Sunday 29 January 2012

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.

Thursday 26 January 2012

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.

Sunday 22 January 2012

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.

Thursday 19 January 2012

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.

Saturday 14 January 2012

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.

Wednesday 11 January 2012

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.

Sunday 8 January 2012

Fossil Watch

This men's watch, by the clothing and accessories designer and manufacturer Fossil Inc., has a face 33mm in diameter and 7mm thick. Produced in 1991, the watch comes packaged in it's original tin box complete with warranty card. The tin, still in near mint condition after more than 20 years, is 140mm by 64mm, and 18mm deep.
Fossil was founded in 1984 as Overseas Products International by Tom Kartsotis. Their main product was fashion watches with a retro look. In 1990, they introduced leather goods under the Fossil brand, and the Relic line of watches. This combination of quality workmanship and distinct design have created a long term success, and this acquisition is representative of the product on its way to icon status.

Thursday 5 January 2012

Pierre Cardin Lighter

This black and gold Pierre Cardin lighter is complete with plastic case and original documentation. It stands 8.0 cm tall, 2.8 cm wide, and is an ultra slim 0.7 cm thick. Although an exact date of manufacture can still not be obtained, this piece is an estimated 35 years old, and in immaculate condition.
Pierre Cardin, a designer known for his avant-garde style and his Space Age designs, prefered geometric shapes and motifs, often ignoring the female form. Best known for his clothes, he branched out into various feilds including working with American Motors Corporation on automotive interiors, and, as this acquisition demonstrates, lighters. With a total cost of $35.30 CAD, owning a peice of design history has never been more afforadable.

Tuesday 3 January 2012

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Tooned Up Television Maquette 2

This Buffy the Vampire Slayer Tooned Up Television Maquette is the second version created  in 2008 by Electric Tiki Design. This version, inspired by Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode 'End of Days,' depicts the Slayer complete with ponytail, and two interchangeable right hands - one holding a stake, the other the slayer scythe. The acquired edition is #736 in an edition of 1100. 
The sculpt of the maquette is based on designs by artist Tracy Mark Lee, and stands approximately 20 cm tall - 1/8 scale. Upon inspection, this edition lived up to the high standards set by Electric Tiki Design, both detailing and finish of the highest quality. With a final aquistion price of $182.62 CAD, this maquette will be a fine, long term addition to the collection.