Toys & Childhood Items

Toys & Childhood Items

Toys, dolls and childhood items will often fetch a good price at auction. We publish articles on this subject from time to time, and these are all collected in this category. You can also find out more on our specialist Toys page for examples of interesting lots sold at auction.

Get in touch if you have similar or unusual items that need a valuation.

Which Matchbox Cars Are Collectable & Worth Money? Full Guide to Matchbox Toys

Some rare Matchbox cars now sell for thousands of pounds at auction — especially vintage Lesney-era models, boxed 1–75 series cars, and unusual colour variants. At Potteries Auctions, we have over 25 years of experience handling collectable Matchbox cars, diecast toys, and childhood memorabilia, so we can help you discover what your collection is truly …

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The Most Valuable Pikachu Cards in the Pokémon TCG

Few Pokémon characters have captured hearts quite like Pikachu, the electric mouse that has become the face of the Pokémon franchise. Over the past 30 years, Pikachu cards have gone from playful collectibles to highly sought-after treasures in the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG). For collectors, owning a rare Pikachu card can be both a …

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Most Valuable Action Man Figures: Identify & Value Your Vintage Toys

Action Man figures are among the most iconic and collectable toys ever produced in the UK. From early 1960s military figures to rare boxed editions, certain Action Man pieces can be worth hundreds — or even thousands — at auction. At Potteries Auctions, we have been valuing and selling vintage toys and collectables for over …

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Two Exciting Live Auctions This Week: Vintage Toys & Swarovski Crystal Collectables

Live & Online Auction 09 April 2026 at 09:30 BST We’re pleased to bring you not one—but two fantastic live and online auctions taking place this week, offering something for both nostalgic collectors and lovers of elegant crystal. From vintage toys and sought-after collectables to dazzling Swarovski figurines, these sales present a great opportunity to …

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PlayStation 2 Value Guide: Value Your PS2 Games & Consoles

The Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) remains one of the most popular and collectable gaming consoles ever produced. Since its launch in 2000, the PS2 has sold over 155 million units worldwide and introduced millions of players to legendary games that are now highly sought after by collectors. At Potteries Auctions, we have been valuing and …

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PlayStation 1 Value Guide: Value Your PS1 Games & Consoles

The Sony PlayStation, commonly known as the PS1, remains one of the most iconic gaming consoles ever produced. Since its release in 1994, it has become highly collectable among retro gaming enthusiasts, with certain games, consoles, and accessories now achieving impressive prices at auction. At Potteries Auctions, we have extensive experience valuing and selling retro …

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Beginner’s Guide to Model Train Gauges: OO, G, Z & TT Explained

If you’re new to model railways, one of the first things you’ll come across is the concept of “gauge.” Understanding gauges is essential before you start collecting, building layouts, or bidding at auction. With our April 9th toy auction featuring everything from large-scale G gauge locomotives to compact Z gauge collections, now is the perfect …

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Rare and Valuable Model Trains in Our Upcoming April Auction

The countdown is on! Our highly anticipated toy auction on 9th April is fast approaching, and collectors around the world are already getting excited about the incredible model train lots that will be available. Whether you’re a seasoned hobbyist or a first-time bidder, this auction is a rare opportunity to own some of the most …

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Charizard Pokémon Cards Value Guide: How Much Is Your Card Worth?

Charizard is arguably the most valuable Pokémon card of all time. From the 1999 Base Set to rare promo editions, Charizard cards are some of the highest-selling collectibles in the Pokémon market. At Potteries Auctions, we regularly handle Pokémon card collections, helping owners discover the true value of their cards. If you would like to …

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Rare Pokémon Cards: The Most Valuable Cards (2026 Guide)

Rare Pokémon cards continue to dominate the collectibles market in 2026, with some selling for hundreds of thousands of pounds at auction. Whether you’re a collector, investor, or simply curious, this guide highlights the rarest and most valuable Pokémon cards ever produced. At Potteries Auctions, we regularly value and sell rare trading card collections, helping …

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Vintage Toys & Collectables: Complete Collector’s Guide (Values, Rarity & Auction Insights)

Vintage toys and collectables have become one of the fastest-growing areas of the auction market, with rare items regularly achieving impressive results. From classic action figures like Star Wars characters to model trains, Scalextric cars, and Pokémon trading cards, collectors are increasingly looking to both buy and sell rare pieces. In this complete guide, we …

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HO vs OO Gauge Explained: Sizes, Differences & What Your Model Trains Are Worth

For model railway enthusiasts, choosing the right scale is crucial. HO gauge and OO gauge are two of the most popular model railway scales in the UK and worldwide, but they differ in size, track gauge, and realism. Understanding these differences will help you build layouts that match your space, budget, and collecting goals. At …

