what is the best deal/score you have ever had?
you can include gifts, which lead to another question what is more satisfying hunting something down and finding it for an awesome price, or getting as a gift?
i just recently got a groovy goolies wolfie figure on ebay for $29.00 and they normally go for about $100.00, i think that it is my best deal for a monster item. for me it is always a pleasure to receive a monster gift i cherish the figure even more because it was given by a loved one but there is nothing compared to hunting and finding that item that you have been looking for or getting that one thing you though you could never afford. there is nothing like the hunt.
Hi www! I agree there is nothing like the hunt. And that a gift, especially a homemade one, is the best deal ever. But my best "non gift" deal I would say was a Giant (and i do mean huge) Frankenstein Ben Cooper style mask from a Target Halloween campaign years back. I asked a lady what they were going to do with it and she said "Be here when we open the day after Halloween and take it, otherwise it goes in the dumpster!" I got it, as well as a clown, fireman and Princess. I have no idea what I could sell it for.
My big free mask:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5243/5259218682_06ccc4a130_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/duane-the-bathtub/5259218682/)
bigmask (http://www.flickr.com/photos/duane-the-bathtub/5259218682/#) by packy120353 (http://www.flickr.com/people/duane-the-bathtub/), on Flickr
i feel my best non gift deal was, i was in wisconsin, and i saw the big boris karloff frankenstein beer stein in its box for 5 bucks!! i felt like i won the lotto.
ALSO i got all SIX of the virgina state lotto bobblehead banks for 30 dollars shipped total!
im a college kid so i have to hunt for deals or i can get it haha
Since I basically refuse to pay fancy prices for anything, the universe plays along and prices things accordingly ("Dark Monkey God" can corroborate this). I got the Target masks by the same route as Packy, though I didn't wind up with the fireman (I instead got two of the cardboard ones). I don't have Wolfy, but I have two Frankies that cost me a quarter each... one of them admittedly short a foot, but still... a quarter. Last month I got four MPC monsters for $3 each, plus two blue Palmers for $4 each, to join the four red and yellow ones that I got in the target set as a child. Of course, it's been 35 years between those purchases, so it may take a while for the other two to show up (in green, I hope!). I have both kinds of Famous Monsters model contest trophies; the metal trophy was $5 from its original winner (plus, for another $3, an extra Frankenstein figure from the second-place trophy that he ALSO won, but broke over the years), and the vacuform plaque was free at a local thrift store. I've got a stack of the William Castle greeting cards that I bought for their original retail price that had been sitting untouched in a West Virginia gift shop for 30+ years. I could cite any number of such things. You've just got to stand your ground and don't let the universe push you around!
Quote from: packy120353 on December 13, 2010, 05:46:05 PM
Hi www! I agree there is nothing like the hunt. And that a gift, especially a homemade one, is the best deal ever. But my best "non gift" deal I would say was a Giant (and i do mean huge) Frankenstein Ben Cooper style mask from a Target Halloween campaign years back. I asked a lady what they were going to do with it and she said "Be here when we open the day after Halloween and take it, otherwise it goes in the dumpster!" I got it, as well as a clown, fireman and Princess. I have no idea what I could sell it for.
My big free mask:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5243/5259218682_06ccc4a130_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/duane-the-bathtub/5259218682/)
bigmask (http://www.flickr.com/photos/duane-the-bathtub/5259218682/#) by packy120353 (http://www.flickr.com/people/duane-the-bathtub/), on Flickr
WOW!! That is too cool!!
When the seller of the figure I won on Ebay, couldn't find the item, he ended up selling me the brand new, case -fresh Sideshow 12" Creature From The Black Lagoon for either $14.50 or $17.50, I can't remember which - shipping included!
I never seem to have much luck at antique malls/flea markets, but several years ago, I did pick up a 1974, AHI 5" Mummy Bend 'Ems for 5 bucks - not sure how much it's worth now, but I think it was a pretty good deal.
Packy, that Franky is awesome!
Quote from: Devlin on December 13, 2010, 06:14:49 PMI've got a stack of the William Castle greeting cards that I bought for their original retail price that had been sitting untouched in a West Virginia gift shop for 30+ years.
I have no idea what these are. Could you pos a pic?
Rob
wow nice deals guys really impressive. after much consideration i think that i might have a better deal than the one i listed before, although being a broke college student i pride myself on getting my monsters on the cheap i think the best deal may have been when i got a 1983 bandai tamagora wolfman egg monster mint in box for only $3.17 yeah that was a pretty good day for me but this latest score was pretty awesome i guess they might be a tie in the satisfaction department...
A $14 female AHI Creature comes to mind - found it in a comic store with a bunch of Megos back in the early 90's. Actually, I have run into a lot of deals throughout the years. If I didn't, I wouldn't have much of a collection.
Ahh that mask is incredible lucky you! They're not toys but I did find about 20 Universal Monster cutout faced posters at this party store for 50 each. I bought them all, along with treat bags & some stickers. I was on cloud 9 for sure. Will post pics soon.
I think these were good deals~All 5 Uni-monster Telco's (open, no packaging) + Trendmasters Frankenstein bust all for 25 bucks. 4 red Zoo Piks (Frankenstein, Creature and 2 Wolfman) for $9. Wolfman Pozer (open, no packaging) $20....those are a few off the top of my head.
Just thought of two more, Bela Lugosi as Dracula ($10.50) and Boris Karloff as the Mummy ($14.50) life masks from Erick Erickson for $52 with shipping which is less than what you pay for one normally!
Jeez, there have been quite a few over the years...2 that come to mind are an orange Marx Creature figure that i found at a flea market for a quarter and more recently, when i won this blue carded Monster Nik troll for around 40 bucks!
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b352/Gasport2000/frankmonsternik.jpg)
By far the best deal I've ever found was an original Canadian longbox Aurora Mummy kit I picked up at a yard sale for a whole whopping 50 cents. It had been partly assembled (poorly) but I was able to get the pieces apart so I'll be able to sand off the excess dried glue and reassemble it properly.
(http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu69/YukonLeeFX/yardsale.jpg)
(http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu69/YukonLeeFX/004.jpg)
(http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu69/YukonLeeFX/002.jpg)
Back in the good old days, I got some garage sale-type deals on loose toys. I remember picking up a few loose AHIs and Megos for really cheap, like a few bucks each. I got a loose Kenner Alien with the dome and the upper half of the tongue for a few bucks. Someone gifted me a loose Mego red-haired Dracula, but I don't think gifts count in this discussion.
In recent years, I've been able to find old Topstone masks for very cheap. That's partly because I'm the only idiot out there looking for them. But for a lot of my good ones, like the 50s Caveman, Mummy, Pirate, Devil, I only paid a few bucks each. But then there have been others that I've paid for in blood, so it all evens out.
When the subject of "best toy buys" comes up, the first thing I always think of is finding the Thriller Graveyard Gang figures at Children's Palace for 98 cents each. I bought all they had, 57 of them. I sold one or two sets per year, with the last couple selling for around $200 per set.
Quote from: packy120353 on December 14, 2010, 11:41:54 PM
Is it better to wait for baseball season to deal with bats?
Sorry I couldn't resist
I think this was intended for chatty's bat thread?
Quote from: raycastile on December 14, 2010, 11:18:06 PM
Back in the good old days, I got some garage sale-type deals on loose toys. I remember picking up a few loose AHIs and Megos for really cheap, like a few bucks each. I got a loose Kenner Alien with the dome and the upper half of the tongue for a few bucks. Someone gifted me a loose Mego red-haired Dracula, but I don't think gifts count in this discussion.
In recent years, I've been able to find old Topstone masks for very cheap. That's partly because I'm the only idiot out there looking for them. But for a lot of my good ones, like the 50s Caveman, Mummy, Pirate, Devil, I only paid a few bucks each. But then there have been others that I've paid for in blood, so it all evens out.
When the subject of "best toy buys" comes up, the first thing I always think of is finding the Thriller Graveyard Gang figures at Children's Palace for 98 cents each. I bought all they had, 57 of them. I sold one or two sets per year, with the last couple selling for around $200 per set.
you can totally include gifts, i just asked which was the preference the gift or the hunt? but presents completely count. and as fare as great gifts last Christmas my bother gave me a teenage werewolf 12" figure, that i never would have been able to get myself due to the price it was awesome.
The best deal I ever got on a monster toy was last year at a garage/yard sale. It was a AHI Mummy.
Somewhere in the UMA universe I posted it.
QuoteWhile driving this weekend, looking at a few garage/yard sales. My wife and i stopped to look, we noticed a few toys in many boxes. I looked through the boxes that i thought were toy worthy, nothing. A yard-sale bust. I was about to leave, but my wife was looking at other boxes, mostly barbies. A woman, on the prowl looking for GEM dolls. When, by the power of "GRAYSKULL" she holds up an AHI Mummy, Wow!!!! I couldn't believe my eyes. The price, cheap.
The best deal I ever got was a Remco Mini Monster Case for $20 bucks. It was near mint no tears or rips. Got it on ebay. >:D
Was not really looking for it, but found a 6' Mad Monster poster at a flea market, folded, for $18!
Would have to be a sealed aurora glow in the dark Creature kit for 5 bucks at a model car swap a few years back, couldn't believe it!
Maybe my best find was at a random garage sale stop several years ago. A large cardboard box with 13 of the original Aurora monster kits in it for $10......they were all built, and painted, but over the years I have come to really admire the somewhat crude, but honest and innocent paint jobs on them. Bud
Ah! Toy best-deal stories! How can you have just one? Since I'm with friends here's another........I got to know the owner of a local train store. He was also into Disney, a mutual interest, so we talked often. One day I walk in and he says "hey, I'm not interested in this, but maybe you are", and hands me an index card with a lady's name, number, and the the words "Great Garloo" on it. I'm not sure he even knew what a Great Garloo was, but I sure did! I said, yea, thanks and lit out of there as politely as possible. Been looking for a Great Garloo for years. I called the lady and she wanted $300. I told her that didn't sound unreasonable if he was in good condition. I drove right over. Garloo was mint in his original box and even had the original foam between his arms and shoulders (most often missing or deteriorated). The lady told me she had worked at a local orphanage that had been visited by Louis Marx himself on a trip through KC. Sometime after his visit an entire pallet of toys arrived at the orphanage courtesy of Mr. Marx. The one toy none of the children wanted anything to do with was the Great Garloo. He was too scary! So this lady took him home and he had set on her closet shelf only to be brought out on occasion to entertain her grandchildren. Super story, and I have no reason to doubt her. I grabbed Garloo up and he's lived with me for many years...........one strange thing happened during this purchase.........even though I had rushed home, called the lady, and drove immediately over, she had received a call just after mine offering to best any price I might offer. She told the caller that she would stick with the price she had quoted me. Pretty honest and honorable lady! Never figured out what that was about, but possibly my train store owner had second thoughts and tried to get there ahead of me. Don't throw the leftovers to the sharks if you're still hungry! Bud
She probably went to more than one store to sell it and someone else passed her number on to another interested buyer.
