The auction will take place at Hansons Auctioneers in Etwall, Derbyshire, on April 23. Harry Corbett purchased the original puppet in 1948 on holiday in Blackpool to entertain his sons Dave and Matthew. The puppet originally cost 7s 6d and was originally known as 'Teddy'.
Harry Corbett worked as an engineer for Leeds Council at the time. According to Daily Mirror - Main, Dave Corbett described how his mother used soot from the fire on the puppet's ears and nose to make him more endearing, leading to the name Sooty. Sooty's debut TV appearance was in 1952.
I don't remember it because I was so young, but we were on holiday in Blackpool on the North Pier when dad bought the puppet to amuse me and my brother Matthew.
Numerous Sootys were produced by toymaker Chad Valley for the programme over the years. Dave Corbett is also selling the mechanical device that operated Soo, made by Bill Garret, the show's prop maker. Marjorie Corbett named Soo, shortening it from Sooty, and made all the puppets' outfits.
Dave Corbett is 81 years old.
It was mum who used some soot from the fire on his ears and nose to make him seem more endearing. Hence the name Sooty and then later Sweep.
It was quickly apparent that, unlike dad who was a talented pianist and magician, mum's manipulation skills were not up to par. So the mechanical device was then made by Bill Garret, the show's prop maker to help mum move Soo better.
I remember handing props up to dad from under the table.
To my dad Sooty was like a child, an actual person and a real part of his life. I remember how he would use a pin to meticulously comb Sooty's face to make sure he looked his very best.