I just found an awesome reference book on collecting TV toys at my favorite used book store, Beers Books in Sacramento, CA. The book was published in 1996 but has loads of pictures and basic knowledge on TV Toys makes it easy to use.
Here is the intro!
Collecting television memorabilia is a hobby that just keeps growing. Perhaps it is because the character collectibles, especially, brings back memories of a less stressful time in our lives; or perhaps it is because this hoppy can be pursued in so many different ways. Whole collections can be built on just one character or program like “Howdy Doody”, “Hopalong Cassidy”, “Charlie’s Angels” or “Roy Rogers”. In 1959 alone, there were more than thirty-two different western programs on the three major networks, making this a substantial collecting field all by itself. Or the collector can emphasize just one era of television programming,-perhaps the 1950’s or the 1960’s- to assemble a collection. Another interesting collection could be made using only one item from many different programs as could be found; some collectors specialize only in the games from TV programming, or on the coloring books. Still other more mainstream collectors add television items to a larger collection of dolls, paper dolls, or toys. Whatever route is chosen, the pursuit of products made in connection with television programs continues to grow.
When purchasing items for a collection, it is important to remember that book prices are usually products in near mint condition. A coloring book that has been used, a game that has missing pieces, or a talking toy that no longer talks should have a much lower price than that appearing in the price guide. It is up to the collector to decide if an item fits in his collection, if it is in excellent condition. Some collectors purchase a piece in order to have an example and then “trade up” when the opportunity arises.
The prices for television memorabilia are influenced not only by condition but also by demand. Although the age of the product is important, the popularity of the series is another factor in the cost of the collectible. Items from shows like “The Adams Family”, “The Munsters”, “howdy Doody”, and most western programs (including those of Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, and Hopalong Cassidy) are especially desirable right now. Products from other shows like “I Dream Of Jeannie”, “Betwitched”, “Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” “The Andy Griffith Show”, “Leave It To Beaver”, “The Monkees”, and “the Dick Van Dyke Show are also much in demand by today’s collectors. The scarcity of an item also plays a part in the price of a television collectible. That is what makes a game like the one from “The Dick Van Dyke Show” so valuable.
Although a few products are still being made for some new television programs, the issuing of material for nearly every series is a thing of the past. Perhaps that is what makes collecting of television memorabilia so much fun. There are a limited number of these past products still available and in order for a collector to find an elusive treasure, he may have to wait for another collector to sell a collection.
The television memorabilia collector can be as discriminating in his purchase as he desired. A vast variety of material was produced and selecting what area to pursue is part of the fun of collecting.
Collectible Television Memorabilia Dian Zillner a Published by Schiffer Publishing 1996