Terrific thread and absolutely MAGICAL story there, Bud...Glad Garloo found himself a good home!
Awesome story Bud, what year was that and where are the photos of the Garloo? I remember Garloo from the late 60s maybe, a kid down the block had one and of course it ended up burned to death then decapitated with a golf club. Fast Fwd to 1983 my football teamate had on in his garage and I said hay man this thing is cool, and I cleaned and fixed the battery leak destroyed batt compartment and got it working again. It was pretty cool but I don't remember what happened to it, garage sale probably.
Anyway, to get back to the topic at hand = MERRY CHRISTMAS to me!!! I scored my beast deal maybe ever on ebay a few nights ago, let's just say I got a mislisted collectible for $21 that should easily have sold for $150+ if anyone else would have found it. Only 1 other bidder, I was cheering as the auction closed!!! I am going to follow the old rule of don't say anything about a great auction till you have it in hand, but I will post some photos when it arrives and you guys are going to love what I got!
Happy Monster Kid Holidays!!
Years ago, Yahoo used to have an auction site similar to eBay. I once picked up a lot of four 70's action figures there for $20.00. I got a Mego Spider-Man, a Mego Hulk, and two Tomland figures, the Fly and the Yeti. All four were complete and in good shape.
George
I got a request to post some pics of my $5.00 Mummy I mentioned in this thread, so here it is:
It looks dirty to me, so I tried to clean it up - no dirt or grime came off it, so I guess it's as clean as it's going to be.
(http://i363.photobucket.com/albums/oo79/TheUnknownPrimate/Monster%20Toys/EvilFrankyShock043.jpg)
(http://i363.photobucket.com/albums/oo79/TheUnknownPrimate/Monster%20Toys/EvilFrankyShock045.jpg)
(http://i363.photobucket.com/albums/oo79/TheUnknownPrimate/Monster%20Toys/EvilFrankyShock047.jpg)
So, what do I have here?
Quote from: Unknown Primate on December 22, 2010, 03:34:35 AM
It looks dirty to me, so I tried to clean it up - no dirt or grime came off it, so I guess it's as clean as it's going to be.
Yep, that's he he should look.
Quote from: Unknown Primate on December 22, 2010, 03:34:35 AM
So, what do I have here?
A great example of a Bend 'Em that has been increasingly hard to fine over the last decade, and subsequently rising in price. How are he wires? Are you selling it? Regardless, congrats on great find.
Quote from: Unknown Primate on December 22, 2010, 03:34:35 AM
I got a request to post some pics of my $5.00 Mummy I mentioned in this thread, so here it is:
It looks dirty to me, so I tried to clean it up - no dirt or grime came off it, so I guess it's as clean as it's going to be.
(http://i363.photobucket.com/albums/oo79/TheUnknownPrimate/Monster%20Toys/EvilFrankyShock043.jpg)
(http://i363.photobucket.com/albums/oo79/TheUnknownPrimate/Monster%20Toys/EvilFrankyShock045.jpg)
(http://i363.photobucket.com/albums/oo79/TheUnknownPrimate/Monster%20Toys/EvilFrankyShock047.jpg)
So, what do I have here?
What you have is an AWESOME and incredibly rare mummy! The paint job is perfect -that's exactly how that figure is supposed to look. The "nose rub" white spot is typical on any that are still around. Are the wires intact? I truly think the mummy bend em is the rarest of the AHI figures, not necessarily the highest priced, but the hardest to find. Maybe one a year comes up on Ebay. (See my thread below from Sept 2009 for a wealth of info on this figure)
http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=5909.msg95328#msg95328 (http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=5909.msg95328#msg95328)
In my opinion, you could easily sell your mummy with those photos on Ebay for $250, maybe more
Congratulations, it is a great AHI mummy bend em. A truly amazing score.
Great! Sounds like I did well, for once! Bought it around 6 years ago. It didn't have a price on it and I hadn't really started collecting seriously yet. My nephew was with me and talked me into buying it. I asked the dude running the booth how much he wanted for it - he said 8 bucks - I told him I had 5 and he said, "Sold!"
The wires seem fine - very tight & firm (yes, I'm still talking about The Mummy). The only imperfection I see is the spot below his left knee, although it still feels like rubber and not wire. He has an even smaller area like that on his head. The rest looks great.
Haven't really thought about selling it, even though I could really use the bread, :-\. It's kinda weird, there are several "grails" I'd rather have in my collection, but knowing how slim the chances are of me ever affording another Mummy - well, you know ::)... We'll see though. I'm definitely not above considering offers.
Either way, AHI Creature, thanks for alerting me to this - I really appreciate your input! You too, darkmonkeygod - thanks for commenting!
