You may be thinking about starting a collection of classic and vintage toys or you may just want to find a particular toy that you knew and loved as a child and want to recapture happy childhood memories. Whatever the reason, if you are planning to buy a classic or vintage toy you need some background knowledge to make sure that you buy exactly what you are looking for and don't end up paying over the odds for a toy that you are disappointed with. Here are some things to think about when buying classic and vintage toys.

How to find classic and antique toys
A good place to start your search is on one of the free advert websites where you will be able to find advertisements for classic and collectable toys for sale from individuals and from specialist shops and traders. Other places to look for older, rarer toys include car boot sales, church sales, second hand shops, relevant magazines and by searching on the internet.

Buying second hand
As you are looking for collectable and classic toys, which are no longer manufactured, it goes without saying that you will be buying the toys second hand. However, it is possible to find second hand toys that are 'as new', that is, they are still in their original packaging and have not be opened or used. This is probably the ideal way to buy a classic toy but it is generally harder to do. You will probably come across toys advertised as new, unused or never opened but it is important not to take this at face value as some may be fakes, damaged toys or toys with parts missing. Here are some tips to help you make sure that you know exactly what you are buying before you part with any money:
  • Try to see the toy or, if this isn't possible, insist that you see a photo of the toy before you buy it. Also, make sure that the photo is clear and detailed enough for you to make sure that the toy is exactly what you are looking for. Don't be afraid to ask the seller to provide another, sharper photo or a photo taken from a different angle.
  • Do your best to confirm that the toy is an original and not just a copy as this will be less collectable and worth far less than an original. You may need to research specific manufacturers to find out how to identify originals from markings, manufacturer's stamps and other visual clues. There are many excellent books available on the subject.
  • Confirm with the seller exactly what you are buying. For example, the photo on the web may show the toy in its packaging but, when you read the advert closely, the packaging may cost extra. So, ask the seller to confirm that the price includes the original packaging, the instruction leaflet etc. If you are starting to establish a collection of classic toys, it is generally recommended that you try to buy the original packaging as this will make the toy more collectable.
  • It is equally important to establish the exact condition of the toy before you buy it. This is easy if you can hold the toy in your hand and examine it closely but, if you are buying on the web you should look out for reputable websites that provide a grading system that indicates whether the toy is in mint condition, poor condition or if it needs repairing. If you are buying a working toy, such as a wind-up toy, check that it still works properly. For a particular rare or unusual toy you may be happy just to get your hands on the exact one you want, even though it may not be in perfect condition -- but you need to know that before you buy.
  • Try to find out if the toy was originally part of a set and, if so, try to secure the whole set rather than buying part of it as the whole set will be more desirable. Many collectors build sets from multiple independent purchases.
  • If you are buying online, check the postage and packing costs as these can sometimes be artificially high which can significantly increase the total cost. Also, make sure that the type of packaging is appropriate. This is especially important for fragile toys which could easily break, get damaged or have their paint or finish damaged if the packaging is insufficient to protect them properly.
  • Although often hard for rarer items, at least try to compare prices for the same toy between different sellers to make sure that you are paying a realistic price.
  • Ask if you can return the toy to the seller and get your money back if the toy is not what you want or is not exactly as advertised when receive it. Anyone selling commercially, albeit second hand goods, has legal obligations to deliver products that precisely match the descriptions given. There are substantial penalties for those who clearly and deliberately fail to do so.
Whether you are a real lover of old diecast model toy cars and trucks or you are fascinated by the craftsmanship of vintage wooden toys -- or you simply want a particular toy that you had as a child to give to your own child or to have on a shelf as a fond memory, it is very important that you make sure that you end up paying a fair price for the real thing.

Safety
Finally, a word of caution. Beautiful and collectible as they may be, the toys of yesteryear were NOT manufactured to current safety standards. Many may in fact prove to be deadly, using lead paint, having sharp fixings within them and so forth. In most cases, collectible toys are NOT suitable for day-to-day play, particularly for smaller children.
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14 November 2008
SILVER CROSS COACH BUILT DOLLS PRAM TWIN..
Silver cross coach built twin dolls pram very old needs lots of tlc body good hoods need recovering and apron tatty colour green. .
£50
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01 November 2008
MAMAS AND PAPAS ROCKING HORSE FOR 3+..
Beautiful mamas and papas rocking horse for 3+ white tail, mane, ears and around the bottom of the legs. horses hooves are black and the body of the horse is light brown. dark brown soft padded saddle for childs comfort. dark brown reins and adjustable stiffups with m. .
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