Condition.

If a tin toy looks brand new, works perfectly and is in a pristine box, it is considered to be in mint condition. Very good condition refers to a toy without spots or dents. Some fading is acceptable. Good condition means reasonable condition. Play-worn implies just that – a used toy which may have chips in the paint and missing parts. Keep any original boxes regardless of the shape because they help to authenticate the manufacturer and date.

Paint Repairs.

The lithography process makes paint repairs almost impossible to do. And a poor restoration job will lessen the value of a toy.

How to Date Tin Toys – Part I.

A little knowledge of lithography can help to figure out the age of tin toys. In older lithography – (1875 – 1960) each color was printed on a separate plate. Under a magnified glass, you’ll see dots appearing in an irregular pattern. Newer lithography – (1960 to present) only four colors – black, red, yellow and blue are combined to make up all the colors in the rainbow. Under a magnified glass, dots will appear in a regular pattern.

How To Date Tin Toys – Part II.

From the end of WWII until 1950s, German toys were labeled “Made in US Zone” and items made in Japan were marked “Occupied Japan”. After 1950s, Japan used “Made in Japan” and Germany used “Made in West Germany”. Keep these two tips in mind when you’re trying to figure out how old a tin toy is.

Hot Toys.

Japanese robots and exotic limousines from the 1950 – 1960s are desirable to serious collectors. Plus, any Batman and Disney tin toys continue to be popular.

Spotting Fakes.

Spotting fakes with tin toys is tricky. The marks on many new toys are the exact same as the marks used on old items because some manufacturers such as Paya, a Spanish company, continue to use the original moulds and dies. One thing for you to watch for is that newer models tend to be marked with “Limited Edition”.

Martin Swinton owns Take-A-Boo Emporium located in Toronto, Canada. He has appeared on a variety of television programs; does furniture restoration; caning and rushing repairs; appraisals and has taught courses on antiques at the Learning Annex. Martin can be reached at http://www.takeaboo.com