Models, Toys, Dolls & Games

A new American firm, LCG (Legacy Collectibles Group) Auctions, sold what it described as “the highest graded Cobra Commander GI Joe action figure in existence” in a timed sale last year.

A rare, early 20th century Fischer tin clown tricycle wind-up toy sold for a premium-inclusive $2300 (£1725) despite not being in working condition.

These days, marketing a doll as Sindy’s saucy sister would be problematic. And the less said about outfits titled Hockey Honey or School Days, the better.

Prices for more traditional toys such as dolls and teddy bears may not be at the heights of years gone by, but demand remains strong for the best items and rarities.

A rare large-scale Erzgebirge mid-19th century painted wooden market was one of the stand-out lots of the largest-ever Toys, Dolls, Dolls’ Houses and Teddy Bears sale to be staged by Special Auction Services (20% buyer’s premium) in Newbury.

As in so many collecting fields, slight variations can be key when it comes to pricing of TV generation toys.

Before the crash of the R101 during its maiden voyage to France in October 1930, there had been great excitement around the potential of the airship.

Milestone Auctions recorded some buoyant prices for rare variants of toy motorcycles in its sale last October (see ATG No 2516).

An early Märklin Central Station dating from c.1901-10 and made for the English market was one of the top-sellers in the large autumn toys sale held by Bertoia (20% buyer’s premium).

This large-scale model of a late 19th century Australian stamp mill is signed for the Ivanhoe Gold Corporation Foundry.

The World Chess Championship currently taking place in Dubai began on November 26 in familiar style.

Top names in their different fields, ages and markets, Wurlitzer and Armand Marseilles were the star makers at Hartleys (17.5% buyer’s premium).

The auction at toy specialist C&T (22% buyer’s premium) in Kenardington, Kent, on November 3 included this very rare pair of doll’s shoes dated to c.1700.

The Milestone (20% buyer’s premium) auction held in Cleveland, Ohio, featured just over 700 lots of toys – the majority from one collection.

It’s toy time at Sandown Park on Saturday, November 13, where Barry Potter and family hold the largest of their regular vintage toy fairs with 500 tables staffed by more than 300 dealers.

A handful of collectors joined the competition when Mehlis (23% buyer’s premium) in Plauen offered a 19th century ivory and ebony chess set.

This 1950s battery-operated Mickey Mouse toy is part of a selection of Disney-related items in Potter & Potter’s Steiff, Toys and Pop Culture auction.

The studio potter John Maltby (1936-2020) created this chess set shown right for the Millennium celebrations at the New Ashgate Gallery in Farnham.

The American Flyer 'G Fox & Co' boxcar is one of the “most desired trains a collector can own” according to Philip Weiss from the eponymous auction house in Lynbrook, New York.