# Calling all toy collectors!! **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [June 19, 2002, 7:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-all-toy-collectors/114821 "2002-06-19T07:49:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![mkmiller99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b9e5f3/32.png) [@mkmiller99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mkmiller99)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2002, 7:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-all-toy-collectors/114821/1 "2002-06-19T07:49:06Z")
I have become quite nostalgic lately and have decided to start collecting toys from my childhood (1970’s and 80’s). I have Google’d and come up empty (probably user error), and I have gone to Ebay (all I could find were vintage toys). In addition, I have gone to [yesterdayland.com](http://yesterdayland.com) and was surprised to see that they don’t have a place for those interested in collecting or selling. Does anyone have any suggestions or guidance? I am looking for toys such as: Speak n’ Spell, Wizard, Operation…for a start. Thanks ---
**Author:** ![mkmiller99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b9e5f3/32.png) [@mkmiller99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mkmiller99)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2002, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-all-toy-collectors/114821/2 "2002-06-20T06:02:41Z")
Excuse the bump, but I believe that someone will come along and be most helpful! ---
**Author:** ![Dijon\_Warlock](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a9a28c/32.png) [@Dijon\_Warlock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dijon_Warlock)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2002, 10:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-all-toy-collectors/114821/3 "2002-06-20T10:16:24Z")
This looks like a good place to start: [http://www.theonlinecollector.com/toys.html](http://www.theonlinecollector.com/toys.html) ---
**Author:** ![TPWombat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbce88/32.png) [@TPWombat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TPWombat)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2002, 10:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-all-toy-collectors/114821/4 "2002-06-20T10:34:12Z")
IMO it’s worth checking back on Ebay on a regular basis, stuff comes up unpredictably. ---
**Author:** ![TPWombat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbce88/32.png) [@TPWombat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TPWombat)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2002, 10:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-all-toy-collectors/114821/5 "2002-06-20T10:45:33Z")
**mkmiller99** , I just did a quick search on Ebay and came up with several hits on Speak 'n Spell & Operation right away - try using the search function for the whole Ebay database on the home page - maybe you glitched or just scrolled thru a particular category - stuff isn’t always in the category you think it will be. [Operation](http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1741002491) [Speak & Spell](http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1740980020) Also if you’re newish to using Ebay, keep the search simple, I searched on “Operation” which turned up a bunch of other stuff also like “Operation Wolf”, and “Speak Spell”. Be warned, buying stuff you remember from your childhood can be _damned_ addictive. I just bid on a Captain Scarlet gun that shines a Mysteron symbol and makes your voice sound like the Mysterons ---
**Author:** ![TelcontarStorm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3ab097/32.png) [@TelcontarStorm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TelcontarStorm)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2002, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-all-toy-collectors/114821/6 "2002-06-20T14:21:28Z")
As a regular viewer of PBs, I get to see this thing called **Antiques Roadshow** Toys have been appraised. So here is a couple of links to appraisers websites, they might lead you to something. Noel Barret The Nostalgia Factory Best of Luck ---
**Author:** ![photopat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e95f7d/32.png) [@photopat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/photopat)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2002, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-all-toy-collectors/114821/7 "2002-06-20T15:48:18Z")
I’m not sure where Addison TX is, but I’d bet that in Dallas or Houston there’s a store that sells old toys, and probably a store specializing in '70’s era stuff. What was the name of that game that used marbles on a board full of holes? You’d move rods on the sides and various holes would open up swallowing the marbles. If any of your marbles were the last ones on the board you’d win. ---
**Author:** ![mkmiller99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b9e5f3/32.png) [@mkmiller99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mkmiller99)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2002, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-all-toy-collectors/114821/8 "2002-06-21T05:22:18Z")
I knew that bumping my thread was a good idea, it was just waiting for the right people to come along. Thanks everyone for all the terrific information! I can’t wait to get my hands on these toys again!!! Melanie