Are lead toys worth anything?
In 1966, the production of lead-alloy soldiers ceased because use of the potentially poisonous material was banned. Any toy soldiers made before the 20th Century are referred to as ‘ancients’. Boxed sets of nine can be worth anything from £1,000 to £8,000 depending on their condition.
What were toy soldiers made from?
Toy soldiers are made from all types of material, but the most common mass-produced varieties are metal and plastic. There are many different kinds of toy soldiers, including tin soldiers or flats, hollow cast metal figures, composition figures, and plastic army men.
What plastic is used for toy soldiers?
Army men, or plastic soldiers, are toy soldiers that are about 5 cm (2.0 in) tall and most commonly molded from olive green, relatively unbreakable plastic.
Are plastic toy soldiers worth anything?
If you still have a collection of toy soldiers stashed away in your attic, they could be quite valuable. According to Mr Ian Whyte, director of Whyte’s auction house in Marlborough Street, Dublin, toy soldiers are “very collectable” and can fetch “good money”.
When did they stop making lead toys?
1978
Lead in Toys: Toys Still on Shelves Although banned in 1978, it continues to be a hazard in 25% of U.S. homes with kids under age 6.
What are tin soldiers made of?
Tin soldiers are miniature figures of toy soldiers that are very popular in the world of collecting. They can be bought finished or in a raw state to be hand-painted. They are generally made of pewter, tin, lead, other metals or plastic.
Are Marx Toys marked?
A Japanese offshoot of the Marx company made toys marked “Line Mar” that were much like the American-made Marx toys. Marx toys usually were marked “MAR” in a circle with an X through the letters. Line Mar toys were marked with the name “Line Mar” in a similar circle.
How can I tell if my toys are lead?
The only accurate way to test a toy for lead is by a certified laboratory. Do-it-yourself kits are available. However, these kits do not indicate how much lead is present and their reliability at detecting low levels of lead has not been determined.
Do plastic toys have lead?
Lead may be found in the paint, metal, and plastic parts of some toys and toy jewelry, particularly those made in other countries, and also antique toys and collectibles. The use of lead in plastics has not been banned. Lead softens plastic, making a toy more flexible to return to its original shape.
What is Johillco famous for?
While famous for its lead figures, Johillco also produced novelty items such as brooches based on the FA Cup and Zodiac signs as well as many items focused on the 1937 Coronation, such as crown-shaped souvenirs, boxed display cases for horse-drawn carriages and models of King George the Fourth and Queen Elizabeth.
What happened to John Hill & co?
In 1946 the company was taken over by Mr Alec Standing, the proprietor of a printing business, and the company name was altered to “John Hill & Co. Metal Toy Manufacturers” retaining the “John Hill” but making it clear that the business was under new management.
Why did Johillco stop making cattle wagons?
Most popular Johillco lines such as Cowboys, Indians, Knights and Zoo Animals reappeared, but some of the farm sets such as the horse-drawn cattle wagon were never produced again after the war, as it was decided that their production costs were too high.
