ADORABLE ANTIQUES A TOY STORY


The world of antique and vintage toys holds a perennial popularity for investors and collectors


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oys have the ability to transport you in time and space back to your childhood and almost everyone


can remember their favourites. It is this nostalgia, when combined with recent trends in the fi lm and television world, which means vintage (and not so vintage) toys can be rather lucrative. Richard Lewis, of online auctioneers TheSaleRoom.com, believes a key element


original Hot Wheels, Game Boys, comic books and action fi gures are increasing in popularity. This may be attributed to Generation ‘X’, who were born between the 1960s and 1980s and are searching for, and investing in, nostalgic toys from their era. He continues: “We have seen a 10%


The market is now focusing increasingly on more recent products - most notably Star Wars and Action Man to name but a few


of the toy market is this nostalgia. “Currently the market is moving away from pre-war toys that were widely collected by previous generations and is now focusing increasingly on more recent products – most notably Star Wars and Action Man to name but a few,” says Lewis. “Items such as original Star Wars toys, fi rst edition board games like Monopoly,


yearly rise in searches for Star Wars toys in particular, with 25% of sought after toys selling above the estimated price at online auction in 2016.” André Haak is a vintage toys


and games expert from Catawiki (catawiki.com), an online auction website for ‘special objects’, and has seen a huge increase


in those looking to buy and sell vintage toys and games. “When looking for those special vintage pieces, the very best toys and games were manufactured in Germany and Japan, with these items still commanding impressive prices,” says Haak. “What is often unique about these toys is their fantastic build quality. In terms of battery


and clockwork operated toys, this means most will still be in good working condition.” Aside from the recent and well-publicised


surge in Star Wars toys interest, Haak has recently seen a huge rise in the collectability of vintage, Chinese tin toys.


“Up until five years ago you could


practically give these away, but nowadays they are very much sought after by Chinese collectors,” says Haak. “I have also seen a recent surge in the popularity of tinplate railway models – while railway models are always a popular collector’s item these look set to keep growing and growing.” Quality is always paramount when it comes


to assessing purchases, whether for nostalgia or investment reasons, and Haak stresses that


1. Star Wars Power Droid, 1970s Sold £1,400


3. Quantity of 80s Hot Wheels models Sold £1,000


2. A rare Exella boxed House of Bricks from Walt Disney’s Three Little Pigs Sold £1,300


TOP SELLING TOYS AT AUCTION IN 2016


doing one’s research is essential before you commit to a purchase. But what if you have already begun your collection, or have your childhood toys stored in the attic – how best should you care for them?


“The elements are a toy’s worst enemy,” continues Haak. “Keep the toys away from sunlight and beware humidity if storing them for long periods of time. Keep the toys and boxes separated if you can, so the toy does not cause pressure damage to the box. “This reminds me of a sale from last


The oldest known


4. Lego Star Wars 10030 Imperial Star Destroyer Sold £480


32 Arts, Antiques & Collectibles


5. A rare Barbie ‘The World of Barbie’ Bus Stop point of sale display, circa 1968 Sold £1,800


doll is thought to be over 4,000 years old


September – a wind-up singing bird. It was constructed in the 19th century but the mechanism was still functioning in 2016. So, people may just be on to something when they say, ‘they don’t make them like they used to’.” A


Images: Chris Willson, Art Directors & TRIP, Marc Tielemans- Alamy / JOHN GOMEZ - istockphoto.com


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