Ok I need some advice. I inherited 2 boxes filled with trains and tracks. One looks circular. The box had the word Lionel and it seems they are made out of metal not plastic. They may have been purchased around the late 50’s or early 60’s. They belong to my brother but he no longer interested in them. He remembers me being placed as a baby in the middle as the train circled around me. Now I’m trying to get rid of stuff. I’m not sure if they still run since they have been in its box for decades. I want to get rid of them but I’m not sure how much they are worth. The trains are still in very good condition however like I said I’m not sure if they still run. Any advice?
YES!
They ARE valuable, but the exact value depends - like all collectibles and “soon-to-be-antiques-but-not-quite-old-enough” stuff - the real value depends on what it is, what condition it is in, how rare the item is - and, of course, these get more rare every year, what its history is (do you know who owned them and when they were bought and were they were first played with?)
OK, so a “played with” bunch of steel Lionel toy trains from the 50-60’s era is not “virgin in the box” ultra-rare. But, DO NOT mishandle them, do NOT paint them and wash them and scrape and polish them. But DO treat them carefully and get them appraised. it will cost some dollars, but try to get two opinions from professionals.
do NOT just put them on ebay and let the world tell you a price without getting them appraised. But, then too, do NOT just give them to your grandchildren or to the neighborhood kids or to the neighborhood toy bank at Good Will or St Vincent de Paul either.