Conversion of Assets IV

The recent discovery of a small cache of coins lead to a case of 'silver-fever' in the ranks at Clint Carson's Collectibles, and soon the rummaging began for items in the cast-off box to see what could be traded for the "poor man's gold". In short order a vintage Mego 'Mad Monsters' Wolfman Action Figure was uncovered! This 8" action figure featured Glow-in-the-Dark claws and eyes! The Copyright date on the body reads MCMLXXI (1971), though the actual release of the Mad Monsters line was between 1973/74. The figure has its original costume as well, except for the shoes, which went missing over the years. The overall condition of the figure is very good with some signs of wear-and-tear, but most joints still tight and poseable. The glow in the dark plastic of the eyes has softened into a globule near the eyeballs, and there are some other cosmetic issues, but those have no appreciable effect on the quality of the figure. This 'Mad Monsters' Wolfman was sold for $28.48 USD.

In turn, the 'silver-fever' was sated when a series of American Roosevelt dimes were found. In 1946 the new Roosevelt dime replaced the Winged Liberty Head ("Mercury") dime, and, like its predecessor, those minted before the passage of the Coinage Act of 1965 are comprised of 90% silver and weigh 2.5 grams. The price of silver has slid back in recent weeks, and as of this writing a gram of silver valued at approximately $0.96 USD. Regardless, each dime, with a face value of only 10 cents, is now worth $2.16 USD in silver content alone. As such, the Mego 'Mad Monsters' Wolfman was effectively traded for 13 dimes with a combined face value of $1.30! But although the figure was not of the quality that was appreciated here, it has now gone to a new home where, hopefully, it is given the attention it deserves.

Thor 160

Thor issue 160, by Stan (the man) Lee and Jack (king) Kirby, was published by Marvel Comics with a cover date of January 1969. Jack Kirby (August 28, 1917 – February 6, 1994), born Jacob Kurtzberg, was an American comic book artist, writer and editor, and one of the most influential creators in the comic book medium. Teaming up with writer/editor Stan Lee on The Fantastic Four in 1961, the series became a hit that revolutionized the industry. The same creative team, joined by scripter Larry Lieber (Stan's brother), debuted Thor in Journey into Mystery 83 (August 1962), an anthology which was retitled Thor with issue 126 (March 1966). With Thor, Kirby continued to expand the medium's boundaries, working with photo-collage and developing new drawing techniques such as the method for depicting energy fields now known as "Kirby Krackle", and other experiments.

Galactus first appeared on the scene in Fantastic Four 48 “The Coming of Galactus!”, and after he left he wasn’t supposed to return for a very long time. Needless to say, Galactus became an immediate hit with the readers and Lee, ever in touch with the fan base, prompted Kirby to bring Galactus back in not only Fantastic Four, but Thor as well. Issue 160 brings us the first part of Galactus vs. Ego! Planet eater vs. living planet - with the colonizers of Rigel, the Recorder, and Thor in the middle! This copy is estimated to be in a very collectible VF+ condition, with nice cover gloss, creamy/white pages, and a tight centerfold. The main critique of its condition is a small 1/3 inch crease on the bottom right-hand corner of the cover. Acquired some years ago for only $10 CDN, the book is both a great work of art and a great investment.

Walt Disney's Seven Dwarfs figurines

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a 1937 American animated film produced by Walt Disney and released by RKO Radio Pictures. Based on the German fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, it is the first full-length cel animated feature in motion picture history. The film premiered at the Carthay Circle Theatre on December 21, 1937, to a wildly receptive audience, receiving a standing ovation at its completion from a star-studded audience that included such celebrities as Charlie Chaplin, Shirley Temple, Ginger Rogers, Clark Gable and a host of others. RKO Radio Pictures put the film into general release on February 4, and it went on to become a major box-office success, making four times more money than any other motion picture released in 1938. Further, noted critics and filmmakers, such as Sergei Eisenstein and Charlie Chaplin, praised Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as a notable achievement in cinema.

