Warhammer Auctions
With 36 unique armies in Warhammer 40k, all of which contain hundreds of different miniatures (minis) and vehicles, it‘s no surprise that avid collectors and players are always on the hunt for rare and valuable items that give them a competitive advantage.
At Cullens of Surrey, we’re no strangers to valuing and handling Warhammer miniatures within our exciting toy & model auctions. With so many variants out there, our upcoming online auctions are the best place to access some of the most desirable Warhammer miniatures, vehicles, and more!

Image credit - Warhammer.com
History of Warhammer
In 1983, British company Games Workshop combined the principles of historic wargaming with the theme of mythical fantasy, birthing “Warhammer: First Edition”. A range of sci-fi miniatures was produced by Citadel in 1986, including the crusading galactic hero “the Space Marine”. Fast forward another year, and the positive reception of the Space Marine led to the launch of “Warhammer 40,000 Rogue Trader”, which soon became the most popular wargame in the world.
In 2004, digital games developer Relic brought the universe of Warhammer 40k to life in a bestselling real-time strategy (RTS) computer game, beginning a critically acclaimed series which is still successful to this day. 2015 saw the arrival of the Mortal Realms through “Warhammer: Age of Sigmar”, and in 2016, the Warhammer Community was founded to bring fans together from around the world - a community which still thrives, even in the present day!
Examples of High-Value Sales
Due to Warhammer’s popularity spanning over 40 years, it is no surprise that auction houses have processed some high-value sales of popular or discontinued miniatures and vehicles from the tabletop wargame. Many avid collectors are prepared to spend big on entire armies, although individual pieces can be particularly valuable.
The most notable sale to date occurred back in 2021 when the rare, all-metal “Thunderhawk Gunship” (1997) sold for a staggering $34,882 (£26,903) at auction. The model had been assembled and painted by Emil Nyström and his team at Squidmar Miniatures and was purchased by the Australian-based hobby shop “The House of War”.

Image credit - Wargamer.com

Image credit - Warhammer.com
The current most expensive Warhammer item still produced is the “Manta”, an enormous transport ship for T’au Empire armies, which is almost 25 inches long and 30 inches wide! Featuring a fully detailed interior, hinged ramps, and sliding bays, this vehicle costs £1,310 from Warhammer’s online store. Once production finishes, we predict this will become a particularly desirable item at auction in the future…
Tips for Buying & Selling Warhammer Miniatures & Vehicles
If you’re on the lookout for rare and unique Warhammer items at an upcoming auction, or you’re considering selling your miniatures, our experts have a few tips you should keep in mind:
Buying Warhammer Items at Auction
- Understand Auction Rules: Every auction house has different terms & conditions, rules, and associated fees, so it’s worth getting to know these details before starting.
- Do Your Homework: Research the specific miniatures and vehicles you’re interested in before bidding, familiarising yourself with their market value and rarity.
- Set a Budget: Once you know the value of the item(s) you’re after, determine the maximum bid in advance and stick to it - this will stop you from getting carried away!
- Bid Strategically: Consider placing your bid at less obvious times, such as just before the auction closes, to avoid driving up the price too early.
Selling Warhammer Items at Auction
- Engage with Our Valuers: Our team are knowledgeable about Warhammer, so we’ll help you understand the value of your item(s) in the current market.
- Plan Your Timing: Consider listing your items at a time when demand is higher, such as around Warhammer conventions or ahead of significant updates to the game.
- Presentation Is Key: Ensure your items are clean, well-photographed, and accurately described, helping to attract serious bidders.
- Consider Selling as a Lot: Warhammer enthusiasts are often more interested in buying larger lots to build out their army, so you could consider bundling your items.
Looking to Sell With Us?
If you have Warhammer miniatures that you’re looking to sell, or any other toys and models, we offer various routes, such as at auction, direct purchasing or third-party sellers. You can read about each selling route in more detail on our dedicated Selling At Auction page.
Our Next Exciting Toy & Model Auction Is Just Around the Corner…
At Cullens of Surrey, we regularly host well-attended online auctions packed full of rare and desirable toys and models. Whether it be Warhammer, Star Wars, Lego, or another popular theme, experience it all with us at one of our upcoming auctions!
Need more information about the items available or how the auction process works? Our experienced team are always on hand to answer any questions you may have. Simply get in touch with us today!