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The world’s first-ever missing Lego shark set, lost for decades, is finally going up for auction, exciting collectors and Lego enthusiasts alike. This rare and iconic piece has become a coveted treasure due to its scarcity and unique history. The auction not only offers a chance to own a piece of Lego nostalgia but also highlights the enduring appeal and cultural impact of Lego sets, making it a must-watch event for fans worldwide.
A Lego shark, swept off a ship years ago and later caught by a fisherman off the South West coast, is set to be auctioned for charity. Richard West became the first person to recover a shark from the 51,800 Lego sharks that were lost when 62 containers, holding a total of 4.75 million pieces, went overboard from the Tokio Express near Land’s End in 1997.
Mr West found the plastic toy in his fishing nets about 20 miles (32 km) south of Penzance in August 2024. Plymouth-based auctioneer Anthony Eldred plans to sell it on 30 October. Reflecting on the find, Mr West said he’d be pleased even if it only fetched £10, joking that, “gram for gram, it’s the most expensive fish we’ve ever caught.”
The Lego Lost At Sea project, which tracks discoveries from the Tokio Express incident, confirmed this was the first time a shark model had been retrieved from the sea. Although he will be at sea during the auction, Mr West hopes the sale will raise substantial funds for Cancer Research UK and the Fishermen’s Mission.
He explained his choice of charities, noting that he had lost a close friend to cancer and another is currently fighting the disease, while also praising the Fishermen’s Mission as a vital support network. Mr Eldred described setting a guide price for such a unique item as “almost an impossible task,” suggesting it might sell for between £50 and £100.
He added that the Lego shark’s rarity could attract passionate collectors, and if competition grows, it could sell for even more.
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Source: BBC
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