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N Gauge Model Trains Guide: Scale, Brands & Collecting Tips

For model railway enthusiasts seeking compact, highly detailed layouts, N gauge trains offer a perfect balance between realism and space efficiency. Popular worldwide, N gauge is ideal for hobbyists with limited room but who still want intricate track designs, detailed locomotives, and collectible models. At Potteries Auctions, we regularly handle model railway collections, including vintage …

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OO Gauge Trains Worth Money (2026 Guide) – Vintage Hornby, Tri-ang & Rare Models

For model railway enthusiasts in the UK, OO gauge trains are one of the most popular and widely collected scales. Known for their detailed designs, extensive range of locomotives, and realistic layouts, OO gauge models have been a favourite among hobbyists for nearly a century. Whether you’re new to model railways or rediscovering a vintage …

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Complete Guide to Collecting Sindy Dolls: Value, Rarity & Tips

Often described as Britain’s answer to Barbie, Sindy dolls have been beloved by collectors since their launch in 1963 by Pedigree Dolls & Toys. With their fashionable outfits, detailed accessories, and evolving designs over the decades, Sindy dolls have become highly collectible items. Many early dolls and rare outfits now sell for hundreds or even …

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How Much Are Old Barbie Dolls Worth? (2026 Values & Price Guide)

Since her debut in 1959, Barbie dolls have become a global icon, not just as toys but as highly collectible items. From the earliest vintage dolls to limited edition designer releases, some Barbie dolls now sell for thousands of pounds at auction. At Potteries Auctions, we regularly handle rare Barbie doll collections, helping owners discover …

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Pokémon Cards Worth Money in 2026: Rare Values, Prices & £250,000+ Sales Guide

Vintage Pokémon trading cards featuring legendary bird trio Zapdos, Moltres and Articuno, from 1999 Fossil set, early expansion from Wizards of the Coast. Wear to cards, Articuno is scratched. (3)

Since the 1990s, Pokémon cards have captured the hearts of collectors and investors alike. From the original Base Set to modern rare editions, some Pokémon cards are one of many toys and childhood items which now sell for thousands of pounds at auction. At Potteries Auctions, we regularly handle rare Pokémon card collections, helping owners …

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Are Vintage LEGO Sets Worth Money? Complete Collectibles Guide

LEGO has been a beloved toy for decades, and over the years, certain vintage LEGO sets have become highly collectible. From classic LEGO Town sets to rare Star Wars LEGO kits, collectors worldwide are eager to pay top prices for the right pieces. At Potteries Auctions, we regularly handle vintage LEGO sets, minifigures, and rare …

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Complete Guide to Collecting Scalextric: Value, Rarity & Tips

Scalextric slot cars and sets have been a favourite pastime for generations, and their collectible value has grown significantly in recent years. From vintage 1960s sets to rare limited-edition cars, Scalextric collectibles appeal to both nostalgic enthusiasts and serious collectors. At Potteries Auctions, we regularly sell Scalextric sets, slot cars, and accessories, helping collectors achieve …

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Complete Guide to Collecting TMNT Figures: Value, Rarity & Tips

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) have been a pop culture phenomenon since their comic book debut in 1984, and their action figures remain highly sought-after collectibles today. From vintage 1980s figures to rare modern releases, TMNT toys appeal to both nostalgic collectors and new fans alike. In this guide, we’ll cover: At Potteries Auctions, …

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Most Valuable He-Man Figures: Complete Collectors’ Guide

Vintage He-Man figures from the Masters of the Universe franchise remain some of the most sought-after action figures for collectors worldwide. Since the launch of the toy line by Mattel in 1982, He-Man and his friends and enemies have become iconic pieces of 1980s pop culture. Whether you’re a dedicated collector, someone rediscovering toys from …

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Are Vintage Action Man Figures Worth Money? Complete Collectors’ Guide

Vintage Action Man figures remain one of the most beloved and collectible toy lines in the UK. Since their launch in the 1960s by Palitoy, Action Man has captured the imagination of generations, and early figures, accessories, and boxed sets now command impressive sums at auction. Whether you’re a long-time collector, a parent discovering old …

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£200,000 Star Wars Toys: The Rarest Figures Ever Sold at Auction (2026)

A single Star Wars action figure has sold for more than a house in the UK , at over £200,000 at auction. Most collectors don’t realise they may already own items worth £1,000s! Star Wars toys aren’t just childhood memorabilia — they’re highly collectible items that have made huge sums at auction. From rare action …

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Deadline for entries to our July Rare Ceramics, Jewellery & Collectables auction: 20th MayBook a valuation
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