Cheffins auction prices very encouraging

Posted by Chris Graham on 5th January 2023

Peter Love reports on the encouragingly-positive sale prices seen at the recent Cheffins auction, where some very interesting lots were sold.

Cheffins auction: The 7.25in 2-4-2 tender locomotive Basil Breeze came with various accessories from Luton, and was sold for £5,500. (Pic: Peter Love)

With all that’s going on with the economy, and particularly with collectors car prices generally dropping back, especially for pre- and just post-WW2 vehicles – which was evident at the Duxford at the recent sale that took place a day before this one – the question remains will the price slump spill across into other sectors of the preservation movement? Based on the results from this Cheffins sale, though, the answer to that is a resounding No!

This Star 1898 single-cylinder engine changed hands at £400. (Pic: Peter Love)

Prices were very strong at this auction, with strong sales made for everything from literature and engineering models right through to the commercials and classic tractors. Overall, the good news is that the mood was nothing but positive all the way through.

This c1970s Dean fair organ, which worked at Great Yarmouth pleasure beach, hasn’t been used for some years. Nevertheless, it sold for £4,000. (Pic: Peter Love)

The best of the galloping horses at the sale was the wooden Uncle Sam, which sold for £3,800, and the 1978 Shirley Heights – in the style of Andersons – that made £3,000. (Pic: Peter Love)

Looking good, the 15 miniature stationary steam engines from the HO Clark collection, later with his steam author son Ronald H Clark. The collection made £30,450 altogether, and had been on show at the Forncett Industrial Steam Museum. (Pic: Peter Love)