There is occasional confusion surrounding the name of Squishmallow toys, with some referring to them as “Squishmellows,” while others may not even recognize them as a branded item. Due to their widespread popularity, numerous imitations of these cuddly companions have emerged since 2020.

Renowned for their unmatched softness and squishiness, Squishmallows have become beloved companions that frequently find a place in the beds of their owners, regardless of their age. These delightful plush animals are cherished by both young and old alike.

How Can I Recognize a Squishmallow Toy from a Regular Fluffy Toy?

Squishmallows are always in the shape of an animal or a fruit and while they come in a range of colors, sizes shapes and patterns, they all sport their famous squishy feel. Cuddling a Squishmallow toy feels like cuddling a giant marshmallow.

Squishmallows derive their name from their squishy texture, resembling that of a marshmallow. The KellyToy company fills each Squishmallow with polyester fiber, ensuring a plush and squeezable feel.

Squishmallow toys offer a diverse range of sizes, with certain styles available in multiple sizes, while others may be restricted to specific dimensions. The available size options for Squishmallows encompass a variety of measurements, including 3.5 inches, 5 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, 11 inches, 12 inches, 13 inches, 16 inches, 20 inches, and 24 inches.

Are Squishmallow Toys a Vintage or Antique Item?

Since their introduction to toy shops in 2017, Squishmallow toys have swiftly gained attention and continue to be highly sought-after. Despite their relatively recent appearance, they have not lost any of the popularity or charm typically associated with antique or vintage toys. The year 2020 witnessed a significant surge in the popularity of Squishmallows, possibly attributed to the global pandemic and resulting lockdowns. People sought comfort in these cuddly companions as they worked from home, while others sent them as thoughtful gifts to bring joy to those who were unwell and confined to their homes. Squishmallows, as I write this blog cannot be classed as an antique or vintage toy, although they well and truly fall into the collectibles category.

What was the First Squishmallow Produced?

The Los Angeles-based KellyToy company is the brains and production behind what could be described as the most popular fluffy toys of the 21st century. While the KellyToy company was first established in 1986, it wasn’t until 2017 that the first Squishmellow was marketed. KellyToys is most famous for its contributions to Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake, and more recently the Squishmellows, the company is also recognized for its Pillow Chums, Kellybaby and Kellypet toy lines.

In 2017, the most famous, and thought to be the first Squishmallow, Cam the Cat stole the hearts of both the young and old. Cam the Cat was a mix of cream, black, and brown and sported soft velvety fur and a squishy stuffing making him all the more loveable. Just like Cam the Cat, each Squishmallow toy was marketed with its individualized personality and name. Similar to the beloved Cabbage Patch Dolls, each Squishmallow toy even has a birthday, Cam the Cats being the 18th of December.

Following on from Cam the Cat which was first marketed in Walgreens during 2017, 7 more Squishmallows would follow before the year came to a close.

What Were the Original 8 Squishmallows Produced by KellyToys?

• Cameron the Cat
• Wendy the Frog
• Piper the Penguin
• Puff the Penguin
• Hans the Hedgehog
• Hoot the Owl
• Holly the Owl
• Fifi the Fox

During 2017, collectors had a choice of 8 Squishmallow characters, while a mere 6 years later, there are close to 1000 different Squishmallows on the market.

What is the Rarest and Most Valuable Squishmallow?

Like all collector items, those that are a part of a limited edition release become the most sought after and that is no exception for the Squishmallow range. Jack the Black Cat is said to be the rarest Squishmallow and this is due to the fact that only 500 of Jack were manufactured to celebrate the 500th character release. Jack sports a gold heart tag and due to the rarity of this Squishmallow, he can also be valuable when sold to a collector. In recent times, a ‘Jack the Black Cat’ fetched an owner close to $1500 USD on an online auction. This compares to the original recommended retail price of $39.99 for ‘Jack the Black Cat’.

Due to the fact that Squishmallows are now available in many participating retailers and online, they are not generally valuable resale items. Most Squishmallows retail for $10 to $40 making them an affordable cuddly toy.

Squishmallow Squads

Generally, when the company produces a certain type of Squishmallow, they then create other similar styles that form a ‘Squishmallow Squad’. Some of the popular squads include:

• Fruit Squad
• Frog Squad
• Bird Squad
• Leopard Squad
• Cow Squad
• Pig Squad

10 of the Most Valuable Squishmallow Toys

The most valuable Squishmallow to date is Jack the Black Cat as discussed previously in this article. While he remains the most valuable, a handful of other Squishmallow toys have fetched incredibly high auction prices in comparison to their initial recommended retail value. Generally speaking, the most valuable Squishmallows are those that were released as limited-number editions where only 500 or 1000 of the same Squishmallow were sold. In the section below, 10 of the most valuable Squishmallow toys can be found.

1. Jack the Black Cat

2. Golden Hans

3. Founders Cat

4. Blossom the Sheep

5. Gertrude the Goose

6. Philippe the Frog

7. Connor the Cow

8. Santino the Platypus

9. Chanel the Cinnamon Scroll

10. Avery the Duck

Steiff bears are collector’s items, some are even classed as antiques while others that have been made in more recent times fall into the vintage category. They vary in size and can be as small as the palm of one’s hand to others that stand over two feet tall.

There are a number of features that set a Steiff bear apart from a regular stuffed bear. A Steiff bear will always be:

1. Crafted from fine materials such as mohair, alpaca, and wool. The use of these materials ensures that these stuffed bears are durable and last the test of time.
2. Hand stitched with carefully crafted noses, eyes, and paw pads.
3. Sporting a button in the ear. This is a trademark of the Steiff Bear and proves its authenticity.

While over the years of production of bears by the Steiff company, there have been thousands upon thousands handcrafted, in this article we will take a look at 10 of the most expensive Steiff Bears sold to date that you may have never seen.

Steiff’s Most Expensive Bear Ever Sold

A quick search of the Internet will yield the Guinness Record for the most expensive Steiff bear ever made and in this post, 10 of the Most Expensive Steiff Bears You’ve Probably Never Seen!

That claim to fame of Steiff’s Most Expensive Bear Ever Sold belongs to a Steiff Louis Vuitton Bear –  €1,978,000. Decked out in full designer Louis Vuitton with matching luggage allowed this bear to fetch a sale price of nearly 2 million euros at a charity auction in Monaco. She now lives at the teddy bear museum in Jeju, South Korea. Made in 2000 and measuring 45 cm (17 in) the famous, and very expensive bear is pictured below.

10 of the Most Expensive Steiff Bears You’ve Probably Never Seen!

Large Steiff Clown Teddy Bear

DESCRIPTION: Brown-tipped mohair, original nose stitching, glass eyes, trailing F with caps button, original hat, and ruff, extremely rare. The bear includes a baby book showing that it was given on April 1911. Provenance: Bower’s Estate, Mannington, WV, Founders of Standard Plumbing Fixtures. 19″ t.

CONDITION: (Pristine Cond.)
ESTIMATE: $5,500-$7,500
SOLD FOR: $32,500 on Mar 25, 2017

Black Steiff Mourning Bear

DESCRIPTION: Circa 1912. Shoe button eyes lined with red felt, black stitched nose, and claws. It is interesting to note that this bear was made in commemoration of the Titanic victims. No button. This may be one of the best and only examples known. Size 18″ L.

CONDITION: (Excellent)
ESTIMATE: $12,000-$20,000
SOLD FOR: $29,500 on Nov 12, 2011

STEIFF Bridal Couple, Dicky, dressed as a man and a woman

DESCRIPTION: Bridal couple, Dicky, dressed as man and woman, 1930 – 1933, complete with red cloth tag label, No. 5315, 1934 – 1936, found in Giengen by a family who were in direct contact with Steiff. Both pieces were standing on a green round box and were presented as wedding gifts, loft find, in unused original condition, silk dress of the bride is caused of old age in worn condition

CONDITION: (not listed)
ESTIMATE: €1,500-€3,000
SOLD FOR: $30,274 on Sept 3, 2016

Steiff Rod Teddy Bear with Elephant Button

DESCRIPTION: First teddy bear that Steiff produced and considered rarest, apricot long mohair, pronounced nose with gutta-percha tip, shoe button eyes, original elephant button, circa 1905, x-ray included. 20″ t.

CONDITION: Some splitting around ankles, small repair on the right paw, (VG-Exc. Cond.)
ESTIMATE: $10,000-$12,000
SOLD FOR: $30,274 on March 25, 2017

Steiff Monkey Doll as a Jockey on a Camel

Not exactly a Teddy “bear”, but still interesting as it sold for nearly $24,000!

DESCRIPTION: An ensemble of a very early Steiff monkey doll as a jockey and a Steiff camel on iron wheels, both around 1898. Both early Steiff rarities were standing already before 1900 as decoration in a shop window of a toy shop with jockey and camel with expertise by the company Margarete Steiff GmbH, Giengen, Steiff monkey doll as a jockey, item No. 590, c. 28 cm.

Due to the fact, it is from the pre-button era around 1898 without button and cloth tag label, shoe button eyes, at this time were head and legs were not jointed, dangling arms, and whip, this riding monkey is in good condition and extremely rare, Steiff camel on iron wheels, item No. 405, c. 32 cm, because it is from the pre-button era around 1898 without button and cloth tag label, felt, lambskin, shoe button eyes, stuffed with straw, design with a bridle, little bell and felt cover/housing, this camel is in very good condition and extremely rare!