Frank Seiberling, founder of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, so named in honor of Charles Goodyear who invented vulcanized rubber, also founded the Seiberling Rubber Company in 1921. In 1933, Tom Casey, the company's Vice-President, happened to catch a showing of Walt Disney's Three Little Pigs at a local theater and, according to a 1938 newspaper article, ventured out west to secure the rights to produce rubber figurines based on characters from the Three Little Pigs. Casey also believed Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarf's was going to be a huge hit, so much so that his factory produced 40,000 of the figurines in anticipation of the film's success. The figures appeared in the marketplace two months prior to the film's premiere, and although sales may have been slow to start, when Walt Disney's feature went into general release in 1938, Snow White mania swept the nation. Unfortunately, most of Seiberling's toys have fallen victim to oxidation, leaving collectors hard pressed to find examples in anything better than very good condition.

Spawn Promotional Poster

Spawn is a fictional comic book character, created by writer/artist Todd McFarlane, who first appeared in Malibu Sun #13 (May 1992), and afterward in a monthly comic book published by Image Comics. This promotional poster measures 28 cm by 40.5 cm when fully open, and features a full color image of McFarlane's Spawn. When folded, the poster features two additional black-and-white images by McFarlane. Designed for advertising use, the poster came pre-folded, and is therefore in its original condition. As an advertising piece, this poster pre-dates the release of Spawn #1, and although the popularity of Spawn has faded over time, the launch of Image Comics is still considered a milestone event that rocked the Comic book industry.

Todd McFarlane, born March 16, 1961, is a Canadian cartoonist, artist, writer, toy designer and entrepreneur, best known for his work in comic books. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, McFarlane became a comic book superstar due to his work on Marvel Comics' Spider-Man franchise. After Spider-Man #16 (Nov. 1991), McFarlane left the book due to creative differences with new editor Danny Fingeroth, and helped form Image Comics, pulling the occult anti-hero Spawn from his high school portfolio, and updating him for the 1990s. Spawn was a popular hero in the 1990s, and encouraged a trend in creator-owned comic book properties.

1938 Canadian Quarter

Recently, the numismatics department uncovered a small trove of pre-1960 Canadian quarters. Out of dozens of specimens this coin was the oldest found in the trove, and is dated 1938. As such, the obverse side of the coin is graced with a portrait of King George VI, and the reverse side of the coin the iconic Caribou. The numismatics department estimates the coin is in (VG-8) Very Good condition, i.e. very worn, but with all major design elements clear, if faint.

The beauty of the Canadian 25-cent piece from this era, aside from the visual aesthetics, is the fact that they are composed of 80% silver. Since the weight of a quarter is 5.83 grams, 80% of that is 4.66 grams of pure silver. And, with a gram of silver at $1.04 CDN, the quarter, with its face value of only 25 cents, is worth $4.85 CDN in silver content alone. Added to that is the vintage of the coin, which, at 74 years of age and in this condition, adds at least 50% to its value.

Shipwreck Beetlejuice Action Figure

This action figure is from the Beetlejuice series, produced by Kenner from 1989-1990, and based on the movie of the same name. A 1988 American comedy/horror/fantasy film directed by Tim Burton, the plot of Beetlejuice revolves around a recently deceased young couple who become ghosts haunting their former home and an obnoxious, devious "bio-exorcist" named Betelgeuse from the underworld who tries to scare away the new human inhabitants. This example, Shipwreck Beetlejuice, is still in its unopened original packaging. Unlike some figures from this line, Shipwreck Beetlejuice did not have a removable head. Instead, if you were to squeeze his legs together, his arms would fly up and tentacles would leap from his head!

Kenner Products was a toy company founded in 1947 by three brothers, Albert, Phillip, and Joseph L. Steiner, in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, and was named after the street where the original corporate offices were located. Kenner introduced popular toys such as the Easy-Bake Oven in 1963, and the Spirograph drawing toy in 1966. After Kenner acquired the license to produce Star Wars toys when the Mego Corporation rejected it in 1976, Kenner popularized the 3.75 inch action figure that became an industry standard. One of their most highly acclaimed lines was the Super Powers Collection, produced from 1984 to 1986, and based on superheroes of DC Comics. Another popular action figure lines in the late 1980s was Kenner's The Real Ghostbusters, based on the 1986-1991 animated series adaptation of the 1984 feature film.

