Totem Signs
BackMaximum price: £30,000
Average price: £1,353
Minimum price: £40
In recent times, the humble, enamel totem has reached into the hearts of collectors. Utilised as the corporate image when British Railways came into being in 1948, it was decided that regional colours would be adopted and around the end of 1949 early 1950, they began to appear on the majority of UK stations, large and small. The vast majority measure 36in x 10in, some with flanges, some without. Some stations were only perhaps fitted with two whereas large stations such as Clapham Junction would have been riddled with them. Extremely collectable today, reminding enthusiasts of holidays, spotting trips or just simply commuting or visits to stations. Many fall into themes such as those with the word Junction or a particular line with successive station names. Many collectors start with an example from each region. A definitive book British Railways Station Totems by Richard Furness & Dave Brennand is an informed treasure for the collector.
GWRA are the undisputed World record holder for a Totem price and have sold more Totems since 2021 than any other auction house.
Totem BR(S) FF WYE from the former South Eastern and Chatham Railway station between Canterbury West and Ashford. In excellent condition.
Auction: July 2024 Sold for: £900Totem BR(S) FF SHOLING from the former London & South Western Railway station between Southampton and Fareham. In excellent condition.
Auction: July 2024 Sold for: £500Totem BR(M) FF SHENSTONE from the former London and North Western Railway station between Birmingham and Lichfield. In very good condition with slight loss of shine.
Auction: November 2023 Sold for: £650Totem BR(M) FF SILECROFT from the former Furness Railway station between Millom and Ravenglass. In very good condition with two small face chips.
Auction: March 2023 Sold for: £500Totem BR(SC) FF INVERESK from the former North British Railway station between Edinburgh and Dunbar. In excellent condition.
Auction: November 2022 Sold for: £1,200Totem BR(W) FF BLACKWELL from the former Midland Railway station at the top of the famous Lickey Bank between Bromsgrove and Barnt Green and the last station on the Western Region before it changed to the Midland Region at Barnt Green. In ex station condition with plenty of grime from the Bankers. Not common.
Auction: March 2022 Sold for: £1,200