Great for ghoulish fun anywhere!
In Children's Rooms!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3219/2860095501_f35252c274_o.jpg)
In Cars!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/2860095507_81d63da3ab_o.jpg)
At The Beach!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3253/2860095499_f3f8b8dde8_o.jpg)
This is the Frankenstein Head Speaker thread! Get plugged in!
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/100/301295619_3cd11598ff_o.jpg)(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/113/301295839_3c5c58fd09_o.jpg)
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/109/301295657_e4e3212c1d_o.jpg)
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/113/301295651_df62675e9e.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/2860095489_92f026dba4.jpg)
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/120/301889278_148369a0fd_o.jpg)
Two heads are better than one!
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/108/307660912_6b51345a3f_o.jpg)
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/102/307660952_c5b2724edc_o.jpg)
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/101/307660987_d736911a87_o.jpg)
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/103/307661034_2fbaac3cef_o.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3011/2860095493_a91604c101.jpg)
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/42/87379753_6d655a5925_o.jpg)(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/43/87379755_53ded5c7c2_o.jpg)
General,those speakers are beautiful ! And I love the ads too !!
Agree on the ads....groovy.
You know, it would be interesting to know just how many original speaker heads are around yet. There should be a "head count" (bad pun) to see how many survived. Maybe even indicate the owners? (this was done with the "signed" Polar Lights Guillotine kits once upon a time ~I was on that list somewhere). Also, pictures of all the variations? (it looks like this has been started).
The UMA could have a whole army of heads lined up -ready to do battle -and make music (Max, you're not included ;D )
Best,
Richard
What about the secondary market value of these speaker heads? I mean, I'm aware of them but don't know the actual history of the toy other than what I've read here on UMA. So what about it guys, what do these things cost if you do happen to come across one?
Quote from: Roback on September 16, 2008, 05:38:26 AM
So what about it guys, what do these things cost if you do happen to come across one?
A boxed head speaker allegedly sold a few years ago for 10K. Remember, that price was for a
boxed head speaker. I would look at that as 5K for the box (which is much more rare than the speaker itself) and another 5K for the speaker (in real nice condition). That breakdown is probably disproportionate with the box actually bringing in more money than the speaker should. Loose head speakers, however, have been known to sell for around 3K and up. Head speakers have been seen on eBay. Maybe once or twice.
Quote from: Richard on September 15, 2008, 11:22:21 PM
You know, it would be interesting to know just how many original speaker heads are around yet. There should be a "head count" (bad pun) to see how many survived.
That's a question I've mulled over several times myself. I know of at least six head speakers that exist. This count includes folks here at this group that's known to own one. I'm going to take a stab at guessing there's probably less than two dozen in existence. That number seems low considering this was a mass produced item at one time. But maybe they weren't as mass produced as we think? Head speaker boxes are another matter altogether. With only two in existence that I know of.
Maybe Monster Bob could provide his insight? How many of these things are out there?
Holy crap those are way too cool!! I would love to have one but 3K is WAAAAAAY outta my league!
To the best of my recollection, I can recall about hearing of a dozen heads or thereabouts, and 3 boxes.
Aren't there repros floating around?
Quote from: kklloo on September 16, 2008, 11:46:54 AM
Aren't there repros floating around?
I'm sure there are a lot of reproductions here. What I didn't know until I read the "Grail" thread is that they were molded from Terry's original! Of course, I tried to cover up the fact that mine is a fake by painting certain areas so it looks like there is blue plastic underneath and the green paint has simply been rubbed off. So far I haven't fooled anyone, especially myself. ;D
(http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii98/roheimiana/clint9004Medium.jpg)
Quote from: fmofmpls on September 16, 2008, 07:19:38 AM
A boxed head speaker allegedly sold a few years ago for 10K. Remember, that price was for a boxed head speaker. I would look at that as 5K for the box (which is much more rare than the speaker itself) and another 5K for the speaker (in real nice condition). That breakdown is probably disproportionate with the box actually bringing in more money than the speaker should. Loose head speakers, however, have been known to sell for around 3K and up. Head speakers have been seen on eBay. Maybe once or twice.
Thanks for the info Terry. I've been a comic book fan ever since I was a little kid so artwork and toy packaging means the world to me. Truth be told, I feel a toy isn't complete without its packaging and in many cases I'll pass if loose. Now for the million dollar questions. Do we have an image of the box here at UMA and better yet, does anyone here own one?
Quote from: Roback on September 16, 2008, 01:00:03 PM
Do we have an image of the box here at UMA and better yet, does anyone here own one?
