The Adventures of Tintin model fetches 39,000 euros Buyer: a childhood component

According to Western media, the author of the popular series of comics "The Adventures of Tintin" and the famous Belgian cartoonist Hergé asked someone to make a model of the unicorn in 1942 when he drew one of the "Secrets of the Unicorn". The model was auctioned in Brussels for 39,000 euros (1 euro is about 7.6 yuan – this online note). At this auction, more than 200 collectibles related to The Adventures of Tintin were auctioned.

According to the Effie news agency reported on June 19, the comic book industry holds an auction every year, and the unicorn model is the star at this year's auction. At this year's auction, 527 pieces of the collection were sold out by buyers in more than three hours by telephone and live bidding.

The unicorn model starts at 12,000 euros. Although it has disappeared for decades, the unicorn model has long been known to experts. In 1960, Hergé gave the model to a veterinarian who cared for his pet Siamese cat, and the veterinarian's grandchildren brought the famous model back to light.

The model of the Unicorn is 55 centimeters long, has 3 masts, 50 gun barrels, and flax sails, which have been kept in Hergé's office in the past.

Between 1942 and 1943, Hergé was drawing The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn. To get inspired, he decided to ask a modeler to make a model of the Unicorn, but the model was not completed on time. Under pressure from the publisher, Hergé was forced to create a unicorn number that would eventually appear in the comic based on the modeler's blueprints. Although Hergé only used the model as a reference at the last moment of the manuscript, it was enough to confirm that the model was genuine and worthy of being treasured in the museum.

The final takeaway of the model was a Belgian buyer, who did not want to be named. He said the Unicorn was a mysterious ship that was an integral part of childhood life. He also said he was not a collector, but a fan of The Adventures of Tintin. He even joked that it was good to smash the model to find the treasure.

Buyers expressed their willingness to offer the model as an exhibit to the museum and exhibition and were proud that this model was able to remain in the author's native Belgium.

Most of these lots about The Adventures of Tintin came from collectors, but some were accidentally discovered by sellers from the attic of their homes. (Editor/Liu Lifei)