One of the hit BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses’ most memorable lines is Del Boy saying “This time next year, Rodders, we will be millionaires!”
The cheque prop is from one of the final episodes of the series, the 1996 Christmas special titled Time On Our Hands. In this episode the Trotter brothers Del Boy and Rodney finally become millionaires after finding a rare pocket watch.
They discover that the watch in their lock-up garage is in fact a John Harrison marine chronometer – the ‘Harrison Lesser Watch’ - which then goes on to sell at a Sotheby’s auction for £6.2m.
The cheque, carrying an estimate of £2000-3000 will be offered alongside other memorabilia at East Bristol Auctions on June 7.
Auctioneer Andrew Stowe said: “It’s just a printed piece of paper and seen on screen for just a few moments. But this very prop was the culmination of the entire 15 years of the series. It’s a key prop and an iconic item in the annals of British Comedy history.”
The presentation case displaying the cheque from the 'Only Fools and Horses' 1996 Christmas special titled 'Time On Our Hands'. It comes with autographs from castmembers. The lot is offered with an estimate of £2000-3000 at East Bristol Auctions.
Also to be offered at the auction will be actor David Jason’s personal script from the Heroes And Villains episode when Del Boy and Rodney dressed as Batman and Robin, Del Boy’s jewellery and caps and an item from the character Trigger.
One of the most memorable lines from the road-sweeping Trigger is his claim he has had the same broom for 20 years but it’s had “17 new heads and 14 new handles”. This line is taken from an episode where Trigger is awarded a medal for his services to the council. This medal prop will also be offered at the auction.
The medal that 'Only Fools and Horses' character Trigger was awarded for his services to the council.
The sale is still being catalogued but estimates range from £500 upwards.
In September 2018 the Only Fools and Horses pocket watch prop (from the episode Time On Our Hands) sold for a hammer price of £28,000 (plus 24% buyer's premium including VAT) at Dudley auction house Aston's.
