What about buying a toy that is broken or not in working condition? Can they be easily fixed?
It's not always a good idea to buy a toy with a broken part and plan to replace the part. The broken part is usually the most vulnerable part of the toy. If the part breaks on one, it will probably be broken on many others, making it very hard to find a replacement.
There are some parts that are available in the after market -- parts that have been made specifically to replace these vulnerable pieces. But putting a new and shiny part on a vintage, played with, toy, sometimes doesn't look very good. It's obviously a replacement.
One place that does make nice replacement parts is Randy's Toy Shop in Noblesville, Indiana. The toy has to be fairly valuable to warrant buying a replacement part -- as parts are not inexpensive.
When the "wind-up" doesn't work, it significantly affects the value. Many people will buy a broken toy with the idea of fixing it themselves, this is usually difficult. And expensive to have someone else fix it. These toys usually wind up as shelf sitters.
What tips would you give someone who is interested in tin or antique toys, but is afraid of investing the big bucks. How should someone start collecting?
One excellent resource book for toy collectors is "The Story of American Toys" by Richard O'Brien.
This is a hobby and you should buy what you like. I wouldn't buy something that is less expensive if I didn't really like it.
Most people buy toys to display on a shelf, occasionally winding it up and showing it off to others. People also look for the toys they had as a child. It means something special to them and may not even be very expensive. My inventory has toys starting at $20. and going up to several thousand.
There are many toys that are much more expensive, but in this (midwest plains) area, I find that most people will not pay more that much for a toy. The big toy market isn't in this area, it's on the East Coast and Chicago areas.
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