Diecast Toys

Our roots are in Collectable Toys, including Diecast Models, Vintage Toys and Model Railways- an area that sparks joy for most of us when we see the things that we remember owning and loving as children.
This is Jonathan’s particular area of expertise, grown from his childhood passion and collection. As Excalibur’s principal auctioneer and valuer, his extensive knowledge in this field ensures that we get the best possible price out of your die-cast models, vintage toys and model railway items. As with all auction items, condition is everything and can make the difference between something selling for tens of pounds to thousands of pounds; in the case where it's in mint unused condition in a pristine box.

Dinky, Corgi and Matchbox - The Big Three

Dinky Toys

Dinky Toys was one of the pioneers of die-cast vehicles. Simple and strong, heavy, classic and historic, launched in 1934 the first range was designed to add trackside realism to train sets. In production until the 1970s, the models consisted of a wide range of vehicles which are still popular. Our diecast auctions include Gerry Anderson models such as the 'UFO Shado 2', Thunderbirds Lady Penelope's FAB 1 and Captain Scarlet's Maximum Security Vehicle; pre-war Dinky, French Dinky and Dinky Military Vehicles

Matchbox Models

Matchbox were launched by Lesney in 1953 to fit into a Matchbox, and had a wide appeal as they were smaller and cheaper than rivals. Notably famous for the original Matchbox 1-75 series and the later Matchbox Superfast,. In later years they also produced the Matchbox Motorcity and Matchbox Garage ranges, as well as many other collectables.

Corgi Toys

Corgi Toys were marketed as the ones with the windows. They were launched most recently in 1956. Known for using moulded plastic to enhance the models and having working action features, such as James Bond's Aston DB5, or Batman's Batmobile. A smaller Corgi Juniors range was introduced in the 1970s and some are now extremely collectable including the scarce Corgi Juniors Crime Busters set, Corgi are now owned by Hornby and more recently have introduced ranges such as the Corgi Aviation Archive series of diecast aircraft and various ranges of lorries in multiple scales.

Hot Wheels and others

There have been many other companies producing diecast toys over the years, some still in production today, such as the very popular Hot Wheels, especially the original Red Line Series, introduced in America in 1968, and one of Matchbox's primary competitors until 1997. Originally intended as children's toys, Hot Wheels are now popular with adult collectors for whom limited edition models are now available; many car manufacturers have licensed Hot Wheels to make scale models of their ranges.

Other well-known manufacturers of diecast models are Maisto, Majorette, Tomica, AUTOart, Minichamps, Spark and CMC all of which we are happy to value and sell in our collectables auctions

Why use Excalibur Auctions?

Friendly family-run auction house of specialists, taking personal care and attention to your treasured items
We deal with the buyers for you, packing and posting them worldwide to our global audience of collectors
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Collection of your items is available throughout the UK
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Unlike general auction houses or non-specialists of collectables, we take the time to catalogue every item carefully - most items are entered into lots as individuals or pairs - with only a few of them needing to be grouped. The best prices are always achieved when taking this care, to photograph and describe everything in detail, to give all our buyers worldwide the confidence to buy and know exactly what they're getting. We hold regular auctions throughout the year, in our premises in Kings Langley, and welcome individual items as well as large collections.

We regularly auction all diecast toys, including Dinky Toys, Corgi Toys, Matchbox Models, Spot-On, Crescent, Marklin, Lone Star, Husky, Benbros, Charbens and Hot Wheels