The 450-lot sale, which contained many Golden Age tinplate toys by major European makers, is still talked about to this day.
But like most serious collectors, Mr Clibbon could not bear to part with the complete collection, and he had held back a number of cherished toys that were placed in a huge display cabinet to be admired by visitors to his home.
Four years after he died his family decided now was the time to auction the remainder of the collection for future generations to enjoy. It was offered in just over 70 lots as part of Lacy Scott & Knight's sale of collectors' models on November 17.
The highlight was this Märklin station made for the British market at the height of the Göppingen firm's powers c.1904. Most hand-painted Märklin toys were available in a number of different 'nationalities' with flags and names chosen by trade buyers prior to placing an order.
Holborn Station, as it is titled, is formed of three parts, a station building with booking hall (the interior complete with seating, candle holder, ticket booth and barrier), a footbridge and a platform with canopied waiting area and signals.
In very good and completely original condition (only two pieces of fencing were thought to be missing), it was estimated at £6000-9000 but sold to a telephone bidder in Belgium at £41,000 (plus 15% buyer's premium).