CONDITION: not listed
ESTIMATE: €1,200-€2,400
SOLD FOR: €19,000 ($23,008 USD) on June 29, 2019

Early Steiff Center Seam Teddy Bear

DESCRIPTION: Beautiful apricot plush mohair with shoe button eyes, jointed elongated arms, black stitched nose, mouth and five claws, swivel head, hump, and blank button in ear, circa. 1905. | 24″ h.

CONDITION: Pads replaced, wear on the muzzle, otherwise (Pristine Condition)
ESTIMATE: $10,000-$15,000
SOLD FOR: $20,000 on Nov 12, 2020

Steiff Teddy Rose

DESCRIPTION: Teddy Rose, 44 cm, mohair, pink dyed, caused by old age faded, c. 1928.

CONDITION: Felt on one paw was retouched.
SOLD FOR: €15,500 ($18,770 USD) on Jun 30, 2018

Steiff Petsy Teddy Bear

DESCRIPTION: Germany, c. 1930, auburn tipped beige mohair, blue glass eyes, stitched nose, mouth, and claws, felt pads, excelsior stuffed with squeaker and original underscored “f” button, ht. 13 in.

CONDITION: Very good to excellent, very minor mohair loss and play wear.
ESTIMATE: $7,000 – $9,000
SOLD FOR: $14,000 on Oct 10, 2019

Steiff Happy Teddy Bear

DESCRIPTION: Happy, 40 cm, 1926/27, mohair plush, brown pointed (a bit faded), jointed, Kapok and excelsior stuffing, press voice without function, long kinked arms, distinct hump, with button, good condition, very nice expression.

CONDITION: good condition
ESTIMATE: €1,900-€3,800
SOLD FOR: €11,500 ($13,926 USD) on July 01, 2017

Steiff Mink-Zotty

DESCRIPTION: Mink-Zotty, exceptional loft find from Giengen, according to the original owner the bear is from a test series from the ’70s, as personal copies were 2 – 3 bears manufactured, material designation: mink/synthetic plush, black/brown, bright chest, glass eyes, felt paws, without button, without damage, 40 cm. The bear was a gift by a  designer of the company Steiff who was a friend of the family, but the son didn’t accept the gift. He found the bear eerie because of the dark color and as a result, it was never produced in a series. The same bear can be found at the Steiff archive.

CONDITION: good condition
ESTIMATE: €180-€360
SOLD FOR: €8,300 ($10,051 USD) on July 01, 2017

Why are Steiff Bears Valuable?

You may be questioning why Steiff Bears hold so much value in contrast to other stuffed bears that see themselves ending up at the junk tip rather than passed from generation to generation or purchased for a small fortune at auction. The brand itself, Steiff is well-known and respected. The Steiff company has been in operation for over 140 years and hence multiple generations of children have grown up loving their little stuffed bears. They hold a sentimental value for decades of now adults, and this sees the auction price of a number of bears skyrocket. Other reasons that Steiff Bears hold their value so well is due to the craftsmanship that goes into making them and the expensive materials. The quality of the hand-made Steiff Bears is noticeable when they are sat beside a machine-made stuffed bear.

While the regular Steiff Bears hold their value well, limited edition Steiff bears that were only produced in small quantities are highly prized by collectors hence making them extremely valuable. Some of the earlier bears produced by the Steiff company are amongst the most valuable, although if you are in the market for a present for someone special, the good news is the Steiff company is still producing stuffed animals and bears today.

The McCoy Cookie Jars were often glazed in vibrant and eye-catching colors which would brighten up any kitchen. They were fun but also functional. Whether you’re a collector, a fan of vintage kitchenware, or simply someone who loves beautiful, functional pieces, vintage McCoy cookie jars are a great choice. In this article, we will take a look at some beautiful examples of the McCoy company’s cookie jars and their price guides.

The History of McCoy Cookie Jars

In 1911, the Brush company and J. W. McCoy Pottery Co. merged together to form the Brush-McCoy pottery. When McCoy’s son Nelson founded his own business, the two companies eventually went their separate ways not long after. McCoy closed its doors in 1990, but the company’s decorative stoneware continues to be highly sought-after and a favorite among collectors.

How to Identify a McCoy Cookie Jar

The McCoy Cookie Jars came in so many shapes and designs, which can make it difficult to know if you have an original or a fake. Here are some tips for identifying your cookie jar:

The McCoy Mark

Most McCoy cookie jars will have a maker’s mark stamped on the base or hand-incised on the bottom. If the piece does have a maker’s mark it will read ‘McCoy’ or ‘Nelson McCoy Pottery’. While the absence of a marking does not mean that the pottery you have on hand is a reproduction, generally speaking, a McCoy cookie jar does have a stamp.

Identifying a Fake McCoy Cookie Jar

There were many copycat cookie jars out there and it is best to refer to a definitive list (which we’ll provide below) of all of the shapes actually made by McCoy. This will help to identify whether the piece of pottery you have on hand is an authentically McCoy company make or a fake/forgery. McCoy Cookie Jars were also produced from the 1930s until the 1980s, so if the cookie jar you have on hand is more recent than that, it will not have been made by the McCoy company.

Identify the Pattern Using this List

Full INDEX of McCoy Cookie Jars

SOURCE CREDIT: McCoy Pottery

The following list is comprised of McCoy Cookie Jars dating from the Late 30s to the Present day. Each Cookie Jar is listed by year, not by “Number”.

#2, Concave Shape, Yellow clay, floral decoration., Produced in the mid-’30s hey

#1, Ball Shape, Honeycomb design on heavy pottery., Produced in the late ’30s hey

#3, Old Milk Can Shape, tall, hand decorated, molded handles, Produced from 1939-1944 hey

#4, Bean Pot Shape, 4-quart, open handles, hand decorated., Produced from 1939-1944 hey

#5, Bean Pot Shape, 6-pint, open handles, hand decorated., Produced in 1939 hey

#6, Tilt Pitcher, cookie jar or beverage pitcher., Produced in 1939 hey

#7, Round Ball Shape, 6-pint, molded handles., Produced from 1939-1944 hey

#8, Mammy with Cauliflowers, hand decorated, basic white., Produced in 1939 hey

#10, Hillbilly Bear, Limited, Produced in the early 1940s hey

#15, Hobnail Pattern, round ball shape., Produced in 1940 hey

#18, Penguin, Called this in the catalogs., Produced in 1940-43 hey

#12, Concave Shape, hand decorated., Produced in 1942 hey

#16, Cookie Boy, Hand decorated in plain colors, Produced in 1944 hey

#17, Mammy, Originally made with lettering., Produced in 1944-47 hey

#19, Clown, Bust hand decorated, Produced in 1945-47 hey

#20, Elephant, With split trunk., Produced in 1945 hey

#21, Barrel Shape, Shape like Dutch Boy cookie jar, Produced in 1945 hey

#22, Bear, Cookie in vest., Produced in 1945. hey

#23, Turkey, Hand decorated in white or brown., Produced in 1945 hey

#25, Dutch Girl, round shape., Produced in 1946 hey

#26, Dutch Boy/Dutch Girl, barrel shape., Produced in 1946 hey

#28, Cylinder, block handles, half circle finial., Produced in 1946-1954 hey

#30, Square Jar, hand decorated, Produced in 1947 hey

#31, Hexagon Jar, square handles., Produced in 1947 hey

#33, Bunch of Bananas, , Produced 1948-52 hey

#34, Hobby Horse, hand decorated., Produced from 1948-53 hey

#36, Mother Goose, Hand Decorated., Produced 1948-52 hey

#20, Apple, Yellow or aqua., Produced in 1950-64 hey

#56, Two Kittens in a Basket, Made in 1950’s, Produced in 1950’s hey

#18, Pear, Basic yellow or aqua., Produced 1952-57 hey

#38, Owls, Mr. and Mrs. Owl, Produced 1952-55 hey

#37, Decorated Honey Bear, On the side of a tree., Produced 1953-55 hey

#40, Clown, In barrel., Produced 1953-55 hey

#41, Elephant, All of trunk on lid., Produced in 1953 hey

#24, Kittens on Ball of Yarn, Three little kittens., Produced 1954-55 hey

#50, Indian, First models made for Pontiac Motors, Produced from 1954-56 hey

#50, The Original Pontiac Indian, , Produced from 1954 , I think ? hey

#52, Pineapple, Natural Colors, Produced 1955-57 hey

#53, Pumpkin, Jack-o-Lantern, Produced 1955 hey

#54, Strawberry, Red with white drip glaze with green cover., Produced from 1955-57 hey

#20, Apple, Red with gold leaf., Produced in 1956-57 hey

#55, Rooster, Introduced in 1956 with brown blend., Produced in 1956-58 hey

#97, Stage Coach, hand decorated., Produced in 1956 hey

#126, Kitten on Basketweave, White cover with pink base., Produced from 1956-59 hey

#127, Lamb on Basketweave, Brown cover with brown base., Produced 1956-57 hey

#128, Dog on basketweave, Black cover, with black cover., Produced in 1956 and 1957 hey

