TEXAS TOY MAN

Cox, Hubley & Wyandotte Toys

Received questions regarding the following 4 cars – so I’m responding here so everyone can see the cars along with my answers.
	This is a Thimble Drome Special manufactured in California circa 1950′s. This is similar to my Mystery Car No. 3 – but in yellow. Value $300-400*. For more information see post ‘Mystery Car No. 3 – Thimble Drome Special’.
In my opinion, this car is a Hubley racer made circa 1930′s. These cars have a value of $200-300*. If you’re lucky enough to have one made out of aluminum it’s worth between $800-1,000* and should be marked No. 2330
	This dump truck is made by Wyandotte circa 1931. It would appear to be in very good condition with a book value between $95-135*
This Wyandotte dump truck is similar to the version No. 318 which is much shorter in length. Style is the same. It is circa 1934. The book value of this truck is $150-225*.
For more information on toy prices visit Texas Toy Man Price Guide
*Estimated values shown above were taken from Collecting Toy Cars & Trucks by O’Brien.

Want to know how to grade your ‘Modern’ toys as well as future toy purchases?

Whether you are evaluating your toy collection or looking to add to your collection, knowing how to evaluate and grade a toy is top priority. 

WHAT IS THE “C-10” SCALE FOR GRADING TOYS?

The C-10 scaling method is what I use for evaluating and grading all toys.  It is simple and the one most recognized by collectors around the world.  It rates toys on a scale of C1 – C10.  Assigning a rank of C-1 to a toy represents the poorest condition, while C-10 represents the best condition or Mint.  (BTW – the ‘C’ stands for condition)

Since C-10 represents Mint; a C-9 toy would be almost Mint, i.e. like new but out of the package.

C-8: Very clean with minor wear.

C-7 to C-6:  Played with but in good econdition to include in my collection.  (A toy in this condition would typically rate 60+% of the Mint value.)

C-5 and under:  Give them to the kids to play with.

IS THE ‘C’ SCALE ALWAYS TRUE & VALID?

Unfortunately, No.  If a toy is more than 30 years old, your chances of finding it Mint in the package are just about zero. So you have to check the market – i.e., reference books, Internet, and other collectors – to see what conditions must be met for that toy to be considered C-8 or better.

Grading a toy is definitely not an exact science and opinions will vary.  However, if you know beforehand what you require of a particular grade, when the opportunity comes around to purchase that toy, you’ll know what you want and what you are looking  for.