beckoning?

Nostalgia is a comfort blanket that cloaks us all, and happy memories have fuelled a recordbreaking start to the auction year, all thanks to toys.

Treasures from our formative years are in demand like never before with items from the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s in vogue. And that’ great news for the people of Cheshire because Hansons’ toys expert Janet Rawnsley hosts valuation days in Knutsford - and she can’t wait to see what the new year will bring.

Janet specialises in dolls and teddies but has a broad toy knowledge. She loves to make finds that exceed expectation at auction and 2023 looks set to be an exceptional year.

Hansons’ two-day January toy sale was a record breaker. Almost 900 lots achieved a selling rate of 99.2% and the hammer total was £87,562 – a new toy department record.

A single-owner diecast model collection achieved nearly £40,000. Ferraris were particularly sought after. For example, a 1:18 scale model of a Ferrari 312P Berlinetta RennsportCoupe, raced to £820. In addition, a single owner Dinky vehicle collection raised more than £25,000. So

what else should you be looking out for?

According to Janet, vintage Sindy dolls and Action Man can spark strong results. A 1963 Sindy in good condition, boxed, sells for £250 or more.

Launched in 1963, Weekender Sindy was a new teenage doll made for Pedigree dolls in Canterbury, Kent. Helped by a range of outfits including creations from Tuffin and Foale –cool designers of their day – the toy was a huge success.

The three eras of Sindy collecting encompass early 1963 dolls and clothes, 1968 New look Sindy dolls and outfits and the 1972 Trendy Girl era with retro maxi dresses and ensembles.

Action Man toys, made by Palitoy from1966, can deliver impressive results too. A good boxed example can exceed £200, plus rare outfits like the Judo set and other 1960s versions, boxed with clothing, can achieve more than £200. Other dolls in demand include Palitoy’s Pippa doll from 1972. These 6in dolls are hugely collected as are Pippa Friends and outfits. A single-owner collection achieved £250 at auction.

Rarity value ensures Palitoy’s Blythe eye-colour-change dolls do well. They were only made for nine months in 1972. This oversized-head doll has gained cult status with collectors. A boxed example in good condition can net £800.

Other toys of the 1970s and 80s to look out for include Sylvanian Family collections, Playmobil, Playpeople and Lego boxed sets. Free toy/general antiques valuations will be available at St John’s Knutsford Church Centre, Church Hill, Knutsford, WA16 6DH on March 3, March 24 and April 21, 11am-1pm. Alternatively, email: jrawnsley@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk.

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