McTear'sA rare 1950s robot toy which an Edinburgh woman found in her mum’s loft has sold at auction for £8,400.
The Radicon robot featured in the McTear’s Antiques & Interiors auction in Glasgow on April 7 and was expected to fetch up to £10,000.
It was sold at 10am on Friday for £8,400, which includes a 24% buyers premium.
Masudaya Toys is Japan’s oldest toy manufacturer, with the Radicon being a member of the “Gang of Five” robot collection that was only available by special purchase in the late 1950s.
The Radicon was the first to be produced, giving it a heightened status within the set.
McTear’sLee Garrett was clearing her mother’s house ahead of a move recently when she and her siblings made the shock discovery.
“We piled up a load of toys and other bits and pieces to give to the charity shop,” Ms Garrett said.
“The robot had been in the loft for decades and it was only when my brother said he had seen a similar toy online that we decided to take it out the charity box and look into it a bit more.
“We were hoping the robot may be worth a few pounds but when we heard what it was and the valuation, we couldn’t believe our ears.
“I would like to think that the lucky new owner may get as much fun playing with the robot as we did when we were kids, although I have a feeling it may be kept well out of reach of sticky fingers.”
McTear’sMcTear’s specialist, James Spiridion, said : “Simply put, the Masudaya Radicon is the grandfather of tin plate robots and space toys generally.
“Very few of these fascinating toys have ever come to auction and to find one complete with box and controller is a rare find indeed.”
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