You Better Check Your Attic For Toys

It is no secret that old toys in the right condition can be worth a fortune. 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. You might say that toys are made to be played with, but with news that vintage toys prices are reaching record levels, its hard not to wish you kept a few aside just to look at.

A record increase of 8% in toy prices at auction was seen last year according to toy valuation experts Vectis. 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. Those people selling the toys had most often inherited them from their great grandparents or found them hidden away in an attic or shed.

Jake Fenchurch of the Society For Antique Toys has given his suggests regarding the occurence of the record prices. He states that as machines take over more of the toy making work, there are less hand-made items entering the market that can gain value.This means that the traditional products such as tin and wooden toys are becoming even rarer and thus more valuable. Don't get carried away though he advises.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 old 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.