Dave Shelton, Victoria Toy Show ©2007 Used with Permission.
Points Which Add Value
Condition The condition of original toys is one of the most important considerations for a collector.
- Mint toys show no signs of deterioration. Mint in Box or MIB is an as new object in its original packaging.
- Very Good condition will show as slight wear or rubbing on high points or sharp mold lines
- Good condition shows as more wear than Very Good but will the majority of paintwork intact and minimal isolated chipping.
- Fair condition shows as more obvious chipping and scratching with some damaged parts .
- Playworn is the lowest category with a lot of scratched, chipped and worn areas of finish.
Unusual Paint Combinations- While the majority of models were created in standard paint schemes, there were occasional times when wheel colors do not match the frame color or trim, or when unusual paint combinations were used. Items with non standard paint combinations are more valuable than regular models.
Packaging - Items in their original packaging, especially souvenir or gift packages, are more valuable than items which are not packaged. In some cases the packaging is more valuable than the contents.
Items assembled in South Africa have special packaging labelled in English and Afrikaans. These models and their packaging come in many unusual combinations that were not available elsewhere. Most Dinky Toys were packaged in individual packaging with illustrations of the contents beginning around 1954. Before that date the packaging was for sets or trade packs.