On New Years Day 2010, before the eyes of the nation, David Tennant's tenth Doctor regenerated into young, floppy haired Matt Smith. There’s no denying that the revived Doctor Who is here to stay. As the show is reinvented for another generation and new toys fill up shelves, the demand for vintage memorabilia also increases as new fans discover the classic series for the first time, and old fans return to it with nostalgia.
Doctor Who first aired in 1963 with William Hartnell as the eponymous Time Lord. He was followed by ten actors, with Smith portraying the eleventh and most recent incarnation of the nation's most famous doctor. Most fans have a favorite Doctor, usually the first one they watched as a child and some collectors limit themselves to collecting items representing a specific, favorite period. For many, Tom Baker will always be the definitive Doctor, and so memorabilia from his era (1974-81) is typically more desirable and valuable due to this demand.
While books, cards and figurines starring the Doctor, his companions and his time machine, the TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimension In Space), can all be found, the big merchandising success story belongs to the diabolical pepper pots that sent generations of children scuttling behind the sofa. The first Dalek toy was introduced in 1964. It retailed at 17s 11d and sold out within days. Dalek tins, make-it-yourself Dalek kits, and even Dalek bubble bath soon followed and these items can often be found on online auctions, where they usually sell for less than
£50. Meanwhile, the first mechanical Daleks in good condition can be worth £400-500. Palitoy ‘talking Daleks’ from the 1970s are also highly collectible, fetching upwards of £150. As with any collectible toy, condition is very important, and the original box in good condition will add desirability.
When buying modern examples for the future market, look for well-known manufacturers, and good quality materials and construction as these are more likely to hold their value. It's important that the piece acvtually represents the character or incarnation well, and licenced products have typically proven to be a wiser investment over time. Limited editions are also likely to be desirable in the future, but make sure the number really is limited, ideally to fewer than 1,000 examples.
Find out more...
The official BBC Dr Who website can be found by clicking here.
A Dr Who episode guide and more can be found by clicking here.
Images courtesy of Tenth Planet and Special Auction Services.
