Buying and Selling Miniatures - Dollhouse, Die Cast, Scale Model & Collectible
By Lesley Shepherd, About.com Guide
Determine the condition, worth and collectibility of dolls house miniatures,artisan miniatures, ceramics, models, cars, diecasts and a host of other tiny treasures. Includes tips and techniques to improve your sales at miniature shows.
Miniatures often aren't sold in mainstream stores. Where do buyers and sellers meet? How can you find out what yours are worth? Where can you find supplies or special items?
- Buying and Selling 101
- Finding Miniatures and Supplies
- Miniature Artisans
- Finding Die Casts and Metal Miniatures
- Buying and Selling Model Horses
Buying and Selling 101
Increase your sales or your ability to buy with these skills for improving your collection.
- Check the Condition of a Miniature
- How to Pack and Ship Miniatures
- Money Saving Tips for Miniature Collectors
- Set Up Your Table For a Miniature Show or Sale
- Make a Portable Photography Table to Photograph Your Miniatures
- Make a Backdrop Support for Photographing Miniatures
Finding Miniatures and Supplies
Not all miniatures come off a shelf or through Ebay. Get to know your best sources.
- Miniatures Calendar of Displays, Shows and Workshops
- Where to Find a Miniature or Collector's Club
- Miniature Magazine Reviews
Miniature Artisans
Interviews with the best miniature makers in the world describe how they got started and why they specialize in a particular area.
- Jill Bennett - Extraordinary Dolls in 1:12 Scale
- Angela Gagliardi - Cosediunaltro Mondo - Authentic Italian Food in Miniature
- Lucy Maloney - Designer Dogs in Miniature
- Kerri Pajutee's Miniature Animals
- Josephine Parnell's Collectible Miniature Bears
- Miniature Artisan Listings - Links to a Range of Custom Miniatures
Finding Die Casts and Metal Miniatures
Where to find collectible die casts and metal miniatures, including figures, animals, cars and other vehicles.
- Eureka Miniatures for a Range of Unusual Die Cast Figures
- Britians / Herald Toy Farm Animals and Figures
- Collecting Metal and Pewter Model Horses
- Die Cast Car Models in 1:12 Scale
- Top 1:18 Scale Die Cast Car Companies
- Top 1:43 Scale Die Cast Car Companies
Buying and Selling Model Horses
How to choose, buy and sell collectible model horses, including choosing the best models for particular show classes.
- How to Tell the Difference Between Breyer Horses and Copies
- How Much is My Breyer Horse Model Worth?
- How To Safely Swap and Trade Your Model Horses
- Tips for Sales Ads for Model Horses
- Tips on Finding Bargain Breyers and Other Model Horses
- Safely Pack and Ship Fragile Model Horses
- Photo List of Collectible Breyer Holiday Horse Models and Accessories
- Choosing Model Horses for Western Pleasure Classes
- Choosing Model Horses for Dressage Classes
- Choosing Model Horses for Huntseat Performance Classes
Keep Track of Your Collection
Tired of looking through boxes to see what you've got? Find and record the information that sets your collection apart from the rest.
- How to Document a Miniature Collection
- How to Find Information About Your Miniatures
- Printable Collectible Reference Sheets
Price Guides
What is it worth? Check these galleries for information on collectibles and current pricing.
- Dinky Toy Collectibles
- Collectible Miniature Baskets
- Collectible Miniature Tea Pots and Tea Sets
- Miniature Food Related Collectibles
Book Reviews
Reference books for a wide variety of miniatures and collectibles. This list is only a suggestion. Click on the References and Book Reviews under the Miniature Basics topic to view all the book reviews.
- Link to the References and Book Reviews Full Section
- Landscapes in Miniature
- Making Minature Food and Market Stalls
- The Miniature Costumier
- Magnificent Miniatures
- Little Felted Animals
- More Village Display Tips
- The Enclycopedia of Polymer Clay Techniques
- Dover Pictoria Archive Books and Cd's
- Collecting Model Car and Truck Kits
- La Grand Livre de La Maison Miniature
Kit Reviews
Should you make it or buy it finished? Lists of kits and suppliers that can help you learn techniques for making better miniatures.
- Chrysnbon 1:12 Scale Furniture Kits
- The Craft Pack Company Kits and Supplies
- Daisy House Furniture Kits in 1:12 and 1:24 scale
- Doll's House Needlework Kits
- Jean Day's Vintage Miniature Kits
- Paper Minis Doll House Printable Kits
- Josephine Parnell's Miniature Bear Kits
- Josephine Parnell's Rag Doll Victoria Kit
- Petite Properties 1:48 Scale Buildings
- My Very First Horse Book (With Model Horse)
- Breyer Mini Whinnies Model Horse Paint Set
- Lesley Manieri's Miniature Knitting Supplies
Magazine Reviews
Choose from this wide range of specialty publications for miniatures