Vintage Toy Soldiers in Good Condition
Hi! Our organization is having a silent auction as a fundraiser and someone donated iron toy soldiers to us. I read an article you wrote and wanted your advice on the value of them. Every piece is made of iron. I have cannons, cannon balls, powder kegs, shovels, soldiers on horseback with ponytails on their hats, hats with wings, and soldiers on horseback with flags and hats with a pointy front. I also have every type of foot soldier and horses by themselves. Can you give me an idea of the value of these things or tell me where to look? Thank you so much for your help!!!
M.S.
Education Alliance
http://www.whatsupmag.com/home-garden/antiques/08-11-25/Antique_Toy_Soldiers.aspx
The above link should take you to the article.
A question was also sent to this blog on the topic in November of 2008, so there are a lot of folks out there with metal toy soldiers. It sounds as if you have an incredible donation and you can probably increase the value of the bid if you can give some history on the collection and its relationship to the previous owners. Referred to as provenance, the ownership history can greatly increase the value of an antique or collectible. As to the basic value– while there are reference book/price guides I’d suggest thinking in terms of counting up the pieces and multiplying by 10 to work up a base price and then adding another $100 on top of that for your charitable cause. If you are looking for a reference point, I’d recommend http://members.upnaway.com/~obees/soldiers/links.htm.
The best of luck and I hope you raise a lot of money for your cause.