Hey everyone,
Im a newbie but i've been to this site often for its wealth of information on vintage monster toys. I've been collectiong monster toys off and on for 15 years, just recently picked up a 19" plastic vintage Frankenstin bank styled like the Aurora Gigantic Frankenstein at a local flea market for $2, thats right $2, I've been trying to find out some info on it but there isn't alot of info available about it on the sites ive looked. Anyways, Glad to finally be part of the army.
Will post photo's of my frankenstein bank later today, Merry Christmas
Looking forward to your pics, toys-of-terror!
And welcome to the UMA!
(//)http://img691.imageshack.us/i/eyecandy001.jpg/ (http://img691.imageshack.us/i/eyecandy001.jpg/)
Hi,
the frankensein bank is in the middle of the photo, He has been touched up with some acrylic paint. Any info on this bad boy would be much appreciated. Thanks for your warm welcome to the army. (http://i53.tinypic.com/fom53b.jpg)
Toys of Terror, that is a nice display! When you get a chance, could you maybe give us the facts on the Witch Dr. Shrunken Head Kit. The box looks rather large. I'm not at all familiar with that item......60s? Bud
hi,
early 60's made by pressman, I'll get you some photo's of the contents and box tomorrow, There is a an old tv commercial for it on youtube.
thanks
Thanks! You could start an entire post on that toy. I did that recently with an Ideal Monster Lab.....lots of us would appreciate it. Hey, I dig your photo.....weren't you in a movie where mini-me critters burnt your face on a stove? Hilarious! Bud
Quote from: toys-of-terror on December 25, 2010, 09:39:44 PM
Hi,
the frankensein bank is in the middle of the photo, He has been touched up with some acrylic paint. Any info on this bad boy would be much appreciated. Thanks for your warm welcome to the army. (http://i53.tinypic.com/fom53b.jpg)
Hi TOT- great post and photo. Your frankie is a great score and you will get more info about it from this group than anywhere else...get used to what is happening with this post where you post a photo and get a ton of questions about everything else in the photo than what you were originally posting...for example, I can't help noticing the haunted house box artwork looks suspiciously similar to the haunted house used in the AHI Super Monsters packaging. (look at the moon bats, clouds, it can't all be coincidence ) Who can explain or elaborate on this? While we're at it, what's the story on that haunted house on the right?
(http://www.smugmug.com/photos/644880599_wGpPw-XL.jpg)
BTW ToyOTerror, welcome to the Army!
Welcome TOT!! Great photo and cool collection! UP, that Mummy is an EPIC find my friend!!
when i bought the haunted house on the right i was told by a trusted friend that it was a prototype from a toy company in the 60's,, whether this is true or not i don't know i really don't care I just loved it so much i couldn't resist. Claims its modeled after the addams family house. Thanks for the warm welcome, I am glad i joined. Any info on the frankenstein bank would be much appreciated, Im thinking of trading it but i don't like trading in the dark, I really want to know more about it. Thank you
It looks like a plastic bank from the 60's. What is the color of the plastic underneath? Was it painted or did you paint it? It is a pretty desireable item, I wouldn't trade it until I shopped it around. What are you trading it for?
hi,
Its black the only painted parts are the blue and green, it was painted this way by the previous owner who said the original paint was almost worn off. I hate they painted it but it could be easily removed since its acrylic (i don't dare try it though) I am thinking of trading it but i don't know its value, I've been told diffrent prices by diffrent dealers. I've been into monster and vintage toys for 20 years and i've never seen one. I would trade it for the right monster item on my want list but i want an honest opnion on its value. I like it but there are items i want more. Thanks for all your help guys, I love this site and the hospitality you guys have shown a newbie to the army.
Quote from: toys-of-terror on December 26, 2010, 05:43:43 PM
hi,
Its black the only painted parts are the blue and green, it was painted this way by the previous owner who said the original paint was almost worn off. I hate they painted it but it could be easily removed since its acrylic (i don't dare try it though) I am thinking of trading it but i don't know its value, I've been told diffrent prices by diffrent dealers. I've been into monster and vintage toys for 20 years and i've never seen one. I would trade it for the right monster item on my want list but i want an honest opnion on its value. I like it but there are items i want more. Thanks for all your help guys, I love this site and the hospitality you guys have shown a newbie to the army.
Let me know what you are looking for, I have a lot of trade items. I sent you a personal message - go to "my messages" area.
$2 for that big Frankie bank. Wow, I didn't think finds like that were possible these days. There are still buried treasures out there if you do enough digging. Me, a few swings of the shovel and my back gives out. I'm not much of a digger.
Quote from: toys-of-terror on December 26, 2010, 05:43:43 PM
hi,
Its black the only painted parts are the blue and green, it was painted this way by the previous owner who said the original paint was almost worn off. I hate they painted it but it could be easily removed since its acrylic (i don't dare try it though) I am thinking of trading it but i don't know its value, I've been told diffrent prices by diffrent dealers. I've been into monster and vintage toys for 20 years and i've never seen one. I would trade it for the right monster item on my want list but i want an honest opnion on its value. I like it but there are items i want more. Thanks for all your help guys, I love this site and the hospitality you guys have shown a newbie to the army.
I don't understand. You listed it on eBay the other day, and it hit your reserve of $700, and then all bids were canceled before it ended.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rt=nc&nma=true&item=280606167301 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rt=nc&nma=true&item=280606167301)
Several of us were bidding on it, and the bid would have pushed much higher. How much it was ultimately worth was about to be determined, when the auction ended early, abruptly, and without a winner.
