A “golden age of toy Santas” came when millions of Baby Boomer children (born 1946-1964) created an immense market for huggable, sturdy Santa toy dolls. About 100 toy companies in the United States and 12 in Canada were busy making them. Thanks to the boon times at the close of World War II, nations world wide capitalized on the soothing innocence of Santa’s image. Read More +
She is us—and we are her. That affinity—that strong emotional connection—is likely the main reason the Barbie doll has become a successful global brand and a cultural icon for more than 50 years. Read More +
Upon hearing the name Holly Hobbie, many children of the 1970s and ‘80s immediately associate her with ceramic and porcelain plates Read More +
From the moment I stepped out of my car onto the curb that marked the front doors of the Westin Hotel to the second I drove away from the event via Rhode Island Route 146, the 2010 International G.I. Joe Convention in Providence, R.I., provided a unique opportunity to congregate with like-minded G.I. Joe aficionados who share my “glorious obsession.” Read More +
LOS ANGELES – A trove of Marilyn Monroe’s personal and professional property including rare chest X-ray, the chair used by Marilyn in her final photo shoot, previously unreleased photographs of Monroe on her honeymoon with Joe DiMaggio including their visit to troops in Korea Read More +
Lots ranging from toys to fine art, vintage photographs and a 60,000-plus hoard of sports cards will be offered up in Collect.com’s Sports and Americana Auction. Read More +
Over $700,000 of some of the rarest Japanese superheroes, die-cast, vinyl, robots, and space toys was sold at Morphy’s Nov. 13-14 auction in Denver, Pa. Read More +
DENVER, Pa. – A 25-year private collection of steam toys amassed by New Mexico couple Pat and Lowell Wagner headlines a 3,100-lot holiday-themed Winter Sale to be held Dec. 10-12 at Dan Morphy Auctions’ gallery in Denver, Pa. Read More +
Did you ever think your childhood favorites might be your favorite investments today? Take a look at the toys you (or mom) has tucked away as keepsakes, you might be sitting on a treasure or two. Of course these delightful tokens of youth are often priceless in the bank of soulful memories, but as the year’s auctions have shown, there is more than sentimental value in toys.
Read More +
By the time this issue reaches newsstands, “Toys & Prices 2010, 17th Edition” will have been gobbled up by toy enthusiasts either at bookstores or online for nearly a month. (But plenty of copies are still available!) In addition to new toys and updated prices, one of the features that has people talking is the 16-page color section that focuses on toys from the 1980s. Read More +