RESTORATIONS - BE ALERT
When buying models, it is important to beware of restorations or repaired models. A restored model is generally one that has been disassembled, stripped of paint, repainted and reassembled. Sometimes substitute parts and decals have been used.
Restorations and repaired models are worth only a fraction of the value of an original model, yet some are so good they are difficult to detect. They may seem to be a bargain or an inexpensive way of collecting, but in the end they are generally a waste of money. Worse still, unless you are on your guard, you may pay good money for a restoration thinking it is the genuine article.
Over the next few weeks I will add tips for picking restored models. If you have any tips to add, please E-mail me.
How to pick repaired or restored models:
Ask the seller first - he or she will usually admit that something is a resto or repaired, or say that they are not sure. If they are not sure, don't buy. Regrettably many sellers do not volunteer this information, so if in doubt ask.
Know your variations - study books, look at other collections, so that you are familiar with the known variations, decals and colours.
Look for rivets on the base that are glued in.
Look for traces of paint on wheels, axles or places where they do not match. Matchbox toys were painted before assembly, so there should be no body paint anywhere else but on the body.
Look for wear on the wheels or base of the vehicle. A fresh looking paint job on a toy with worn wheels or chipped base is grounds for suspicion.
Check that the outside paint colour matches the overspray on the interior of the vehicle.
Check any silver paint on grills. If this is too neat on an early model, or too thick on a later model, there may be grounds for suspicion.
AS an example, here is a model that I bought early in my collecting career, believing it to be genuine. I did not discover for some time that it was a very good restoration. See if you can pick the difference.
What I should have noticed: