The Gauge IV (75mm) 0-4-0 clockwork loco and tender and incomplete 1st Class bogie coach (shown above) were painted in the London & North Western Railway black livery and had almost certainly been together since new, c.1902.
The King Edward loco had some faults, including at least one gear stripped in reverse, and the coach had a few condition problems having been well played with in its early years.
Nevertheless, each was keenly bid for at SAS’s April 17 sale at Newbury where the loco was pitched at £700-1000 and the coach at £200-300.
“I once made the error of asserting to a very knowledgeable train friend that Märklin was superior to Bing,” said Marsh. “But he pointed out that Bing at its best, before going for the mass market, had a lightness, touch and beauty that generally eluded Märklin – others may disagree!”
Not, however, the buyers at Newbury. Each piece went to different collectors, the loco at £2600 and the coach at £1600.
