Toys are a touchstone to one’s childhood – either for toys one had or, just as often, things that were considered by parents “too top shelf” to consider purchasing for their children.

Decades later, seeing that same toy rekindles that connection and, in some instances, triggers the start of a vintage toy collection. From French and German bisque (porcelain) dolls produced from the 1860s through to Barbie dolls released a century later, the market continually changes – as do the prices.

“Failed dolls”, vintage Barbies, and push pedal cars are all among vintage toys fetching a high price today.

Graeme Horne has been at the helm of Abbingdon Auctions Australia for the last 30 years – his focus is on dolls, bears, toys and collectables. Three auctions are held each year at his Wantirna South headquarters, an outer suburb of Melbourne.

While prices fluctuate so does the demographic. “Many of our older customers started collecting bisque dolls many years ago, while our younger clients, young women in their 20s to 30s, gravitate to Barbie dolls from the 1960s and the Monster High dolls from the early........

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