A 100 year old tram car is being sold by Charterhouse in Sherborne on 3rd April.
“We never know what we are going to be asked to auction.” Commented Richard Bromell. “In nearly 40 years of working in auctioneering, this is certainly the first time I have been asked to sell a full sized tram car!”
Tram car 113 saw service in Bournemouth. It is recorded in the book Bournemouth and Poole Tramways as running from Lansdowne to Southbourne.
Having been decommissioned it ended up in garden nursey in Milton Abbas. It then moved on to a farm, also in Milton Abbas, from where it was rescued about 10 years ago by Richard Lee of Plankbridge in Piddlehinton to be used as an office.
“It seemed a great idea to use the tram car as an office as it perfectly complements our shepherd hut manufacturing business.” Commented Richard Lee. “Whilst it has served us well over the past 10 years, it is now time to let the next custodian look after it.”
In original condition, rather than being restored, it still retains many fascinating features. These include coloured ruby glass panels and painted signage with “NO SMOKING ALLOWED”, “15 SEATS EACH SIDE” and “DO NOT SPIT IN THE CAR” remaining clearly visible.
Measuring twenty three feet long by seven and a half feet wide, it could also be used by the next owner as an office or studio, be converted into additional accommodation for family, be developed into an Airbnb business or even possibly be restored back to its former glory from 100 years ago by enthusiasts.
Estimated at £3,000-4,000 tram car 113 remains safely in the dry at Plankbridge HQ, The Grain Store, Piddlehinton, where it is available to view by appointment through Charterhouse on 01935 812277.
Charterhouse are now accepting further entries for this specialist auction of automobilia & enamel signs on 3rd April.
Richard Bromell and the Charterhouse Team can be contacted for advice and valuations at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, 01935 812277 or via rb@charterhouse-auction.com
Richard Bromell (left) from Charterhouse and Richard Lee (right) from Plankbridge with tram car 113 going under the Charterhouse gavel on Wednesday 3rd April estimated at £3,000-4,000
Detail from tram car 113