I'm taking my $2 and heading out to garage sales in my area next weekend.
Wow, that coulda gone high!
Quote from: Toy Ranch on December 26, 2010, 08:35:54 PM
I don't understand. You listed it on eBay the other day, and it hit your reserve of $700, and then all bids were canceled before it ended.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rt=nc&nma=true&item=280606167301 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rt=nc&nma=true&item=280606167301)
Several of us were bidding on it, and the bid would have pushed much higher. How much it was ultimately worth was about to be determined, when the auction ended early, abruptly, and without a winner.
bummer :(
I don't like selling things in the dark, I decided to get my facts together before i sell it or trade it, I apologize to those of you who were bidding, besides, I was thinking i might find a better home for him here were he belongs, sounds crazy i guess.
My son, doesn't want me to sell it anyway folks, and i might just end up keeping it and not worry what he's worth , Thanks to all of you with your information and sorry if i offended some of you by pulling the auction, that wasn't my intention, just a little torn, any excuss not to selll it i guess.
It's OK. Your item, your auction. When it ended, I figured you had sold it to someone who had made an offer for it. This happens a lot, and it's almost always someone who wants it and doesn't think they can hang in the bidding who makes an offer for less than it might otherwise bring. The seller then jumps for it, never knowing what they missed.
There isn't a lot known about that bank. It is a 60's item, and some think it was made in Mexico, but sold in the US. Not many have traded to establish a value. The last one that auctioned was a black one with some of the original face paint, that went for around $800 I believe, and that was about 7 years ago. The only other known color is yellow, and a yellow one sold privately recently for an undisclosed price. It was soon after offered for $9000, which we all considered to be absurd.
http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=10562.0 (http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=10562.0)
The real value today is hard to say. If it went for $800, I would not be surprised. If it went for $4000, that also would not be a shock. I believe yours was at $1800 or so when it was taken down, and I was hoping to either win it or at least see what the current market value for one is. Black is better than yellow. Repainted is an issue, but the paint can always be removed. It's worth what it sells for. Yours was listed well, and had most of the bidders who would be after it in the auction already. Most things have traded enough to have an approximate value. That bank is rare and desirable, and no definitive track record exists. It's worth what someone will pay.
There is a King Kong that is similar:
http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=2115 (http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=2115)
Thank you for the information Toy Ranch, I appreciate it my friend.
I would have stripped the paint and used it for airbrush practice. Would something like that have been airbrushed by hand, or painted using automated masks and sprayers?
If that Frankie was made in the land of re-pops (Mexico), and has a hefty collector value, then I'd sell or trade it NOW. I wouldn't doubt that the search for that mold is on right now......once found, they'll flow like water.........
It doesn't have to mexican to be re-poped, Look at all the aurora stuff, all the 80's toys that have been reissued from transformers to masters of the universe. I used to get $700+ for a munsters living room now your lucky to get $400 for a nice one. I hate reissues but it does make certain toys you couldn't afford before the reissue affordable.
I don't know where the "Mexican" thing originated, but it appears to be based on someone's guess, rather than actual evidence, and personally I think it's probably incorrect, but now I'm pulling something straight out of my backside, too. If there were some actual reason why it is "Mexican", I'd be more inclined to buy into that.
It looks too refined to be a Mexican bootleg.
Regarding the original question, I bought a Renzi Monster Car in perfect condition years back for $5.00.
i would not be so fast to dismiss the mexican reproductions, i rather enjoy the mexican reinterpretation and think they are visually interesting.
It kills me to see what a gigantic frankenstein is going for now, I paid mega bucks for mine and thought i got a good deal years ago, i've seen boxed versions close without bids for $600 to $700 in the last few weeks. I guess the feelings a little diffenent for those of us who shelled out the big bucks for stuff that was later reissued and made available to the masses and killed the value of precious treasures , we have a different view. It takes the thrill of the hunt out of out it, we can just go down to toys r us and pick a captain action, or an aurora frankenstein. True, i can see some appeal in it but i still can't justify it. To each there own
I got "the newest teen-age singing group- the Munsters" LP on Decca records in good shape at a flea market for two dollars.
I had been looking for it for years and there it finally was in a stack of old records.
Quote from: Monolith on December 30, 2010, 02:36:22 PM
I got "the newest teen-age singing group- the Munsters" LP on Decca records in good shape at a flea market for two dollars.
I had been looking for it for years and there it finally was in a stack of old records.
it seems like flea markets and swap meets produce some of the best monster toy finds, it might be due to the fact some people just don't know what they are selling
My best luck has been flea markets, yard sales and estate auctions, sometime the auctions are a waste of time, you'll get that little old lady with huge pockets who bids just to be bidding but i have scored huge at auctions
Quote from: visible on December 30, 2010, 12:25:44 AM
Regarding the original question, I bought a Renzi Monster Car in perfect condition years back for $5.00.
Awesome find!
Regarding auctions, flea markets, and yard sales... they can be a great source for deals, but there's a lot of sellers that think that if something is old, it's a collector's item, regardless of condition. If I see records at a yard sale, I'll generally ask ahead of time how much they are. If they're a quarter or 50 cents each, I'll go to town on any that interest me even a little bit. When they want $5 each and they look like they've been through the ringer, it would have to be something really special. I've seen people trying to sell 8-track tapes as collector's items. I'm not 100% positive, but I can't think of any of them that would fit the bill.
