Friday, January 22, 2010

Tin Toy (Walking Man) - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Blog – Just Call.


Even Growups Can Enjoy - Thanks to Amazon.com



I love this business. Only a few days ago, this wonderful woman called and asked about a tin toy (Walking Man) that might have belonged to her grandfather or aunt. I didn't know the toy’s name at that time, so I asked if I could receive a picture and she obliged.

My first question was about the condition of the toy and she assured me it was near mint but with no box. Next, I asked if it was signed and she told me that no, there wasn't any writing on the piece. This puzzled me and I wondered if it were a reproduction. It looked real to me, however, so I was truly stumped.

Not wanting to give up, I called her and asked if she would really give it the once over again and she said “Sure”. Not long after that, I received a call and guess what? The toy said “Germany” on it. Now I was on the hunt, soon finding the toy in one of my books listed as the “Walking Man.” If a piece looks right, don't give up on it until it has been examined 4 or 5 times.

My instincts were right and it is a rather rare windup tin toy. The man carries a top hat over his head and when he lowers it and then raises it again, his face changes. In fact, he has three different faces. This toy can be found in the toy guide Collecting Toys by Richard O’Brien. In near mint condition, it should bring at least $250 and maybe more to the right person.

Isn't it a shame that the manufacturers of toys have forgotten how to make us laugh with the same intensity we did when the old windup toys from the 30's and 40s were around? Yes, I am upset to say most toys produced today are designed to last a couple of weeks until the child wants something else or they are broken. I don't know about you but when I was small, each gift I received was a cherished treasure. I believe there were many others like me and that is the reason so many of the toys from that era survived in such great shape.

Older toys will always be in demand and they are a great way to increase the money in your bank account. There will never be a lack of collectors for toys and tomorrow I will share a few of the better ones with you.


P.S. All comments not in English will be deleted. The reason for this change is because i am finding comments that aren't appropriate and if I can't read them they will be deleted. Daryle


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2 comments:

  1. Great Blog today and boy can I relate. I have been on a quest for vintage American made baby toys. My youngest grandchild is now 1 yr old. I went to the toys r us and walked out without buying a thing. Every one of those toys were made in china and looked weird to me. So far I have found Fisher price, ticktock clock, and musical ball, Playschool abacus (all ca. 1960's) and a "doc office" type all wood American made concoction of wood beads and strong wires. ( Tick Tock is her fav. she carries it around constantly). It doesn't need batteries, winds up and teaches time. (what a concept?)I don't want her to grow up without quality playthings. And like you say, I'm sure I can save them for her, and they will bring a nice price when she is grown up. Vicki H.

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  2. Thanks as always Vicki

    Isn't it wonderful you can buy the older toys, Tonka and others, let your children play with them and even then sell those for a profit. What a win win.

    Daryle

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