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.
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. Some Barbie dolls are now worth thousands of pounds at auction, with rare …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
GI Joe toys have been a beloved staple of childhood collections since the 1960s. From vintage action figures to rare boxed playsets, GI Joe collectables have not only nostalgic value but also serious auction potential. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, new to GI Joe, or curious about selling your pieces, this complete guide will show …
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 …
Few toy ranges have achieved the legendary status of Star Wars collectibles. Since the first figures were released in 1977, millions of fans have collected the characters, vehicles, and playsets from the galaxy far, far away. Today, certain vintage Star Wars toys can sell for hundreds — and sometimes thousands — of pounds at auction, …
Some rare Matchbox cars have sold for £4,000–£11,000 at auction — especially boxed 1960s examples and colour variants. At Potteries Auctions, we have been selling vintage diecast toys, Matchbox models, and collectable childhood items for over 25 years, giving our specialists extensive knowledge in this fascinating and nostalgic field. If you’re curious about the value …
Sam Holmes, Toy Valuer at Potteries Auctions, shares the latest insights on Britain’s booming toy industry Sam Holmes, Toy Valuer and Auctioneer at Potteries Auctions Q: Let’s start with the basics, just how big is the UK toy market? We’re talking about a £3.3 billion industry here, which makes it one of Europe’s heavyweights. To …
Selection of unboxed Hornby OO Gauge British Rail Diesel Locomotives from 1980’s, sold for £110 at auction From Liverpool Clerk to Global Icon Hornby Hobbies Ltd began with Frank Hornby (1863-1936). A Liverpool shipping clerk who started making toys for his sons from sheet metal in 1899. Without formal engineering training, Hornby invented three iconic …
Join us as we embark on a journey into the world of Matchbox toys. Explore the fascinating history and craftsmanship of these die-cast miniature vehicles that have excited collectors and car enthusiasts for decades and join our upcoming Fine Art sale featuring over 30 lots to add to your collection! Lot 2345 The Birth of Matchbox …
Here at Potteries Auctionwe sell a variety of toys, including Meccano. However, Meccano is so much more than just a toy. It’s a popular, collectable, vintage product that has been well-loved for years. Developed by Frank Hornby in 1898, Meccano was designed with the principles of mechanical engineering in mind, with the tagline ‘Mechanics Made Easy’. Meccano …
A Dinky Leyland Martian gun tractor with 7.2” howitzer. Image credit: Flickr.com Here at Potteries Auctions, we’ve seen a whole host of diecast toys and models, including ones from famous brands such as Dinky and Corgi, pass through our salerooms over the years. From vintage toys to modern models made especially for collectors, diecast models cover …
Vintage comic collections have proved popular at our auctions in recent months, with this collection of vintage comics and annuals including titles from Detective Comics (DC) and Marvel selling for £190 at our February sale Our February 2021 online auctiontook place this month over Friday 12th and Saturday 13th February and featured an exciting array of items, from …
MECCANO Meccano is a model construction system created in 1901 by Frank Hornby, a clerk from Liverpool, United Kingdom. The toy that Frank Hornby invented, “Mechanics Made Easy”, was based on the principles of mechanical engineering. The model construction kit consists of reusable perforated metal strips, plates, angle girders, wheels, axles, gears and plastic parts that are …
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