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.