- Vintage Doctor Who collectibles
- Ncuti Gatwa as 15th Doctor
- Christmas nostalgia and investments
On Christmas Day, Ncuti Gatwa, who portrays the 15th Doctor Who, embarks on his inaugural journey as the Time Lord. Scholars anticipate that the 31-year-old Rwandan-Scottish actor’s appearance will increase the value of time-traveller collectibles through the attraction of new admirers.
The original Doctor Who, played by William Hartnell, emerged from the Tardis 60 years ago and began his adventures.
When TVs first introduced foes like the Daleks and Cybermen, children would hide behind the settee. However, they were eager for parents to purchase them Doctor Who merchandise and toys after the programme concluded.
Whovians, who are now adults with children or even grandchildren, are purchasing the memorabilia that accompanied them throughout their childhood.
Numerous individuals are overcome with nostalgia for lost, damaged, or coveted items. These were once considered treasures that could only be afforded by the affluent children of their neighbours.
Younger collectors want to journey back in time to get Time Lord collectibles. Additionally, props from the infamously unstable sets are sought after by sci-fi enthusiasts desiring to acquire a piece of its history.
A Time-Travel Through Doctor Who’s Market Trends
David Howe, author of Doctor Who and collector, states, “Interest in time-travelers fluctuates.” Although the previous doctor (Jodie Whittaker) was unpopular, this latest version is expected to be successful. The subsequent consequence will pertain to collectibles.
He further states, “However, while this may rejuvenate the market, it is primarily investments from the initial heyday of the 1960s and 1970s that appreciate in value.” Collectibles from the new Doctor Who’s Time Lord period are in high demand and scarce.
Following Hartnell’s tenure as captain from 1963 to 1966, Patrick Troughton piloted the Tardis until 1969. The 1970 arrival of the Doctor’s third regeneration, Jon Pertwee, cemented the character’s allure. However, from 1975 to 1981, Tom Baker was the most well-liked Doctor among many.
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Doctor Who Toybox is a website maintained by Howe, 60, that provides a comprehensive catalogue of thousands of merchandise-related items, including ice cream packaging and full-size Daleks. A private museum is also located in his Doncaster residence.
He states, “Obviously, anything associated with the first doctor holds historical significance, but it was not until he encountered the Daleks for the public’s attention to truly surge.” Most in demand are merchandise items associated with this particular era.
Howe likes a mid-1960s Louis Marx Dalek that cost 50p but now sells for £400. Additionally, for 82p, one can purchase a Cowan de Groot Dalek for 16 shillings and five old pence. Frequently disintegrating, survivors may fetch a price of £800.
From Dalek Detergent to Christmas Memories
Dalek detergent is available for £500 for survivors, and Dalek Death Ray ice lolly costs £2,000.
“The Wall’s ice lolly is an excellent illustration of how investments can be discovered in the most unlikely places,” says Howe.
Frequently, it is not limited editions that generate revenue, but rather items that were previously regarded as relatively useless.
Family Doctor Who video games are also appreciating in value, as components are frequently lost or damaged. Complete but heavily used, the 1965 Dodge The Daleks board game can be sold for £300. If in pristine condition, it can be purchased for £800.
Doctor Who fan Mark Stammers, 58, says Christmas remains meaningful for him and other collectors.
Stammers recalls, “As a child, I would receive a stocking stuffed with a Doctor Who annual on Christmas Day.” The plan, similar to numerous other households throughout Britain, was to maintain my silence for a while, since the primary gifts would not be unveiled until after lunch.
The inaugural Doctor Who annual was published in 1965 at a cost of 47.5 pence (nine shillings and six old pence). At this time, it is tradeable for £100.
The second Hartnell annual, which was published a few months prior to his transformation into Troughton, is even more valuable at £150. Battered items with a written price tag are sold for £30.
Additionally, a trilogy comprising Dalek annuals from the 1960s exists: The Dalek Book, The Dalek World, and The Dalek Outer Space Book. Each of these can be sold for £100.
“When most people think of Doctor Who, they envision a man in a hat and scarf—Tom Baker,” says Stammers. On occasion, props from reputable dealers and enthusiasts become available. Twenty years from now, an original scarf worn on a set that sold for £2,000 could potentially fetch £20,000.
The Soaring Value of Doctor Who Props
The proprietor of The Who Shop in London, Alexandra Looseley-Saul, asserts that the worth of props has quadrupled over the last decade, as evidenced by a £1,000 blouse that was formerly occupied by the late Elisabeth Sladen, who portrayed the assistant Sarah Jane Smith in the 1970s.
However, the most valuable item is still a 1960s original Dalek costume featuring washbasin plungers and Morris Minor indicator lighting; it can be purchased for £35,000.
“Having fun is the secret to investing in Doctor Who memorabilia,” advises Howe. It is likely that if you adore a specific model, then others will as well. ‘This timeless appeal should hopefully be shared by a new generation of Doctor Who viewers who were captivated by the most recent regeneration.’
