Rare model carousel to go under the hammer in Runcorn

The Britains Mammoth Circus Roundabout, a remarkable find kept in pristine condition for decades, will be auctioned off in a special event next month.

The rare piece, model number 1439, was owned by Frank Price, who worked at the Britains model factory in the 1930s.

Noted for its attention to detail, the model carousel boasts six horses with riders, all revolving around an ornate central column.

According to research conducted by American author Norman Joplin, Frank Price worked at Britains during the period from 1932 to December 1938 and is mentioned numerous times in a large ledger from the factory that recorded everything that was manufactured, moulded, repaired or altered in the Engineering, Machine and Toolroom department between January 1932 and May 1941.

The rare model, dating back to around 1936, was eventually passed to Price's nephew.

He has now entrusted it to British Toy Auctions, based in Runcorn, where head auctioneer Michael Bain predicts a flurry of interest from collectors around the globe.

The auction event, scheduled for March, has the model up for grabs with an anticipated hammer price between £3,000 and £5,000.

Michael Bain described this delicate boxed model as a very exciting find in outstandingly good condition, and said that he expected it to command a high level of international interest from collectors.

Founded by William Britain in 1893, Britains rapidly gained a reputation for their hollow casting process, allowing models to be both lightweight and robust.

The brand quickly became synonymous with quality diecast models, expanding from toy soldiers to encompass figurines, mechanical toys, and a variety of miniature motor vehicles.

The business expanded and they became Britains Ltd in 1907, and have maintained a steady operation under this guise ever since.

The Britains Mammoth Circus Roundabout is set to be featured at a specialist toy auction to be held in March.