upon receipt of this letter. Best Regards J R Capablanca’. It is likely this letter refers to Capablanca travelling to the New York Chess Tournament, for which Lederer was the secretary of the tournament committee. The elite tournament was held in the lavish surroundings of the Hotel, Manhattan Square from 19th February to 23rd March, and Capablanca came out the winner. The framed letter will be sold with an estimate of £400-600.
Further interesting letters include two signed letters written by Rolling Stones bass player Bill Wyman to Kathleen, a fan. The letters were written in reply to Kathleen, answering questions such as what kind of girls he liked, who his favourite American R&B singer was and what colour were his eyes. The letters are offered with an estimate of £400-600. Also of musical interest are a selection of presentation LP’s, which include The Who ‘Who’s Next’, signed by Pete Townsend, John Entwistle, Roger Daltry and Keith Moon (estimate: £80-120).
Live steam and traction engines, such as Kit/Scratch Built Live Steam Traction Engine finished in green (estimate: £400-600), are joined by a good selection of Matchbox 1-75s, Corgi Aviation Archive models and modern OO locomotives. Amongst the Sporting lots in the sale, a Hardy 4 ½” Duplicated MkII Perfect Salmon Fly Reel stands out, in near original condition with Hardy fitted block leather case it is on offer with an estimate of £600-800.
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