#129, Duck on Basketweave, Yellow cover with yellow base, Produced in 1956 hey

#132, Humpty Dumpty, Huxford lists it as #132, Produced around 1956? hey

#136, Cookie Cabin, Ivory with brown., Produced 1956-60 hey

#137, Teepee, Hand decorated, Produced 1956-59 hey

#138, Floral Cookie Jar, Plain oval shape., Produced 1956-57 hey

#133, Pine Cones on Basket weave, , Produced in 1957 hey

#134, Apples on Basket weave, , Produced in 1957 hey

#135, Pears on Basket weave, , Produced in 1957 hey

#140, Davy Crockett, Hand decorated., Produced in 1957 hey

#139, Hen on Nest, Brown hen and yellow nest., Produced 1958-59 hey

#143, Lollipops, White with hand-painted lollipops., Produced from 1958-60 hey

#144, Jug (Cookie Jug), Two sizes., Produced 1958-70 hey

#145, Modern, white with red “Cookies”, Produced in 1958 hey

#147, Barrel, “Cookies” sign on front., Produced 1958-68 hey

#151, Cookie House, , Produced 1958-60 hey

#153, Wren House, “Two Colors”, Produced 1958-60 hey

#155, Tulip, “Flower Pot Shape”, Produced 1958-59 hey

#156, Corn, “Ear of Corn”, Produced 1958-59 hey

#174, Christmas Tree, Hand decorated., Produced in 1959. hey

#148, Covered Wagon, “Cookies Wagon”, Produced 1960-61 hey

#170, Drum, , Produced 1960 hey

#171, Kookie Kettle, , Produced 1960-77 hey

#172, Chipmunk, , Produced 1960-61 hey

#173, Globe, Aqua, Produced 1960-63 hey

#175, Animal Crackers, , Produced in 1960 hey

#28, Wheat on Mother of Pearl Glaze, , Produced in 1961 hey

#28, Amberware Finish, Brown jar, yellow “Cookies”, Produced in 1961 hey

#157, Fruit in Basket, “Bushel Basket”, Produced in 1961 hey

#158, Gingerbread Boy, “On barrel shape”, Produced in 1961 hey

#207, McCoy Train Engine Cookie Jars, , Produced in 1962-64 hey

#146, Barrel, “Cookies” sign on front., Produced 1969-72 hey

#145, Cookie Jug, New design, Produced 1971-78 hey

#148, Bear, “Hamm’s Bear”, Produced 1972 hey

#150, Pig, “Winking Pig”, Produced 1972 hey

#151, Rag Doll, “Raggedy Ann”, Produced 1972-75 hey

#152, Barnum’s Animals, “Nabisco Wagon”, Produced 1972-73 hey

#153, W.C. Fields, “Snack Jar”, Produced in 1972-1974 hey

#154, Early American Milk Can, , Produced 1972-74 hey

#156, Canister, “Flower Burst”, Produced 1972-73 hey

#157, Pepper, , Produced 1972-80 hey

#158, Burlap Bag, “Two different covers”, Produced 1972-77 hey

#159, Grandma, “Granny”, Produced 1972-75 hey

#141, Panda Bear, , Produced in 1978 hey

#142, Bear and Barrel, Hand decorated., Produced in 1978. hey

#143, Bear and Beehive, Hand decorated, Produced 1983-1987

Examples of McCoy Cookie Jars & Their Values

The value of a McCoy Cookie Jar is dependent on the condition, the age, and the rarity of that specific piece. Generally speaking, the basic shaped/colored McCoy Cookie Jars will sell for up to $50 USD, the less common shaped/colored jars for up to $100 USD, and the rare shaped/colored jars sell for up to $500 USD. If the McCoy Cookie Jar is a highly sought-after shape and color, the auction price may even exceed $500 USD.

Collectors often look for McCoy cookie jars in good condition with no chips, cracks, or discoloration. McCoy cookie jars from the 1940s and 1950s are particularly desirable. Some of the most valuable and sought-after McCoy cookie jars include the McCoy Circus Elephant, the McCoy Snowman, the McCoy Dutch Boy, the McCoy Big Top Clown, the McCoy Flying Saucer, the McCoy Santa Head, the McCoy Christmas Tree, the McCoy Drummer Boy, and the McCoy Uncle Sam. The most expensive McCoy cookie jar to date, sold at auction was a rare McCoy Flying Saucer cookie jar, which sold for $12,000 in 2011.

When speaking about other valuable McCoy Cookie Jars, the cookie jars produced in the early years of the company’s production also fit into the most valuable category. The Mammy with Cauliflower cookie jar is thought to be the first crafted by the McCoy company and thus is highly desired by keen collectors. The Mammy with Cauliflower cookie jar can fetch anywhere between $600 to $1000. Jars made by the McCoy company although commissioned by brands such as Coca-Cola and Harley Davidson are also valuable pieces at auctions today.

Jars crafted by the McCoy company although commissioned by brands such as Coca-Cola and Harley Davidson are also valuable pieces at auctions today. These jars featured the iconic Coca-Cola logo, as well as other company logos, and often had a bright, fun design. Later jars had more intricate designs, and some even featured a “Coke Girl” with her hands on her hips. Generally, these jars can range in price from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars.

Here you’ll find just a few McCoy cookie jars and their prices available on eBay.

ANTIQUE MCCOY COOKIE JAR (ICE CREAM CHURN / COFFEE GRINDER DESIGN ) – $3,500.00

McCoy Ltd. Gold Bow Christmas Tree Cookie Jar #277/575 Signed by Both McCoys! – $2,000.00

Rare Vintage Handle Eggplant glazed Cookie Jar Hard to Find Rare 1950’s Large – $700.00

After viewing all the vibrant McCoy Cookie Jars, you might be questioning if they will actually keep your cookies fresh.
Yes, vintage McCoy cookie jars can keep food fresh, provided they are in good condition and can be properly sealed. The jar should not have any cracks, chips, or other damage that could allow air and moisture to get in and spoil the food. If you intend on using the jar you purchase to store food in, ensure the seal is in good condition, alternatively, you might choose to pre-wrap the contents you pop inside.

You can find more vintage Tonka Truck values in our related article, Vintage Tonka Trucks with Price Guide.

In 1946, a company by the name ‘Mound Metalcraft’ was founded by Lynn Everett Baker, Avery F. Crounse, and Alvin F. Tesch. The Mound Metalcraft companies main product line was metal gardening tools, although, during 1947, they branched out and began producing a small line of metal children’s toys. A steam shovel and crane were among the first toys produced under the Mound Metalcraft name, of which they sold a record number of 37, 000 in the first year of production. The companies founders saw a hole in the market at the time, and leaving behind the gardening sector, they began producing more metal trucks aimed at young boys in particular. By 1955, the company had a name change and began trading under Tonka Toys Incorporated, a name we can much relate to metal toy trucks today.

In this article, we will delve into the world of vintage toy Tonka Trucks and highlight the value of differing models.

While the brains behind the Tonka Toys Incorporated company began out making other metal goods, in 1955 the Tonka Truck became the new identity of the company.

What are Metal Tonka Trucks?

Metal Tonka Trucks are children’s play trucks, many construction themed. These much-loved toys were crafted from metal originally although as time went on, the company began making more and more of their trucks out of plastic. This has since heightened the value of original metal Tonka Trucks.

The metal trucks crafted by the Tonka Toys Incorporated company were originally made out of 20-gauge automotive steel and the wheels sported solid rubber. The trucks produced generally stood between 12 and 24 inches tall. Many children fell in love with the designs of the trucks which appeared similar to the motor vehicles produced by the Ford Motor Company.

The classic Tonka Truck has changed faces multiple times over the years, with adjustments such as the wheels changing from rubber to plastic. In 1991, the company was purchased by Hasbro, a giant in the children’s toy industry. Since then, many other children’s toys have been released under the Tonka name although their basic trucks still remain their best-selling item.

1955: Tonka Trucks came in red, tires were made from molded black rubber, wheel covers were aluminum, and they had no glass windows as such.
1956: Tonka Trucks were produced in metallic blue and orange as well as the original red color.
1958: Some Tonka Trucks began featuring a plastic window shield.
1965: The cab of many Tonka Trucks was now enclosed with glass windows. The tires were produced from plastic known as the ‘TX-500 Lifetime Tire’.
1968: Internal seats and a steering wheel crafted from plastic were added.

