John H Ullmann collection to be Auctioned
John Helmuth Ullmann 1926-2007
Cheffins have been instructed by the executors (on behalf of the Daughters Irene & Jenny) of John H Ullmann deceased to offer for sale by auction ‘The John H Ullmann Collection of steam engines, vehicles, classic tractors and associated items’. The collection will be offered for sale at the Cambridge Vintage Sale on Saturday 16th October 2010.
Click here to see a video showcasing some of the John H Ullman collection.
John Ullmann known affectionately as ‘Diesel Johnny’ was born in Germany in 1926 but came to England with his sister Edith in 1938 as the persecution of the Jews by the Nazi regime increased. After the war John worked in East Kent and worked on diesel engines eventually setting up the Dover Erection & Demolition Co. which played a major role in the clearance of war damaged properties in Kent. His interest in steam came about when his company was awarded the contract to demolish a bridge on the Folkestone, Whitstable, and Canterbury line. Using explosives to demolish the iron girder bridge, it then required clearing. Some improvisation was required as the heavy steel girders could not be moved using conventional machinery. It was suggested to John Ullmann that a steam enthusiast known as Freddie Pecton near Ealham might be able to help using his showman’s engine. John Ullmann was so humbled by the power of these engines that his interest was ignited and he then proceeded to collect a number of engines, mostly with Kentish provenance.
One of the most well known engines in John’s collection is the 1931 Garrett traction engine ‘Rob Roy’, which he purchased from Messrs Hobbs of Sarre in Kent. The Sentinel DG4 Undertype steam ballast tractor, which was previously used by Fremlins Brewery for promotional purposes up until 1980, has spent the last 40 years in Kent. The 1904 Foden 5ton steam wagon was purchased by John from the Eastwood sale in Bodiam, Kent conducted by Cheffins in 1994. 3 Aveling & Porter steam rollers and the Wallis & Steevens steam roller make up the collection of what is one of the largest collections of steam engines to come onto the market in recent years.
The last time the Garrett was used on a public road, was to convey John Ulmann’s coffin to his funeral. A fitting tribute to Diesel Johnny and his machines.
The collection which will be moved for convenience of sale to the Cheffins Cambridge Vintage Sale on 16th October includes several tractors and vehicles and various associated spares and memorabilia.
A Nuffield BMC Mini and a Porsche Standard Diesel tractor together with a 1930 Ford truck and a BMW Isetta Micro Car are also included in the sale.
Bill King said ‘Cheffins are proud to have been instructed by the executors of John H Ullmann (deceased) to dispose of such an important collection of steam engines. There is certain to be considerable interest in the Foden, The Sentinel and of course, ‘Rob Roy’ The Garrett traction engine.
See lots 2643 to 2649 on our online catalogue.