Sure do! In fact, I already posted them right here inside this thread. Back up a bit within this thread, and you'll see various images of the actual box and it's box art. I own scans of the box panels. I believe Monster Bob owns one of the original boxes.
Here once again is a photo of the actual box
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/42/87379753_6d655a5925_o.jpg)
Thanks Terry! I guess I was so taken by your "Childrens Room" graphics in your first post that I must have missed the images. Cool box though. I especially like the font they used. Pretty spiffy looking. Monster Bob is one lucky guy to have one in his collection.
If they reproduceable, or being reproduced, then I believe computer speakers would be in order. Those would be sweet right on the shel above me!
The head speaker was reproduced back in the late 80s. They are long gone. Occasionally one might pop up on eBay. They were pricey when they first came out. I think Keith was asking around $250.00 for them! Like I said .. expensive back then, and still expensive today for a repro item!
Here is what the repro speaker looked like
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/43/87379752_d0a25af9fa.jpg)
The repro looks pretty cool, if anyone has one for sale, PM me, I'll offer $250 for it.
I also thought I saw some kits floating around on ebay, unpainted.
Thanks for sharing that image Terry. It seems that the Monster collecting hobby has gotten hit just as hard as Mego when it comes to reproductions. If you place a reproduction Speaker Head side by side with an original, is it easy to tell the difference?
Quote from: Roback on September 17, 2008, 10:04:04 AM
Thanks for sharing that image Terry. It seems that the Monster collecting hobby has gotten hit just as hard as Mego when it comes to reproductions. If you place a reproduction Speaker Head side by side with an original, is it easy to tell the difference?
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/71/217785231_8bb43f85d2_o.jpg)
The repro head is made of resin and is much heavier than the light blow mold plastic speaker. If you paint the repro the same as an original, and don't use the base, it would be hard to tell just by looking at it (given that the paint also included a clear spray that mimicked the sheen of the plastic, etc.).
Left is the repro, center is original, and a bucket head to the right.
Thanks Bobby, that was very kind of you to go through the trouble to post that. Hopefully the people who are recasting these are marking them in some way so you guys know that their reproductions?
Quote from: kklloo on September 17, 2008, 09:57:53 AM
The repro looks pretty cool, if anyone has one for sale, PM me, I'll offer $250 for it.
I also thought I saw some kits floating around on ebay, unpainted.
I got my (unpainted) repro head on eBay for $202.50 last April and I recall that another one sold the previous summer or fall for around $195. So, they aren't all that expensive... the problem is that they turn up very infrequently.
I'll keep an eye out for it. Still a cool thing to have even if it's a repro. I've also seen a big frankie floating around with a speaker on it's back. I believe it is also a repro made from resin. Anyone have any info on that?
Quote from: kklloo on September 17, 2008, 12:05:45 PM
I'll keep an eye out for it. Still a cool thing to have even if it's a repro. I've also seen a big frankie floating around with a speaker on it's back. I believe it is also a repro made from resin. Anyone have any info on that?
There was a Big Frankie on eBay I remember that had a speaker in it, but I believe it was one of the resin recasts that comes around every once in a while that someone had put a speaker in, rather than that it had been sold that way by anyone.
Thanks for the pics Bobby. Good to know the value of the repro as well....which is nothing to sneeze at.
Was wondering what the story may be regarding this Frankenstein candy bucket paint scheme? The owner had asked me for some insight on it. I don't believe this is a factory paint scheme of any kind. But then again, there always seems to be so many "variations on a theme" regarding this piece. First it's a head speaker, then it's lighted bust, then it's a candy bucket, so who knows anymore?
The green colors look correct, but what about the black hair including the eye shadow? Also note the heavy seam line going down the forehead.
(http://img370.imageshack.us/img370/8911/bucketpaint1go1.jpg)
(http://img370.imageshack.us/img370/8117/bucketpaint2xn8.jpg)
Looks like the black paint is brushed on. I'd say a kid did that.
I have an original head. No repro. It's original. The wire is here but there is no male plug on the end. Otherwise, except for some dust, it is in very good shape. Unfortunately, no box. I'm going to be listing it on Ebay next week.
Wow! I was watching this auction (above post) and placed a bid near the end, but it shot up very fast. Nice item and it ended at $515! I would've made of mold of it and cast copies of it. Maybe the new owner will do it for us? :)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=110308142613 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=110308142613)
I bid on it, too. It went pretty cheap. I think the condition scared people away.
