Rediscover Scotland’s Favourite Antique Toys With Vintage Cash Cow
Join us as we uncover a trove of cherished memories that once ignited the imaginations of a generation... with a bit of help from Vintage Cash Cow's antique toy experts.
Antique Scottish toys are more than mere playthings; they’re delightful little time capsules of innocence. “Each piece offers an insight into Scotland’s rich history, craftspeople and materials”, explains Vintage Cash Cow’s toys expert. “Together, they paint an unforgettable landscape of the era.” Step back in time and discover some of Scotland’s prized toys with Vintage Cash Cow, the UK’s number-one buyer of antiques, vintage items and collectables.
Tinplate Clockwork Toys
Before batteries and screens, we had tinplate clockwork toys, like aeroplanes, cars, trains, and boats. These zipped across floors with the twist of a key and the magic of gears and springs. Toy maker Bar-Knight Model Engineering Co. Ltd was one of Glasgow's most prominent clockwork designers of the 1900s, which later evolved into a top-class Precision Engineering company.
Wooden Train Sets
Over 6,000 years ago, ancient woodlands covered most of Scotland, including pine, birch, oak, ash and hazel trees. So, it would have come as no surprise to find wooden toys like trains and tracking laid out across bedroom or living room floors. Whether handmade or mass-produced, each piece was painted with stories and fitted with magnetic couplings for an adventure.
Lead Farm Animals
Once upon a time, children created wildly imaginative farms from miniature lead horses, sheep, pigs, and roosters. These beautiful little figurines captured the essence of everyday life; however, toy makers switched to plastic-based alternatives in 1978 due to the toxicity of lead when ingested.
Whirligig Toys
As one of Europe’s windiest locations, Scottish makers crafted intricate wood, clay or bone-based toys that could move with the wind: enter the whirligig. Their colourful blades spun tales of delight in gardens and open spaces, captivating young eyes with their mesmerising motion.
Scottish Kilted Dolls
We can’t have an article about Scottish toys without mentioning our famous kilted dolls. These beautiful tartan-dressed figures have instilled a sense of cultural pride from an early age, with some special designs finished with a miniature sporran and belt buckle.
Preserving their legacy with Vintage Cash Cow
Since 2016, Vintage Cash Cow has offered Scotland’s residents a fair price for all their unloved vintage toys, along with thousands of other antiques, vintage items and collectables. So, if you’re considering decluttering your home and fancy making some easy money, click here to start your clearout journey. They’ll send you some free postage labels – insured for up to £10,000. Then, all you need to do is pack everything inside a sturdy box, and their team of experts will make you a free, no-obligation offer within three to five working days. On accepting their offer, you’ll enjoy instant cash in the bank, or they'll return your items for free. It’s a win-win situation.