AN Abingdon ironmonger put on sale six Second World War bomb removers measuring six-foot each after he found them hidden in the attic during a clean-out of his shop on August 25 1973.
The equipment was originally used to pick up small incendiary devices during the World Wars, and John Garlick [pictured] discovered six of them hidden in the Bottrell and Co store in the town while clearing up ahead of the store's closure.
Smelling a sale the entrepreneur priced them at £1.50 each and managed to sell two of the items before the shop shut down.
Speaking of the items he said at the time: "They were bought during the war by the shop and six have remained here ever since.
"People wouldn't really buy them for removing bombs. They would probably buy them as a souvenir or antique.
"I shouldn't think they have any purpose at all."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here