Good question, how to define an antique model train?
Presumably at the very least it has to be old, but 100 years seems a little excessive since it would rule almost everything out!
It obviously helps if it is from a deceased company or a defunct gauge because it becomes rarer and therefore more collectible in some peoples minds. Perhaps an antique can be defined as any model where having the packaging intact adds at least 50% to the value of the item!
Other key features will be the presence of inlaid hardwood, perhaps rust and perhaps the incorrect feet. No plastic allowed unless bakerlite. A patina is always good, especially on a hallmarked solid silver Stephenson's Rocket dinner service!!
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Seriously, I think there are very few antique model trains about, but lots well described as collectors model trains.
Goedel
Presumably at the very least it has to be old, but 100 years seems a little excessive since it would rule almost everything out!
It obviously helps if it is from a deceased company or a defunct gauge because it becomes rarer and therefore more collectible in some peoples minds. Perhaps an antique can be defined as any model where having the packaging intact adds at least 50% to the value of the item!
Other key features will be the presence of inlaid hardwood, perhaps rust and perhaps the incorrect feet. No plastic allowed unless bakerlite. A patina is always good, especially on a hallmarked solid silver Stephenson's Rocket dinner service!!
Seriously, I think there are very few antique model trains about, but lots well described as collectors model trains.
Goedel
