Vintage Fans

Vintage Fans

Vintage Fans

Fans are worth getting into a flutter over, they have always been as much about fashion and Ettiequit of the day,  as they have about keeping your cool.

These delicate and intriguing accessories still excite with their display of remarkable artistry and craftsmanship.

Vintage Fans

Gentlemen courted ladies with gifts of fans, opera goers hid behind them while watching each other.

Lovers use them to flirt with.

The language of the fan became

so developed in the 18^th century, that you could converse without saying a word.

The fans decorated fabric of paper is known as the leaf, while the framework upon which the  leaf  is mounted is made from sticks, the guards are the two outer sticks, and these may be decorated.

Brise fans are made entirely from sticks.

Vintage Fans

The painting and calligraphy on fans were prized by the Chinese centuries ago, but it was only end the second half of the 19^th century, that Western enthusiasts begin to collect them.

Today, sought after items include Leafs painted by famous artists, such as Degas , Ttoulouse Lautrec, along  with fans advertising specialist areas such as early ballooning and travel.

Unusual examples for any collection include celluloid fans from the 1920s that unfold to reveal lipstick,powders, and mirrors, and fans from the 1920s and 30s made from exotic materials such as feathers.

Vintage Fans

Early 20^th-century fans promoting products and places are also very collectable.

Collectors tips.

Store fans in acid free tissue, to prevent deterioration and protect them from insect damage.

Leave cleaning and repairs to professionals.

Vintage Fans

Check that the stakes and leaves much and that the fan is free from any breakage, tears, and marks.

I hope you have found this page on  Vintage Fans to be both informative and helpful.

Happy hunting from the collectibles coach.

miniature cars

miniature cars

Matchbox challenged the domination of established brands such as Dinky and corgi.

In the battle for school boys pocket money, we will also look at some smaller die cast manufacturers from the 60s and 70s.

The Matchbox  miniature cars range was established in 1953 Lesney products.

Which had started making die-cast toys in 1948?

Although millions of original series of the 1.75 scale models were made, values have been rising steadily.

Most early models fetch at least $30, and if boxed and in mint condition considerably more, advertising logos on vehicles can also go a considerable way to increase their values.

In 1956 Lesney released a new line called models of yesteryear cars, initially limited to 15 pre-1930s vehicles.

The high standard of casting and detailed hand paintwork make these ,first series of yesteryears cars  extremely attractive.

Mint condition boxed examples are worth at least $60.

The next series was started in 1960, and marked a shift to plastics for some of the components.

Models from the early 1960s are highly desirable.

In response to US manufacturers Mattels successful hot wheels line, Lesney launched its superfast range in 1969.

The models in this series had frictionless axles and therefore run faster.

The first issue of superfast models made from 1969 to 1974, was produced in high numbers, so prices are  just a few dollars each at the moment, making this range a good starting point for collecting Matchbox toys.

Limited editions models can fetch $500 or more.

Lesney’s demise in 1982 prompted the original director Jack Odell to create a company named Liedo.

Although it made only 30 models in its first six years, hundreds of colours and styles and variations were released.

As with other die-cast models, unusual colours variations and transfers add to the value.

Liedos ranges included vanguards and Days gone 

.

Most are valued at about $5-$10, but limited editions and promotional models based on days gone series can fetch considerably more.

Liedo is still manufacturing today.

As with Matchbox, newly released limited editions could be worth investing in..

Tri-ang toys, active from 1924 to 1971 released a new range of 1.42 scale die-casts models.

In 1959 under the name spot-on these detailed perfect models were only made until 1967.

Try -angs innovation was to introduced correct scaling on each vehicle and their models are highly sought after, Mint toys with boxes range from $30 for an Austin A40 and can go up to $550 for a Oval -tine   Route-master  bus.

Hornby which also launched the dinky name took over tri-ang in the early’1970s.

Collectors top tips.

Consider investing in past and present limited editions.

When buying a boxed example check that the box and the model match

Be aware of repaints and make sure paint colors match.

I hope you have found this page on   miniature cars    to be both informative and helpful.

Happy hunting from the collectibles coach.

Dinky cars

Dinky cars

Dinky cars

Dinky toys have enthralled children and adults since the 1930s.

Many of us love to acquire and handle the models that once tantalisingly tempted us in toyshop.

Dinky toys are still in production but the pre-1980s models are the ones to look out for.

Those  dating  from before World War II are especially desirable.

Dinky’s can be worth anything from $10 up to $10,000 or more, so any old play toys are car boot buys are worth close examination.

The forerunners to Dinky car, known as model miniatures, were launched  by  Hornby in 1931 as accessories to its train sets.

Dinky cars

The first cars appeared in 1933 and were such a hit that by the following year they were given their own brand name Dinky.

With the growth of the motor industry, toy cars caught the imagination of children everywhere.

The range, made in 1.42 scale, expanded rapidly, by the late 1930s there were more than 200 varieties of cars as well as planes and boats.

By 1939 wayside buildings, road signs, and animals were available.

The 1930s is often deemed Dinky’s golden age, but production was halted during world War 11.

Dinky cars

After the war some pre -war models were reissued, tending to have flatter wheels, black finished base plates, and dull colours.

In 1947 the slightly smaller Dinky super Toys were launched with a 1.48 scale.

Clear plastic windows and spring suspension were introduced in the late 1950s, while the 60s bought opening doors, bonnets, and boots, and working steering wheels.

