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Collectible ToysEveryone has favorite collectible toys from their childhood. From Fisher Price Little People to Thomas the Tank Engine, most everyone saves at least a few toys from their childhood, even if it is just in their memories. What do you have safely tucked away in your attic?
[edit] Valuable AntiquesCollectible toys don't have to be antiques, but some older toys are often more valuable. Toys saved in the original packaging have added value. Cast-iron penny toys, mechanical banks, vintage dolls, zeppelins and many others are highly collectible today.
Toys made with extraordinary craftsmanship usually have stood the test of time. French and German porcelain dolls from the 1800's are an example of dolls that may be worth thousands of dollars today. Metal pedal cars from the turn of the century are also valuable if they haven't been left to rust. Children's china tea sets and miniature cast-iron stoves from the early 1900's are also very popular with collectors. If you enjoy antique collectible toys there are many antiques price guides available to help you with your hobby. Most price guides give you detailed information and photos for the items you are collecting. These guides can be extremely valuable when you are trying to spot reproductions. Price guides often give you information, such as where to find the identification marks on an item, when you are shopping. [edit] Childhood Collectible ToysToys that you cherished as a child can be very valuable today. Modern Fisher Price toys, Ertl trains, Hot Wheels and Barbies often command a lot of money on the secondary market. Even the toys your children are now playing with could be valuable someday. Some examples of yesterday's toys that are hot today include:
If you have an inkling a toy you recently purchased might be valuable someday, save the box in an area out of direct sunlight, extreme heat and moisture, such as an attic. When your child is no longer playing with the toy, return it to the box and store it in a well-ventilated dry area. Years from now you may find that your hidden treasure has increased in value. Many boys that collected G.I. Joe action figures as children have realized their value as adults. A G.I. Joe Polar Bear Attack Convention set can sell for over $300 if all of the items of the set are together, and it can fetch even more if it is in the original box. [edit] Market ValuesWhile many people collect for the sheer joy of owning a particular type of toy, just as many people own particular items for their investment value. Barbie collectors, for example, often collect several of a particular Barbie because they know the dolls increase in value over time. Lionel train collectors often keep their collectible toys in the original boxes except for when they are running the trains on a track. Caring for your collectible and keeping the original boxes in good condition will increase the value of your investment. How do you know what is hot and what is not? Check out these web sites that can help you determine fair market value for your childhood toys:
[edit] Collectors ClubsMany collectors like to enjoy their hobby with others. Whatever type of toy you like to collect; odds are there is a club for it. A benefit to belonging to a collector club is that you can find out how to care for your chosen collectible as well as knowing what the values of your toys are. Check out your local newspaper, phone book, public library or town hall bulletin boards for collector clubs near you. There are also many Internet sites dedicated to collectible toys. Here is just a small sampling of the toy clubs and collector's sites available on the web today: [edit] Related Antiques Articles |
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| This page was last modified 15:32, 16 August 2008. |