Rob
Maybe some old Kiss 8-Tracks, but I agree as a general rule.
generally if you grew up with 8 tracks you may want 'em, remember there were some cool movie soundtracks on 8 track also
My friend Bucks Burnett just opened the first 8-Track Museum in Dallas on Christmas Day.
This website needs to be updated
http://theeighttrackmuseum.com/ (http://theeighttrackmuseum.com/)
Here's a story about the opening:
http://artandseek.net/2010/12/23/eight-track-tapes-get-their-own-museum-in-dallas/ (http://artandseek.net/2010/12/23/eight-track-tapes-get-their-own-museum-in-dallas/)
And another:
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/122410dnmeteighttrack.3340bbc.html (http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/122410dnmeteighttrack.3340bbc.html)
It was a cover story in the Wall Street Journal, when it was just a gallery exhibit.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704754604575095310056590490.html (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704754604575095310056590490.html)
He's been interviewed on NPR, etc.
A collector/enthusiast site
http://www.8trackheaven.com/ (http://www.8trackheaven.com/)
There are some rare 8 tracks that have sold for $100 or more.
If you look on eBay, there are a lot of listings, and some high asking prices.
http://music.shop.ebay.com/Other-Formats-/618/i.html?_nkw=8+track&_catref=1&_fln=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m282 (http://music.shop.ebay.com/Other-Formats-/618/i.html?_nkw=8+track&_catref=1&_fln=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m282)
This sealed copy of U2's Rattle and Hum recently sold on eBay for $255
http://cgi.ebay.com/BONO-U2-Rattle-Hum-RARE-Sealed-1988-US-8-TRACK-Tape-/120658152760 (http://cgi.ebay.com/BONO-U2-Rattle-Hum-RARE-Sealed-1988-US-8-TRACK-Tape-/120658152760)
This sealed Madonna Like a Virgin sold for $75
http://cgi.ebay.com/Madonna-Like-Virgin-8-Track-Tape-SEALED-1984-/260512215624 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Madonna-Like-Virgin-8-Track-Tape-SEALED-1984-/260512215624)
Most of them are not worth much or anything, but they are collected (ain't everything?)
I should also mention though, that there really are not a lot of 8 track collectors out there. A random flea market is probably not the best place to find a buyer. The titles that are most sought after are not even close to the same as the titles on vinyl, it has a lot to do with production numbers and scarcity. The Madonna Like a Virgin LP sold in the millions and is virtually worthless, but they only made a few in 8 track format, so a minty one is sought after. Lou Reed's Metal Machine Music is one of the rarest titles. The U2 title because it was so late in the game, few titles were being made in 8 track format, and sales were virtually non-existent. Something that is rare on vinyl might not get much notice on 8 Track, and also vice versa.
Quote from: Toy Ranch on January 02, 2011, 09:04:26 AMMost of them are not worth much or anything, but they are collected (ain't everything?)
Oh definitely. There's collectors for every item that man ever made. I know a guy that used to collect old toasters from the early 1900s. ::)
I figured the ones the 8-tracks that are really worth something might be scarce ones that came at the end of that format. That also happened with some vinyl records although that format has not been totally abandoned. My first stereo had an 8-track player built into it and my parents had a bunch of them. I just always hated the when it had to break in the middle of the song to change tracks. >:(
By the way, I never said that I haven't gotten an 8-track at a yard sale. I think I still have this one somewhere:
(http://www.hellodere.com/holly8t.jpg)
(http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0WTefhosyBNaEoAHyKjzbkF/SIG=11ull9fc0/EXP=1294075112/**http%3a//haveanicedayllc.com/images/logo.jpg)
There are a lot of toaster collectors.
http://completed.shop.ebay.com/Kitchen-Home-/13905/i.html?rt=nc&LH_Complete=1&_nkw=toaster&_catref=1&_fln=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m283&_rdc=1 (http://completed.shop.ebay.com/Kitchen-Home-/13905/i.html?rt=nc&LH_Complete=1&_nkw=toaster&_catref=1&_fln=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m283&_rdc=1)
I sold an old toaster that was rusted out and beat to snot for $180 once.
Quote from: Toy Ranch on January 02, 2011, 12:23:06 PM
There are a lot of toaster collectors.
I realize that. It was a playful nudge at Robert Taylor. :laugh:
I would never really make fun af any collection. Monsters who live in glass castles...
mmmmmmm...toast...
Quote from: Toy Ranch on January 02, 2011, 10:35:51 AM
I should also mention though, that there really are not a lot of 8 track collectors out there. A random flea market is probably not the best place to find a buyer. The titles that are most sought after are not even close to the same as the titles on vinyl, it has a lot to do with production numbers and scarcity. The Madonna Like a Virgin LP sold in the millions and is virtually worthless, but they only made a few in 8 track format, so a minty one is sought after. Lou Reed's Metal Machine Music is one of the rarest titles. The U2 title because it was so late in the game, few titles were being made in 8 track format, and sales were virtually non-existent. Something that is rare on vinyl might not get much notice on 8 Track, and also vice versa.
my brother is a big vinyl collector and he would always try the flea markets but would more often than not strike out but i think his collection has boomed since he started checking out online shops, would getting rare titles for 8tracks be the similar to hunting down vinyl, making online shops the place to find those rare tracks? 8tracks were a little before my time so i really don't know to much about them..