List of Regular Vintage Tonka Trucks and Their Model Numbers 1950’s and 1960’s

Below you can find hundreds upon hundreds of different Tonka Truck models that were produced during the 1950s and the 1960s. This is when the company solely produced their trucks and cars from metal. These decades were very busy times for the Tonka Truck Incorporated company as thousands of boys and girls requested Tonka Trucks for their birthdays and Christmas.
* (Find value in the table at the bottom of the article)

• Model #02 Pick-up Truck*
• Model #03 Utility Truck
• Model #04 Farm Stake Truck
• Model #05 Sportsman
• Model #06 Tonka Dump Truck
• Model #08 Steam Shovel
• Model #08 Dump Truck
• Model #10 Parcel Delivery Truck
• Model #12 All-Weather Road Grader
• Model #14 Tonka Logger
• Model #16 Tonka Gasoline Truck
• Model #18 Tonka Wrecker*
• Model #20 Hydraulic Dump Truck*
• Model #22 Lumber Truck
• Model #24 Rescue Squad Truck
• Model #26 Pick-up with Box Trailer
• Model #28 Pick-up with Stake Trailer and Animal
• Model #29 Sportsman with Box Trailer
• Model #30 Tonka Cargo King
• Model #32 Tonka Stock Rack with Animals
• Model #33 Gasoline Truck
• Model #34 Deluxe Sportsman
• Model #34 Thunderbird Express
• Model #35 Farm Stake with 2 Horse Trailer
• Model #36 Livestock Van
• Model #37 Thunderbird Express
• Model #38 Allied Moving Van
• Model #39 Nationwide Moving Van
• Model #40 Shovel and Carry-All Trailer
• Model #40 Car Carrier
• Model #41 Boat Transport
• Model #41 Hi-Way Service Truck
• Model #42 “Big Mike” Dual Hydraulic Dump Truck
• Model #43 Shovel and Carry All
• Model #44 3-in-1 Hi-Way Service Truck
• Model #45 “Big Mike” Dual Hydraulic Dump Truck with Snow Plow
• Model #46 Suburban Pumper
• Model #48 Hydraulic Aerial Ladder
• Model #50 Steam Shovel
• Model #100 Bulldozer
• Model #101 Golf Club Tractor
• Model #103 Service Truck
• Model #105 Rescue Squad
• Model #110 Fisherman
• Model #116 Dump Truck and Sandloader
• Model #117 Boat Service Truck
• Model # 118 Giant Dozer
• Model #120 Cement Mixer*
• Model #120 Carry-All Trailer #50 Steam Shovel
• Model #130 Deluxe Fisherman
• Model #134 Grading Service Dump and Dozer
• Model #136 Houseboat and Pick-up
• Model #140 Tonka Toys Transport
• Model #140 Sanitary Service Truck
• Model #142 Mobile Clam
• Model #145 Steel Carrier
• Model #146 Giant Dozer and Trailer
• Model #175 Utility Hauler
• Model #180 Dump Truck
• Model #200 “Jeep” Dispatcher
• Model #201 Ser-vi-car
• Model #249 “Jeep” Universal
• Model #250 Tractor
• Model #250 Wrecker Truck*
• Model #251 Military “Jeep” Universal
• Model #252 Air Force “Jeep”
• Model #300 Bulldozer
• Model #301 Utility Dump
• Model #302 Pick-up*
• Model #304 “Jeep” Commander
• Model #308 Stake Pick-up
• Model #315 Dump
• Model #324 Houseboat
• Model #350 “Jeep” Surrey
• Model #352 Loader
• Model #354 Style-Side Pick-up
• Model #375 “Jeep” Wrecker
• Model #380 Troop Carrier*
• Model #384 Military “Jeep” and Box Trailer
• Model #400 Allied Furniture Van
• Model #402 Loader
• Model #404 Farm Stake Truck
• Model #405 Sportsman
• Model #406 Dump Truck
• Model #410 Jet Delivery
• Model #420 Luggage Service
• Model #422 Backhoe
• Model #425 “Jeep” Pumper*
• Model #500 Livestock Van
• Model #504 Stake Pick-up and Trailer
• Model #512 Road Grader,
• Model #514 Dragline
• Model #516 “Jeep” Runabout
• Model #518 Wrecker
• Model #520 Hydraulic Dump
• Model #522 Style-Side Pick-up and Trailer
• Model #524 Dozer Packer
• Model #525 “Jeep” and Horse Trailer
• Model #526 Shovel
• Model #528 Pick-up and Trailer
• Model #530 Camper*
• Model #534 Trencher
• Model #536 Giant Dozer
• Model #537 Giant Dozer
• Model #550 Grain Hauler
• Model #575 Tonka Logger
• Model #600 Tonka Road Grader
• Model #612 Dragline
• Model #616 Dump Truck and Sandloader
• Model #618 Giant Dozer
• Model #620 Cement Mixer
• Model #625 Stake Pick-up and Horse Trailer
• Model #640 Ramp Hoist*
• Model #650 Green Giant Transport
• Model #675 Tonka Trailer Fleet
• Model #690 Sanitary Service
• Model #700 Aerial Ladder Truck
• Model #720 Terminal Train
• Model #725 Starkist Van
• Model #725-5 Minute-Maid Van
• Model #735 Farm Stake and Horse Trailer
• Model #739 Allied Moving Van
• Model #750 Parcel Delivery
• Model #750-5 Carnation Milk Truck
• Model #775 Road Builder Set
• Model #800-5 Aerial Sand Loader
• Model #825-5 Aerial Sand Loader Set
• Model #834 Grading Service
• Model #840 Car Carrier
• Model #850-5 Lumber Truck
• Model #860-5 Stake Truck
• Model #875-5 Builders Supply Set
• Model #880 Pick-Up Truck
• Model #900 Tonka Fire Department
• Model #910 Bottom Dump
• Model #926 Pumper
• Model #942 Mobile Clam
• Model #1001 Trencher and Lowboy
• Model #1348 Aerial Ladder

Metal Tonka Truck Sets

Once the company began seeing that the metal Tonka Trucks they sold separately were popular presents, they began marketing sets. There were a number of different Tonka Truck Sets sold during the 1950s and 1960s, and you can find their name and model number below:

• Model #B-200 Tonka Trailer Rental Set
• Model #B-202 Tonka Stock Farm
• Model #B-204 Tonka Truck Trailer Rental
• Model #B-206 Tonka Trailer Fleet
• Model #B-207 Hi-Way Construction Set
• Model #B-208 State Hi-Way Department
• Model #B-209 Deluxe Farm Set
• Model #B-210 Road Builder Set
• Model #B-211 State Hi-Way Department Set
• Model #B-213 Tonka Fire Department Set
• Model #B-215 Bulk Storage Set
• Model #B-216 Road Builder Set
• Model #B-218 Paving Department Set
• Model #B-219 Construction Set and one accessory set
• Model #2100 Airport Service Set
• Model #2110 Marina Set
• Model #2120 Farm Set
• Model #2130 Super Service Set
• Model #2140 Outdoor Living Set
• Model #2150 Road Builder Set
• Model #2170 Military Set
• Model #2175 Construction Set
• Model #2190 Construction Set

Metal Tonka Truck Accessories

The company behind the highly profitable Tonka Trucks didn’t stop at just producing vehicles; they also started marketing a range of accessories. The accessories sold were to accompany the construction-themed vehicles. The accessories were sold in sets separate from the vehicles. The accessories enabled children’s minds to run wild as this gave them animals to put in their farm truck or road signage to set up a little city scene. A number of accessory packs sold during the 1950s and 1960s can be found below:

• Model #125 Animals
• Model #AC-300 Hi-Way Sign Set
• Model #AC-302 Tonka Stock Corral
• Model #AC-304 Tonka Farm Animals
• Model #AC-306 Scraper Blade with Mounting Bracket
• Model #AC-308 “V” Blade Snow Plow with Mounting Bracket
• Model #AC-310 Tonka Box Trailer
• Model #AC-311 Boat Trailer
• Model #AC-312 Stake Trailer
• Model #AC-314 Horse Trailer and 2 Horses
• Model #316 Corral and 4 Animals
• Model #AC-318 Scraper Blade and Snow Plow with Mounting Bracket
• Model #AC-320 Hi-Way Sign Set
• Model #325 Animals

Tonka Truck Mini Series (Began 1963)

While the regular-sized Tonka Truck sales were reaching new heights, the company still was thinking up new designs and one was the mini-series which featured miniature versions of the regular-sized construction themed trucks/cars. The mini Tonka Truck series was designed for smaller hands to play with such as toddlers and the production of these little Tonka’s began in 1963.

• Model #30 “Jeep” Dispatcher
• Model #40 “Jeep” Commander
• Model #42 Beach Buggy
• Model #50 Pick-up
• Model #56 Stake Truck
• Model #60 Dump
• Model #62 “Jeep” Wagoneer
• Model #64 Hi-Way Patrol Wagoneer
• Model #66 Fire Chief
• Model #68 Wrecker
• Model #70 Camper
• Model #72 Fire Fighter
• Model #76 Grader
• Model #77 Mixer
• Model #80 Wagoneer and Trailer
• Model #82 Pick-up and Horse Trailer
• Model #86 Van (semi)
• Model #88 Van (semi)
• Model #90 Livestock Van
• Model #96 Car Carrier
• Model #98 Allied Moving Van
• Model #102 Sportsman Set,
• Model #103 Mini 3 Pack: Pick-up, Stake and Wrecker
• Model #104 Stables Set
• Model #106 Farm Set
• Model #110 Contractor Set
• Model #150 Yellow Volkswagen
• Model #152 Blue Volkswagen
• Model #154 Green Volkswagen
• Model #156 Red Volkswagen

Tiny Tonka Truck Series (Began 1968)

Even smaller than the mini-series was the Tiny Tonka Truck series that was produced during 1968 and in the years that followed. Below are a number of mini-series Tonka Trucks:

• Model #432 Smart Cart
• Model # 434 Rat-A-Tat-Tat
• Model #436 Rumble Bee
• Model #438 Taxi
• Model #450 Mod Rod
• Model #452 Draggin’ Wagon
• Model #454 Scorcher
• Model #456 Stinger
• Model #458 Frantic Fliver
• Model #495 Dozer
• Model #503 Fun Buggy with Top
• Model #515 Pick-up
• Model #521 Loader
• Model #527 Dump Stake
• Model #535 Dump
• Model #555 Wrecker
• Model #575 Cement Mixer
• Model #580 School Bus
• Model #585 Snap Dragon
• Model #595 Pumper
• Model #615 Sanitary Service
• Model #635 Car Carrier
• Model #655 Bottom Dump
• Model #675 Aerial Ladder
• Model #695 Lowboy and Dozer
• Model #810 Transportation Set
• Model #815 Construction Set
• Model #825 Crazy A’s Set.

