One of the most sought-after models in the jukebox world is the Wurlitzer Peacock Type 850, below right, designed by Paul Fueller in 1941. It is generally considered the biggest, the showiest and ‘most jukeboxy’ jukebox of them all.
This example was offered at Hartleys’ (18% buyer’s premium) biannual toy sale at the Ilkley rooms on September 23. It had been purchased at Tennants of Leyburn almost exactly a year ago at a double-estimate £9000, with the vendor now hoping for a considerable profit.
The £18,000-20,000 estimate was based partly on the vendor’s ambition and partly on precedents (although all parties will have been aware that another Peacock had failed to sell at Bonhams three years ago when pitched at £24,000-32,000).