What makes an antique toy worth top dollar? Several things are important when evaluating how much antique toys are worth including the condition, the rarity and the manufacturer of the toy. Age often pushes antique furniture to be more valuable, where as toys, age is less important as most American production toys were made after 1850. A seller labeling a toy with "mint condition" is a toy that is a "gem in a haystack". Think about a senerio where a present was forgotton in the attic for 40 years, with the orginal box and instructions, and it was never opened. Toys unlike other things are not likely to be in pristine condition as they are played with, and the toy box is often discarded. Toys with the orginal box often demand top dollar, but here is a guide below to identify what a potential toy is worth.
According to "Toys and Prices 1997 4th Edition" by Krause Publishing.
MIB, MIP, MOMC (Mint in Box, Mint in Package, Mint on Mint Card) - The toy with this label is just like new, in the original package, and preferably still sealed. The box may have been opened, but any packages inside remain unopened. If the toy is on a blister card, the package is intact and unopened. New toys in boxes, where the boxes remain factory sealed, can often command higher prices.
MNP, MNB (Mint No Package, Mint No Box) - This describes a toy in mint condition, but it is not in it's original box.
NM (Near Mint) - A toy that appears like new in it's overall appearance but has very minor wear and does not have the original box. An exception would be a toy that comes in kit form. A kit toy in Near Mint condition would be expected to have the original box, but the box would display some wear.
EX (Excellent) - A toy that is complete and has been played with. Signs of minor wear may be evident, but the toy is very clean and well cared for.
VG (Very Good) - A toy that obviously has been played with and shows general wear overall. Paint chipping is readily apparent. In metal toys, some minor rust may be evident. In sets, some minor pieces may be missing.
GD (Good) - A toy with evidence of heavy play, dents, chips, and possibly moderate rust. The toy may be missing a major replaceable component, such as a battery compartment door, or it may be in need of repair. In sets, several pieces may be missing.
Bugatti clockwork toy Seller Pullman
Handmade Vintage French Folk Art Pirate's Ship Model on Stand Seller Antiques on Old Plank Road
Mid 20th C. Folk Art wood biplane pedal car toy Seller Metro
VINTAGE TOY TRICYCLE Seller Linda Horn
Arcade Shuffle Bowling Game Seller Off the wall Antiques
Antique Line Mar Tin 1954 Chevy Bel Air Friction Car Winning Bid 680 Seller Tmgk
1920's - 1930's ORIGINAL PAINTED RED WAGON Seller east meets west antiques
19th Century Tole Clock Salesman Seller Hollyhock
19th century Persian Tiger Toy Seller John J Gredler Works of Art
