RAY HARADIN
11.4.64 – 6.24.25
Ray was born on November 4,1964. He had the good fortune to belong to a family that took old toys
very seriously. His father, Dr. Anthony Haradin, was a long-term collector and expert on old American toys and banks. His sons were encouraged to appreciate and handle the toys. For Ray that included an early fascination with Toy Soldiers.
Although it might have been expected that Ray would follow his father into the medical profession, he chose to follow a different path, becoming a toy dealer, specializing in banks and other early American toys and, of course, Toy Soldiers.
Around 1988 he decided to transition from a collector to dealer, although his love of the toys was what drove him, rather than the investment potential. At first, the Toy Soldiers were a bit of a sideline, but
the burgeoning interest in lead figures in the 1980s and 1990s, especially those produced by Britains, encouraged Ray to expand this side of his business.
Around 2000 he took over the Old Toy Soldier Newsletter from the original owners, as well as establishing Old Toy Soldier Auctions, the only auction company specializing in the full range of toy
soldier collecting.
Ray was a regular attendee at the Chicago Toy Soldier show, as well as many others. The stock he assembled was always a wonder to behold, with many rare items on display. However, Ray also enjoyed seeing others have fun with the toy soldiers. His “Bargain Room” at the Chicago Show was always the source of great excitement and amusement.
The accompanying images show Ray in his element– wheeling and dealing toy soldiers!
Ray is survived by his wife Nancy, his mother Roberta and brother David (Leslie and nephew Taj).
A private memorial service for the family will be held at the end of August.
As the founder of Old Toy Soldier Auctions and publisher of the Magazine, the antique toy soldier hobby has lost one of its most vigorous and respected stars. He will be sorely missed – RIP.
