In 1973 Britains introduced their New Toy Soldier line of gloss-painted metal figures. It has been highly successful and continues to the present day. This new book focuses on the traditional 54mm figures, illustrating nearly the complete range in nearly 1,100 photographs. Over 3,200 figures are shown with a strong emphasis on military items: British Ceremonial troops, American Civil War, Indian Army and Delhi Durbar, World War I, Knights, Zulu War, Rorkes Drift, Limited Editions, W Britains Collectors Club Membership products, Britains Centenary and Millennium issues. The book also features non-military sections on Home Farm and Circus. Special issues by the Britains Company and figures exclusive to Harrods' and Hamleys' department stores all are included. Each toy is identified in the text and captions, with a comprehensive index of all gloss-painted figures produced during the period covered. The book contains a valuation guide to each set or individual item. This reference book is the definitive work on the new Britains line.

Bounce back to the carefree childhood days when you spent hours with your yo-yo learning to "walk the dog" or go "around the world". Yo-yos of many companies, decades (from the 1930s onward), and designs are displayed along with yo-yos that shriek, whistle, and spark. Whether you prefer wood or plastic, butterflies or teenies, Duncans or Whirl Kings, here you will find the yo-yos that you like best in over 275 color photographs. Also, yo-yo championship patches, tricks books, and trophies are displayed. Brief histories of several yo-yo companies such as Cheerio, Duncan, and Royal are provided. Methods are explored for roughly determining a yo-yo's age, through inscribed zip codes and patent numbers. Current market values for each and every yo-yo are found in the captions.

This book showcases a wide variety of Nativity sets that display multi-cultural artistic interpretations of the true meaning of Christmas. Artisans from more than forty countries on five continents are represented, each with beautiful expressions of the greatest story ever told, often with photographs from the country of origin to accompany the artwork. Whether sculpted in clay, carved from wood, painted, woven, or cast, these Cre*ches from around the world are sure to enhance holiday celebrations and illustrate the universality of the Christmas message.

Here it is, everything you always wanted to know about Ford farm toys! This colorful book contains detailed information on Ford toys from the early 1900s through the present day, manufactured by companies in the United States as well as abroad including names like Fordson, Ertl, Arcade, Tootsie Toy, and New Holland among others. Here are miniature Ford tractors, industrial equipment, lawn and garden equipment, farm sets and dealer trucks most of which have been produced in full scale by Ford. Toy enthusiast, farm collectors, and modelers are sure to find happy memories of their childhoods in this comprehensive volume. Over 300 full color photos are complemented by humorous anecdotes. A price guide for all models shown is included with the captions.

Fashion dolls flaunted the best in clothing designs, and this book explores the flashiest era. Barbie*r, Chrissy, and Dawn-size dolls were outfitted with colorful haute couture creations hot off the runways of Paris, from the last vestiges of the "mod" scene to the early '80s "new wave" gear. Toy manufacturers mimicked the day's top dseigners to create outrageous, fun outfits. Shown in pristine condition, in unopened original packaging, this book is a gem for collectors and designers alike. More than 400 outfits are shown, many for the first time in any book. Each is stunningly photographed, and includes current market values for collectors.

Antique toys and banks continue to fascinate people worldwide. Here are cherished old toys shown, described, dated and evaluated for today's market. Made of tin, cast iron and composition, they include wind-ups, boats, trains, trucks, horse-drawn styles and bell toys. 100 catalog pages have drawings, full descriptions and original prices.

With handsome color photographs, archival photos, patent drawings, early advertising, and extensive research, this is the first comprehensive look at J. Chein toys, the process of their creation, and the colorful history of the company. Over 450 full color photos of the toys, including views of original lithographic sheets, factory production, prototype models, and rare catalog pages are featured. Information on trademarks and the current values of the toys make this an indispensable reference guide for antique toy lovers and a must for collectors of comic characters, banks, sand pails, carnival, or transportation toys.

Conservationist Smokey BearT and over 400 of his friends who educate, give community service, play sports, and travel to popular places are gathered to share their distinct "attitudes." Each of these stuffed bear toys promotes a message from the organization for which it is the advocate. Tree Bear plants new trees, police bears fight drug use and promote safety, storybook bears educate children about life, and sports bears represent hero athletes. You will recognize so many. Over 425 color photos, a very informative text, captions, and a price guide make this book essential for all bear enthusiasts. In the huge world of stuffed animals, these popular bears carry important messages to their communities and they make wonderful collectibles, if you can take the attitudes.

