A fine Carette enamelled tinplate Mercedes put the icing on a good selection of toys, games and train sets offered by Christie’s South Kensington on January 23. A rare pre First World War piece, in very fine condition for its age, complete with chauffeur, Christie’s felt confident enough about it to give it a £3000-5000 estimate, but on the sale day London dealers David Pressland and Jeffrey Levy battled until it sold to the latter at £7200.
The Mercedes was the most expensive piece, but its success was not an isolated instance. The auctioneers had a good tinplate selection and anything that was in particularly good condition went for a high price.
