We love traditional toys and models, often treasured by several generations as they get passed down and become family heirlooms. Expert valuer David Hunter will value toys of all eras, as well as models and tin plate examples.

Our online auctions attract buyers from around the world on the hunt for vintage toys including action figures, dolls, teddy bears and wooden models.

Often the real treasure is the stories behind items that come up for auction. It can be the best part of David’s job. For instance, he sold a large collection of early 20th century lead toys belonging to a farmer, which arrived in a trailer. Whilst in play worn condition they were in good order and were split into 35 lots which went on to sell for over £4000. And sometimes the star of an auction is one lot, like a Dinky Kings aeroplane which made £150 at a recent auction.

Within the category of toys and models you can expect to find Steiff bears, modern and vintage that make anything from tens of pounds to thousands, and wooden toys like a Star Pond Yacht that made £240, a hand-built HMS Victory with a hammer price of £130, and a Precedent radio-controlled aeroplane which sold for £100. Or one lot made up of several boxes, like the four of mixed play worn diecast including early Dinky, Corgi and Matchbox including cars wagons, agricultural machines, military vehicles, aircraft and figures, which sold for £580.

Toys from the 1960s also do well at auction. For instance, £220 was the hammer price for a 1960s manually operated Jubilee Cashcendo one-armed bandit taking 2p coins, and £75 for three 1960s Meccano part sets.

When it comes to the 1980s, there is a sound toy market too, £80 secured a box of toys including LJN Toys Thundercats figures, Mattel, Kenner, McDonald's, Plastic Cowboys and Indians.

The toys and models category continues to perform strongly and if you are curious about the value of an item David would be happy to hear from you.