CASH IN THE ATTIC: Why your old Subbuteo set could sell for thousands
Subbuteo sets with all the parts from the 1960s and 1970s are highly collectable
Every week we give the low-down on the value of forgotten treasures that may be gathering dust at home.
The first Subbuteo football players took to the pitch in 1947. These early ‘Assembly Outfits’ sets did not include the green felt surface of later editions – but a piece of chalk to mark out the pitch on an old green army blanket.
The games included red and blue flat cardboard players on a rounded base and now sell for £1,000.
It was not until 1961 that plastic figures were introduced. Complete Subbuteo sets with all the parts from the 1960s and 1970s are highly collectable, as few have survived without player injury or parts getting lost.
The first World Cup Edition from 1970, above – complete with England and Brazil players, floodlights, TV crew, referee and cup – now fetches £300.
Sets of vintage single teams are also in high demand, with the most sought-after clubs not necessarily those expected to win the league.
A late 1970s complete set of 11 Bradford City AFC players can sell for £400. The name Subbuteo derives from the Latin term for a small bird of prey, the Hobby Hawk.
Deals of the week
John Thaw (left) as Inspector Morse and Kevin Whately as Sergeant Lewis in ITV’s long-running Inspector Morse series, which was adapted from the Colin Dexter books
Read the entire 14-book collection of the Inspector Morse detective series written by Colin Dexter for £9.99 from the online bookshop The Book People.
Retail price of the Pan Macmillan novels is a total £125.86 – so you are making a possible £115.87 saving. Buyers must pay additional £2.95 postage.
Save 36 per cent on a 12-bottle ‘wine concierge introductory mixed case’ offer from Majestic Wine. Order online paying £79.70 for a case worth £124.88 – plus a further three ‘free’ extra bottles for signing up. Delivery is included in price.
Keep your smartphone safe in a personalised iPhone case with a photo of your choice printed on the cover for a 40 per cent discount on the £15.99 full price through online printing firm Photobox with code WINTER40.
Earn 600 Avios air mile points by joining the e-Rewards website and completing an online survey – which covers everything from favourite TV shows and brands. It usually takes 20 minutes to complete.