Ventriloquist’s Vintage Dummy Collection Hits the Auction Stage
Hold onto your vocal cords, folks, because a spine-tingling ventriloquist’s dummy extravaganza is about to steal the show! Step right up to the unnerving spectacle of a ventriloquist’s dummy that’s as old as your grandma’s grandma – dressed to the nines in a snazzy shirt and tie from the roaring 20s. This freckled and red-lipped figure is just the start of the eerie entourage, part of a treasure trove collected by the indomitable Abigail Winfield, 61, hailing from the land of Barnstaple, Devon.
Picture this: rows of unsettling dummies, each with their own dapper outfits and stories to tell. Get ready to open your wallets because this jaw-dropping assembly is set to go under the hammer at Charterhouse Auctioneers and Valuers in the quaint town of Sherborne, Dorset, with predictions pointing toward a whopping £8,000 payday. Mark your calendars for the end of this month, dear reader – this isn’t a show you want to miss.
It’s all happening because Mrs. Winfield and her hubby Shaun are trading in some closet space. Apparently, their home’s undergone a shrinking spell, leaving no room for these eye-catching, spine-chilling companions. Abigail started amassing these eerie pals back in the late 80s when she was bestowed one as a child. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving – a lifelong fascination leading to a hauntingly impressive collection.
And here’s the kicker: some of these darlings are donning painted faces that have aged like a fine wine. One elderly lady in slipper couture even cost a whopping 18 shillings back in 1933 – that’s like ancient cryptocurrency. Abigail’s collection journey took her from dusty antique shops into the wild lands of online shopping, proving that sometimes, collecting things pays off better than your Wall Street gambles.
So, what’s the deal with these creepy companions? According to Mrs. Winfield herself, it’s all about the faces. And let’s face it – those doll faces, with their eerily lifelike movements, are oddly compelling. From early 1900s oddities to dummies from the swinging 30s, the collection is a trip down the uncanny valley, showcasing a quirky piece of history that’s part unsettling, part intriguing.
Even auctioneer Richard Bromell, who’s seen his fair share of weird and wonderful, admits this batch of dummies takes the cake. He claims they’re like the Mona Lisas of the oddities world – they might not be the oldest or priciest, but their captivating aura is undeniable. The real question is, will he resist the temptation to snag one for himself? The wife might not be on board, but hey, being the dummy isn’t so bad, right?
So, there you have it – from Victorian entertainment to a modern-day auction house, the journey of these quirky companions continues. Whether you’re spooked or fascinated, there’s no denying the impact these eerie dummies have had over the years. So, grab your auction paddle and get ready to play a part in the next chapter of this creepy-cute tale. And who knows, maybe you’ll even find a new partner for those lonely late-night conversations – no ventriloquism skills required!