Tonka Truck Mighty Series (Began 1964-1972)

The company produced Tonka Trucks that were larger than the regular sized vehicles which went by the name ‘Mighty Tonka Trucks’. These were popular amongst older children. The series ran from 1964 until 1972.

• Model #2900 Mighty Tonka Dump
• Model #2905 Mighty Tonka Clam
• Model #2920 Mighty Loader
• Model #2930 Mighty Shovel
• Model #2935 Mighty Scraper
• Model #2940 Mighty Mobile Crane
• Model #2990 Mighty Car Carrier

Private Label Vintage Tonka Trucks

While the company was producing their popular lines of construction-style trucks and vans, they would also produce specialty trucks for companies that approached them. The private label vintage Tonka Trucks were crafted by Tonka Trucks Incorporated although rather than including their label, they would add the label of the company for which the truck was crafted. They were not mass-produced like their other trucks, making them somewhat more valuable and harder to come by. Below you can find a number of private-label vintage Tonka Trucks:

• 1953 G. Fox Semi Truck
• 1953 Meier and Frank Semi
• 1953 Our Own Hardware Semi
• 1953 Green Giant Utility Hauler Truck
• 1954 G Fox and Co. Metro Van
• 1954 Stix Baer Fuller Metro Van
• 1954 RCD Fast Freight Semi
• 1954 Hardware Hank Box Van
• 1955 Jewel Tea Semi and Trailer
• 1955 Cross Country Semi
• 1956 Kroger Semi and Trailer
• 1957 United Van Lines Semi
• 1958 Gambles Pickup 02
• 1959 Red Owl Semi
• 1960 Standard Oil Tanker Semi
• 1960 Flavor Kist Semi
• 1961 Bruce Terminix Service Truck
• 1964 Terminix Covered Pickup

A 1961 Tonka Green Giant stake bed truck Ford farm private label sold for $685.00 USD recently. This shows the value of vintage private label Tonka Trucks. This truck is pictured below.

How Much are Metal Tonka Trucks Worth?

The ‘Baby Boomers’ generation (those born from 1946 until 1964) can be thanked for the increasing value of metal vintage Tonka Trucks. The aspiration for many who wish to acquire a vintage Tonka Truck is due to the nostalgic value they hold. Toy collectors often love acquiring items they once played with as a child themselves, or toys that their ancestors loved as children so there is no surprise that Tonka Trucks are highly sought after in recent times as those who loved them as children are reaching prime collecting age.

It is rare to find a Tonka Truck in mint condition still within its original box. It is almost unheard of, and for this reason, those that have stashed their Tonka away from rough children’s hands may have a small fortune to cash in on. For the majority of those who have kept their childhood Tonka Truck, it is more than likely looking a little worn, showing its age with spots of rust.

After 1961, Tonka Trucks Incorporated introduced a line of toy trucks that required batteries to turn on lights or make sounds. Many of the battery compartments of these trucks have rusted over the years, and while these may have been highly sought after when they were released to toy shops during the 1960s, collectors today steer clear from these and would rather purchase the simple metal trucks produced in the earlier years of Tonka production, specifically those mentioned above within our list from the 1950s and 1960s.

Tonka Trucks are highly sought vintage toys, especially by those who played with them during their own childhood.

At this current point, Tonka Trucks in good condition from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s are being listed for anywhere between $100.00 and $300.00. The nostalgic value these metal trucks have to their owners is sometimes more valuable than the money they are worth. Some owners choose to repurpose their trucks into things such as planters rather than trying to make a penny in the resale market.

Cabover Dump Truck Tonka Toys 1953

This specific model was produced by the Tonka Truck Incorporated company from 1948 until 1953. This dump truck is model #180. Crafted from pressed steel and red and green in color, this was a vibrant vehicle and is valued between $200.00 and $400.00 USD today. In April 2019, this model sold for $100.00 USD.

Round-Fendered Pickup Tonka Truck (1954-1957)

Crafted to look like a classic ‘Ford’ from the 1950s, the Round-Fendered Pickup was a popular Tonka Truck from the early years of the company.

This model was first produced in 1954, and due to the age of these trucks, if they are still in working condition, they can sell for a worthy amount of money. Due to the age of this vehicle, it is valued up to $1000.00 USD, but of course like anything the value will depend on the current condition.

Series: Hi-Way

Worth: Up to $1000.00

Ford Cab Over Engine Livestock Tonka Truck (1953)

The bed of this truck was made of wood, and due to that, this model has seemed to last the test of time better than the later models where the entire truck was crafted from metal. The ramp at the back of this truck drops down so that the ‘livestock’ could be unloaded.

This truck allowed children’s imaginations to run wild, especially when they were also gifted the animal set produced by the Tonka Truck company. The cab alone of this vehicle sells for upwards of $70.00 USD. This vehicle was model #500 and was produced by the company for a number of years beginning in 1953.

Series: Semi Trucks

Worth: $200.00 – $1000.00 USD

During August 2021, a Ford Round Fender Cab Over Livestock in mint condition sold for $885.00 USD

Stake Truck with Trailer and Horses (1958)

Model #35, a fancy farm stake truck with a horse trailer sold in 2021 for $440.00 USD. This vintage truck and trailer were popular among horse-loving young boys and girls during 1958 when it was released.

Worth: $400.00 – $500.00 USD

Vintage 1950’s and 1960’s Metal Tonka Trucks Auction Value

In the table below you can find a number of vintage metal, Tonka Trucks produced during the ’50s and ’60s, and the value they sold for at auction in today’s society. This table may give you some idea of how much the vintage Tonka Truck you have on hand is worth.

After World War II, the popularity of comic books grew further, more than likely due to the inspirational stories where good overruled evil during a time period where life looked grim for many. The superhero comics are what come to mind for many although let’s not forget other great comics released during the 1900’s such as the Walt Disney comics that featured the very well-known and loved Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck.

The first comic books were dull, only printed in black and white. As time and technology progressed so did the inks and colorful comic books began popping up on shelves. Now in a time period where printed comics are becoming scarce with many turning to technology for their books and of course comics, some of the paper comics sold during the early 1900s are seeing their price tags rise if they’ve been kept in pristine condition for all these years.

Popular Comic Book Franchises

Some of the popular comic book franchises include Spider-Man, Superman, X-Men, Batman, Green Lantern, and The Incredible Hulk. But there is so much more to comic book collecting. Let’s take a deeper dive and explore the value and worth of a range of vintage comic books.

The History of Comic books

Comic books have been published for more than a century, and collectors categorize them into five ‘Ages’:
Platinum (1897-1937), Golden (1938-55), Silver (1956-69), Bronze (1970-79), and Modern (1980-present).

“The Platinum Age”

This is where it all began. One of the first newspaper comic strips, which came before comic books, was Hogan’s Alley. It was published in 1895 by Richard Felton Outcalt and debuted what we now know as ‘speech bubbles’.

Richard Felton Outcault was an American cartoonist. He was the creator of the series The Yellow Kid and Buster Brown. He was considered a key pioneer of the modern comic strip.

The Yellow Kid In McFadden’s Flats

The lead character, The Yellow Kid, had his own book, “The Yellow Kid in McFadden’s Flats.” It was printed in 1897 and was when the term ‘comic book’ began. It also marks the beginning of the Platinum Age, which ran until 1937.

Subsequent newspaper comic strips such as Mutt and Jeff were reprinted in the form of books. After this publishers began experimenting with weekly comic books. The weekly comic books would sell for 10 cents at newsstands. This was prior to superhero coming and was mostly made up of tales of detectives, criminals, travel, and adventure.

The Phantom

The first costumed hero was The Phantom, who debuted in 1936, and wore a purple costume and black mask. This one is listed for $79.20 on eBay.

“The Golden Age”

The Golden Age began in 1937 when comic books previously aimed at adults, were now focused on kids.

Action Comics

In 1938, a brand new series, Action Comics, was published by DC. Action comics introduced the world to Superman, the first comic book character with superhuman abilities.

This restore #38 is selling for $500 on eBay.

Batman followed a year later, in Detective Comics #27 and Superman got his own comic book in 1939. This created the new format we have come to know in comic books today.

This Batman with the introduction of Robin is listed at $4500.00 on eBay.

The Golden Age lasted until 1955 with other characters being introduced. They included: Captain Marvel, The Green Lantern, The Flash, Captain America, and Wonder Woman.

“The Silver Age”

The Silver Age brought us The Flash and Marvel artists such as Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and others created some of the best comics, including superhero teams like Fantastic Four, the Avengers, and the X-Men.

