Hansons’ dolls, teddy bear specialist Janet Rawnsley advises on the childhood toys that could pave the way to an auction windfall.
The rise in popularity of post-war toys and dolls knows no bounds with buyers worldwide keen to bid on childhood treasures brimming with nostalgia.
And many are being discovered to meet this buoyant market. That’s because lockdowns and restrictions had one silver lining – they gave people time to clear attics and spare bedrooms.
As the saying goes, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure, and yet many people are still surprised to discover their vintage toys are remarkably high in value.
Let’s look at some of the most sought after dolls and toys right now which were manufactured in large numbers and can be found hidden away in disused toy boxes, or even the garden shed.
Sindy Dolls Took 60s By Storm
Launched in 1963 Weekender Sindy was a new teenage doll made for Pedigree dolls in Canterbury Kent. Launched with a range of outfits to include stylish English-made designs from Tuffin and Foale – cool designers of their day – the doll was a huge success. The three eras of Sindy collecting encompass early 1963 made in England dolls and clothes; 1968 New look Sindy dolls and outfits and the 1972 Trendy Girl era with wonderful retro maxi dresses and ensembles. To give you an example of prices achieved, a 1963 Sindy in good condition, boxed, sells for £250 or more.
Top tip for collectors: Hansons will offer a rare consignment of Sindy dolls, old shop stock from 1963, in the March 1 Staffordshire Toy Auction at Bishton Hall.
Pippa’s Style Delights Bidders
If you come across a Palitoy Pippa doll from 1972 do get it valued. These tiny 6in dolls are hugely collected as are Pippa Friends and outfits. A single-owner collection achieved £250 at Hansons.
Blue-eyed Blythe Is Girl In Demand
Palitoy’s Blythe eye-colour-change dolls are truly something not to be dismissed. That’s because they were only made for nine months in 1972. This unique oversized head doll has gained cult status with fashion designers and collectors. A boxed example in good original condition can achieve £800.
Star Wars Rockets To Success
Early issue Star Wars toys from 1977 are highly sought after and anything in original packaging, such as carded figures, can sell for anything from £150 to £15,000!
Action Man In The Attic?
Much-loved Action Man toys, made by Palitoy from1966 onwards, are collectors’ items. Early painted-head Pedigree Tommy Gunn figures were followed by Palitoy’s launch of Action Man. This boy’s toy is a wonderfully captivating action figure with accompanying accessories and outfits which include specialist military sets. Expect prices to exceed £200 for a good boxed example in original condition, plus rare outfits like the Judo set and other 1960s shop versions, boxed with clothing, can sell for more than £200.
Raleigh Chopper Is 70s Superstar
For anyone who grew up in the 1970s a Raleigh Chopper bike with its distinctive long line seat is a vivid iconic memory. Even battered and rusty examples consigned for sale can achieve £250 with better versions selling for £1,000.
Other great toys of the 1970s and 80s to look out for include Sylvanian Family collections, Playmobil, Playpeople and Lego boxed sets. Sort through all your hidden-away toys and send a photograph for an appraisal and valuation to:
Entries are invited until February 15 for Hansons’ March 1 Toy Auction at Bishton Hall, Staffs.
