1966 Doctor Who Dalek sets new world record

A Dalek from the 1966 Doctor Who movie The Dalek Invasion of Earth 2150 AD has sold for �38,500 ($55,682) at Bamfords Auctioneers in Derby.

That's a new world record for a piece of Doctor Who memorabilia at auction.

The previous record was �36,000 ($52,029), paid for another Dalek at Bonhams in 2005.

Dalek auction Bamfords
The Dalek was given away by Sugar Puffs as a promotional tool

The piece was one of three given away by Sugar Puffs cereal as a promotional tool for the film and was originally silver but has since been painted red.

It was one of a collection of around 67 items, many from the early years of Doctor Who, which crossed the block on June 8.

The seller's decision to rid himself of his collection appears to have been made ever so slightly under duress, as his wife explained in the run-up to the sale: "There's no way that we can accommodate all of these things.

"The last thing I want is a Dalek in the bedroom.

"Everything has to go. We don't want any of it back. I'm locking my husband in a straitjacket in the garden shed so he can't bid on any of it again."

The Dalek had originally been valued at �15,000 ($21,700), meaning it beat its estimate by an impressive 156.6%.              

Auctioneer James Lewis told the BBC: "�38,500 is an incredible price - more than double what was expected...

"I think the Dalek would have been back in use exterminating its owner if he hadn't agreed to sell his collection."

Love TV and movies? You can check out our selection of memorabilia for sale here.

Please sign up to our free newsletter to receive exciting news about movie memorabilia auctions.

Featured products

Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Sale price£399
In stock
Fidel Castro signed certificateFidel Castro Signed Certificate
Fidel Castro signed certificate
Sale price£2,995
In stock
King Henry VIII Autographed DocumentKing Henry VIII Autographed Document
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
Sale price£55,000
In stock