Personal Collection of Somerville Models Founder Features in November

Personal Collection of Somerville Models Founder Features in November

11/10/2019    

We are privileged to be offering for auction Doug McHard's personal model collection of Somerville white metal model cars in our November 'Toys, Model Railways, and Memorabilia' auction. The collection includes wooden painted prototypes from the range, mock-up models never produced for sale, and one off hand crafted models made by Doug. We are offering over 400 models (approx. 200 lots) in the auction, with many rare colour samples and scarce transfer decals. Most models are in mint condition, boxed and ideal for any 'Somerville' model collector.

Doug McHard, founder of Somerville Models, was educated at the Sheffield College of Arts and Crafts where his aptitude for fashioning wood and metal were developed, before joining the RAF. After his years in service he worked at Meccano Limited as Marketing Director during the 1960's  and 1970’s. Under his attention during this time were the  Dinky and Meccano brands – no doubt a personal interest extending beyond his remit within the field of marketing. In the late 1970s he started to produce highly detailed white metal models and kits under the brand name of "Somerville", alongside his wife Roly. The company’s focus was on highly detailed scale models of British cars of the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s. Their models have become world renowned for being some of the most detailed and highest quality in the industry, with the company gaining recognition with numerous modelling awards. The car manufacturers Saab and Volvo commissioned Somerville to produced models for their own archives, such was his standing and reputation. The company continued as a small scale producer from its base in Lincolnshire, until Doug’s death in 2002.

The sale is on Monday 11th November starting at 10:30, with the catalogue online now.