8-Tracks were the worst. I had Led Zeppelin 4 on 8-Track, and they changed tracks in the middle of Stairway to Heaven, cutting out a hunk of the guitar solo. Lame.
Getting pissed at 'em for that is part of their charm looking back at them....not that it was good....:)
Quote from: Toy Ranch on January 02, 2011, 09:04:26 AM
My friend Bucks Burnett just opened the first 8-Track Museum in Dallas on Christmas Day.
I love it. You just found a home for my Kiss Alive II double cassette set, once I dig it outta whichever box it's in.
Posablemonster! I had...and still have that same 8 track of Zep! That track changing in the middle of Stairway was maddening! Greatest R and R band ever! Bud
The best monster deal I ever got was just a few months ago, on eBay. I was perusing for movie premiums from my youth--most specifically, a skull key-chain that was handed out at showings of "The Old Dark House," starring Tom Poston. My sister worked at the movies back then (1964 or so), and we'd always get our hands on the premiums--stuff like a "Witch deflector" from "Witchcraft" and blinking doll's eyes from "Children of the Damned." I still have those, but the key-chains had been lost to Time. Or so I thought.
Under a listing of skull key-chains, I found exactly what I was looking for! My memory kicked in immediately--there it was: a plastic skull key-chain with a moveable jaw. And the Seller wanted $2.00 for it. Postage was minimal, too! I bid $10.00, and no one bid against me. So, I'm now the proud owner of a movie premium from Castle's only Hammer film, and it's in beautiful condition!
Rod
Would love to see that keychain, Love movie premiums
I'll try to post a picture!
Quote from: bigbud on January 02, 2011, 11:13:53 PM
Posablemonster! I had...and still have that same 8 track of Zep! That track changing in the middle of Stairway was maddening! Greatest R and R band ever! Bud
Zep is definitely the greatest rock band ever!!
Quote from: toys-of-terror on January 03, 2011, 10:47:18 PM
Would love to see that keychain, Love movie premiums
Me too!
Quote from: bigbud on December 21, 2010, 01:14:25 AMGarloo was mint in his original box and even had the original foam between his arms and shoulders (most often missing or deteriorated).... So this lady took him home and he had set on her closet shelf only to be brought out on occasion to entertain her grandchildren.
Are you saying she never even took Great Garloo out of the box or had she taken it out of the box but never ran it?
???
Oh Hep! You are such a detail oriented cat! You are right......it had been out of the box, and had been run, therefore I guess calling it mint is not possible. Let's say it was in just-as-new-condition. Were you here I'd battery Garloo up and have him put a squeeze on your nose! Love, Buddy
I got a Really nice AHI Mummy figure, that was missing a few wraps, at a flea market in Ohio.
The dealer was Amish ( I think) and she charged me a whopping $1 for the little guy.
Best deal ever !
I got a purple ABG Frankenstein Pencil Sharpener on eBay long after the prices went way up.
The seller listed at as "VERY RARE" and included 3 clear, detailed close-up pictures of the Like-New item. It was listed under Buy-It-Now.
Price?
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
$8.00 - with free shipping!
Seller required immediate payment. Until payment was completed anyone else could buy the item.
My fingers fairly shook while I went through the transaction.
I don't know if this counts but I did buy a really nice plush licensed King Kong for $1. He's about a foot tall a very nicely made. It's not cheap looking. The likeness on the face is good. The frabric and stitching was done nicely. The toy was manufactured by King Plush in 2005. It's the original Kong. I picked him up in a dollar store.
I think it's really nicely made and it only cost a $1.
I've mentioned this elsewhere. I found a King Zor at a flea market for $5.00. I was so excited finding it that the woman offered to sell it to me for...$1.00! Needless to say, I went ahead and paid her the $5. That was back in the mid 80s, and he still has a place of honor in the studio. Oh, and he works like a charm, as well.
I did find both "Munsters" albums together in a local thrift store for a buck apiece. Being kid's records they were worn, but still played well.
Quote from: judd on May 09, 2011, 09:17:51 AM
I don't know if this counts but I did buy a really nice plush licensed King Kong for $1. He's about a foot tall a very nicely made. It's not cheap looking. The likeness on the face is good. The frabric and stitching was done nicely. The toy was manufactured by King Plush in 2005. It's the original Kong. I picked him up in a dollar store.
I think it's really nicely made and it only cost a $1.
Here is a smaller 8 in. version currently on eBay for $14.00 plush shipping:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2736/5705054056_3224e57690_b.jpg)
http://cgi.ebay.com/Original-King-Kong-Gorilla-Plush-Doll-2005-8-Tall-/350456973546?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5198dd08ea (http://cgi.ebay.com/Original-King-Kong-Gorilla-Plush-Doll-2005-8-Tall-/350456973546?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5198dd08ea)
King Plush makes toys for claw machines. They also made a Frankenstein Plush in 2 sizes, 14 in. and 9 in. It looks to me like they were made in very small numbers, as they
seldom show up on eBay. I'd concider it a scarce item until someone proves differently.
