Antique Toys
by Toni Harris
Antique toys should not be considered collectibles, but should instead be recognized as fine crafted objects created by skilled designers and artisans of the nineteenth century.
Antique toys are generally considered to be those made around WWII or earlier, at least fifty years ago.
Antique toys are popular collector items these days and many collectors are attracted to curious items. Antique toys are purchased from everyone all over the world for the stories they tell, and the eras. Almost any toy that is over 10 years old and still in reasonable condition will qualify as an 'antique toy'
Factors that you have to look at when you prefer collecting antique toys is the condition and years of existence of the toy you will purchase. Collecting antique toys is rewarding, enriching and also great fun. Many collectors are also realize that antique toys make a good investment in addition to the pure pleasure part of the hobby.
Wood and tin are more durable than glass or some of the plastics, and antique toys made from wood and metals are usually in better condition than those made from tin, glass and other breakable materials.
You can find antique toys at specialized online toy collecting Web sites, garage sales, flea markets practically anywhere you may care to look. You can buy antique toys from auction houses, antique toy dealers and other toy collecting community resources on the Web.
Caring for antique toys is important and cleaning them should be minimized. Their workmanship and styling make antique toys suitable accents to any collectors home, whether placed on a sleek, ultramodern shelving unit or on a Philadelphia Chippendale dressing table.
The market for antique toys is currently very strong, with private sale and auction results continuing to increase. Among the most popular antique toys are mechanical banks, in part because of their animated movements; cast-iron automotives and horse-drawn toys are also favored. True antique toys are rare treasures and, usually, worth a pretty penny depending on quality and condition.
Collectible toys are all antique toys, of course, along with those made within the last fifty years that have withstood the test of time and piqued the imagination and interest of toy lovers and collectors.
Antique Toys are agreat investment. While modern toys offer opportunities for great appreciation, antique toys are an established market. Still there are people who collect antique toys like those old tops, wind-up toys, figurines and train sets. Whether it is the thrill of the hunt, the research of the item, its artistic splendour, precision design, historical significance, or the camaraderie of the toy-collecting world, antique toys are a truly rewarding and fulfilling pursuit.
The most accessible sources for antique toys are dealers. Perhaps the best source of all for good antique toys is other collectors. For a few dollars, you can purchase an antique toys pricing guide and have a firm understanding of how to find a bargain. One of the most sought after antique toys are the wooden rockinghorses. Buying and selling antique toys can be a great way to make somemoney. If you would like to check the value of any antique toys that you may have, you can go online and find many outlets that can help you.
Almost any toy that is over 10 years old and still in reasonable condition will qualify as an 'antique toy'
About the Author
Toni Harris an avid collector of Antique Toys
www.jacksworldshop.com/vintage-antique-toys
