Today's Object of the Week is a handmade three-dimensional model of a castle with an enigmatic past.
Specialists at a North East auction house Teesside-based Vectis Auctions often come across rare and sought after toys.
However, on occasion, Teesside-based Vectis Auctions is asked to auction unusual and unique items, such as this wonderful handmade diorama with local historical interest.
The diorama was initially a gift from North Shields residents, John and Ruth Bavidge, to George and Cora Heather on October 10, 1857.
The Bavidges were known for tutoring children in their home for fourpence a week, and it is believed both couples were from the North Shields area.
A side note shows that the diorama was received by a daughter in 1909, suggesting it was possibly passed down through generations of the family.
An enclosed letter shows that a Mrs C Dawson received it on June 20, 1920, from her mother. The letter also reveals that Mrs Dawson then donated it to Linskill Boys Secondary School in 1956 - that school was also in North Shields.
There is no obvious connection between Mrs Dawson and the recipients in 1857 although it could well have been passed down in the family.
The trail of the diorama then went cold until it was discovered in the attic of a Yarm house by current owner, Bill Bates, who moved into the property nearly 30 years ago.
He never did anything with it and forgot about it until some recent renovations when he did a little research and decided to bring it to Vectis Auctions.
He cannot remember the name of the previous occupants, so the journey from Linskill School to the Yarm attic remains a mystery.
Vectis Auctions specialist Matt Bailey said: "We always get a lot of interesting items through our saleroom.
"Often these are toys that we remember from our childhoods, but sometimes we get something of an historical nature. This 'castle diorama' is definitely one of those items.
"It's fantastic that we have some provenance included with it, but there are also gaps in our knowledge.
"Was it made by the person who gifted it originally? How long did it take to make? How long was it on display in Linskill School? Does anyone remember it? How did it get from there to a loft in Yarm? Still many unanswered questions."
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He added: "Whilst it may not be the most valuable items to pass through Vectis, it is certainly one of the more interesting."
The item will be included in Vectis's Military and Civilian auction on December 11, with an estimated sale price of between £50 and £70.
For more details, visit vectis.co.uk
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