Home >> Collecting >> Collecting Vintage Toys

How to Buy a Charlie Weaver Vintage Toy

Charlie Weaver was a 1960s television character who was made into a wind-up toy that is now sought after by many toy collectors. The Charlie Weaver toy, often referred to as the "Charlie Weaver Bartender Toy," will mix a drink, pour it into a glass and then lift the glass to his lips. The toy has eyes that light up and smoke that comes out of the ears. While this toy can be difficult to find, there are a few places to find and buy a genuine Charlie Weaver toy.

Things You'll Need

Online access
Credit card, PayPal account or cash

Instructions

- 1
  Search antique toy stores that specialize in wind-up toys. Look at local antique directories to find stores near you and call before you go to inquire if they have a Charlie Weaver wind-up toy. If they do not, ask if they have any recommendations where you may find one. Antique dealers are often a tight-knit community and can direct you to someone who has the toy. Once you have located the toy, ask about their accepted forms of payment. Most antique stores will accept credit cards and some will accept checks. Just about every store will accept cash.
- 2
  Look in antique toy publications, such as magazines or newsletters, for classified ads that list Charlie Weaver toys for sale. Such publications include Antique Toy World and Toyzine (see References). Contact the seller and arrange for payment, either in person or online through formats such as PayPal.com, an online e-commerce website.
- 3
  Visit online auction websites, such as eBay.com, Bonanzle.com or OnlineAuction.com and type in "Charlie Weaver toy" into the search field. Current listings of the toy for sale will be listed. When dealing with online sellers, ask for close-up photos of the toy, inquire as to the overall condition of the toy and how well it works, and request a full refund and satisfaction guarantee from the seller before buying. Most online sellers accept credit card payment or payment through PayPal.
- 4
  Go to vintage and collector toy shows and ask dealers about Charlie Weaver toys. This is an unusual item that most antique dealers will be knowledgeable about and can tell you where to find one, if they do not have one for sale themselves. Find upcoming toy shows in antique toy magazines or local publications about upcoming events. Bring cash with you in case the seller does not accept credit cards.
- 5
  Look up antique toy websites that may have a Charlie Weaver toy for sale. Note that the price will be fixed on retail websites, as opposed to auction-style websites where the buyer names the price they are willing to pay. Examples of antique toy websites include Marilyn&'s Antiques Online Store and Antique Mystique (see Resources). Most online stores only accept credit cards.

Collecting Vintage Toys