Designer's toy collection sells for more than £26k

A designer's rare toy collection was sold at auction for nearly three times its top estimate.

Bob Brechin, who worked as chief designer at Palitoy between 1967 and 1984, played a pivotal role in the creation of its Action Man and Action Force toys.

His collection of 106 lots was estimated to fetch between £7,000 and £10,000, but sold earlier for a total of £26,300, including buyer's premium.

Steven Furlong, who catalogued the collection for Stockton's Vectis auction house, said: "There will never be another auction like this."

He added the items were all unique and each came with a certificate signed by Mr Brechin.

The auction included toys from the Action Man, Action Force, Star Wars and Tiny Tears ranges, along with paperwork and other items reflecting Mr Brechin's contribution to the toy industry.

Among the items sold was a metal prototype of an Australian Jungle Fighter Series 1 figure, which was on display at the 1982 British Toy Fair and fetched £1,100.

Its estimated sale price was between £100 to £140.

Mr Brechin, now 80, said ahead of the auction the items would be "better off in the hands of collectors" rather than in his loft.

He added: "At the time, it was only a job but looking back and having become involved with the collecting community, I now realise how loved and wanted the toys are."

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