How to Price Manoil Lead Toy Soldiers

Learn to identify Manoil toys. Manoil produced many different sets of soldiers and toy figurines during their history. Not all are marked with a distinctive company mark. However, a little research can help you learn to identify Manoil products quickly. "Miller's American Insider's Guide to Toys & Games" is a good introduction to Manoil and many other brands, while "Collecting American-made toy soldiers: Identification and Value Guide" is more in depth, with specific listings and price guides. The value of Manoil toys can vary widely, but single soldiers in good condition usually sell for at least $10 to $15. Higher prices, up to and more than $100, are common with rarer toys in good condition.

Evaluate the condition of the soldiers. The value of any collectible is based on many factors, and condition is one of the most important. Search for examples of condition grading in the literature you've bought, and compare it with soldiers you may own or are thinking of buying. Some of the things to look for in grading the toys are: the amount of paint (original) left on them--soldiers with much of their original paint are more valuable; broken pieces--a soldier with the end of his rifle broken off, for example, is much less valuable; and accessories--many of the toys came with removable helmets. If the helmets are missing, it makes the toys much less valuable.

Visit antique and collector's shops. There's no substitute for hands-on experience. Try to find shops in your area that may carry Manoil soldiers and others. Talk to the owners, and explain your interests. They can be an excellent resource to answer questions, give you tips on grading, and discuss which figures are in demand and which are not.

Look for toy-soldier conventions. There's no better place to get an appreciation of the value of toy soldiers and their availability than at a convention or show. Go the the Toy Soldier Collectors of America website for a list of shows and associations. You may find other local collectors through this resource, as well.

See what's current in online auctions. Many Manoil toys are sold every day on eBay. Keep tabs on what's selling and what's not. It offers a "real-world" snapshot of the market for these fascinating collectibles.