An amazing display of graphic design and artistic imagery appears on skateboards made over the last forty years. Early "Plain Janes" gave way to many diverse colorful designs, some closely in step with developing rock music. Boards that rock include images of favorite musicians and bands, like Black Flag, Agent Orange, Sublime, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, as well as memorabilia from the Dog Town movie...revealing a major subculture. Over 500 dazzling color photographs show hundreds of distinguished skateboards chronologically arranged, including construction details that make some collectors' items, and related stickers, memorabilia, and racing team clothing. Today's collector market is reflected in the values with the captions. Nostalgic riders and hot new blood alike will race through this book.

During the 1970s, the real Cher wore Bob Mackie designs for her TV show as well as for galas and other public appearances. Presented here are the fashions that Mego Corporation recreated, perfect little miniatures captured in doll-size. This vast array of designs showcases Mackie's flair for the dramatic, his gift of the glitz, and his love for the show-biz statement. Fans will be amazed by how many doll-size versions of the real Cher's fashions they recognize and remember. The 1970s live again in baring tops and billowy bell bottoms, slinky metallic gowns, and of course, stretch polyester. It's pure fun turning the pages to see each fashion, with names like "Herky Jerky," "Jumperoo," and "Midnight Blue," in scenes that works the name of the outfit into the action. There are over fifty designs for the Cher doll by Mackie and many more for the other Mego (R) fashion dolls like Farrah, Diana Ross, Toni Tennille, and of course, Sonny. With values in the captions, this is a must-have reference book for fans of Cher and all her celebrity friends!

The toys of the 1950s and 1960s are currently among the most sought after collectibles, and some of the most popular examples are covered in this book. Nearly 500 beautiful color photos of over 780 toys and collectibles, and a helpful price guide make this a necessary reference for new and advanced collectors and toy dealers everywhere. Baby Boomer Toys and Collectibles covers a broad range of favorites from robots and space toys to race cars, Hanna-Barbera toys, and Beatles collectibles. Among them are The Official Lost in Space Robot, a hopping Fred Flintstone, and a rare bottle of "With the Beatles" perfume. Many pieces are shown with their original boxes as well. Some of children's lasting impressions are made while playing with favorite toys, and by simply looking at those toys the good feelings return like magic. Children from the baby boom of the 1950s and 1960s will feel they have rediscovered old friends and recaptured wonderful memories of youth with the turn of every page of this book. Parents and grandparents of boomers will enjoy the memories this book evokes as well: that last dash to the store at Christmas for the one toy their child or grandchild had to have to make the day complete or the birthday gift that lit up that special child's face with surprise and delight. Early reader-ages 5-8.

Here, at last, is a long-awaited volume for collectors of miniature vehicles. After a span of several years, noted authority Edward Force turns his eye toward the vehicles produced in northern Europe from the early to mid-20th century. From Scandinavia the toys include the classic Tekno brand, as well as Vilmer and several smaller brands such as Bapro and Lemeco. Also included are a series of plastic models once offered by Lego. From Belgium, there are vehicles from the Gusquy-Septoy firm and the short-lived Sablon brand. Holland is represented by Lion Toys and the Best Box-Efsi-Oto-Holland line. Finally, the book contains the German Siku line. In all, hundreds of examples are shown in full color, plus the encyclopedic gathering of information that collectors have come to expect from Dr. Force. Values are provided for each model shown. This new volume will satisfy the pent-up demand for a new volume on miniature vehicles and will be a welcome addition to the collector's library.

Enjoyed since Sir John Suckling invented this popular card game in the early 1600s, cribbage is examined here in full-color photos and engaging text. Over 350 color photographs enliven the discussion, displaying many appealing styles and variations. Cribbage boards of war and peace, with 61 and 121 point scoring, and on which pegs follow the straight and narrow or meander across the board in innovative street designs all are featured here. Also a history of the game and of the American companies that have produced cribbage boards such as H. Baron Co., E.S. Lowe, Milton Bradley, and Whitman Publishing is provided. Pictured and discussed are boards created from exotic materials including ivory and bone, and methods for determining the age of heirloom boards. Rounding out the presentation are cribbage board values and an extensive bibliography. A must for card game lovers, gamblers, and collectors alike.

