BARBEQUE BOY ~ My Mind’s Eye Die Cut ~ GRILLING $1.32

VINTAGE DIE CUT BAT WITH GEEN EYES DECORATION OWL PUMP $15.00

My Minds Eye Wild Asparagus Die cut, Rub On, Stickers $7.99

ZOO GIRL ~ My Mind’s Eye Die Cut ~ RETIRED 2005 BALLOON $1.00

The Who – Odds and Sods LP – Die Cut Cover w/ Naked Eye $14.44

LOT 20 MME MY MIND’S EYE 4X6″ SCRAPBOOK DIE CUT FRAMES $2.80

SNOWBOARDING FRIEND ~ My Minds Eye Die Cut RETIRED 2000 $1.59

BOY IN WHITE ~ My Mind’s Eye Die Cut RETIRED 2002 $1.00

BOY WITH DOG ~ My Mind’s Eye Die Cut RETIRED 2005 MME $1.00

BOY WITH BUGS ~ My Mind’s Eye Die Cut 2000 $1.20

The Care And Feeding Of Die Cast Collections

There are die cast model cars and then, well, there are toys. Where is the dividing line and how to serious collectors of die cast vehicles judge the quality of their collections? Like most things, there’s more to this collecting passion than meets the eye.

Die cast collectors must consider a number of factors that are shared by people in the larger collecting world. How common or rare is a piece they own, what’s the condition, who made the item, is it associated with an important event or person, is it part of a complete set or one-of-a kind?

Quality Components

Since the quality of die cast vehicles has evolved over the past century, the value of a car may be related to the year it was produced. Most of the cars manufactured in the early 1900s were made with metal alloys not nearly as durable as today’s metals and polymer plastics. They were simple shells, with painted exteriors and interior details such as steering wheels, seats and dashboards. In this case, owners of early die cast model cars might expect a little rust or hairline cracks on their collectible. However, the fact that they own an intact die cast car from this era is a rarity. Of course, the better the condition, the higher the value.

As die cast vehicles became more popular, they also became more detailed. Interiors of cars and trucks were faithfully reproduced. More innovations such as working steering wheels and doors were introduced. The industry became increasingly competitive and some die cast cars were treated like jewelry – polished and presented in the finest detail and packaging possible. Limited editions were introduced specifically to interest the growing number of serious collectors who could count on rarity to enhance their investment.

Getting Serious about Die Cast

A culture developed along with the number of casual and serious collectors. There were questions about how best to preserve and display die cast collections. People were interested in the value of their pieces and completing entire themed collections. For many people, die cast collecting moved from a hobby to a serious passion.

Like all collectors, the buyer is expected to be the ultimate judge of his or her die cast investment. The value of a model is often in its adherence to exact historical detail. Buyers purchase models from manufacturers they trust have done research and cut no corners when it comes to accuracy.

It’s said that a perfect model is one that looks like the real thing, displayed on a showroom floor and ready to be driven away. That means paint jobs and upholstery must reflect historical reality – not the whimsy of the manufacturer. For cars of appropriate eras, working doors, trunks, hoods and other moving parts should be operational. In these matters, an educated collector has the edge on the casual buyer. Collectors not only know the details of the cars, they know which manufacturers adhere to precise detail and deliver what’s promised.

Maintaining and Maturing

Collections also require care from the moment of purchase. Experts advise owners to apply a thin coat of wax to new die cast models using a very soft cloth and Q-Tips to get into the corners and crevasses. Only a light application of wax will help repel dust and clean up any hairline scratches that might mar the finish. They caution to not spray wax directly on the model because wax can build up and dry in places you can’t reach – a cotton cloth instead of a chamois is recommended. Once waxed, a quick buffing makes the model ready for brilliant display.

That said, it’s often the untouched die cast replica that commands the highest prices. In the collecting niche this is known as Mint in Box (MIB). All the packaging and foam that protects the model is untouched and the accompanying paperwork is saved. Some collectors find this level of “investment” isn’t quite as enjoyable as handling and arranging their collections so cars can be appreciated from all angles. Of course, these cars require careful dusting with soft cloths and small, soft bristled brushes from time to time.

There are several group websites and auction sites to help collectors assess the value of their die cast treasures. Whether for pleasure or profit – or perhaps both – die cast model collectors share a love of nostalgia and accuracy for vehicles that never have to stop at the pump to keep on providing pleasure.

