Daleks Finally Destroy the TARDIS at a Doctor Who Charity Auction

While Doctor Who remains on hiatus until the upcoming festive special in December—marking a long wait since the previous episode aired in May 2025—the franchise has recently made headlines for a different reason. A massive auction featuring authentic props and costumes from the series’ storied history recently concluded, offering collectors everything from a screen-used TARDIS to various sonic screwdrivers and even a complete Dalek. While several of these relics commanded premium prices, one of the show’s most iconic symbols sold for a surprisingly modest figure.

Few images are as synonymous with the series as the TARDIS. Functioning as the Doctor’s sanctuary and time-traveling vessel, the blue police box is the show’s aesthetic anchor. It is therefore quite remarkable that an authentic, screen-used TARDIS was acquired for only £6,930 (approximately $9,325). This specific prop was utilized during the production of the 2022 New Year’s Day special, “Eve of the Daleks,” starring Jodie Whittaker. It isn’t every day that a genuine TARDIS—especially one featuring distinct production-worn cracks—becomes available to the public.

By contrast, the Dalek proved to be the auction’s breakout sensation. This Bronze Asylum Dalek had a formidable pedigree, appearing in every Dalek-centric episode since 2012. Constructed from a mixture of resin, metal, rubber, and wood, this wheeled menace fetched a staggering £53,550 ($72,060). That price tag is nearly eight times the cost of the TARDIS. While a Dalek might be more manageable to fit into a living room than a full-sized police box, the price discrepancy remains eye-opening.

The Dalek’s final bid far outpaced other high-ticket items, including a life-sized Cyberman statue that previously greeted fans at the Doctor Who Experience. Even smaller accessories commanded significant attention; the Tenth Doctor’s (David Tennant) rehearsal sonic screwdrivers reached £4,410 ($5,934), and one of Matt Smith’s signature bowties sold for £8,190 ($11,020), also surpassing the TARDIS in value.

In total, the event saw 321 items from the *Doctor Who* archives find new homes. At the lower end of the spectrum, the least expensive items included two pairs of trousers worn by Peter Capaldi’s Twelfth Doctor. While perhaps not the most glamorous piece of memorabilia, a dedicated fan still paid £567 ($763) to claim them.

The auction was organized in partnership with BBC Children in Need. According to the organizers, all proceeds from these sales are destined for a philanthropic cause, helping to “transform the lives of young people and empower communities across the UK.”

Source: Polygon