Collecting antique paper lithographed toys is an exciting and visually rewarding hobby. These vividly printed toys remind us of a time gone by when games, blocks, toys, dollhouses, puzzles, and books were designed by a method called chromolithography--a process that is as close to artistic perfection as a nineteenth-century painting. Filled with over 500 full color photographs, this book provides a fascinating and informative glimpse into the late Victorian era of toy making. Organized by type of item, each chapter includes useful facts about the history, manufacturing, and typical illustrations found on the toys and books, while values, measurements, dates, and game pieces are all provided in the captions. In addition, readers will find a valuable listing of the most prominent American and European manufacturers of the time, including McLoughlin Bros., Milton Bradley, Bliss, W. & S. B. Ives, Raphael Tuck, E.P. Dutton, and more. Never before has one book provided such a colorful guide to paper litho toy collecting, so take a step back in time to when toy making was a rare art!

This important reference book includes over 520 photographs of dolls made from 1910 to the 1930s of bisque, celluloid, cloth, composition, metal, and wood. Dolls are pictured from the famous German companies of Kestner, Kammer & Reinhardt, Armand Marseilles, Geubruder Heubach, Kathe Kruse, the French firms of Jumeau and S.F.B.J., and the Italian Lenci company, as well as American dolls by Horsman, Ideal, Effanbee, Louis Amberg & Son, Averill Mfg. Co., Chase Stockinet Dolls, A. Schoenhut, and other important companies. Special chapters feature World War I related dolls and dolls modeled on famous comic strips of the era, such as "Gasoline Alley," "Happy Hooligan," and "Little Orphan Annie." Boudoir and pincushion (half) dolls, popular at that time, also appear. A selection of doll buggies, beds, chairs, dressers, trunks, stoves, cabinets, dishes, and other interesting doll accessories rounds out the book. Detailed descriptions, dating information, and current market values make this an invaluable guide. Doll collectors will treasure this book for many years to come.

Metal toys decorated with comic characters like Betty Boop, Felix the Cat, Popeye, and Disney characters have been produced for over 70 years and continue to be collected and manufactured today. Among the most popular are those for the beach and sand box, including pails, watering cans, sieves, shovels, and rakes. The older toys have become valuable collectibles. \nOrganized by the characters, this unusual new book includes the Katzenjammer Kids and Barney Google from the 1920s, and Disney characters from the 1930s, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Donald Duck, Pinnochio, Snow White, and more. Other characters bring the toys through the decades to the present day: Baby Snooks, Bonzo, Charlie Chaplin, Davy Crockett, Kewpie, Oswald, Punch and Judy, Raggedy Ann, Hanna-Barbera characters, and TV characters such as Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants. \nToymakers, include Ohio Art, J. Chein, T. Cohn, EGDA, Happynak, Alex Harvey, R.S.-La Isla, ASAM, Willow, and other international firms. The book is amply illustrated with 400 color photos. This is a reference guide for all collectors of toys, bringing the authors years of expertise and understanding of the marketplace to their readers. A value guide is included.

Toys purchased with box tops and pocket change in days-gone-by abound in this fascinating and sweeping survey. Over 850 color photographs display the wide range of items, including airplanes, badges, booklets, decoders, pins, rings, and whistles, offered to children throughout much of the twentieth century by bread and cereal companies and over the radio. Favorite heroes of the airwaves all had premium toys for their devoted fans to collect. Found here are the premiums of radio's legendary heroes, including Buck Rogers; Captains Marvel, Midnight and Video; Dick Tracy; Green Hornet; the Lone Ranger; Red Ryder; Sky King; Superman; Tom Corbett; and Tarzan -- among others! Also included in this wide ranging book are methods for dating premiums using patent numbers and area codes, brief reviews of many of the shows upon which so many premiums were based, and values for the toys displayed. Values are conveniently located in the captions. This book is must reading for toy collectors and dealers and for anyone who ever saved their box tops and then waited anxiously by the mailbox for some special item to arrive.

Since 1991, the Rugrats (R) gang has trooped across our television screens on their hilarious adventures, entertaining anyone who knows just what an adventure "baby-hood" can be! In fact, the Rugrats have become the biggest babies on television, and their movie debut has lauched them into super-stardom. With their fame has come a colorful variety of toys and merchandise that Rugrats fans have been snatching up to build their collections, including dolls, action figures, school supplies, and promotional items. This full-color handbook and price guide is just in time for our favorite team of tykes to take their place on the collectibles market!

