Tin toy strikes gold at Sworders

A rare German tin toy of an omnibus from the 19th century has sold at Sworders‘ Summer Country House Sale for a staggering £23,000, plus buyer’s premium at 26.4%. The pre-sale estimate for the item was just £600-£800.

The toy is painted with London destinations, including Kew Gardens, Brompton and Sloane St., and features the carved and painted figures of the coach driver, coachman and two horses. The horses have suffered some damage, including broken legs.

The toy retains its original cardboard box with a postal label.