Toys of Yesteryear Museum Replica Shops Head Under the Hammer

Of all the things you find for sale on eBay, we never thought we would come across someone trying to sell an entire shop. Well, that’s just what we’ve discovered after we were told the Toys of Yesteryear Museum in Barton, Staffordshire, is sadly closing down. As a result of the lease coming to an end, owner Steve is looking to sell a replica 1950s/’60s replica toyshop complete with numerous vintage collectables.

Some of the rare items included in the window are an original Meccano shop display in working condition and a Dinky aircraft display complete with models. There are also numerous dolls, puppets, board games and diecast cars. Rather than sell off the items individually, Steve is hoping another museum may buy the shop and put it back on display.

“It would be a great shame to sell off individual items,” said Steve, “as this shop is a fantastic talking point in our museum and it’s also educational for children. Apart from one Matchbox display stand, everything else that you see is included, plus of course the shop itself, which can be easily dismantled for transportation. This must find a new home in another museum.”

Along with the toyshop, Steve is also selling ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’, a replica sweet shop from the same period. Although both are currently major exhibits in the museum, it’s due to close down next year once the lease runs out and the pair need to find good homes elsewhere. The sweet shop is listed for £9,500 on eBay, while the toyshop is £9,750.

Luckily though, there’s still time to visit Toys of Yesteryear and the accompanying shop (Vintage Toy Collectors Centre) which includes a host of classic items that are all for sale. For more details check the website or take a look at the eBay listing.