Old toys make the best childhood memories!

I often am asked “What is hot in today’s market?” What I have found over the years is that many collectors collect things that they had or remind them of their childhood.  This is one of the reasons that the collectible toy category typically remains a strong category.  I was reminded of this at a recent appraisal.  The family had an old post card of Bozo the Clown with his friend Larry the Lion.  This cute card brought me back to my own childhood…I had a Larry the Lion!!  And guess what? I still have him!  A little rough from my loving the heck out of him, but even after all these years, he still talks!

A little background on this classic, 1960’s Mattel Toy… Larry the Lion was created by Mattel.  Jack Ryan, a 20-year designer with Mattel, created the technology for Larry’s voice system and Mel Blanc did his voice.  While Larry tells his friends with his voice how ferocious he is, he’s really a pussy cat and a favorite toy of many children! Larry is called an “Animal Yacker,” because his mouth actually moves with his voice…quite sophisticated technology for 1962! Today, Larry’s value can range from $40-$100, depending on condition.

It’s amazing how just seeing an old toy can take you back to your hopefully favorite childhood memories…what’s your favorite toy??