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.