Ipswich-based auction house Lockdales has some unusual comic-related rarities in its upcoming “Fine Sale” on 8th December – a number of DC Thomson Media-related printing plates that include the 1954 Beano and Dandy Books.
Sourced from a former DC Thomson staff member, it’s believed the items were probably used for advertising purposes in the comics running up to Christmas for their respective years.
On offer are, individually, plates for the 1954 Beano Book and Dandy Book, and the 1962 Beano Book, the Broons Annual and Dennis the Menace Annual – and, as one lot, four printing plates depicting the front covers for the Bunty, Judy and Friendship Books, also for 1962 editions.
The plates are offered as part of a wide-ranging catalogue that also includes a number of DC Thomson comic lots featuring both humour and adventure titles, Giles annuals, autograph books, children’s books, Doctor Who books, pages from Disney Mickey Mouse books, some 19th century Chinese Rice Paper Drawings, vintage watches, jewellery and pottery, including a number of cat-related items.
A collection of eleven early Kate Greenaway Almanacks is also being offered, comprising two 1883 edition, including the first Almanack, 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887, 1889, 1890, 1891 1892 and 1893.
Founded in 1996, Lockdale Coins Ltd started out as a specialist coin dealers with a retail shop in Ipswich. In 1997, and with militaria and collectables expert James Sadler on board, they decided to start their own auction house in Suffolk. Lockdales now alternate each auction between two categories: Coins and Collectables and The Fine Sale.
For each auction, a full-colour illustrated catalogue is produced and posted out to subscribers around the world. Many thousands more browse our sales via this website, and other auction listing sites such as The Saleroom. Each auction can be accessed live on www.the-saleroom.com.
• The full Lockdales Fine Sale catalogue, taking place Tuesday 8th December is here on The Saleroom | The DC Thomson printing plates are here – you must register to bid
• Lockdales Auctioneers and Valuers: www.lockdales.com
With thanks to Norman Boyd
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The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
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