Antique doll collection fetches over £250,000 at auction

The dolls have been described as “truly a collector’s dream"

Around half of a collection of dolls dating from the 18th Century have fetched over £250,000 in an auction.

The top lot was an English wooden doll from 1740 which sold for £27,500.

The doll collection is the largest and most valuable to be seen by Special Auction Services in Newbury, Berkshire, for 25 years.

Daniel Agnew, teddy bear, toy and doll specialist, said the collection was “truly a collector’s dream".

Peggy, an 18th century English wooden doll, was brought for £11,875

He called the sale of the top lot the "the highlight", adding it was "absolutely incredible".

Other highlights of the auction included Peggy, an 18th century English wooden doll which was brought for £11,875, and a Mid 19th century shadowbox of garden scene with two dolls, which sold for £9,375.

Including buyers fees, the auction raised a total of £315,425.

The was built over 75 years by Austin Smith and his late partner Margaret Harkins who began collecting in 1949.

Mr Agnew said Mr Smith, who is now in his mid-nineties, was "delighted" with how the auction went.

Collectors Margaret Harkin and Austin Smith lived near Bath, Somerset

The collection was very private and not shown to anyone.

Mr Agnew said he was “blown away” when he first saw it.

He added: "There must be over 1,000 dolls, and many smaller items too.

"It is an honour to find new homes for Austin and Margaret’s wonderful doll collection."