About the Author

Visit us to see our complete line of
model cars
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Third Eye Blind – Semi Charmed Life

BARBEQUE BOY ~ My Mind’s Eye Die Cut ~ GRILLING $1.32

VINTAGE DIE CUT BAT WITH GEEN EYES DECORATION OWL PUMP $15.00

My Minds Eye Wild Asparagus Die cut, Rub On, Stickers $7.99

ZOO GIRL ~ My Mind’s Eye Die Cut ~ RETIRED 2005 BALLOON $1.00

The Who – Odds and Sods LP – Die Cut Cover w/ Naked Eye $14.44

LOT 20 MME MY MIND’S EYE 4X6″ SCRAPBOOK DIE CUT FRAMES $2.80

SNOWBOARDING FRIEND ~ My Minds Eye Die Cut RETIRED 2000 $1.59

BOY IN WHITE ~ My Mind’s Eye Die Cut RETIRED 2002 $1.00

BOY WITH DOG ~ My Mind’s Eye Die Cut RETIRED 2005 MME $1.00

BOY WITH BUGS ~ My Mind’s Eye Die Cut 2000 $1.20

TROOPER BOYS CLUB ~ My Mind’s Eye Die Cut 2000 MME $1.40

BEST FRIENDS ~ My Mind’s Eye Die Cut $1.20

RUNNER BOY ~ RETIRED 2002 My Mind’s Eye Die Cut JOGGER $1.00

~~DIE CUT SCRAPBOOKING PAGE TITLE (In My Son’s Eyes)~~ $0.99

NEW My Mind’s Eye Die-Cut Football Phrase RARE $2.39

SLAM DUNK TITLE My Minds Eye Die Cut RETIRED 2004 $1.12

OUR PRINCESS TITLE ~ My Mind’s Eye Die Cut $1.24

NEW My Mind’s Eye Die-Cut Frame Ups Mini Front Door $2.39

SNOW BOARDER SET OF 4 ~ My Mind’s Eye Die Cut 2005 $1.40

PET BIRD SET OF 7 ~ My Mind’s Eye Die Cut 2005 $1.00

TAP DANCER LEFT ~ My Mind’s Eye Die Cut Retired 2004 $1.32

FLOWER CHILD HIPPIES PEACE SIGN My Mind’s Eye Die Cut $1.40

My Minds Eye Lost and Found Family Die Cut NEW! $4.24

My Minds Eye Lost and Found Love Die Cut NEW! $4.24

MY MIND’S EYE scrapbook die cut MAGNOLIA GIRLY GIRL $1.40

MY MIND’S EYE scrapbook die cut A DAY IN THE LIFE $1.45

MY MIND’S EYE scrapbook die cut OUR SWEET HOME $1.45

MY MIND’S EYE scrapbook die cut YOU’RE A NATURAL $1.30

MY MIND’S EYE scrapbook die cut MAGNOLIA SERENE DREAM $1.25

MY MIND’S EYE scrapbook die cut MAGNOLIA CELEBRATE $1.35

MY MIND’S EYE scrapbook die cut MAGNOLIA LITTLE BLOSSOM $1.45

MY MIND’S EYE scrapbook die cut MAGNOLIA BEAUTY $1.25

MY MIND’S EYE scrapbook die cut MAGNOLIA ALL TOGETHER $1.25

MY MIND’S EYE scrapbook die cut Journal Card TRADITION $1.00

MY MIND’S EYE scrapbook die cut Journal Card TREASURE $1.00

MY MIND’S EYE scrapbook die cut Journaling Card BEAUTY $1.00

MY MINDS EYE BREAKING FREE”SWEET” TRANSPARENT DIE-CUT $1.25

MY MINDS EYE BREAKING FREE”SUMMERTIME GIRL” DIE-CUT $1.25

MY MINDS EYE BREAKING FREE”OH SO VERY HOT”TRANS DIE-CUT $1.25

MY MINDS EYE BREAKING FREE”SISTERS”DIE-CUT $1.25

COWBOY ~ My Mind’s Eye Die Cut ~ RETIRED 1999 MME $1.48

MY MIND’S EYE scrapbook die cut TRES JOLIE GIRL $1.00

MY MIND’S EYE scrapbook die cut TRES JOLIE JUST PERFECT $1.00

MY MIND’S EYE scrapbook die cut TRES JOLIE FAMILY TREE $1.00

MY MIND’S EYE scrapbook die cut TRES JOLIE BEAUTY $1.00

MY MIND’S EYE scrapbook die cut TRES JOLIE BIRTHDAY BOY $1.00

FIRST HAIRCUT My Mind’s Eye Die Cut RETIRED 1999 MME $1.16

RUNNING BACK FOOTBALL PLAYER My Mind’s Eye Die Cut $1.08

PIN THE TAIL DONKEY ~ My Mind’s Eye Die Cut ~ RARE 2002 $1.20

GIGGLING GIRL ~ My Mind’s Eye Die Cut RETIRED 2002 MME $1.20

Happy Birthday Celebration Die Cut Quite Contrary Collection Paper (My Minds Eye) $0.95 …

