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Step 1
Learn the difference between antique and modern cast-iron toy stove reproductions. The reproductions are often lighter and incorporate steel or aluminum into different areas of the toy, such as the pots and chimney flues.
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Step 2
Make sure that all the parts are included before you buy a cast-iron toy stove. Most stoves included pots and pans that sat on the surface of the toy, such as a frying pan, larger pot and a few utensils. You'll also want to ensure that the panels on the front covering the oven are still attached.
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Step 3
Look at the back and side of the piece for a manufacturer's mark that tells you who made the piece. There are some cast-iron toy stoves that were used as a salesman's tool, for selling full-size stoves. They carried the smaller ones as a way of showing potential customers what the full-size models looked like.
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Step 4
Determine the exact value of the cast-iron toy stoves by looking at collecting guides and using the prices you see at flea markets, antique stores and specialty shows. It's hard to accurately price these toys because the price changes frequently and is often based on the scarcity of the items. The only way to know how much the pieces are really worth is by looking at the prices on the secondary market.
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Step 5
Buy what you can afford, but buy the best quality. When you first start collecting, you might be tempted to buy pieces that are missing parts, but you should focus on buying the best you can. It's hard to find replacement parts for these stoves, but you can always find pieces that are in relatively good condition.