I threw a low bid at it. That's probably the cheapest I've ever seen one go, but it's also the worst condition by far.
Crazy! What kind of price range do you see on these? And how often do they come up? I guess I won't be getting one anytime soon.
They usually go for around $1500 on up to maybe $8000 or $10,000 for a mint in box one.
You said something about a repro, and there is a reproduction out there in resin that is more along the lines of $150 to $350. There were 150 of those made, and some were sold unfinished.
What the heck is eBay doing now? They no longer tell you the name of the winning bidder... there's just an alphanumeric pseudonym such as appears while auctions are still active. In fact, I just checked an item I won yesterday and they won't even tell me I bought it... now I have absolutely no idea of who I am!
$515 seems like a good price. The last one (in equally weather-beaten condition) I remember watching went for around $1100.
Considering a copy is $250, I'd say that this was a steal!
At that price, why would you buy the fake? And, you could actually use that one in a car and not feel guilty.
Hmmm...gives me an idea...
Thank you, it is going to a good home. ;D I missed mine to much. HHW
Quote from: hhwolfman on November 13, 2008, 12:02:07 AM
Thank you, it is going to a good home. ;D I missed mine to much. HHW
Hey, congrats HH! Nice score!
Nice score alright! I couldn't believe the closing price. I would have gotten into the game at that price, and I already own one. But I didn't follow the auction close enough to even bid. Glad to see it went to one of the finest drinking buddies I know. Salute HH! Congrats!
I got it in. It is better than it looked in the pictures. It is not as nice as my old one, but I am very happy. I will take pictures. It is the Green Plastic and not the blue.
How many colors were these molded in?
I've seen the green, blue and something that looked like a rosy pink - unless the digital picture colors were way off.
Green and blue.
Only the bucket came in pink, at least at this point.
Did the bucket come in any more colors besides orange and pink?
A really nice one, with a giant price.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220628396327 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220628396327)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4738016875_95c57b0f9b_o.jpg)
Price tag aside, you don't see them this complete very often. It has the adhesive pads to attach it to the car dash, instruction sheet, etc. A great piece and a nice big clear photo of it.
everytime i see this, i feel sick to my stomach, about a year ago, i was at a resale shop in wisconsin and i saw this item IN THE BOX, for 10 DOLLARS!!!!!!! being the dumb 23 year old i was, i had no idea what i was holding at the time, i had no cash on me and was just passing through so i thought nothing of putting it back on the table and walking away!!
once i found out what it was about 7 months later, i could not sleep for days. I wish i had it for my collection!!
hell i still have dreams about not buying it haha
Quote from: Toy Ranch on June 27, 2010, 08:19:22 AM
A really nice one, with a giant price.
Holy somolians, Batman!
Wow! :o That is a beautiful package deal - speaker, box, instructions. I have no problem with that price either. Not that I am in a position to pay such a price. That box, in my opinion, is work twice what the speaker itself is worth. You hardly ever see the boxes that much. Wonderful photo too! Right-click-save-as!
Can anyone decipher the text found on the instruction sheet? Would love to get a nice frontal scan of that sheet of paper.
Quote from: fmofmpls on June 27, 2010, 10:00:18 AM
Can anyone decipher the text found on the instruction sheet?
Go to the large pic at the auction. Of course, you can't see what isn't there.
Quote from: fmofmpls on June 27, 2010, 09:56:34 AM
Wow! :o That is a beautiful package deal - speaker, box, instructions. I have no problem with that price either. Not that I am in a position to pay such a price. That box, in my opinion, is work twice what the speaker itself is worth. You hardly ever see the boxes that much. Wonderful photo too! Right-click-save-as!
Yeah, I wasn't criticizing the price, just saying it was a lot. Someone might pay that, it is on the high end of realistic, but still in the zone.
The seller has more cool monster stuff.
Click - http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=9629.new#new (http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=9629.new#new)
The last one on ebay, maybe not as nice, but with the box only went for around 5k. I think in this economy, he would be hard pressed to get 8k. All though, I think it is a real nice piece and really clean. For now, till I win the lottery, I just have to be happy with mine, with no box. :)
What is one without the box generally worth?
Quote from: monsterphile on June 27, 2010, 11:12:25 AM
What is one without the box generally worth?
There hasn't been one up in a while. At this time probablly $800 - $1500.00 Depending on condition. This piece is all over the place.
I only know of one other that is as nice and complete. Until this showed up, I thought that was the only one with the pads, instructions, and everything.