Curious fact: The Frankensteins have a product tag that says made by King Plush with a "License" by X-One. All the tags have a picture of the Creature From the Black Lagoon. But I have never seen a Creature toy - and neither have any of the sellers I have asked about these.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2372/5704329923_b0e20b9a3b_b.jpg)
Anyone have pictures of OTHER Universal toys made by King Plush?
I don't own a digital camera but my King Kong looks similiar to the one in the photo but he's fuzzy and he has muscle shaped chest. As I stated I found him in a dollar store and they had a pile of them. I only bought the one.
I forgot to add I bought a MB 1964 Monster Old Maid Card Game at a yard sale for .25c. The box is kind of beat up but the cards are in nice shape. It is missing the pair of the number ten cards. The whole set was 39 cards plus the instruction card. It's missing two cards but it's nice to look at and it was super cheap.
More like this?
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3360/5705000715_f32a1bb932.jpg)
Oddly enough this was ALSO listed on eBay as a 2005 Plush King Kong.
Finally something in one of those claw machines worth trying for. Most of the time there's nothing but hideously ugly poorly made stuffed crap. I'd drop a few quarters for the chance at a Frankenstein. The last time I actually tried playing one of those games it was for a plush Cartman from South Park. Too bad so many of those machines cheat. I didn't get it.
2 friends of mine bought a closed down vintage toy store a couple years back, and as my "finder's fee" my girlfriend and i got to keep about 2 truckloads full of stuff for free. as far as monsters go, we got:
Jaymar boxed Dracula Puzzle
Creeple Peeple boxed set
2 planet of the apes jiggler with tags
an incredible goat demon jiggler i've never seen anywhere else
some smaller rubber uglies style jigglers
tons of freddy kreuger stuff mint in package (bubble gum display box, yo-yo, squirtballs, hanging figures, large matchbox figure)
an unused "build and learn" monster paper doll book
barnabas collins board game
addams family board game
carded set of "monster balls"
thingmaker fright factory (box only)
wolfman, dracula, and creature motionettes
shogun warriors godzilla (with fist)
all three large inhumanoids
boxed monster in my pocket display mountain
glow in the dark marx reproductions (creature and wolfman)
some other classic flea market/thrift store finds:
glow in the dark remco creature for $1
diener green king kong movie theater premium for $0.25
a huge box of 70s die-cuts, including 4 halloween die-cuts with Hawley Pratt artwork, including a jointed frankenstein for $5
forgotten prisoner jiggler $0.30
knockoff Cousin Eerie "Yukk Head" loose at a toy show $0.50 (one of my all time favorite finds!)
Creature Features board game- free (a friend saw it at a goodwill and bought it for us)
original marx frankenstien- free (same story as above, but different friend!)
carded mummy's curse toy- $1
Gigantor brand rubber gorilla $8
all further proof that anything you want may some day turn up at a yard dale for dirt cheap!
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on May 09, 2011, 07:54:27 PM
More like this?
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3360/5705000715_f32a1bb932.jpg)
Oddly enough this was ALSO listed on eBay as a 2005 Plush King Kong.
He looks much like that but he does have the tag from the other photo attatched to his hand (the pink tag).
Quote from: Muckmonster872 friends of mine bought a closed down vintage toy store a couple years back, and as my "finder's fee" my girlfriend and i got to keep about 2 truckloads full of stuff for free. as far as monsters go, we got:
Jaymar boxed Dracula Puzzle
Creeple Peeple boxed set
2 planet of the apes jiggler with tags
an incredible goat demon jiggler i've never seen anywhere else
some smaller rubber uglies style jigglers
tons of freddy kreuger stuff mint in package (bubble gum display box, yo-yo, squirtballs, hanging figures, large matchbox figure)
an unused "build and learn" monster paper doll book
barnabas collins board game
addams family board game
carded set of "monster balls"
thingmaker fright factory (box only)
wolfman, dracula, and creature motionettes
shogun warriors godzilla (with fist)
all three large inhumanoids
boxed monster in my pocket display mountain
glow in the dark marx reproductions (creature and wolfman)
Cool! Great score!
8)
Quote from: The Mighty Bongo on May 07, 2011, 05:10:03 PM
I got a Really nice AHI Mummy figure, that was missing a few wraps, at a flea market in Ohio.
The dealer was Amish ( I think) and she charged me a whopping $1 for the little guy.
Best deal ever !
Those Amish drive a hard bargain..............and a buggy.
This is going back some years now but I picked up a Kenner Alien w/dome and complete working jaw etc. for $4.50. It was 1990 and my wife haggled 50 cents out of this guy as he wanted $5.00 I had to walk away with embarrassment lol.
Quote from: nemesis1 on May 15, 2011, 08:00:33 PM
This is going back some years now but I picked up a Kenner Alien w/dome and complete working jaw etc. for $4.50. It was 1990 and my wife haggled 50 cents out of this guy as he wanted $5.00 I had to walk away with embarrassment lol.
Wow! What a great deal!
This little guy(AHI Mummy) I picked up at a garage/yard sale about two years ago.
I think he was three dollars?
(http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/meyermadman/AHIMUMMYVARIATION2YELLOWBODY-1-1.jpg)
The puzzle I purchased on eBAY.....super cheap!
(http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/meyermadman/FRANKENSTEINPUZZLE19741.jpg)
Also on eBAY, for about twenty dollars.
(http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/meyermadman/BENCOOPER1978DRACULAINBOX1.jpg)