The Tragedy of Grease-pencil

There are often 'collectible' books hidden among the stacks in used book stores, flea markets and estate sales. Sometimes, unfortunately, the seller has used grease-pencil to scrawl the price of the book across its cover, a horrible, disfiguring act. Not only reducing the overall condition of the book, the grease-pencil ends up defacing what can often be beautiful cover art. Although it can be argued that a true collectible book should never be restored under any circumstances, a mass market paperback of the type that is still very affordable would not be significantly degraded by a quick cleaning! But grease-pencil has always been a formidable adversary.

So when a stash of old Doc Savage novels, those published by Bantam throughout the sixties, seventies, and eighties was unearthed at an old going-out-of-business book store, the grease-pencil disfiguration had to be addressed! As an example, I present a copy of "Devil on the Moon", defaced with a scarring "495". To combat this, the Bibliophilia department used a paper towel moistened with a drop of olive oil and gently rubbed it onto the grease-pencil mark. Almost instantly the grease-pencil began to dissolve! Then, with a spare paper towel, the olive oil was dabbed off, taking most of the grease-pencil with it! Although not recommended for all types of paper, this technique worked wonders on the card stock cover of a paperback!

Ronson Whirlwind Lighter

This silver Ronson Whirlwind lighter comes complete with its original box, documentation, and assorted accessories. It stands 5.3 cm tall, and is 4.3 cm wide. Although an exact date of manufacture cannot be determined this piece is an estimated 55-60 years old, and, despite minor signs of use, still in very good condition. The Whirlwind model was added to the Ronson line in 1941. These lighters have wind shields which can be pulled up from the body of the lighters for outdoor use. It is likely this was the model writer Ian Fleming had in mind when, in the novel Casino Royale, James Bond "snapped his oxidized Ronson to see if it needed fuel."

The Ronson lighter company started as The Art Metal Works in 1886 by Louis V. Aronson, a gifted man who at 16 years old received a U.S. patent for a commercially valuable metal plating process he developed. In 1926 he released an "automatic operation" lighter, which offered both ignition and extinguishment in a single push. It was a great success, demand shortly exceeding supply, spurring Aronson to patent it and design other products around the invention, which were marketed under the Ronson brand name. This example of the Ronson Whirlwind was acquired recently for an extremely reasonable $23.56 CAN.

Graphitti Designs Superman Statue

Produced in 1993 by Graffiti Designs, this Superman statue was based on a Sculpt by Randy Bowen, who worked from a sketch by noted Superman artist Dan Jurgens. Made of cold cast porcelain and individually hand painted, this statuette stands approximately 26.5 cm tall. Limited to a run of 6,100 peices, each is individually numbered. This particular statuette is #4,254. The factory original box was not intended for retail display, or made of durable design, and was used as the shipping box in many cases. Consequently, most, including this box, have dings, scuffs, tape marks, and general shelf wear.

Graphitti Designs, founded in 1982, is one of the leading producers of pop culture related merchandise, focusing on everything from apparel to deluxe limited edition hardcovers. As an added claim to pop culture fame for the company, this Superman statue was also seen on the hit show Seinfeld, where it proudly resided for many episodes on Jerry Seinfeld's bookshelf! Although the list price on these scarce statuettes was originally $215.00 CDN, this one was scooped up a number of years ago for a bargain $132 CDN!

Alfred Hitchcock and the Three Investigators in The Mystery of the Headless Horse

Alfred Hitchcock and the Three Investigators in The Mystery of the Headless Horse was book number 26 in the American juvenile detective book series. This hardcover edition is a first printing, published by Random House in 1977, and was written by William Arden. The book itself is free of major flaws, with only limited wear on the top and bottom edges of the spine taking away from an overall near-mint edition. The cover still has the original gloss, and the page edges are still sharp. The Bibliophilia department is proud to hold this exquisite edition in the collection. 

 

Alfred Hitchcock and the Three Investigators was created by Robert Arthur, Jr., who had been an editor for several Hitchcock book collections. He believed using a famous figure such as movie director Hitchcock would attract attention. The original series ran from 1964 to 1987 and comprised 43 books. Books number 1 to 9 and 11 were written by the creator, who also sketched out ideas for a few of the other stories. But the standard premise that the boys encountered baffling, sometimes misleading clues and danger before finally solving the mystery was a constant throughout the series. However strange, mystical, or even supernatural a particular phenomenon may appear at first, it is capable of being traced to human agency with the determined application of reason and logic.