Spider-Man first appeared in 1962 to great success, among some of the lesser-known characters such as Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, and Dr. Doom.

This Spider-Man is listed at $1657.00 on eBay.

“The Bronze Age”

The Bronze Age (1970-1979) introduced us to the Falcon and comics got more realistic. Green Lantern and Green Arrow teamed up to take on real issues such as urban crime and drug abuse.

This issue is selling for a cool $43,999 on eBay!

“The Modern Age”

The Modern Age would include any comic book from 1980 to the present. While these are less desirable to comic book collectors, they are still nice to have in a collection.

How Much Are My Comics Worth? – Determining the Value of a Vintage Comic Book

As with most collectibles, rarity, title, issue, and condition would normally determine value, however, one or more of those may interest a particular character regardless of condition. While some of the older comics are valuable, amongst the most sought after are the action/superhero comics by DC. The popularity of these comics is more than likely due to many of the character’s appearances in movies and television shows giving today’s society additional exposure to the original comic book characters.

While comic books were sold for a mere 10 cents up until 1961 when they increased to 12 cents each, it is hard to fathom what the right buyer would pay in today’s society for an original comic book.

To determine the value of the comic book you possess, you can attempt to grade it yourself or employ someone to do so. When grading the condition of your comic, you will be looking and feeling to see if it has any marks, tears, pages missing or incomplete, soiling, or marks. All these things decrease the overall value of the vintage comic book.

When trying to determine the value of your comic book, it is important to identify when the comic book was released. Complete some research online using the title name of the comic book you have, and generally, you will find the release date as the majority of comic books have been recorded in some way or another. If you find that the comic you have on hand is not currently in demand, there may be no hurt in holding the comic for years to come to see if it increases in value as trends change, and new remakes of original movies and series are released.

What is the Rarest and Most Expensive Comic Book?

Rarest Vintage Comic Book

The ‘New Adventure Comics #26’ wins first place for the ‘Rarest Comic Book’.

According to the CGC database, there are only 9 registered copies of New Adventure Comics #26, making it the rarest comic book in the world. New Adventure Comics #26 was first published in 1938, during the early days of DC Comics. This comic book originally retailed for 10 cents, but with no surprise due to its rarity, an auction during 2011 saw one of the nine copies sell for close to $8000.00 USD.

Most Expensive Vintage Comic Book

When speaking of the most expensive comic book, recent auctions have seen the prices of many early superhero comic books sell for breathtaking prices. The Action Comics #1 edition would make any owner rich enough to quit their day job.

This comic published in 1938 was the first time we were introduced to Superman. In 2021, Action Comics #1 in well-kept condition, more than likely the best kept of its kind in existence, broke records when it sold at auction for $3.2 Million USD. While there were thousands of these comic books produced during its time, it is estimated that only 100 copies are still in existence.

If you’re now searching your grandma’s house in hopes of finding an old comic hidden amongst other dusty books, you’ll also want to keep your eye out for any of the following comic books. These too could see you pocketing a fortune:

• Detective Comics #27 – This 1939 comic book was our first glimpse at the superhero by the name ‘Batman’. It is likely that less than 200 of this comic book are still in existance. This makes them rare and in turn desirable. This comic sold during 2020 for $1.5 million USD.
• Marvel Comics #1 – This comic book can sell for up to $1.2 million USD due to its rarity with only about 26 copies left in the world. It was released during 1939 and was the first time we were introduced to Sub-Mariner and the Human Torch.
• Amazing Fantasy #15 – No suprise that this comic book is so popular due to the fact it is the first time we are introduced to the much loved ‘Spiderman’ superhero. When it was released it was in demand from those of all ages and while there were many copies sold during the 1960s, even still, a pristine copy fetched $1.1 million USD at auction.

If you enjoyed this post, ‘How Much Are My Comics Worth?’ be sure to check out our related posts below!

In this post, Collecting Coca-Cola with Price Guides, we’ll outline some of the higher-priced collectible pieces.

History of Coca-Cola Memorabilia

According to AntiqueTrader.com, Coca-Cola collecting gained popularity in the 1900s. There were trays, calendars, signs – you name it, and Coca-Cola probably printed advertising onto it. The items are widely distributed all across the USA and around the world. This sign was listed at $1500.00 USD on eBay.

Store owners and gas stations used signs made of both metal and cardboard to advertise seasonally or for special promotions and then just discarded them. These items are now highly sought after by collectors across the globe. Newer items are not as desirable, but collectors are very interested in items that were produced from the late 1800s until the late 1960s.

Coca-Cola Collectibles

While there is no limit on what collectors will find value in, when speaking about Coca-Cola you may find many of the following in a keen collectors cabinet:

• Limited Edition/Vintage Bottles and Cans
• Calendars
• Signs
• Drink Trays
• Cardboard Cutouts
• Bottle Openers
• Posters
• Playing Cards
• Children’s Toys
• Vinyl Records
• Clocks
• Soda Fountains/Soda Machines
• Military Items

While some collectors enjoy seeking out a variety of Cola-Cola items, others prefer to have a specific collection of one type of item such as cans or bottles. Coca-Cola has released thousands of limited edition/commemorative cans as well as glass and plastic bottles over the years which make for a nice collector’s item. As the company grew, the bottle in which the drink was served changed, and in 1915, the shape of the glass Coca-Cola bottles we know today was created and stuck with the company and became almost an icon. If you are a keen Coca-Cola collector, you’d be only lucky enough to get your hands on a pre-1900’s glass bottle, known as a Hutchinsons bottle which can fetch more than $2000 in the right antique market. In general terms, Coca-Cola branded items that can be dated back to before 1900 are the most valuable to collectors and often have the highest auction price tags.

While some of the rare commemorative bottles can be dated back to the 1930s and 1940s, the 1980s was when the Coca-Cola company really began producing bottles to commemorate events or people. Coca-Cola is one of the leading sponsors for many major sporting events, and the Olympic games, so you can find many collector’s items based around sport.

Coca-Cola Price Guides

Soda Water Advertising

This interest was mainly sparked by a book called Soda Water Advertising authored by Jim Cope in 1971. According to AntiqueTrader.com, soon afterward in the same year, a man named Shelly Goldstein started publishing yellow softcover Coca-Cola price guides with the items in full color.

The Illustrated Guide to the Collectibles of Coca-Cola

In 1972, a 352-page hard-cover book appeared written by Cecil Munsey called “The Illustrated Guide to the Collectibles of Coca-Cola.”

Coca-Cola Collectibles Price Guide

In 1974, the first edition of “Coca-Cola Collectibles Price Guide” by Allan Petretti came out and has seen 12 editions in print, with the last one appearing in 2008. This text-only 645-page guide is still the quintessential reference book for Coca-Cola collectors today.

Collecting Coca-Cola with Price Guides Auctions

Pressed Steel Metalcraft Coca-Cola Truck With Box

Toys are always very popular with collectors and this 11″ truck in “very good to excellent” condition was no exception. It included the 10 original glass bottles and the box minus the end flaps. At Morphy Auctions in 2009, it sold for $702.00 USD.

Coca-Cola Tin Thermometer

In near-mint condition and with only a few minor surface scratches, this 9 inch 1950’s thermometer was sold at Morphy Auctions in 2008 for $287.50 USD.

Coca-Cola Norman Rockwell Serving Tray

This serving tray, dated c. 1931, featuring Norman Rockwell artwork depicting a young boy enjoying a Coke measures 13-1/4 by 10-1/2 inches. The selling price was $600 USD at Morphy Auctions in 2013. Interesting to note that a near-mint version of this very tray sold at auction for $1,610 in 2010!

Coca-Cola Life-Size Cardboard Military Girl Sign

Produced during World War II, this 1940’s life-size stand-up sign (24 by 64 inches) sold for $287.50 in 2008 at Morphy Auctions.

Cardboard Coca-Cola Santa Easel-Back Display

Santa Claus and Coca-Cola advertising went hand in hand and understandably, memorabilia with Santa on is desirable among collectors. This 1950’s die-cut cardboard easel-backed display piece sold in 2008 for $258.75 at Morphy Auctions. It measured 36 inches wide by 48 inches tall and was considered to be in excellent condition even though it had a small closed tear at the bottom, minor marks, and light wear.

FURTHER READING:

You might also be interested in this related post: Antique Coca-Cola and Coronation Price Guide

The history of the Tonka truck

Tonka was the brainchild of Lynn Everett Baker, Avery F. Crounse and Alvin F. Tesch in 1946, but it didn’t start out as Tonka … and they didn’t start out making toy trucks. Mound Metalcraft was founded in 1946 and were manufacturing tie racks of all things.

Why is it called Tonka?

Tesch played around with some old toy concepts left by their building’s previous tenants, and gave the toys the name “Tanka,” which means “big” in Dakota Sioux. The name Tonka itself comes from Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota!

The metal tie racks were not a hit – but the toy trucks were and in 1955, the company officially changed its name to Tonka Toys Incorporated.

Are old Tonka trucks worth anything?

According to an article in the Chicago Tribune, the trucks sell for as much as $1,000 or more. Mint-condition boxes enhance the value of a truck by 20 to 50 percent. Most Tonka trucks in good condition from the late ’40s through the early ’60s can be purchased for between $100 and $300.

