Pantomime dolls going under the hammer in Newbury this week for an estimated £2,200 - oh yes they are!

A collection of 15 pantomime dolls is going under the hammer at Newbury’s Special Auction Services on Wednesday for an estimated £2,200. Oh yes it is!

The dolls were originally the property of the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham where they were given out to the children who went up on stage as well as sold as souvenirs in the foyer.

One of the highlights is a large Puss in Boots (1949-50) complete with his original label and signed by English stage comedian Tommy Trinder who played the part of Miffins. Trinder went on to host Sunday Night at the London Palladium (1955–1958) and became chairman of Fulham Football Club until 1976.

A rare 1930s Chad Valley Robin Hood doll is estimated at £100-150, whilst a Chad Valley Jessie the Cow from Jack and the Beanstalk(1939-40) and a Cinderella cloth doll could make the same estimates.

A Goody Two Shoes pantomime cloth doll dressed in a blue and white gingham costume belonging to English Theatre Promoter Emile Littler will also be included for £30-50. Other dolls include Oliver, Aladdin, Robinson Crusoe, Mother Goose and Buttons.

The auction also includes a large selection of dolls.

The top lot is Nelson, a rare, early Portrait Emile Jumeau bebe No.5 dressed in a dark navy sailor’s suit with a black silk scarf which carries an estimate of £4,000-6,000 and a doll modelled on the young Queen Elizabeth II, which she despised and is being sold alongside a photograph of her in a similar dress for £400-600.