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Toy Prices On The Rise At Auction

// September 13th, 2009 // News / Society

Depending on your toy collection, you could be sitting on an absolute gold mine. Most of us abused our toys and did really worry too much about their future value, but some people did, and were very careful with theirs. Whilst arguably we had more fun, the collectors have had the last laugh as antique toy prices reach an all time high.

Vectis, one of the biggest toy auction specialists have released figures that show a seven percent increase in the price of vintage toys last year. Despite the current economic climate, more than $10mil was spent at auction last year and this does not account for private sales. According to Vectis the most expensive items to go under the hammer where Victorian rocking horses, vintage Hornby train sets and a couple of Georgian dolls houses. Vectis have stated that their research tells them that over 80% of the item entered for auction had been inherited from relatives.

Another person who has noted the rise in toy sale prices is Sam Williams from the Toy Collectors Union. He suggests that because most modern toys are electric, plastic and mass produced, there is no longer the production of higher quality, handmade toys that last a lot longer.This means that the traditional products such as tin and wooden toys are becoming even rarer and thus more valuable. However, he does not suggest selling up just yet.The toy market will keep on growing in strength he suggests, and unlike other markets there are very rarely any dips.So the advice for now is hang on to those classic rag dolls, Steiff bears and vintage toy car collection because there is more money to be made from them yet. Also, it’s worth checking the attic or the garage as you just might find a gem you didn’t know you had.