C is for C&T Auctions - Forthcoming 12th December 'James Opie' Sale - CJB

Continuing the overview of the forthcoming sale at C&T Auctions, we are looking at the section of the auction dealing with a small but important collection of inter-war AFV models - C&T Auction Lots 361-365 inclusive.

Lot 362

The CJB Convoy
From the Collection of Arthur Smith

One of the highlights of the Arthur Smith Collection is the small convoy of metal 1/32nd scale vehicles, manufactured by Colin Burkill of CJB.

A one-man enterprise based in Hull, CJB began as manufacturer of finely modelled parade figures of the Third Reich, but ‘changed sides’ in 1993 to diversify into British vehicles of the inter-war period. Colin was inspired by a restored Morris Commercial Forward Control 6x4 Lorry, displayed at the Museum of Army Transport in Beverley, where he worked as a volunteer. Seeking to improve on the old square-radiator-type lorries offered by Britains, Colin made some detailed first-hand studies, and then proceeded to make both masters and moulds.

The result was some of the finest 1/32nd scale metal models ever created, with rubber tyres, brass axles, tinplate canopies and lead bodywork. Very much a labour of love, each was hand-cast and hand assembled with a bewildering array of homemade jigs. Frequently finished to the customer’s paint specifications, and constantly modified as new ideas occurred, is it hard to find two models exactly alike. The range ran to around 20 types, with different bodies (both military and civilian) applied to a common chassis, together with distinctive drivers and crews.

Arthur was both a client and collaborator in the expansion of the range, suggesting vehicles to depict, and providing archive reference images and plans through his own research in London archives. Half of this very personal collection is offered here at auction, and it bears witness to the long and warm relationship, between a skilled craftsman and his client-friend.

Paul Cattermole

More details on the lots available, including nearly all the pictures, at www.the-saleroom.com. They are also hoping to offer (being completed at time of press-release) an on-line ‘flick-through’ version of the catalogue on the C & T website www.candtauctions.co.uk.

Other items in the auction

Many thanks to Mr Opie

for supplying the article

and images.