Full Steam Ahead for Antique Sale in Cornwall

June 28, 2012 - PRLog -- During his career Francis Ralph collected a large variety of railway memorabilia ranging from cast iron platform signs to posters promoting railway holidays in the 1950s and 1960s.

Auctioneer David Lay believes that there will be a lot of interest in the specialist collection.

“Much of the railway memorabilia will be familiar to local people as Mr Ralph decorated his front garden in Penzance with many enamel signs and the brass and copper lamps from the steam locomotives.  We expect the GWR platform seat to be especially popular and the posters are really quite lovely.  Remembering Mr Ralph’s keen interest in the railways, it’s nice to think that these pieces will go to buyers who are also enthusiasts.”

There is one notable item missing from the sale which is a cast iron station lamp that the enthusiast cemented into his garden and now cannot be moved!

20 vintage railway holiday posters are also to go under the hammer and are expected to sell for £100 - £500 depending on their age and condition.

Mr Ralph also collated 20 cinema posters from the 1920s to 1960s that include Carry On films and a Laurel and Hardy poster that is valued between £50-70.

Mr Ralph began platform duty while steam locomotives were in operation and rode their footplates before becoming a driver in the South Western region in the 1960s when diesel electric motors were introduced. He died aged 84 shortly before Christmas.  

Upon retirement Mr Ralph kept his interest in the railways and began building his collection in earnest by visiting antique fairs in Devon and Somerset.

Items will be available to view through the catalogue which is online at www.davidlay.co.uk and bids can be taken from the floor, phones or online at www.the-saleroom.com  

In the meantime, General Household Sales take place at Penzance Auction House every Tuesday, with viewings held the Saturday before.  For more info, please visit www.davidlay.co.uk