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Toys

Beyond ancient times, the first evidence of mass production of toys came in 15th-century Germany. Here, craftsmen produced a wide variety of toys, but none so much as Christmas holiday toys including elaborate miniature villages, belsnickles, and most of all, Noah’s arks. Artisans of the period produced their wares out of wood, cardboard, tin plate, and a host of other period materials.

Beginning in the 17th century, trade routes became the norm, creating a way to ship goods to England and on to the colonies. Though most of the materials were books, cards, and newspapers, the shipments also included children’s puzzles, games, and miniatures. Much of the material produced at the time has a heavy undertone toward religion, often using Christianity and animals or symbols associated with religion.

After the American Revolution, artisans opened workshops throughout the United States, carving unique and desirable toys out of wood. By the 19th century, wood toys turned into machine-made metal toys, revolutionizing the entire industry. In this same period, early production of cast iron toys came about, including some of the earliest toy cap guns created just after the Civil War. This period produced some of the most desirable tinplate and early mechanical toys ever manufactured.

Later in the 19th century, the method of sand casting was perfected, making cast iron toy production easier, most notably early mechanical banks. During the turn of the 20th century, technology made it possible to produce toys in the same manner as early cars and trucks. By the middle of the 20th century, battery operated, friction, and mechanical toys took over due to their unique mesmerizing movements that entranced children of all ages.

Recommended Items at Auction

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Amazing Spider-Man #4
Feb 27, 11:00 AM EST
Amazing Spider-Man #4
by Bodnar's Auction Sales
Est: $1,500- $3,500
$77522 Bids
Fantastic Four #12
Feb 27, 11:00 AM EST
Fantastic Four #12
by Bodnar's Auction Sales
Est: $1,500- $3,000
$65020 Bids
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(6) Mattel Masters of the Universe Action Figures
Feb 18, 6:00 PM EST
(6) Mattel Masters of the Universe Action Figures
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$37017 Bids
The Avengers #4
Feb 27, 11:00 AM EST
The Avengers #4
by Bodnar's Auction Sales
Est: $3,000- $5,000
$40015 Bids
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(5) Mattel Masters of the Universe Action Figures
Feb 18, 6:00 PM EST
(5) Mattel Masters of the Universe Action Figures
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$38014 Bids
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Vintage Assortment of Mego Figures 8 in. (20.3 cm.)
Feb 18, 6:00 PM EST
Vintage Assortment of Mego Figures 8 in. (20.3 cm.)
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$2313 Bids
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(6) Mattel Masters of the Universe Action Figures
Feb 18, 6:00 PM EST
(6) Mattel Masters of the Universe Action Figures
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$35512 Bids
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(6) Replica Die-Cast Race Car Vehicles, 1/43 Scale
Feb 18, 6:00 PM EST
(6) Replica Die-Cast Race Car Vehicles, 1/43 Scale
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$2811 Bids
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(5) Hasbro Capcom Street Fighter II GI Joe Action Figures
Feb 18, 6:00 PM EST
(5) Hasbro Capcom Street Fighter II GI Joe Action Figures
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$9511 Bids
Fantastic Four #52
Feb 27, 11:00 AM EST
Fantastic Four #52
by Bodnar's Auction Sales
Est: $600- $1,200
$30011 Bids
Fantastic Four #48
Feb 27, 11:00 AM EST
Fantastic Four #48
by Bodnar's Auction Sales
Est: $1,500- $3,500
$55011 Bids
Giant Size X-Men #1
Feb 27, 11:00 AM EST
Giant Size X-Men #1
by Bodnar's Auction Sales
Est: $2,000- $4,000
$32511 Bids
Vintage Mattel, Farbs Myles Ahead Redline Toy Car
Feb 15, 10:00 AM MST
Vintage Mattel, Farbs Myles Ahead Redline Toy Car
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$12011 Bids
Vintage Mattel, Farbs "Hy Gear" Redline Toy Car
Feb 15, 10:00 AM MST
Vintage Mattel, Farbs "Hy Gear" Redline Toy Car
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$13011 Bids
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(2) Playmates Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Action Figures
Feb 18, 6:00 PM EST
(2) Playmates Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Action Figures
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$3710 Bids
The Batman Adventures #12
Feb 27, 11:00 AM EST
The Batman Adventures #12
by Bodnar's Auction Sales
Est: $600- $800
$1609 Bids
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(3) Playmates Tomb Raider and Mattel Princess of Power Action Figures
Feb 18, 6:00 PM EST
(3) Playmates Tomb Raider and Mattel Princess of Power Action Figures
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$369 Bids
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(4) 1/80 Scale Die-Cast Collectible Tractor-Trailers
Feb 18, 6:00 PM EST
(4) 1/80 Scale Die-Cast Collectible Tractor-Trailers
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$218 Bids
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Toy Biz World Championship Wrestling “Sting vs. Diamond Dallas Page” Tuff Talkin’ Wrestlers
Feb 18, 6:00 PM EST
Toy Biz World Championship Wrestling “Sting vs. Diamond Dallas Page” Tuff Talkin’ Wrestlers
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$218 Bids
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Matchbox A Nightmare on Elm Street Talking Freddy Krueger
Feb 18, 6:00 PM EST
Matchbox A Nightmare on Elm Street Talking Freddy Krueger
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$508 Bids
JOHNSON GT 300 MINIATURE OUT BOARD
Feb 26, 4:00 PM EST
JOHNSON GT 300 MINIATURE OUT BOARD
by Legacies Old & New, Inc.
Est: $0- $0
$807 Bids
Lot of Comic Art Books
Feb 27, 11:00 AM EST
Lot of Comic Art Books
by Bodnar's Auction Sales
Est: $150- $300
$1207 Bids
NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR COMICS #1940 (DC, 1940)
Feb 13, 1:00 PM EST
NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR COMICS #1940 (DC, 1940)
by Potomack Company
Est: $700- $900
$5007 Bids
Vintage Hot Wheels Redline Custom AMX Car
Feb 15, 10:00 AM MST
Vintage Hot Wheels Redline Custom AMX Car
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$757 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Toys


Matthew Bullock Auctioneers

Matthew Bullock Auctioneers

Bodnar's Auction Sales

Bodnar's Auction Sales

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Trains, Planes and Automobiles