Antique toys

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 collector’s 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 automotive 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 great 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 splendor, 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 rocking horses. Buying and selling antique toys can be a great way to make some money. 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'

Tony Harries

[http://www.jacksworldshop.com/vintage-antique-toys]

Posted By: Ruthies Treasure  http://ruthiestreasure.com

Buying Antiques Online - What You Need to Know to Get Started

Before you buy a treasure online, there are a few basics that you need to know. From eBay to uBid.com to Yahoo! Auctions, their numbers are growing, and are becoming a more common venue for buyers of everything from vinyl collectibles to dining rooms. The good news is that prices on online auctions can often be quite reasonable. But, there are a few things you'll want to consider before buying.

Accuracy

Keep in mind that many online auctions simply post merchandise as described by the seller. They do not verify the accuracy of the item that the merchandise actually exists or even guarantee that the seller will follow through with the sale.

Good Buys Online

Online auctions are a gold mine for collectible buyers. You can search for the manufacturer, color and/or style number. Before online auctions, antique hunters would have to scour high and low for their favorite item and often end up paying a high price because the item was rare. Now with online auctions, the scarcity of collectibles is reduced when you can search, for example, a Royal Daulton, Sara figurine and see that there are currently 23 available for auction. It brings the price down of these items - great news for buyers.

Check Seller Feedback

Feedback sections are common feature on online auction. This is the place on the auction website where buyers can check the reputation of the seller. Moreover, previous buyers can post their comments on their experience with a seller. It's a good indicator as to whether the seller is an individual you would feel comfortable doing business with but, even a spotless record for a seller doesn't mean that your experience will go as smoothly.

Get Contact Info

Make sure you have the name, address and phone number for the seller so that you can follow-up by phone or mail if email isn't working as a communication vehicle. You can also use the old-fashioned phone call to help you. Give the seller a call if you have a more complex question; it may also help with your comfort level in completing a transaction once you and the seller have spoken.

Additional Charges

There are no actual fees charged to buyers at online auctions. All fees associated with an online auction are the responsibility of the seller. However, you will incur additional charges: shipping, handling, insurance, customs (if the seller is in another country), and sometimes PST and GST from Canadian sellers.

Know the Return Policy

Before you complete a transaction, read and understand the return policy. If you don't like the return policy, don't bid on it.

Payment methods

Avoid cash payments because if there is a dispute, there is no paper trail to document how much you paid. Credit card payments through PayPal, a secure third party company, are a very common payment method. Credit card payments protect both the buyer and seller if there is a dispute.

Insurance & Escrow

Don't skimp on buying insurance. It protects you up to a preset amount but there are limitations with any insurance. Escrow services are widespread and a good idea for higher ticket purchases.

Unhappy with your Purchase

There are a few avenues of recourse if you are unhappy. First, contact the seller immediately by email and/or phone to clarify the problem. If this doesn't happen or is unsuccessful, you can leave negative feedback, contact the online auction house as they will likely have a dispute resolution process or contact the police if you feel fraud is involved.

Martin Swinton does antique appraisals and estate sales in Toronto, Canada. He has worked at an auction house, furniture Restoration Company and for ten years owned an antique shop. He does caning, cording and rushing repairs, teaches courses on antiques and appears at community events. He can be reached by visiting http://www.takeaboo.wordpress.com

Posted By: Ruthies Treasure http://ruthiestreasure.com