Jings! Crivvens! Rare Oor Wullie Annual Could Fetch Thousands

A rare Oor Wullie No 1 annual from 1941 is expected to sell for between £2,000 and £3,000 when it goes under the hammer in Glasgow this week. 

The 84-year-old book is part of a huge single collection of Oor Wullie, Broons and Andy Capp annuals and memorabilia stretching from the 1940s through to the present day.  

The collection - which is believed to be the largest of its kind to come to auction and covers over 80 lots in McTear’s Pop Culture sale on 10 April - is estimated to fetch between £10,000 and £15,000.

 Amassed over a lifetime by the late Falkirk football programme collector, Frank Hulett, the collection paints a wonderful picture of the evolution of both Oor Wullie and The Broons through the decades. 

The front cover of the first ever Oor Wullie annual, drawn by legendary DC Thomson illustrator, Dudley Watkins, displays the iconic image of Wullie on his bucket, dressed in his trademark denim dungarees and tackety boots. 

Other collection highlights include an Oor Wullie No 2 annual from 1942, that could fetch £1,500, and a 1947/48 Broons annual valued between £400 and £600.

Commenting on the auction, McTear’s specialist, James Bruce, said: “Oor Wullie’s iconic steel bucket is recognised across the world, with generations of comic fans growing up enjoying the antics of Wullie and his pals every week in the pages of the Sunday Post. Along with The Broons, the Oor Wullie annual remains a must-have Christmas gift for fans of all ages, and I have no doubt that the huge interest in these iconic characters will ensure a very lively sale on the 10 April.”

In addition to the Hulett collection, the auction will feature a fabulous catalogue of comics, model vehicles and toys, including Marvel and DC comics, Timpo Toys, Corgi and Dinky toys, and Star Wars, Barbie, Pokemon and Harry Potter memorabilia. 

McTear’s Pop Culture, Comics, Annuals, Toys & More auction will take place on Wednesday 10 April at 10am. 

For a complimentary, no-obligation valuation, visit our Glasgow Galleries or contact a specialist on 0141 810 2880 or auction@mctears.co.uk.