Antique Toys

How to Care for Your Antique Toys

Collecting antique toys can be a fun and rewarding hobby. The toys of yesteryear offer great emotional satisfaction, as well as possible investment value. Antique toys that are especially popular with collectors include trains, Disney toys, toy soldiers, farm toys and teddy bears by certain manufacturers.

While these antique toys have survived the years, both physically and in our hearts, it’s important that they are properly cared for so that they will retain their value and last for generations to come.

Many great antique toys are found at yard sales and flea markets. These can be very exciting finds, but usually the toys are in need of cleaning and repair. While it’s tempting to rush right home and clean and repair your new treasure, stop and make sure that you won’t be damaging the toy.

Cleaning, repairing, displaying and storing antique toys.

In general, cleaning antique toys should be kept to a minimum. Modern cleaners, even gentle soap, can have adverse reactions with aged material. Water can seep into hairline cracks and cause irreparable damage. Old dolls and their clothing are especially easy to ruin by attempts at cleaning. It’s much better to leave a stain alone, than to ruin a beautiful toy by trying to clean it. Dust your toys with a soft brush if necessary, and leave cleaning to the professionals.

Repairing antique toys is another project best handled by an experienced professional. Even small repairs, such as paint touch-ups and stitching small tears can destroy the value of a toy. Repairs also can cause more damage than they fix. For example, an attempt to stitch a small tear could cause delicate aged fabric to split completely. Conservators trained in the art of repairing toys are really the only ones equipped to make repairs.

When displaying antique toys, take precautions to protect them from the effects of light, heat and air, as well as curious little hands. Glass cases, out of direct light, make excellent storage places for your toys. They keep dust and smoke out and prevent handling of your toys. Make sure that your toys are placed securely, where they won’t fall and break easily. Never use any sort of glue, tape, wire or string to display your toys. Over time, these things will cause irreversible damage to your antiques.

If you plan on storing your antique toys, take proper precautions. Wrap them in acid-free paper, and don’t place them together. Chemical reactions from some of the antique materials can actually cause one toy to damage another just by being placed together. Store your toys in well-ventilated boxes away from moisture and heat. Protecting metal toys from moisture is especially important since they will rust very quickly.

With just a little thought and care your antique toys will be around, in beautiful condition, for many more generations to enjoy.

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About The Author:

Tammy Gray-Searles is a successful author and publisher of http://www.a1-in-toys.com. A great source of toys for children of all ages, from that early child to teens and hobbyists.