What scale are Tonka trucks?

1:18 Scale

What was the first Tonka truck produced?

According to Time.com, Tonka released its first pickup truck in 1955, followed by a Jeep in 1962 and the Mighty Dump Truck in 1965 — the latter becoming the company’s best-selling toy of the century.

List of all Tonka toys with their values

Price values are constantly in flux. We found this resource that lists all of the Tonka toys made including the year and estimated current value. It’s definitely worth a look and a great reference guide.

At the time of this writing, here are the top Tonka bids on eBay right now!

Tonka AAA Wrecker Tow Truck 1956 USA **RARE** Excellent All Original – $2,000

TONKA NEW ZEALAND BIG MIKE DUMP TRUCK HI-WAY DEPT BEYOND RARE – $2,500

1957 Custom Tonka Farms Low Boy and Dozer – $900

Mini Tonkas vs Mighty Tonkas

In addition to its dump trucks, livestock vans, wreckers, haulers, and fire trucks were produced. Some of these toys were smaller than Tonka’s regular line, so they were called Mini Tonkas, while the Mighty Tonka series, which began in 1964, debuted with the Mighty Tonka Dump. It weighed a whopping 11 pounds!

According to Collector’s Weekly, the 1960’s would bring farm, commercial, and construction trucks and equipment that continued to be Tonka’s best sellers, but the company also made pressed-steel pickup trucks (with or without campers), Jeeps (the candy-striped surrey on the 1962 Jeep is a classic), and cars.

By 1966, red, yellow, blue, and green Volkswagen Beetles had joined the Mini Tonka line. There were also plastic “accessory” toys in the shapes of Corvette “Sting Rays,” a Ford Ranchero, and a scattering of black or white horses and cows.

By the 1970s, more lines would be added, from Tiny Tonkas in the style of hot-rods to plastic Tonka Toddlers and Gigglers, which were aimed at a much younger audience than the steel dump trucks that had made the company famous.

Rarest Tonka trucks

A vintage version of this 1956 aerial ladder fire truck in pristine condition, sold for $1,000 (£737) on eBay in December 2017.

Where to buy Tonka toys

eBay, etsy, online retailers, garage and yard sales…they are definitely out there!

Tonka today

Since 1991, the company has operated as a division of Hasbro, Inc., the largest toy company in the United States. Though its famed trucks are still its best known product, Tonka also produces dolls and soft toys for girls, as well as various games, toy guns, balls, tools, and other assorted toys.

In this post, Vinyl Record Price Guide: Discover The Value Of Collecting Records, we’ll cover a brief history of the vinyl record, grading vinyl for price evaluation and wrap up with a few of the most expensive vinyl records ever sold!

The history of records

The earliest “records” were actually just wax cylinders invented by Thomas Edison in the 1880’s.

By 1888, inventor Emile Berliner came up with the 78 as an alternative. He called it a “flat disc,” and experimented with different types of materials before settling on shellac in 1891. 

Edison would in return, respond with his own, much thicker version of that flat disc. He claimed better quality sound and many would agree that he was right.

However, Berliner’s 78’s would eventually win this battle and by the end of the decade, Edison’s version was no longer being produced, according to Goldmine’s Essential Guide to Record Collecting.

LP’s & Vinyl

Vinyl records entered the market in 1948. At first, 10-inch long-playing records replaced the 78, which was limited to only one song per side. Now, instead of having to buy six 78’s with two songs per record, this was the first time that all 12 songs were able to be played on just one record. Imagine that!

Vinyl Record Price Guide: What is the average value of a vinyl record?

According to data from eBay, a new vinyl record cost an average of $4.80 in 2007, and in 2017 it had gone up to $28.40, an increase of over 490%. Source: CNBC 2019

How to determine the condition of a vinyl record

Grading Vinyl

Determining the condition of vinyl before you purchase will ensure you’re getting your money’s worth. It’s all about condition in the record collecting world, the Goldmine grading scale is the standard.

Though nothing is ever set in stone when it comes to collecting, here are some basic guidelines to help you understand what these grades can actually mean: 

• Mint (M): should be “absolutely perfect” in all ways. It is a record that has never been played, and likely still sealed in plastic leaving few records to meet this qualification. Many collectors feel that removal of the shrink wrap reduces the condition rating.
• Near mint (NM or M-): a rating used far more frequently, this one means a record is close to being perfect condition. It may possess a minor defect but not have creases, folds, tears, scratches, etc.
• Very good plus (VG+) or Excellent (E): is a record will have some signs of use, but it will still play nicely. Labels may be a bit scuffed as will the covers, it may even be slightly warped. Many records will fall into this category and a record in this condition is likely worth about half of one in mint condition.
• Very good (VG): is generally a record with the problems of a VG+, potentially along with others. There may be audible issues such as scratching but no skipping, for instance. The cover and label will show more signs of use and there may be writing on it. A VG will sell for about 25 percent of a mint record.
• Good (G) and good plus (G+) or or Very Good Minus (VG–): will still be playable and not skip, but there may be more audible issues when doing so. Seam or spine issues are possible as well. These grades will be worth even less than VG.
• Poor (P) and Fair (F): will have skips and have other major problems like excessive warping, cracks, ripped labels and covers in poor condition. These are typically found for sale at garage sales. They will yield no more than 5% of mint value and are worth more in sentimental value than anything.

What about autographed records and/or promotional copies?

To make things even more interesting, it’s important to note that if a singer or musician actually SIGNS the record, all of the grading metrics mean very little. If it’s a signature in demand, it falls into the “celebrity memorabilia” category and not just a playable record. Below you’ll see examples of this from The Beatles and Elvis Presley. A collector might be after the signature more than the vinyl itself.

On the other hand, a promotional record is any copy of a record not meant for retail sale. You may see markings of any of the following:

• “Demonstration — Not for Sale”
• “Audition Record”
• “For Radio-TV Use Only”
• “Promotional Copy”

How does the record look?

Inspect the sleeve and any inserts (lyric sheets, posters, etc.) for ring wear, discoloration, sticker residue, and seam-splits. Next, look at the vinyl surface for scratches and other imperfections. Visually inspecting a record is best done under a bright light positioned close to the vinyl surface.

How does the record sound?

There’s only one way to really judge your vinyl record and that is to put the needle down and listen for clicks, pops, or skipping.

How to store vinyl records

• Remember to clean your records before putting them into the sleeve.
• Always store records in their album jackets
• Store your vinyl records in an upright position
• Never store vinyl records stacked on top of one another
• Keep them cool and dry

The top 10 most expensive vinyl records ever sold

The list of vinyl records and figures mentioned below have been compiled from various sources around the web, such as HMV, Wealthy Gorilla & Wikipedia. 

These are the 10 most expensive vinyl records:

Wu-Tang Clan: Once Upon a Time in Shaolin $2 Million USD

The Beatles: The Beatles (White Album) $790,000 USD

Elvis Presley: ‘My Happiness’ $300,000 USD

The Beatles: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Signed) $290,500 USD

John Lennon & Yoko Ono: Double Fantasy $400,000 USD

The Beatles: Yesterday & Today $125,000 USD

The Beatles: ‘Till There Was You’ (10″ Acetate) $110,000 USD

Frank Wilson ‘Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)’ $100,000 USD

Aphex Twin: Caustic Window $46,300 USD

Tommy Johnson: ‘Alcohol and Jake Blues’ $37,000 USD

I hope you enjoyed this journey through our Vinyl Record Price Guide: Discover The Value Of Collecting Records post and use this information when looking for your next vinyl!

What is Milk Glass?

Milk glass is an opaque or translucent, milk white or colored glass that can be blown or pressed into a wide variety of shapes. Made into decorative dinnerware, lamps, vases, and costume jewelry, milk glass was very popular back in the Victorian era.

The History of Milk Glass

Most of the milk glass collectors locate today was made popular during the Victorian era because it offered an economical alternative to fine china and porcelain. However, that popularity decreased during the 1930’s as colored Depression glass and Carnival glass came into play. Milk glass had a resurgence in the 1950’s and 1960’s.

Manufacturers of Milk Glass

Atterbury & Company, famous for making milk glass pieces like this Circa 1902 “Atterbury & Co, Pittsburg, Duck on Reeds Base Lidded Candy Dish,” was one of several manufacturing milk glass. This piece in mint condition was listed at $1,500.00 USD at the time of writing this post.

Others in the business of milk glass production included:

• Dithridge & Company
• Fenton Glass Company
• Fostoria Glass Company
• Imperial Glass Company
• Kanawha Glass Co.
• L.E. Smith Glass Company
• Mosser Glass
• Thai Soojung Glass Company Limited
• Westmoreland Glass Company

The Colors of Milk Glass

Most milk glass is a classic, pure white. But did you know that it came in other colors as well? First made in Venice in the 16th century, colors include blue, pink, yellow, brown, black, and the most popular being of course…milk glass white. As long as these shades are opaque and made during the milk glass era, they are still considered milk glass.

Popular Milk Glass Shapes

Milk Glass Vases

In the 1950s and 1960s, milk glass vessels were florists’ go-to. This small bud vase can be found for as little as $5-$10 USD.