Wonderful Fancy Flowers Die Cut Quite Contrary Collection Paper (My Minds Eye) $0.95 …

Eyes And Objects Anatomy: Leg, Ear, Hand, Foot Cavallini Gift Wrap or Decoupage paper 20 by 28 inches each. Besides their obvious use for gift wrapping, these paper designs are suitable for bookbinding, creative and artistic paper work such as origami, decoupage, decorating and even framing. Cavallini Papers has been producing high quality images on paper products for over 20 years. Images are taken from various museums and archives throughout the world….

Webster Booth (tenor) sings Handel Arias $18.98 …

Limited Edition CD & DVD Gutter Phenomenon [Explicit Content] + 30 minutes with Every Time I Die cut from the upcoming Shit Happens full length DVD release shot in 2005 / 2006 $13.98 Track Listings 1. Apocalypse Now And Then 2. Kill The Music 3. Bored Stiff 4. Easy Tiger 5. Tusk And Temper 6. The New Black 7. Champing At The Bit 8. Gloom And How it Gets That Way 9. Guitared And Feathered 10. L’astronaut 11. Pretty Dirty…

Oh What a Feeling Juno Awards Twenty Fifth Anniversary : A Vital Collection of Canadian Music [54 Classic Songs] American woman (the Guess Who) — One fine morning (Lighthouse) — Oh what a feeling (Crowbar) — Born to be wild (Steppenwolf) — Roxy Roller (Sweeney Todd) — (I got everything I need) almost (Downchild Blues Band) — Doin’ it right (Powder Blues Band) — Raise a little hell (Trooper) — Fly at night (Chilliwack) — Magic powder (Triumph) — On the loose (Saga) — (Make me do) anything you want …

The Girl Cut in Two ( La fille coupée en deux ) ( Die zweigeteilte Frau ) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - United Kingdom ] $28.94 United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: it WILL NOT play on standard US DVD player. You need multi-region PAL/NTSC DVD player to view it in USA/Canada: LANGUAGES: French ( Dolby Digital 5.1 ), English ( Subtitles ), WIDESCREEN (1.78:1), SPECIAL FEATURES: Cast/Crew Interview(s), Interactive Menu, Scene Access, Trailer(s), SYNOPSIS: Gabrielle Deneige (Ludivine Sagnier) has a high profile job …

Draw with Cordz Activity Set – Barnyard Blast! with Activity Design Board, Tote Bag, Drawing Tool, 40 Cords, 12 Accessories (4 Wiggle Eyes, 4 Pom Poms, 4 Gems), 1 – 4 x 6 Sheet Die Cut Shapes, 2 Idea Cards and Instructions $16.99 The only activity product for kids aged 3-7 that allows them to magically create dimensional art in an irresistible, tactile way with rope onto a velcro-like mess-free canvas. You can either use the Cordz easy load tool to draw with, or apply Cordz free-hand. Cordz come in various sizes and colors. Ages 3 and up….

Draw with Cordz Activity Set – Swingin’ Jungle with Activity Design Board, Tote Bag, Drawing Tool, 40 Cords, 12 Accessories (4 Wiggle Eyes, 4 Pom Poms, 4 Gems), 1 – 4 x 6 Sheet Die Cut Shapes, 2 Idea Cards and Instructions The only activity product for kids aged 3-7 that allows them to magically create dimensional art in an irresistible, tactile way with rope onto a velcro-like mess-free canvas. You can either use the Cordz easy load tool to draw with, or apply Cordz free-hand. Cordz come in various sizes and colors. Ages 3 and up….

6 White Sun Eye Tribal Vinyl Die Cut Decal Sticker Ford Chevy Dodge Jeep $3.99 white vinyl decal. These decals are made from 5-7 year vinyl. They work great on any smooth surface including windows, wall, skateboards, snowboards almost any where imaginable. These are die cut which means the design is the decal and the background color will be the color of surface applied to. We can make them in most any color just contact us with requests. Comes with installation instructions…