 

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm Promotional Theater Cup

 

On the original theatrical release of Batman: Mask of the Phantasm in 1993, this theater cup was included as part of a promotional “Combo” that could be purchased from the theater concession. The cup itself has a beautiful full color image depicting Batman and his adversary, with the name of the theatre chain on the reverse side. The cup lid is a jet black, 3D plastic sculpt of the Batman's cowl, which has a hole in the top to allow for a straw. The total height of the cup and lid is 26.5cm.

 

 

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is a 1993 American animated superhero mystery film based on the fictional DC Comics character Batman, and is a spin-off of the Emmy Award-winning TV series Batman: The Animated Series. Although critically acclaimed (Empire cited it as the best animated film of 1993), the film only went on to gross slightly more than $5.6 million in total domestic box office intake. The filmmakers blamed Warner Bros. for an unsuccessful marketing campaign. Needless to say, with a poor initial box-office run, these promotional cups are exceedingly scarce.

Conversion of assets III

The bibliophilia department made a recent conversion of assets utilizing a first printing of Kathe Koja's 1991 debut novel 'The Cipher'. Thought-provoking as it is horrifying, Nicholas and his friend Nakota discover a black "Funhole" in the floor of an abandoned storage room in his apartment building. The hole becomes both a physical and psychic phenomenon that forces them to face their miserable, aimless lives. Winner of the Bram Stoker Award and the Locus Award, and somewhat difficult to find, this edition was sold for $43.69 CAD.

The income was used to acquire a first printing of a Signet Books paperback edition of Ian Fleming's 'For Your Eyes Only'. Published in June, 1961, this collection of James Bond short stories was the only edition published with this cover. A change of format for Fleming, who had previously written James Bond stories only as full-length novels, the collection contains "From a View to a Kill", "For Your Eyes Only", "Quantum of Solace", "Risico" and "The Hildebrand Rarity". Four of the stories were adaptations of plots for a television series that was never filmed while the fifth Fleming had written previously but not published. Total cost of the purchase was $28.67 CAD, the profit being held for the bibliophilia department.

Estée Lauder America the Beautiful Compact

The Estée Lauder America the Beautiful Compact has a unique American flag crystal design. Approximately 5.7 cm in diameter, this stunning compact was issued in 1994, and features enamaled red stripes with white stripes of hand set clear swarovski crystals. The top of the compact has a swirl of blue enamel with nine stars each set with a swarovski crystal center. Acquired a number of years ago, it comes complete with a blue satin pouch, and is still filled with Estee Lauder lucidity pressed powder and puff.

Estée Lauder Companies, Inc. is a manufacturer and marketer of prestige skincare, makeup, fragrance and hair care products with its headquarters in Midtown Manhattan, New York. The company began in 1946 when Joseph Lauder and his wife Estée began producing cosmetics in New York City. Two years later they established their first department store account with Saks Fifth Avenue. The company has produced a series of patriotic compacts, and this is one of the most beautiful examples to date.

Conversion of assets II

Who says lightning dosen't strike twice? Another "conversion of assets" was recently made: a set of ‘Night Nurse’ was sold for a total of $123 CAD.'Night Nurse' was published by Marvel Comics Group and lasted only four issues, cover-dated November 1972 to May 1973. The medical drama series focused on the adventures of three female roommates who worked the night shift at a fictional hospital in New York City.

The cash was used to purchase a CGC graded 9.0 (VF/NM) copy of ‘Amazing Spider-Man #96'. Published by Marvel Comics Group dated May 1971, this issue features an appearance by the Green Goblin, and is notable for being the first main stream American comic book to be published without the seal of the Comics Code Authority, a de facto censor for the U.S. comic book industry.

Conversion of assets

A lesson was learned a long time ago about the empty feeling that lingers after a collectible is sold for cold cash. The money is alright at first, but quickly that high fades away. Trading, or converting, however, is a different prospect altogether! Just recently, one such "conversion of assets" was made: a NM copy of ‘Batman: Vengeance of Bane’ was sold for a total of $58 CAD, and the cash used to purchase a CGC graded 9.0 (VF/NM) copy of ‘Marvel Team-up #3’.

