CIGARETTE cards created a storm at Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s collectors’ sale with a series of lots achieving significant prices.

They are certainly rising in popularity in the saleroom. At the last quarterly collectors’ sale a single card of iconic baseball player Hugh Duffy went to an online bidder for £320.

The December sale enjoyed a similarly strong trade. An assorted selection of Ogdens “Guinea Gold” cigarette cards proved compelling to a phone bidder who paid £985.

Also in demand was a large quantity of photographic cigarette and trade cards, which featured footballers. These sold for £675.

The John Markham Collection of diecast models sold well. Mr Markham had worked for Western Model Cars and had built up an enviable collection of white metal diecast models. Collectively they sold for £7,700.

Individual highlights included a 1/43 scale Western Models 1950 Alfa Romeo Villa D’Este Coupe in silver grey. In boxed mint condition in sold for £100.

Bridgwater Mercury:

In the militaria section a British, private purchase, .75 calibre officer’s percussion short musket was well viewed and sold for £865.

The same figure was achieved for a rare mid-Victorian carved nautilus shell referencing William Preston, High Sheriff of the County Palatine of Lancaster, with images of the Duke of Wellington, to one side, and St. George slaying the dragon, to the other.

A beautiful mid 19th Century Palais Royal inlaid mahogany musical sewing box in the form of a grand piano sold for £495.

Bridgwater Mercury:

Postcards continue to maintain their appeal. A Somerset collection of 32 cards, including images of North Petherton sold for £148, while a room bidder bought 36 Sherborne cards for £135.

Stamps are always in demand in collecting circles. A number of good prices were achieved for collections from home and abroad. Of particular note was a significant collection consigned from a single owner collection based on the edge of London. This achieved £3,890 in total.

Toys were another strong seller with assorted 54mm Second World War soldiers and accessories selling for £295.

The next quarterly collectors’ sale takes place on Friday, March 8 at The Octagon Salerooms, East Reach, Taunton. A full calendar of next year’s sales is available to collect from the saleroom.