The auction was the remains of "The Metal Box museum archive" Needless to say It was a good turn out. Great finally putting faces to names ( Cookster & Dad)
There were over 650 lots. ( despite a few key lots being withdrawn)There were also many uncatalogued job lots. Some were as large as 8 massive boxes packed with tins.
There were a few scary prices. Most bits sold reasonably & were affordable. I met a lady who had worked for the Metal Box Company in it's heyday. She had early photos of her in the factory. At the auction she managed to secure quite a few bargains.
There were 20 chocolate tin counter/ window displays on offer, they all sailed away at stiff prices. I didn't get a sniff.
Toffee shop bins were also a highlight, reaching decent ( if not impressive prices) A mackintosh beehive hit a dizzying £850 hammer ( gulp)
Run of the mill tins sold for pennies, Many bargains were had. There was just so much, it was almost overwhelming.
Toffee tins sold quite well, as did the few signs in the sale. The vase shaped tins ( Never seen so many) all sold at nice prices. many went to internet bidders. Despite the fact that half of them were missing their lids.
The only disappointment, was the many fresh scratches on pretty much all the tins. I don't think a single tin had survived the ride from the museum to the auction house without a new scar- a real shame.
Interestingly there were no unsold lots, cheers
