Epic Toy Soldiers Collection Exceeds Expectations

Cover image: SWNS

One of the world's largest collections of toy soldiers has been auctioned following the death of its owner.

55-year-old Carmelo Mazzotta began collecting soldiers, tanks and planes when he was just eight.

Around 250,000 figures were discovered in the collector's garage after he died in 2016.

The collection was split into 400 lots, and was expected to fetch around £25,000.

The final total exceeded expectations and was auctioned for more than £35,000.

The collection featured soldiers in their individual regiments, along with a variety of miniature forts, weapons, and vehicles, made from plastic, metal and lead.

Carmelo's vast collection took up all the floor space in a double garage, a mezzanine floor and four shelves that wrapped around the side of the room.

It took nine days to box up the collection, and the auction house had to extend its showroom areas to display it.

The sale was broadcast live to allow collectors from all across the world to bid for the lots.

Carmelo Mazzotta's sister Anita said it was an emotional sell, but they hope his memory will live on through his toy soldiers.

"He saw himself as a soldier, he wanted to be a soldier, so this was his way to make it real."