NORWOOD - Charlie and Jean Powers empty their loot on a table inthe Ramada Inn. Out come a Lone Ranger pistol and holster, minus thebelt, and 15 small, elaborately dressed dolls.
The Dedham couple leave with $160 in their wallets - $85 for the1940s pistol and $5 each for the copycat Nancy Ann storybook dolls,circa 1950s and '60s.
Walter Tranfaglia of South Weymouth lifts an American Flyer trainfrom a cardboard box and a Superman roll-over tank. The tank bringshim $85. He turns down an offer of $150 for the train.
All day people haul in old toys that languished in basements andattics, trying to turn their castoffs into cash at the Antique ToyRoad Show sponsored by the International Toy Collectors Association.They're hoping to net a little pocket money for their - or theirchildren's - retired playthings. Or better yet, maybe, just maybe,one of their toys will bring a few hundred or even thousands ofdollars - just like those people on television's popular "AntiqueRoadshow."
Such dreams do come true in the toy world, too. Earlier in theday, a man brought in 15 very well-preserved and beautifully clothedGI Joe figures from the 1960s. He left with $1,100, according toBilly McCurley, vice president of purchasing for the association. Anda few days before, in Albany, he says, a man pocketed $25,000 for a 71/2-inch robot.
It makes you second-guess those times you tossed out the kids'treasures without a thought about their future value. Who can imaginethose little plastic GI Joe helmets that got caught between your toesmight one day be worth something?
"It's all about supply, how many were made at the time, anddemand, what collectors are collecting today," says McCurley, 27, ofJacksonville, Ill., who is a Hopalong Cassidy collector. "That robotwent for such a high price because it's remote control and its headrevolves. It was made in Japan in the 1950s. It's now on its way to acollector in California."
McCurley said he recently paid $2,600 for a Hopalong Cassidy setfor his own collection (after getting approval from his wife). Theset included a holster, two gold-washed pistols, gloves, and spurs.But what made the set so valuable was that it came in its originalbox. Original packaging and labels, even a price tag, can double oreven triple the value of a toy.
"Packaging assures that the toy is in mint condition and itenhances memories," says McCurley. "Collecting is a very emotionalthing."
Other toys in demand are early "action toys," those made between1850 to 1920, such as carousels, pull toys, and windups. But age doesnot always ensure a high price. Sarah Gallahue of South Weymouthbrought in two brightly painted, fanciful wooden trucks made duringWorld War II, when metal was outlawed for toy making. She wassurprised the market value was only $60 for the pair.
Why? Well, it's those baby boomers again. They're now holding thereins to what's hot in the old toy world. And what's hot is theirmemories. They want the toys of their childhood, which means toysmade during the '50s and early '60s.
So Barbie is popular. But only Barbie circa 1959 through 1964,before the doll was mass-produced. Ditto for GI Joe. Also, Hot Wheelswith red lines on the tires, and everything picturing Mickey Mouse.
However, McCurley urges toy pack rats to bring in everythingthat's pre-1965.
"Sometimes the toy at the bottom of the bag is the one that bringsin the most money," says McCurley, who contacts collectors by phoneand then offers their price to would-be sellers. Their collectors'list tops 5,700 names.
"Everything moves real fast these days because of the Internet,"says McCurley. "Collectors are on the Internet daily so they know themarket value of a toy."
Charlie and Jean Powers return an hour later with more bulgingpaper bags. This trip is not as successful. Their Barbies are fromthe mass-produced years - post-1965. McCurley's advice? Take them toa yard sale or flea market.
The Antique Toy Road Show will be at the Ramada Inn in Norwood andthe Waltham Best Western today and tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.Antique jewelry, coins, watches, and clocks are also welcome at theWaltham site only.
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