Gone are the days when toys meant a piece of string tied to a stick, or modest wooden carvings of farmyard animals. These days, it’s all about hi-tech gadgets, breathtaking computer games and other modern wizardry – often with stellar price tags. But when it comes to high value, it is often the vintage classics or lavish twists on old favourites which still command the highest fees.
You’re unlikely to find some of these while browsing the aisles of your local Toys R Us, but if you fancy splashing out on some of the world’s most extravagant toys for children or big boys of any ages, then here are some ideas to get you started:
Model Lamborghini – $3.5m
German engineer Robert Wilhelm Gülpen aims to hit the Guinness Book of Records when he sells off the world’s most expensive toy car. The 1:8 scale replica of a Lamborghini Aventador has taken a painstaking 500 hours to put together and is lavishly decorated with more than $2.8m of precious stones.
Plus, the winning buyer will get the chance to have his own customisations added, including his choice of wheel rims and steering wheel, while it comes in its own bullet-proof case too to keep prying hands away. Of course, you could just save your cash and actually buy a real Lamborghini Aventador for $380,000 instead, at least you’d actually be able to drive it.
125th anniversary Steiff Teddy Bear – $193,000
The teddy bear is a timeless classic of children’s toys, most of us had one we cherished when we were children and many of us lovingly keep them long into adulthood. And you would certainly keep this one in a safe place if you could get your hands on it.
Famed German bear-maker Steiff marked its 125th anniversary in lavish style producing this limited edition series made out of silk, mohair, onyx and gold ivory, with sapphire eyes set in yellow gold and surrounded by diamonds. It even has golden thread fur and comes complete with its own gold medallion. Now that is one bling bear.
HMS Terrible – $122,600
Thought to be the most expensive single toy every sold in the UK, this tin plate battleship fetched £76,000 ($122,600) when the gavel went down at an auction in Berkshire. It was one of a collection of rare items belonging to late toy collector Ron McCrindell who passed away in 2011. The steam-powered toy ship was made by German toy-maker Marklin way back in 1905.
Toy Soldier – $200,000
Toy soldiers have certainly stood the test of time being winning gifts for boys throughout the ages. But it seems they make great Gifts For Men of all ages too, with businessman Stephen Geppi splashing out $200,000 for the original 1963 GI Joe prototype in 2003. Standing at just 11.5ins, it isn’t the biggest, but it is surely one of the priciest toys around.
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