1. COLLECTABLES: MY INVESTMENT FOR THE
FUTURE
BY PAUL MEMBURY
My love for collecting started about 10 years ago; I started visiting
charity shops in and around the Swansea and Morriston area just
picking up bits and bobs. Then my brother introduced me to car
boot sales where you could pick up a bargain.
1

2. STARTING TO COLLECT
In the beginning I started collecting glass ornaments and whiskey
decanters. After that I caught the bug for collectables. My collection
began to take off and I realised there could be a possible profit to be
made by buying and selling these items.
So this was the start of my new hobby. Over many years of
collecting, I’ve amassed a large amount of desirable items, which I
hope in time will be of great value and interest to the next
generation.
PROGRAMMES AND COLLECTORS CLUBS
I have also taken an interest in the following programmes;
• Flog-it
• Bargain Hunt
• Antiques Road Show
I have also started to buy books on the subject of collectables,
Millers Guides is one which explains what and what not to buy, also
what they predict will be a collectable of the future?
There are several firms I have started to collect from over the last 10
year’s; some of the items I have purchased are limited editions.
• Brooks and Bentley
• Westminster Collection
• Danbury Mint
• Royal Mint Collectors Club
There are numerous collectors clubs, so I would advise you to
concentrate on one subject to collect and add to your collection.
Collecting a variety of items can not only become expensive, but can
also clutter up your home.
2

3. MISTAKES TO BE MADE
I have learnt from past mistakes by getting involved in to many
different types of collectables. It becomes very time consuming and
overwhelming to say the least.
So I’ve decided to stick to only one collection, which as been my all
time favourite. MODEL CARS either die-cast or plastic and kept in
their boxes or original wrapping to maintain or increase their value.
In order to enjoy your hobby, you must set yourself an amount on
how much you are prepared to spend on an item. You could find
yourself spending far too much, and losing out in the future on its
value by overpaying. I’d advise you to look around before making
your final purchase as there are bargain out there to be had.
THE RISE IN PRICES
When I first showed an interest in collecting cars in the 1970’s, the
cost of them were pennies. Now you can end up paying several
hundred pounds for an item, and for even rarer ones the sky’s the
limit. Collectors will pay well over the odds for items, if they want to
add them to their collection.
With reference to the difference in prices, a set of 6 cars in 1934
went for the cost of 4 shillings, which in today’s money would only
be a few pence. Now cars of that era could demand several hundred
pounds if they are still in their boxes and in good condition. That’s
why it’s important to look after your collectables for future
investment. Damaged or spoilt boxes lower the value immensely, so
it’s important that you look after your collection.
3

4. Car date Name of Original Today’s
car price price
1934 Car set 6 asst 4 shillings £1,500
1955 Heinz van 8 shillings and3d £2,000
1957 Golden shred van 8 shillings and9d £1,000
The above chart demonstrates how the value of cars can go up over
the years if you are able to keep them in good condition and still in
their original boxes.
When collecting it’s always advisable to buy the best quality product
you can, as buying substandard items can greatly reduce the value
of your collection in years to come.
There is something to remember when going to auction, you must
take into account Auctioneer’s fees and VAT. You should set
yourself a budget, as it’s quite easy to get carried away when
bidding, and pay well over the odds for the item you want to
purchase.
HOW POPULAR MODEL CAR’S AND KIT’S
HAVE BECOME SINCE THE FIFTY’S
What was being bought and when
1950s Cars and Planes
1960s Cars, Planes and Tanks
1970s Tanks and Lorries
1980s Science Fiction Models
1990s Racing Cars
2000s T.V Related
Models
So if anybody reading this article finds the following information
2010s Models of Days gone by &
Boats 4

5. useful I’m glad my project has been of some use. So to my fellow
collector’s, good luck and good hunting.
There are bargains out there to be had so keep looking, who knows
one day you may find a treasure worth thousands.
SOURCES USED
Dinky Toys - eNotes.com Reference
The Dinky Toys Blog
Die-cast toy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia
Dinky Toy Fire Engine photo - Released under the Creative
Commons Attribution 2.0 license by its photographer, FaceMePLS
5