Toy
Value Grading Scale for
Determining Values for Antique Toys
Values stated on this web page are determined by compiling
information from auctions, collectors’ purchase
prices, current selling prices of third party sellers,
and current selling prices at toy shows. Setting
collectible values of anything is not an exact science.
Keep in mind that values are only a guideline to help
you be more knowledgeable in the selling or purchasing
of an item. Prices are always subject to what
the market will bear and individual judgment.
In researching this book, we found that grading guides
are subjective and across the board in definition. These
grading guidelines were used to set the range of values
stated in this book and will help you determine your
values.
The values for the toys shown are for toys in C7 (Fine)
and C8 (Excellent) condition. Most collectible
toys made prior to 1965 are usually available in a condition
that is not Fine or Excellent. The value of a
toy in C6 (Very Good) is often half of the value of
the same toy in C8 (Excellent). The value of a
toy in C5 (Good) is often half of the value of the same
toy in C6 (Very Good) condition.
The chart below shows an example of estimated values
for a toy that is valued at $160 in C8 condition.
C8 $160
C7 $120
C6 $ 80
C5 $
40
C10 – Mint
- ·
Antique wooden and vintage metal toys almost never
receive C10 condition rating.
- ·
To receive C10 rating – the toy would have to
have been stored away in exceptional conditions and,
if sold in a box, almost never taken out of the box.
- ·
C10 toys are flawless with no signs of wear, tears
and/or signs of being used for play.
- ·
If sold in a box, the toy is in the original box.
- ·
In describing this toy, it may say MIB (mint in box),
NRFB (never removed from box) or MIMB (mint in mint
box).
C9 – Near Mint
- ·
The toy is almost mint condition.
- ·
Toy only has none to minor show of wear with all parts
included.
- ·
Graphics bright, no rust.
- ·
In describing this toy, it may say MNB (mint not boxed).
C8 – Excellent
- ·
Toy may have very minor wear, but still in excellent
condition.
- ·
If any, very minor paint or lithograph wear. Color
is still bright and glossy.
- ·
No discernible repairs.
C7 –Fine
- ·
Toy has been handled and played with – some
general wear, but with no damage.
- ·
Paint and/or lithograph may have very minor wear,
but still clean and beautiful.
- ·
If any, limited spotting on graphics.
- ·
If any, metal toys may have few small rust spots.
- ·
If any, repairs must be nearly invisible
C6 – Very Good
- ·
Toy may have noticeable wear, tear and/or fading.
- ·
Paint and/or lithograph could be slightly dull, have
chips and/or some limited rust.
- ·
If any, repairs must be nearly invisible.
- ·
Toy is working and it displays well.
- ·
Most collectors desire toys graded C6 or better.
C5 – Good
- ·
The toy is still able to display, but toy damage takes
away from the eye appeal.
- ·
Toy may have noticeable wear and tear.
- ·
Toy may have missing parts and/or accessories.
- ·
Toy may be dirty, dull, missing some of its paint
or missing some of it’s lithograph.
- ·
Metal toys may have more rust present.
- ·
If the toy has had any repairs, it must not take away
from the eye appeal of the toy. If the toy has
been repainted, it was repainted to its original color
and does not take away from the toy’s viewing
quality.
C4 – Fair
- ·
Toy has major damage and rust, but mostly intact.
Rust could be on 50% of the toy.
- ·
Toy needs major restoration to be presentable.
- ·
Toy probably would be better used to restore other
toys.
- ·
Visible repairs may have been made to the toy.
C3 – Poor
- ·
Toy is almost beyond recognition of its original condition.
- ·
Toy is damaged and rusted to the point that restoration
would be almost impossible.
C2 – C1
- ·
Takes up space – don’t even brother!
|
