Jelly and cake moulds, particularly those made from copper, were his big interest, and he amassed hundreds, becoming known as ‘Mr Copper’ in the trade. He even considered writing a book: ‘Wibbly Wobbly’.
Although Cottrell never got around to penning it, a sale of more than 400 of his moulds under the same title will be sold by his family in a timed sale ending on July 12 at Bellmans in Winchester.
Copper, tin and ceramic examples, dating from the second half of the 19th century and later, include this 13in (35cm) long scaly fish tinned metal jelly or mousse mould from the early 20th century estimated at £20-30.
Another equally exhaustive and unusual collection will follow on July 20 at Special Auction Services of Newbury.
The single-owner collection of approximately 3000 pipes and accessories was amassed at auctions and abroad by a London GP – who ironically has never smoked a pipe.
Notable lots include a 19th century meerschaum example, with a carved wild boar head and castle turret (£100-120 estimate), a pipe with a shell surround reportedly owned by the Conservative politician Stanley Baldwin (£200-300 estimate), and a variety of tobacco jars and advertising signs.
