Dudley-based auctioneers Astons have two sales of interest to downthetubes readers this month – a Toy and Railway Auction on Tuesday 15th January and an Entertainment & Memorabilia Auction including British and US comics, film posters, some James Bond film props, vinyl records and more on Thursday 17th January 2019.
The Toy Auction offers a host of Star Wars and other action figure lots, including The Six Million Dollar Man, but the Entertainment & Memorabilia Auction is probably of more interest to downthetubes readers, offering, for example, Supergirl film original mimeographed production storyboards in titled folders. Dated from 1982 to 1983 these were for use in the production of 1983 film based on the DC comics character. The lot consists of 24 folders of various sequences including “Magic Mountain”, “Supergirl fights off Heavies”, “Arrival at Island”, “Hockey Match”, “Quantum Vortex”, “The Invisible Monster” and more.
The boards belonged belonged to the late Brian Bailey, who worked with the film’s producer, Cubby Broccoli, at Pinewood Studios. Brian was the Production Accountant and is named in the end credits of many popular films including James Bond titles.
Among the items owned by Brian in the auction is a Moonraker laser rifle prop, as used by Roger Moore in the 1979 film. Measuring length 20 inches, height 11 inches, it’s believed to be the only surviving example of these props.
A number of film posters are on offer, too, including a striking James Bond – From Russia with Love Quad featuring full colour artwork by Renato Fratini. and a Raiders of the Lost Ark poster with art by Richard Amsel.
An extremely rare first release British double crown film poster for Walt Disney Productions Pinocchio includes the wording “First and only full length feature since Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs.” and “In Multiplane Technicolor” complete with the threepenny bit U certificate British Board of Film Censors logo.
The auction includes plenty of US comics including some Marvel titles signed by the late Stan Lee, a huge lot of picture library comics, British annuals, Marvel UK comics – and rounds off with a copy of The Beano cover dated 30th July 1988, the Special 50th Birthday issue, complete with Beano poster.
• Entertainment & Memorabilia Auction – Viewing Times: Wednesday 16th January 12 noon to 4.00pm | Thursday 17th January 8.00 to 10.00am | Auction Start: Thursday 17th January at 10.00am prompt, Baylies Hall, Tower Street, Dudley DY1 1NB | Web: www.astonsauctioneers.co.uk | Bid online via The Saleroom
• Entertainment & Memorabilia Auction – Viewing Times: Wednesday 16th January 12 noon to 4.00pm | Thursday 17th January 8.00 to 10.00am | Auction Start: Thursday 17th January at 10.00am prompt, Baylies Hall, Tower Street, Dudley DY1 1NB | Web: www.astonsauctioneers.co.uk | Bid online via The Saleroom
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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.
Categories: Auctions, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events, Other Worlds, Star Wars
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