A remarkable collection ancient tractors set new world records as some of the oldest machines went under the hammer. last month.

More than 100 machines from the private collection of the late Chris Leeder were auctioned at Woodgreen Farm South in Long Stratton by Framlingham-based auctioneers Clarke and Simpson.

Three of the sales set new world records -  a 1916 International Mogul 8-16 which fetched £45k, a 1917 International Mogul 10-20 (£66k) and a 1919 International Junior (£28k). A 1918 International Titan 10-20 sold for £15,500.

The late Chris Darnell with his 1916 8-16 Mogul tractor at Henham Steam Rally in 2004  (Image: Bill Darnell)Auctioneer James Durrant said the big vintage tractor sale on October 5 attracted a "huge crowd". It was a "fantastic day", he added.

He estimated that there were about 300 buyers in the field and about the same number bidding online. "The bids were coming in thick and fast," he said.

"We were up against national competition to get the sale in the first place," he added. 

Scarcity - and the fact the tractors were more than 100 years old - added to their value, he said. Some of them would have come over the America during World War 1.

Auctioneer James Durrant presiding at the sale (Image: Clarke and Simpson) There were 393 lots in the dispersal sale including tractors, implements, spares and bygones.

The farmer spent his working life at his family's feed mill business and farm in Long Stratton, working alongside his brother.

From an early age, he developed a keen interest in mechanical things and started collecting tractors.

He became an active member of the Starting Handle Club and the Old Ram Tractor Club, regularly exhibiting at shows, rallies and working days.

Crowds at the sale (Image: Clarke and Simpson) And his collection - which started with purchases from just a few miles from the farm - grew. 

Among the sale items to go under the hammer was a Marshall roller which was used as a pitch roller at Harleston Magpies Hockey Club where Chris and his brother used to play.

A 32bhp Crossley stationary engine was used to run the mill and was sold new to Chris's father in 1939.

But the jewel in the sale was the 1916 to 1919 consecutive years collection of tractors comprising two Moguls, a Titan and a Junior.

Tractors at the sale (Image: Clarke and Simpson)

To have four models in four consecutive years in one sale was an unusual occurrence, he said. 

The Titan returned to the Cambridgeshire family which sold it back in the 1980s. One of the Moguls went to a collector in East Anglia and one to another in Lincolnshire.

"Not many knew he had got all he had," said James. They were hard to put a value on, he added.

"We knew they were scarce tractors but the problem with a scarce tractor is it's difficult to put a price on."

The family were delighted with where the tractors have gone. "We as auctioneers were delighted with the instruction and really pleased with the result," he added.

Chris Leeder's 1919 International Junior Tractor in a photo taken in 1987 (Image: NQ)