‘Marvel Team-up #3’, published by Marvel Comics Group dated July 1972, features an early appearance by Morbius, the Living Vampire. The CGC grading is a guarantee of quality when purchasing books sight-unseen, and allows for easier conversion at a later date. ‘Batman: Vengeance of Bane’ was published by DC Comics dated January 1993, and features the origin & first appearance of Batman's adversary Bane. Interest in this book has spiked recently due to the character's appearance in the upcoming Batman movie.

Commemorative Polar Bear Coin

This coin, produced by the Royal Canadian Mint in 2012, is composed of 7.96 grams of 99.99% pure silver. Production of the coin has been limited to 250,000 worldwide, and is unusual in that the face value of the coin exceeds the current value of the precious metal that comprises the coin. Regardless of numismatic concerns, the image of the polar bear by artist Susanna Blunt is stunning, as is the striking of the coin itself.

The Royal Canadian Mint is a Canadian Crown Corporation that produces all of Canada's circulation coins, and manufactures circulation coins on behalf of other nations. The Mint operates under the legislative basis of the Royal Canadian Mint Act. As a Crown Corporation, it is 100% owned by the Government of Canada, which is its sole shareholder.

Evans Saxony Hotel Lighter

This gold Evans lighter is emblazoned with the name of The Saxony Hotel, Miami Beach, and comes complete with its original box. Though the box shows signs of age, the interior and, best of all, the lighter, are in excellent condition. The lighter stands 6.2 cm tall, by 3.5 cm wide. Although an exact date of manufacture can still not be determined, this piece is an estimated 60 years old, and in fabulous shape considering its age.

The Saxony Hotel, at 3201 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, was completed in 1948, and was one of the first luxury resorts on Miami Beach. The Saxony was famous for its luxurious rooms, complementary meals, restaurants and exceptional views of South Beach, and was the first air-conditioned hotel on Miami Beach. It is easy to see how and elegant lighter like this Evans would be affiliated with a resort the caliber of Saxony.

James Bond 'Live and Let Die' View-Master set

This View-Master set is adapted from the movie 'Live and Let Die' featuring Roger Moore as Ian Fleming’s James Bond. Released in 1973, this full color packet contains a booklet, three reels, and protective envelope. Made before GAF switched to inferior film in 1977, these images are still sharp and colorful. Everything is near mint, except for the packet, which is missing one of its four flaps. With it's long history, and treatment of many icons from popular culture, View-Master remains popular and affordable among collectors to this day.

View-Master is a device for viewing seven 3-D images (also called stereo images) on a paper disk. Although the View-Master became considered a children's toy, it was originally marketed to enjoy stereograms of picturesque tourist attractions. Retail sales of View-Master viewers and disks started in 1939, with a patent on the viewing device issued in 1940. In 1966 the company was acquired by the General Aniline & Film (GAF) Corporation, and now classic television series and movies began to be featured on View-Master disks.

Lego Star Wars set 7106 - Droid Escape

The Lego Star Wars line was initially released in 1999. This set, number 7106 Droid Escape, was released in 2001 as part of the Classic line, and features R2-D2 and C-3PO Minifigures. The box, measuring 19 cm x 9.5 cm x 5.8 cm, is still sealed, and only suffers from minor shelf wear incurred over the last decade.

Star Wars was the first intellectual property to be licensed in Lego history. Originally it was only licensed from 1999–2008, but the line was so successful the Lego Group extended the license with Lucasfilm Ltd. to 2011, and then again until 2016. The brand has also spawned three major video game releases. 

Disney's Aladdin Promotional Theater Cup

On the original theatrical release of Disney’s Aladdin in  1992, this theater cup was part of a promotional “Combo” that could be purchased from the theater concession. The cup itself has a beautiful full color image of the heroes from Disney’s Aladdin, as well the name of the promotion’s sponsors on the reverse side. The cup lid is a light blue, 3D plastic sculpt of the Genies head, which has a hole in the top to allow for a straw. The total height of the cup and lid is 26.5cm.