The very popular, high quality tinplate toys of the mid-20th century from Nuremberg, Germany, are discussed in a historical setting in this delightful book. The chapters include 300 color photographs, information about the manufacturers(especially Schuco and Bing) and their markings, and essays on the past, present and future of this special toy industry. The mechanical figures, automobiles, trucks, trains, machines and associated buildings that are presented will remind many of the best toys of their youth. They are avidly collected today. Many of the toys shown are from superb private collections and the Toy Museum of Nuremberg.

* UNIQUE DESKTOP ACCESSORY: Includes a 3" spring-loaded "door" that's ready to be slammed when needed * FUN SOUND FEATURE: The door electronically produces a satisfying SLAM sound * BOOK INCLUDED: 32-page, 2-1/2 x 3" humorous mini book with full-color illustrations * PERFECT GIFT: A great gag gift for new graduates entering the workforce, stocking stuffer, or White Elephant gift

A fun, tasty, new collectible is on the horizon; Spin Pop (R) candy toys are growing in popularity and you can still find some of the older designs at retail stores. Invented in 1992, these colorful interactive candy toys have found an increasing up-scale market each year. The licensed characters and motorized handles include Flintstones (c), Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (c), Bat Man (c), Disney (c) figures, and many others. This book chronicles the development of these collectible toys, with prototypes, unique variations, and store displays, and provides value ranges based on the retail and auction markets. Over 200 color photographs and text identify all the production models. Get the toys and get the book, they are fun, tasty, and new!

Images of bears are found throughout the world on many objects in everyday life, from advertising and postage stamps to clothing and tablewares. The intense popularity of stuffed toy Teddy Bears today has ignited the search for images of bears on antiques, in old books, and upon modern items--and many are displayed and identified here. The chapters present old and new images of bears made as both useful and decorative items from diverse materials such as metals, wood, glass, ceramics, paper, and textiles. Over 475 color photographs show bears on, as, and about everyday objects, and each one is dated and identified with historical facts and a current value range. Current bear enthusiasts will cherish this book and skeptical readers will be converted. Beware of increasing bear sightings!

This delightful, beautifully illustrated book showcases hundreds of dolls and accessories made in the United States and Canada during the 1930s and 1940s, all highly collectible today. Shown are dolls made of composition, cloth, rubber, and painted bisque, each with full descriptions and current market values. Many advertisements of the era are included to help establish dates for the dolls pictured. Company products shown include those made by Alexander, American Character, Arranbee, Dewees Cochran, Effanbee, Eugenia, Georgene Novelties, Horsman, Mary Hoyer, Ideal, Monica, Nancy Ann Storybook, Vogue, and many others. In addition, special sections feature personality, comic, character, and military dolls, as well as patterns and doll clothing made at home. This book will be a treasured resource for doll collectors and doll lovers everywhere.

They're back!! "My Little Pony (R)" figurines that bring so much joy to pony lovers and collectors alike, are presented here in a delightfully new volume. These popular toys were made by Hasbro from 1981 to 1991 and were released again from 1997 to 1999 in a new series. My Little Pony and accessories continue to be issued in countries outside the United States. This beautifully photographed edition is dedicated to the ponies (old and new,) play sets, accessories, and related items that were released internationally. Included are adult and baby ponies, pony games, animal families, hair accessories and much more from Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Spain, and other far-away places. The expanded identification guide, as well as an updated pricing index, will help you determine the value of your collection. With over 200 full color photographs of hundreds of new ponies and accessories, this colorful and fact-filled book will give hours of enjoyment to pony lovers everywhere.

This superb reference work provides a newly revised, comprehensive overview of the entertaining world of battery toys. Battery operated robots, animals, people, character toys, banks, monsters, and cars are shown, compared, and fully analyzed in this first specialized book on the subject. Vehicles and figurals from the mid-fifties and the sixties comprise the major portion of this book, but some choice examples from the late forties and the seventies are also included. A detailed desirability chart will enable enthusiasts to estimate the value of potential additions to their collections. Spectacular full view and closeup photographs in color and black and white will delight toy collectors worldwide.