In Memory
Honoring the collectors, family members, and friends who shared our passion for toys and helped shape our journey in the collecting community.
This page is dedicated to those special people who introduced us to the wonderful world of toy collecting and those we've lost along our journey. Their passion, knowledge, and friendship continue to inspire us every day.
Frank Mitchell
Mike's Father | 1945 - 2017
Frank was the one who first put a Dinky Toy in Mike's hands when he was just five years old. A passionate collector of British diecast models, Frank had an incredible eye for quality and taught Mike everything about condition, rarity, and the importance of preserving toy history. His collection of over 3,000 models was legendary in the local collecting community.
Frank's favorite saying was "Every toy tells a story - our job is to listen." His wisdom and patience shaped not just Mike's collecting philosophy, but his approach to life. The restoration techniques and appraisal skills Mike shares today were all learned at Frank's workbench.
Dorothy Stevens
John's Grandmother | 1932 - 2019
Grandma Dorothy was the keeper of the "treasure box" - an old wooden chest filled with toys from the 1950s and 60s that she saved from John's father's childhood. Every visit to her house meant a trip to the attic and another story about each toy's origin. She taught John that toys weren't just objects, but vessels of memory and joy.
Dorothy had an amazing memory for details and could tell you exactly when and where each toy was purchased, who played with it, and what adventures it had been on. Her stories sparked John's interest in the research side of collecting and his dedication to documenting toy histories.
George "Geordie" Harrison
Mentor and Friend | 1938 - 2020
Geordie was a fixture at every toy fair within a hundred miles and knew more about European diecast manufacturers than anyone we've ever met. But more than his knowledge, it was his kindness and willingness to help new collectors that made him special. He mentored dozens of collectors over the years, always with a smile and endless patience.
Both Mike and John had countless conversations with Geordie about everything from Mercury Models to the proper way to clean vintage diecast. He taught us that collecting is about building relationships and sharing knowledge, not just accumulating objects. His spirit of generosity continues to guide how we interact with the collecting community.
Their Legacy Lives On
Every article we write, every piece of advice we share, and every collector we help carries forward the wisdom and passion these remarkable people shared with us. They taught us that collecting is about more than just toys - it's about preserving history, building community, and finding joy in the simple pleasure of discovery.
"In memory of those who taught us that every toy tells a story"
This website is our tribute to their memory and our commitment to keeping their spirit of sharing and community alive in the collecting world.
Honoring Our Collecting Community
If you'd like to share a memory of a collector who inspired you, or if you have stories about any of the people mentioned here, we'd love to hear from you. The collecting community is built on shared memories and mutual support.