AUCTIONEERS MAKE MONSTER OF A DISCOVERY AT BRIDAL WEAR STORE

Jul 31 2008 by Jon Tunney, The Journal

IT was a case of alien versus creditor when a bridal wear shop went bust.

When James Sutherland & Co Auctioneers emptied the contents of the store, they expected rails of tuxedos and veils. So when they discovered a 9ft alien lurking in the basement, it came as a surprise.

The rubber model is similar to those in the film Independence Day, starring Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum. The 1996 film tells of alien spaceships who invade earth bent on destruction.

In the two weeks that the alien has been with the Newcastle auctioneers, no one has claimed it, although there have been a few interested callers.

Paul Roberts, 54, managing director of Sutherland & Co Auctioneers, said: “As specialist auctioneers, we get a lot of interesting things, like inflatables and unusual machinery.

“But in my 32 years in this job, it is the weirdest thing I have ever had to start the bidding on.

“I’m not sure what happened to the bridal shop but we were asked by bailiffs to remove the stock. We sent down a few guys with instructions to take everything that was there.

“When we opened the van we got quite a shock. I have absolutely no idea why it would be in a bridal shop in the first place. Maybe they were looking after it for someone.

“I think it would be of interest to someone who likes sci-fi or is a film buff.

“It’s a bit big for most people’s houses but hopefully it will find a home tomorrow.”

Andy Hawnt, 29, of sci-fi specialists Star Store in Sheffield, said: “A model of this size is very unusual. We had an E.T. of 3.5ft which went for £1,500 and a 6ft Hans Solo that sold for £2,500. There is definitely a market for this kind of collectable.”

The alien, which was found at the Principia Bridal shop in Middlesbrough, will be auctioned tomorrow with no reserve price.

The sale takes place at 11am at Lot 3, Maling Court on the Hoults Estate off Walker Road, Newcastle. Items can be viewed from 9am.