Here’s what happened when BBC’S Bunny Campione returned to the rostrum to auction her bunny collection in Newbury

The private collection of rabbits owned by world renowned antiques consultant and BBC Antiques Roadshow specialist Bunny Campione went under the hammer this week at Special Auction Services in Newbury.

In a first for SAS, Bunny was invited on to the rostrum to be the auctioneer, something she has not done since her Sotheby’s days.

The top lot was one of Bunny’s favourites, a rare 1906 Steiff wool plush Peter Rabbit that was found in a bin in Athens and given to her as a gift which sold for £7,440 to a UK private collector.

Bunny said: “I was absolutely delighted to have started the auction off – and although things have changed rather a lot since I was last on the rostrum, I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

“I was thrilled with all the results, particularly my favourite Peter Rabbit, and amazed that the bids were from as far away as Singapore and the United States.

“I also had the chance to meet the buyers in the room which helped to make the day truly special.”

Other highlights included:

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit by Dean’s Rag Book Co, who, despite being bitten by Bunny’s real rabbit, was sold for £3,224 to a Singapore collector.

A 1908 Peter Rabbit went for £2,728.

A tiny Steiff velvet rabbit c1906 sold for £1,240.

A Roullet & Decamps clockwork knitting rabbit sold for £1,054.

A Gerd Dreher carved rose quartz rabbit kitten sold for £744.

A rare Steiff post war woollen rabbit sample card or shop display comprising of 10 pom pom rabbits in five colourways and two sizes made £520.

Daniel Agnew, toy, doll and teddy bear expert at Special Auction Services, said “It was the most fun I have had in an auction for years.

“Bunny taking the first part of her lots was highly entertaining.

“We achieved some amazing prices and it was a pleasure to find homes for all of her collection.”