THE GEORGE CUSHING Deceased SURPLUS RESERVE AUCTION SALE
Nine steam engines belonging to the late George Cushing are to be offered for sale by auction. The engines which consist of Aveling and Porter steam rollers and include two convertibles, were collected by George over several decades and were surplus to the many and varied steam engines and other artefacts that now make up the famous Thursford Collection, one of East Anglia’s top tourist attractions. Thursford is now run by George Cushing’s son, John, who has pioneered the very popular Christmas extravaganza’s. Amongst this exceptional collection are several Showman steam engines and early fairground rides including the Aspland’s Gondolas. It is also home to the Wurlitzer which was in use in Cinema’s up until 1932 and which is now played regularly.
The steam engines to be offered for sale have been stored over the years in the hope that they would also one day be restored and added to the museum. However limited space and the rising costs of restoring steam engines have led John Cushing to instruct Cambridge based specialist steam auctioneers Cheffins to dispose by auction of what is known as the surplus reserve collection.
All of the engines will require restoration and it provides a wonderful opportunity for enthusiasts and restorers alike to acquire steam engines from one of the UK’s foremost steam museums. Many of the engines will have local provenance and some may have been used by George Cushing in his fleet of engines which he operated for road building projects.
In total the auction will run to over 300 lots and will include an ex Thurstons living wagon, a rare Gondola packing truck, threshing drums by Marshall and local builder Bushell, motor rollers, front and rear rolls, dynamos, many small steam spares some of which are still in the original packing and will cause considerable interest.
The sale will be held at Thursford on Saturday 25th September. Catalogues will be available 2 weeks prior to the sale from Cheffins (£6 by post) 01223 213777
