Antique toys often hold more than just memories—they can be valuable pieces of history worth bringing back to life. Restoring these toys not only preserves their charm but can also increase their worth over time.
You might be surprised by which toys are worth the effort and how restoring them can make a difference to collectors and enthusiasts alike. This article will guide you through ten antique toys that are especially worth your attention if you enjoy restoration projects.
G.I. Joe Action Figures
If you have vintage G.I. Joe action figures, they are worth restoring. These toys from the 1980s can gain value and look great with some care.
Focus on cleaning and repairing small parts like joints or accessories. Even worn figures, like Wild Bill or Shipwreck, can improve with careful restoration.
Restoring your G.I. Joe figures not only preserves your collection but can also make them more appealing to collectors if you decide to sell.
Beanie Babies
If you have old Beanie Babies, they might be worth restoring carefully. Some rare ones, like Princess Diana Bear or special sets, can hold value if kept in good condition.
Look for intact tags and minimal wear, as these affect their worth. Restoring your Beanie Babies can help preserve their appeal for collectors.
Handle them gently and avoid harsh cleaning methods to keep their original look.
Teddy Ruxpin Dolls
If you have a Teddy Ruxpin doll, it’s worth considering restoration. These vintage toys from the 1980s often need repairs but can still work with some effort.
Working Teddy Ruxpin dolls sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Even non-working dolls have value, usually between $30 and $95.
Restoring yours can bring it back to life and increase its worth, especially if you have original tapes or books to go with it.
Vintage Troll Dolls
If you have vintage troll dolls, they are worth restoring. These toys often have colorful hair and come in various sizes, some even over 12 inches tall.
You might find rare types, like animal trolls or those with two heads, which can increase their value. Restoring their hair and cleaning their bodies can bring back their charm.
With a little care, your vintage troll dolls can look great again and be a fun part of your collection.
PEZ Dispensers
If you find vintage PEZ dispensers, they can be a great restoration project. Some older models, especially those with unique characters or limited editions, increase in value over time.
Restoring your dispensers by cleaning them gently and replacing missing parts can make a big difference. Once restored, these toys often appeal more to collectors and can be worth more.
Keep an eye out for designs featuring popular characters, as these tend to attract more interest. Your efforts can turn simple dispensers into valuable collectibles.
Tonka Trucks
If you have an old Tonka truck, it might be worth restoring. These vintage toys can hold value, especially models from the 1950s and 1960s.
You’ll want to clean gently and avoid harsh restoration that changes the original paint or parts. Light touch-ups help keep its charm without lowering its worth.
Even rusty or beat-up Tonka trucks have some value, so restoring carefully can bring them back to life while preserving their character.
Tin Toy Cars from the 1950s
If you have tin toy cars from the 1950s, these can be great items to restore. Many were made in Japan and often feature bright colors and simple friction mechanisms.
Cleaning them carefully can help preserve their original look. Avoid harsh chemicals; mild soap and a soft cloth usually work well for removing dirt.
Restoring these toys can bring back their charm and make them enjoyable to display or pass on.
Stretch Armstrong Figures
If you have a Stretch Armstrong figure, it’s a great candidate for restoration. These toys are known for their stretchy limbs and unique rubbery texture.
Some versions, like the 1992 Cap Toys model, have become quite valuable, sometimes fetching over $200.
Restoring your figure can bring back its original flexibility and appearance. This makes it more enjoyable to display or play with again.
Antique Toy Cannons
If you have an antique toy cannon, restoring it can bring back a lot of charm. These toys often feature metal and wood parts, giving them a sturdy feel.
Toy cannons from the early 1900s or Civil War era are great candidates for restoration. You’ll find some made from tin or die-cast metal that respond well to careful cleaning.
Maintaining original paint and mechanical parts, if present, helps preserve their value and history. Restoring vintage cannons can be rewarding and keeps a piece of the past alive in your collection.
Cast Iron Toy Models
You’ll find cast iron toys are durable and have a nostalgic charm. Classic models like motorcycles and cars often show beautiful detail, making them a joy to restore.
When restoring, be careful not to bend parts like headlights. Cast iron doesn’t flex, so you want to avoid damage.
Restored cast iron toys can be great display pieces and may hold some value, especially if you keep their original features intact.