By 1963 competition from  Corgi had resulted in financial difficulties, and the company was taken over by Tri-ang

Dinky cars

Collectors tips.

Be aware of models being reprinted to like rarer and more expensive vehicles, you can usually tell this if the original reverts have been replaced.

Consult a reference book for rare colours and designs, variations, also look for export only models, which can be worth a lot more.

Examine wheels to date models. The first toys had alloy metal wheel, moving to white rubber to 1939, many post war cars had black rubber tyres.

I hope you have found this page on Dinky cars  to be both informative and helpful.

Happy hunting from the collectables coach .

Corgi Models

Corgi   Models

Corgi   Models

Corgi toys, launched by Mettoy in 1956 to rival Dinky’s domination of the Tory car market, they had an extra touch of refinement that has won them a loyal fan base.

Tiny working parts, combined with a law price, made them a winning formula. .

Corgi   Models

Corgi produced vehicles with clear plastic windows and a new system called glidamatic spring suspension, bonnets and boots actually opened, and the vehicles for the first time had jewelled headlights.

Details that were captivating to young children as well as adults all over the world.

By the end of the 1960s, corgi were exporting their toys to more than  150 countries.

In collecting terms the 1960s currently has an edge over existing later decades.

Corgi   Models

The key factor is a vehicles rarity, as some were only produced in six months runs.

A standard corgi in mint condition still in its box, can fetch $30 and $85.

Boxes add as much as 40% to the value, but like the diecast toys, the boxes condition affects his value.

In general, prices have levelled off in recent years, no one should expect to make a quick profit in this field of collectibles 

But the good news is that many corgis models can be bought from as little as few dollars.

;

Corgi   Models

In later years corgi launched a new range called corgi Classics, launched to celebrate Mettoys 30^th anniversary in 1964, and corgi toys were awarded the Queens award to industry.

But after a warehouse fire in 1969, which destroyed stocks and upset the distribution system many retailers turned to Dinky.

In 1983 the receivers were called in, but the company was reformed as corgi toys Ltd in early 1984.

In collecting circles corgi has traditionally been overshadowed by Dinky.

During the 1980s and 1990s even Matchbox eclipsed corgi toys in popularity.

But the balance is now shifting partly because people who loved their toys as children of the 1960s have now become adults, with cash to spend.

Where corgi had the edge over Dinky was with its TV and film related toys.

This is another reason why Corgis popularity continues today as collectibles.

The the prices of the vehicles before reflect current markets in 2013.

Corgi   Models

1968 to 72 Chipperfield Circus Scammell with matching trailer boxed $200-$300.

1966 to 69 revenges gift set boxed good condition $250-$350.

1968 to 76 James Bond Aston Martin DB five silver boxed good condition $380-$500.

1966 to 67 Batmobile with Batman and Robin model 267 $2-$300.

1969 to 72 pop iPad wagon model 802 in excellent condition with box $75-$95.

Corgi   Models

1961 to 71 BMC mini Cooper Mint and boxed model number 339 $50-$70.

1966 to 69 Ford Consul Cortina superstate model number 440 mint boxed  $140 to $200..

Please remember the prices are just an average of what I have seen the above vehicles sell for and you may get more, or possibly less.

Collectors top tips.

 Two fetch the highest prices, within the toys range models  should  come with their boxes and both should be in mint condition.

Corgi   Models

Look out for rare variations, and  body colour ,, wheel hubs & seats, as these increase the value.

Avoid unattractive cars, such as the marlin fastback, as they are unlikely to raise in price.

Keep abreast of new corgi releases if you are collecting from present-day models and by only limed editions   

I hope you have found this page on Corgi  Models to be both informative and helpful.

Happy hunting from the collectibles coach.

Bakelite

Bakelite

 Bakelite 

Plastics and Bakelite epitomises the energy of modern design between the wars.

 their bright colors, exciting styling, and new, affordable materials caught people’s imagination. Now their appeal has been discovered again.

Bakelite, the first synthetic plastic, was developed in 1907 by a Belgian, Dr Leo Backeland in its  heyday in the 1920s and 30s, it was known as the material of 1000 uses.

Bakelite and its imitations, ushered in a new age of colourful and stylish, yet inexpensive, household goods.

 Bakelite

Bakelite can be identified by the strong carbolic smell it gives off when it is rubbed.

It was made in mottled and white, Browns, black, green, red, and blue.

Other  early plastics that are also keenly collected include Lucite which is usually either clear or, translucent, and cast phenolic resin such as Catalin, which are often brightly colored.

Colours other than Browns and black make any plastic object more desirable.

Styling is equally important.

, pieces that reflect the art deco style of the 1930s typified by stepped forms, streamlining, and clean lines are especially collectable.

 Bakelite

Plastics from the 1950s onwards tend to be less desirable and valuable as styling is not as strong and quality is generally poorer than plastics from around 1910 to the 1930s.

Later plastics are also usually lighter and less robust.

Classic radios can sell for many hundreds of pounds are dollars, but there is still a large field available for collecting from just a few dollars, are a couple of pounds.

 Bakelite

Tips for collectors.

Avoid chipped or cracked objects, unless they are very rare, as damage devalues the price considerably.

For cohesion, focus your collection on items from a specific room are area such as the kitchen, our dressing table.

 Bakelite 

Look in particular for large objects made of Bakelite, as these are rare and therefore valuable.

I hope you have found this page to on Bakelite   be both informative and helpful.

Happy hunting from the collectibles coach.