Milk Glass Banana Stands

Victorians loved having a dish for everything and bananas were no exception. Be on the lookout because a banana stand from the early 1900s could fetch up to $100 or more.

Milk Glass Pitchers

Decorative pitchers can range from $40 to $125 USD today.

Milk Glass Cake Stands

Cake stands are highly collectible and can range upwards of $100 USD or more on today’s market.

Milk Glass Punch Bowl

A party staple of the 1960s, but not so much today, these punch bowls are highly sought after – especially if paired with all of their original cups. Expect to pay $100 USD or more for one in good shape.

Milk Glass Cruets

Oil and vinegar cruets were popular during the Victorian era and became popular once again around the 1950’s. Along it’s worth about $25-50 USD with with it’s partner and accompanying tray – more like $100+.

Milk Glass Plates

Actual dinnerware was never produced, but decorative plates with scalloped edges were used as serving pieces or simply as home decor. These go for anywhere from $20-50 or more depending on condition.

Milk Glass Covered Dishes

Covered candy dishes were a staple on buffet tables throughout the 1900’s and like the first one I showed you in this post, these are highly collectible items.

Want to learn more about How to Identify and Value Vintage Milk Glass? Visit this helpful link!

National Milk Glass Collectors Society, nmgcs.org

Recommended Reading:

NOTE: Always use a current price reference as any printed material is likely out of date

Collectors Encyclopedia Of Milk Glass Identification/Values

The Big Book of Fenton Milk Glass: 1940-1985

Milk Glass: Imperial Glass Corporation Plus Opaque, Slag & More (Schiffer Book for Collectors)

Vintage Cabbage Patch Kid Furniture and Feeding Accessories

Due to the success of the Cabbage Patch Kid during the early 1980s, there is no surprise that the Coleco company brought out CPK merchandise such as high chairs, baby carriers, and rockers that could be used to create an entire nursery space for a Cabbage Patch baby doll. Different materials were used and most of the time, to endure the test of time among youngsters who played daily with their CPK, the furnishing was made of plastic. Some of the more valuable Cabbage Patch Kid items were crafted from wood. Any item a youngester could dream up, their Cabbage Patch Kid could own.

Vintage Cabbage Patch Kid Plastic Accessories	Description	Approximate Current Value (USD)
Vintage CPK Walker (1986)	A plastic walker that could seat a regular sized Cabbage Patch Kid. This walker featured working wheels and three colorful balls that could be pushed from side to side.	$35.00
Vintage CPK Food & Care Accessories Pack	A care set that included all the essentials for a Cabbage Patch Kid. If you still have this set boxed, it is worth far more.	$30.00
Vintage CPK Rocker (Car Seat)	A three position rocker and carrier, sometimes known as the Cabbage Patch Kid ‘Car Seat’ is a favorite among collectors. This item originally came with a cloth insert that the doll lays on within the carrier.	$60.00 – $80.00
Vintage CPK Pram	Featuring a metal frame, this specific CPK stroller is one of the sturdier within the collection making it somewhat more valuable than other items. The bassinet can be lifted off the frame and the pram hood can be put up and down.	$100.00 – $200.00
Vintage CPK Stroller	Featuring a metal frame, cloth seat and plastic wheels this stroller was loved by many little girls in the 80s for their Cabbage Patch Kid/s.	$50.00
Vintage CPK Side by Side Stroller	If you were lucky enough to get your hands on two Cabbage Patch Kids, or even rarer, twins, the side by side stroller was a ‘must-have’ item. Featuring a sturdy metal frame and vibrant material seating and hood, this vintage stroller can fetch a fair price when sold to a keen collector.	$200.00 – $300.00
Vintage CPK Musical Rocker	A swing entirely for your Cabbage Patch Kid. Featuring a green plastic seat and a sturdy metal frame. This apparatus even played music!	$30.00 – $50.00
Vintage CPK Table Mate High Chair	It seemed many little girls during the 80s who owned a CPK, also owned the table mate high chair. This high chair could attach to the side of a table so that your Cabbage Patch Kid could eat breakfast, lunch and dinner right by your side.	$15.00 – $40.00
Vintage CPK Play Pen (1984)	A playpen especially for your Cabbage Patch Kids. Featuring a metal frame and material base and sides, this was the perfect space to store your kids.	$40.00 – $50.00
Vintage CPK Fabric Dolls Carrier	There were a number of Cabbage Patch Doll carriers released by the Coleco company, although they all sell for similar prices within the vintage second hand market.	$20.00 – $30.00
Vintage CPK Diaper Bag	The perfect bag to store your dolls diapers and spare clothes in. It was made of material and was quilted.	$20.00 – $30.00
Vintage CPK Feeding Set (1983)	The complete set for feeding your Cabbage Patch Kid. This vintage item is worth far more if still boxed, although individual items are also sought out by collectors.	$30.00 – $60.00

Vintage Cabbage Patch Kids Wooden Accessories	Description	Approximate Current Value (USD)
Vintage CPK Wooden Rocking Horse (1986)	Made from wood, with yarn for the horse’s hair, this was a rare piece for the Cabbage Patch Kids.	$60.00
Vintage CPK Wooden Cradle Bed (1983)	A cradle for your Cabbage Patch Kid that you could rock slowly side to side to put them to sleep. Made from wood, this baby doll furniture was designed to last a lifetime.	$100.00
Vintage CPK Wooden High Chair	A miniature high chair the perfect size for a Cabbage Patch Kid. This highchair was crafted from wood and feature the Cabbage Patch Kid logo.	$60.00 – $150.00
Vintage CPK Wooden Dolls Bed	A wooden dolls bed for your Cabbage Patch Kid. It was white in color and featured the Cabbage Patch Kids logo on the bed head.	$100.00

Vintage Cabbage Patch Kid Clothing

In the earlier years of the Cabbage Patch Kid, many different clothes were available to purchase separately. There were certain clothes marketed for the 16-inch original Cabbage Patch dolls and others that were sold to specifically fit the ‘preemie’ dolls. There were sewing patterns that could also be purchased so that you could create your very own outfits for your Cabbage Patch Kid/s that came with iron-on transfers. These appealed to many mothers during the 1980s as they were more affordable and allowed them to hand craft items for their children as gifts. The authentic clothing would usually have the words: “Cabbage Patch Kids” on them. The Cabbage Patch Kids had their own designer wardrobes with endless options and specialty outfits for different occasions such as sports.

Cabbage Patch Kid Clothes (Outfits)

For those owners who were a little crafty, purchasing a Butterick Cabbage Patch Kid clothing pattern was an affordable and fun way of clothing your doll. It gave owners the ability to add their own special touches to their ‘kids’ clothing. Butterick would have had some affiliation with Coleco at the time to be able to use the Cabbage Patch Kid licensing as the patterns came with iron-on CPK transfers to make the clothing you could sew authentic pieces. Sewing patterns were available for the regular-sized dolls as well as the smaller, petite ‘Preemie’ dolls.

Pre-sewn outfits could be purchased for those that were not confident sewing their own from the CPK patterns. The pre-sewn clothing was packed in two different ways. They were displayed over the top of a cardboard cut-out CPK or in a box with see-through plastic so that potential buyers could see what the outfit looked like. Those that were boxed came with a little coat hanger and were known as the deluxe CPK outfits. The clothes were priced differently depending on if they were a part of a special collection or not.

The outfits were often categorized and the following list includes a handful of the different outfits sold by the Coleco company:

• Career Outfits: Astronaut, Scout, Doctor, and Dentist
• Sleepwear Outfits: Pajamas and a Night Gown
• Fitness Outfits: Running Suit, Aerobic and Jogging
• Animal Hooded Sleeping Suits: Lion, Bear, Reindeer, Bunny, Mouse, Lamb, and Elephant

Cabbage Patch Kid Shoes and Socks

You could purchase shoes and socks your for Cabbage Patch Kid during the 1980s that were produced by the Coleco company. Not all shoes and socks were sold as a bundle.

Pairs of original Cabbage Patch Kid shoes from the 80’s now sell for anywhere between $20.00 and $60.00 USD on the second hand vintage market.

Cabbage Patch Kid Pacifier/Rattle

For those that wished to have a pacifier and rattle for their Cabbage Patch Kid, the Coleco company had already thought ahead and was selling a set containing a toy pacifier and rattle on the shelves of toy stores. The pacifier and rattle pictured has been listed on the vintage market for an astronomical $100.00 USD.

Cabbage Patch Kid Diapers

The disposable diapers that were sold during the 1980s for the Cabbage Patch Kids came in a number of patterns. A packet on the vintage market of ‘6’ Designer collection diapers is currently selling for $50.00 USD. This shows just how much money certain CPK vintage items can fetch when the right buyer is located.

Complete List of Cabbage Patch Kid Coleco Accessories

• Cabbage Patch Kid Outfits and Butterick Patterns
• Shoes and Sock for CPK
• Strap on Carrier for the kids
• Soft style Cabbage Patch Kid carrier
• 3 Position Carrier
• Stroller and Pram
• Doll walker
• Accessories trunk
• Playpen
• Potty
• Washing machine
• Tricycle
• Rocking horse

What was your most loved 1980’s Cabbage Patch Kid accessory? Let us know in the comments section so we can add it to our complete list of Cabbage Patch Kid Accessories sold by the Coleco company.