A rare antique Victorian Punch and Judy set used by street performers is set to go under the hammer at an auction near Tetbury.
Punch and Judy is the traditional puppet show featuring Mr Punch and his wife Judy. An archetypical and controversial British figure with his origins in the charismatic 16th century Italian puppet Pulcinella, Mr Punch has been performing in the UK for over 350 years and performed in front of King Charles II.
Mr Rolfe is anticipating some keen bids for the iconic set, which has entertained the public since the 16th century. He said: “We’re delighted to auction a complete Punch and Judy Show set, with all puppets, tent, show times and an original letter of purchase from famous Bristol Professor Bert Bradford. The set comes directly from the vendor at no reserve but could fetch more than £1,000.”
Hosted by auctioneer John Rolfe, the three-day sale at Babdown Airfield takes place from Saturday, July 6 to Monday, July 8 with more than 2,500 lots up for grabs.
Other highlights include a huge collection of boxed toy cars, trucks and military vehicles that are expected to sell for thousands of pounds when they hit the road at an upcoming auction.
The collection of 400 vehicles manufactured by Corgi, Dinky and Triang from the 1950s to 1970s was amassed over the past 40 years by James Castle, a former actor and aeroplane engineer, who is hoping for a bumper return of more than £20,000 at auction.
The auction also features a Murano Glass Picasso head by Walter Furlan, which has an estimate of £1,000- £2 000, a rare Fleetwood Mac original tour poster by Gunther Kieser, for Lipmann & Rau from the collection of legendary singer, songwriter and pop folk guitarist Michael Chapman.
Boxing fans have the opportunity to bid for the boxing glove worn and signed by legendary boxer ‘Marvellous’ Marvin Hagler, who became world middleweight champion in September 1980.
For more information on the auction go to www.johnrolfeauctions.com
