Dinky Toys
These days, collecting old toys is big business. Over-loved toys have often been too battered and beaten to hold much value but, if the toy is unusual or quite old, it will still be worth something.
Dinky toys are perhaps one of the best-known collector’s items. Cars or vans with advertising are always more collectable than plain ones and will always fetch the best price. Look out for company logos rather than plain ones.
Dinky were not the first manufacturers of die cast cars. The process of die cast moulding was developed during the First World War. Instead of just pouring molten metal into a mould, die-casting involves pressured forcing of the metal into a die. The process appealed to toy makers because it meant clearer details, like door outlines, could be shown. This just wasn’t possible with the earlier, rather clumsy tin plate toys, which were basically folded into shape.
For over two decades, Dinky dominated the UK market and then came Corgi in 1955. Corgi was made by another well-established manufacturer, Mettoy (as in metal toy). Corgi cars had one amazingly innovative feature - they had windows, made of plastic. It’s a matter of hot debate which manufacturer then became the most significant. Collectors from each camp will argue strongly, but for me, this was the point when Dinky lost its edge forever.
It’s not always enough to have a solitary, unpackaged, Dinky, diecast car or van. Whilst Dinky is very popular amongst collectors, so there are relatively few in mint condition. Boxes are important (so keep them!) and any little certificates or instructions that came with the toy will all add to their worth.
You are unlikely to make big money dealing in toy collectables. Whilst there are toys which have sold for £20,000 or more, the vast majority of items are around the £5 mark, but if you have a healthy sense of fun, you will find collecting toys very rewarding.
