Thunderbirds fans are going into a £20,000 bidding war for a special piece of British TV history.

An authentic Lady Penelope puppet used in the original 60s classic series and films is going up for auction.

International Rescue’s field agent in London, she was a formidable ally to the Tracys on their life-saving missions.

Lady Penelope will be put up for auction by Trevanion and Dean in Whitchurch on Saturday, August 20.

Expect the saleroom to be packed when she goes under the hammer.

Partner and auctioneer Christina Trevanion said the figure had been unearthed at the bottom of a wardrobe wrapped in a blanket after its owner had passed away.

The collector, a major science fiction fan, had kept it hidden away for the last 30 years.

Christina said: “We do see a lot of impressive memorabilia, but Lady Penelope is definitely unique. I think it’s fantastic.

“In this job you never know what is going to come through the door.

This original Lady Penelope puppet, which dates back to the 1960s, could sell for £20,000 at auction

“The figure was the jewel of the previous owner’s collection, but he did not keep her on display. She has very rarely seen the light of day.

“I hope she goes far, the estimate is £15,000 to £20,000, but it is an auction after all. I’d say it’s very likely she could end up in a bidding war.”

Of course m’Lady should be addressed by her full title of Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward.

Thunderbirds followed secret organisation International Rescue which was led by the Tracy family, but their British field agent often stole the show.

Accompanied by loyal butler and chauffeur Parker, she was also an aristocrat, fashionista and supermodel and soon became an icon.

The character was voiced by the late Sylvia Anderson in the original show and movies from 1964-68, while Rosamund Pike played the role in the 2015 animated TV reboot.

Thunderbirds co-creator Sylvia Anderson, best known for voicing Lady Penelope in the hit TV show

The Thunderbirds series, created by Supermarionation, has fans young and old who would surely love to add this incredibly rare memorabilia to their own collection.

After Lady P was brought in by the new owner, Christina had to set off on her own mission to establish the its authenticity.

Plenty of replicas were made, but leading authorities including puppeteers and puppet makers for Thunderbirds have confirmed it as an AP Films, Century 21 Productions original.

Christina said: “We’ve had an awful lot of interest in her both nationally and internationally.

“It’s been such a fantastic process to be involved in and fascinating to talk to all the fans.

This original Lady Penelope puppet, which dates back to the 1960s, could sell for £20,000 at auction

“With Thunderbirds still relevant and running across the 21st century from the original series through to now, I think it just brings generations together.

“It’s such a lovely thing to find, to have an icon which resonates across decades is really special.”

To make your own enquiries about the puppet contact Trevanion and Dean Aucioneers and Valuers on 01948 800202 or email info@trevanionanddean.co.uk.

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