| Toys have been around for generations, dating back to prehistoric times. Archeologists have excavated figurines and animals made from wood or clay. Today, in the electronic age, toys have also evolved into small computer chips and video games. Still there are people who collect antique toys like those old tops, wind-up toys, figurines and train sets.
The worth of an antique toy depends on how rare the toy is, what condition it is in, and the company that manufactured it. Toys made of tinplate came around in the late 19th century. One can find horse carriages, cars, planes and boats made of tinplate. Toys carved from wood came during the 18th century, at the same time when little lead soldiers were seen first made. Noah’s Ark, with all the animals, is a famous wooden toy that has been made by many toy companies. The first die-cast toys were seen during the 1900s and were made initially in France. This was when Dinky cars and planes became famous. Trains and train sets are arguably the most collected toys in the world. They made them from wood in the 19th century and ran on wind-up mechanisms. The next generation saw electric trains make their appearance.
Caring for antique toys is important and cleaning them should be minimized. Antique toys can be dusted using a soft brush; using water is not advised. One should not try to do paint touch-ups and the toys should be left in their original condition so as to maintain their antiquity. Dolls should not be washed since the materials used may get damaged with today’s chemical-based detergents. These delicate toys should also be kept away from unpredictable heat, humidity and direct sunlight. |