Aladdin was the 31st animated feature in the Walt Disney Animated Classics series, and was part of the Disney film era known as the Disney Renaissance. Following the success of Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin was released on November 25, 1992 to positive reviews, and became the highest-grossing film in 1992, and the highest-grossing animated film up until that time.

Hummel Figurine 171 - The Little Sweeper

This Hummel Figurine is numbered 171, the Little Sweeper. She stands 11.6 cm tall, and has a base 5 cm in diameter; her condition is very good with no chips, or cracking. The figurine could use a bit of a washing, but we prefer to call that patina. This edition has an unusual underside to the base, but still shows the stamped trademark bee flying high in the letter “V” – the Full Bee. Also marked as made in Germany, this figure dates from the early 1950s.

Hummel figurines are based on the drawings of Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel, a famous German Franciscan Sister and artist. Porcelain maker W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik acquired the rights to turn Hummel's popular drawings into figurines, producing the first line in 1935. After the end of World War II, the popularity of the figurines grew as American soldiers stationed in West Germany began sending them home as gifts. A vibrant speculator market developed in the 1970s, and although Hummel figurines skyrocketed in price, today most sell for less than 20% of those heady values.

Amazing Spider-man 40

Amazing Spiderman issue 40 was published by Marvel Comics with a cover date of September 1966. The story, as always, by Stan Lee, was illustrated by John Romita Sr., and told the origin of the Green Goblin. This copy is estimated to be in a very collectible F+ condition. Most of the criticism of the condition is due to minor edge wear and stress marks along the spine. The pages are still supple with a creamy color, and the centerfold shows no signs of undue wear.

Marvel Comics Group started in 1939 as Timely Publications, and by the early 1950s had generally become known as Atlas Comics. Marvel's incarnation dates from 1961, with the company launching Fantastic Four. The Amazing Spider-Man began publication in 1963 as a monthly periodical and was published continuously until a re-launch in 1999 with a new numbering order. This copy of issue 40 was acquired some years ago for $25 CDN, a shrewd buy then, an even better investment now.

Canada Post Commemorative Papal Stamps

This item is a set of two unmounted mint stamps issued by Canada Post in 1984 to commemorate the visit of Pope John Paul II to Canada. Both the 32 and 64 cent version display a stylized map of Canada showing each stop in John Paul’s tour overlain with the Papal coat-of-arms. The outer flap of the card, a portrait of the Pope, can be opened to display further details about the visit, and about the Pontiff himself.

Canada Post, the Canadian crown corporation which functions as the country's primary postal operator, is responsible for stamp design and production. But the choice of subject or the final design to appear on stamps is preformed by the Stamp Advisory Committee. Their objective is to recommend a stamp program that will have broad-based appeal, regionally and culturally, reflecting Canadian history, heritage, and tradition.

Estée Lauder Golden Millennium compact

The Golden Millennium compact from Estée Lauder was issued in 1999 to celebrate the arrival of the new millennium. The compact is 5.8cm in diameter and 2.0cm thick, and has an hourglass window on the top that holds many tiny crystals that move freely like the sands of time. It was acquired a number of years ago complete in the original golden presentation box with white protector sleeve, still filled with Estee Lauder lucidity pressed powder and puff.

Estée Lauder Companies, Inc. is a manufacturer and marketer of prestige skincare, makeup, fragrance and hair care products with its headquarters in Midtown Manhattan, New York. The company began in 1946 when Joseph Lauder and his wife Estée began producing cosmetics in New York City. Two years later they established their first department store account with Saks Fifth Avenue.

Marvel Superheroes Poster

Arguably released at the height of his career, this poster by John Buscema is his take on the superhero montage familiar to most comic book fans. In 1978, small-press publisher Sal Quartuccio released 'The Art of John Buscema', a retrospective that included an interview, previously unpublished sketches and drawings, and a cover that was released contemporarily as this 56cm by 40cm poster.

John Buscema was one of the preeminent comic book artists of the late 20th century, and one of the mainstays of Marvel Comics during its 60s and 70s ascendancy into an industry leader. He is perhaps best known for his work on the Savage Sword of Conan, which was one of the most popular comic series in the 1970s and is now considered a cult classic.