A TOY STORY

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

Toys 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 film 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 figures are increasing in popularity. This may be attributed to Generation ‘X’, who were born between the 19 0s and 1980s and are searching for, and investing in, nostalgic toys from their era.

e continues: “We have seen a 10% yearly rise in searches for Star Wars in particular, with 25% of sought after toys selling above the estimated price at online auction in 201 .”

“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

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.” uality is always paramount when it comes to assessing purchases, whether for nostalgia or investment reasons, and Haak stresses that

Top Selling Toys At Auction In 2016

The 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 September – a wind-up singing bird. It was constructed in the 19th century but the mechanism was still functioning in 201 . So, people may just be on to something when they say, ‘they don’t make them like they used to’.” A

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ADD A HISTORIC statement piece to your home with an original restored telephone box. The award-winning design of these Jubilee Kiosks by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott commemorated the Silver Jubilee of King George V in 1935.

Produced from 1936 right through to the mid-1960s, these iconic cast iron telephone boxes formed part of the British way of life.

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ANTIKBAR IS THE leading London poster gallery specialising in original vintage posters that also hosts regular auctions and exhibitions. As part of our services, we provide professional poster restoration and consultancy for collectors, clients and interior designers. Our extensive stock is listed online and covers a wide variety of subjects from around the world. AntikBar is a member of the IVPDA and LAPADA.

Kirill Kalinin, founder of AntikBar, says: “I started collecting original vintage posters in 1993 and founded AntikBar in 2010. Posters are a true form of art with a purpose, delivering a particular message through striking designs. They are important items of social history that capture the essence of the time they were printed. Original vintage posters are recognised as a sound investment that you can enjoy every day.”

404 King’s Road, London, SW10 0LJ antikbar.co.uk

0207 352 9309