Niche specialty and rarity on show at Ritchie’s Toy Fair

From childhood to maturity, collecting is as natural a pastime as any. In youth, one collects models, comics and cars but with age the only things being collected are aches, pains and taxes.

A vast array of scale model automobiles, rare collectable comics and a host of other ornamental treasures were on full display, Saturday 31 October. The ever popular Ritchie’s Toy Fair was in town and set up shop in Hoërskool Florida’s shooting range. The storm the previous evening left much of the suburb without power, but the rain and wind could not dampen the atmosphere created by the toy enthusiasts.

Event organiser, Josh Richards, elaborated on what still pulls the biggest interest from attendees. “Dinkie cars are still massive. There is a big international market but we don’t courier them overseas because it is easy to lose such a small thing,” joked Josh. He revealed that based on condition and any mythology around a certain piece that some miniature models can trade for close to R30 000.

One of the traders at the day’s toy extravaganza was Jimmy Human who had a wide display of everything ranging from Barbie collectables, Star Wars figures and rare comic books. “I used to collect Coca-Cola items too. No matter where you went you would always find something different. If you have a Coca-Cola yo-yo, hang on to it,” advised Jimmy, who once sold a full set of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe comics for R6 500.

These collections have been accumulated over time with many exhibitors starting from a young age. “We need young people to get in the game. We need parents to teach the children about the value of collectables,” urges Josh. Toys may be created to bring immediate joy, but those who see worth in preservation, know the true value of nostalgia.