Are Old Toys Worth Anything?

Vintage toys can often be worth a significant amount of money, some fetching six figures at auction. Their value is generally determined by several factors:

1. Rarity: Rare toys are typically more valuable than common ones. This is because there were few manufactured in the first place, or because few have survived in good condition over the years. Additionally mistakes made during the manufacturing process can lend themselves to rarity and therefore desirability among collectors.

 Sold for £700

2. Condition: The better the condition of the toy, the more it's generally worth. Toys that are still in their original packaging, in 'mint' or 'near mint' condition, are typically more valuable than those that have been played with. Collectors can be very specific when it comes to the condition of boxes and packaging, this can have a huge affect on the value of the item.

Sold for £850

3. Demand: This depends on the current market and trends in collectibles. Certain toys may become popular to collect due to nostalgia, cultural significance, or influence from media (like movies or TV shows). If more people are seeking a particular toy, its value can increase. There are certain fields of collecting that tend to generally retain their popularity however such as the markets for Dinky Toys, Barbie, and Star Wars collectables to name a few. As a general rule, scarce models by well known brands will always command the highest prices at auction.

Sold for £180

4. Age: Older toys, particularly those from the 19th and early 20th centuries, can be more valuable because fewer of them have survived. The early 20^th century also coincided with the creation of some of our best known characters today, so early models will always hold their value well, some commanding six figures at auction. However, some more recent toys can also be valuable if they're rare or sought-after.

If you have similar items at home and are interested in unlocking their value, please email marketplace@dawsonsauctions.co.uk for a free valuation.