I appreciate the comments and compliments, guys! It's a fun piece that holds a special place in my collection, notably due to the story of the hunt, discovery, and ultimately closing the deal. A process which, by the way, took five years to play out. In other words, a "case study" of why we all love this hobby so much.
Keir
Quote from: toysfortheages on June 27, 2010, 02:50:30 PM
It's a fun piece that holds a special place in my collection
Unless someone comes up with the 15K.
BTW Is that a crumpled up newspaper? Just wondering why it was in the picture.
Quote from: Mike Scott on June 27, 2010, 03:00:02 PM
Unless someone comes up with the 15K.
You are correct.
BTW Is that a crumpled up newspaper? Just wondering why it was in the picture.
That's not just any crumpled up newspaper..... it's what was used as padding inside the box, from the factory!!!
Quote from: toysfortheages on June 27, 2010, 03:30:58 PM
That's not just any crumpled up newspaper..... it's what was used as padding inside the box, from the factory!!!
Well, don't put it back in the box!
Quote from: toysfortheages on June 27, 2010, 03:30:58 PM
That's not just any crumpled up newspaper..... it's what was used as padding inside the box, from the factory!!!
No kidding? Definitely put it back in the box. That's original contents your talking about there! What region is that newspaper from?
P.S. Any chance of maybe getting a nice scan of that instruction sheet?
Quote from: fmofmpls on June 27, 2010, 03:55:49 PM
Definitely put it back in the box.
Unless there's something about this that nobody's told me, it's a crumpled up newspaper! Why would you want to put acidy newspaper inside your already acidy cardboard box?
Quote from: fmofmpls on June 27, 2010, 03:55:49 PM
No kidding? Definitely put it back in the box. That's original contents your talking about there! What region is that newspaper from?
P.S. Any chance of maybe getting a nice scan of that instruction sheet?
How about a scan of the crumpled up newspaper?? how interesting might that be, to bring us back to the days of this toy...great thread by the way. I can't say I would ever become a speaker head collector, but reading this is the next best thing!
Quote from: Mike Scott on June 27, 2010, 04:06:28 PM
Unless there's something about this that nobody's told me, it's a crumpled up newspaper! Why would you want to put acidy newspaper inside your already acidy cardboard box?
...and I'm betting that's why the box has yellowed so badly.
Quote from: Toy Ranch on June 27, 2010, 12:01:23 PM
I only know of one other that is as nice and complete. Until this showed up, I thought that was the only one with the pads, instructions, and everything.
It's not the only one (or two)...
We can bump of the number of boxed ones up by a few, too. There's been what, at least three pop in the last year? There must be close to 10 boxes around by now (in various states) that I know of.
Quote from: Mike Scott on June 27, 2010, 04:06:28 PM
Unless there's something about this that nobody's told me, it's a crumpled up newspaper! Why would you want to put acidy newspaper inside your already acidy cardboard box?
The historical aspect of the crumpled up newspaper is just way too cool to toss away; especially since it came inside the original box. BUT ... yes Mike, you are more than correct about the archival aspect of it all (or lack thereof).
Also take note that the newspaper still retains the contours of where it conformed around the head....neat.
Quote from: fmofmpls on June 27, 2010, 03:55:49 PMWhat region is that newspaper from?
If I recall correctly, the factory was in northern NJ, so I'd guess either a local paper or a NY one.
Rob
It's a NY paper.
Quote from: fmofmpls on June 27, 2010, 04:43:10 PM
The historical aspect of the crumpled up newspaper is just way too cool to toss away; especially since it came inside the original box.
I'll be sure to keep those "historical" packing peanuts, next I get a new toy. :D
Quote from: fmofmpls on June 27, 2010, 10:28:14 AM
The seller has more cool monster stuff.
And non-monster stuff. This amazes me:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Marx-Spoofing-Caricatures-Nutty-Mad-Generals-Weird-Ohs-/220628388463?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item335e7a0a6f (http://cgi.ebay.com/Marx-Spoofing-Caricatures-Nutty-Mad-Generals-Weird-Ohs-/220628388463?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item335e7a0a6f)
They don't make 'em like that anymore!
Quote from: fmofmpls on September 15, 2008, 04:34:21 PM
Two heads are better than one!
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/108/307660912_6b51345a3f_o.jpg)
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/102/307660952_c5b2724edc_o.jpg)
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/101/307660987_d736911a87_o.jpg)
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/103/307661034_2fbaac3cef_o.jpg)
now this is enough to make me cry. One of these days i'll hold one of these. i really love this sculpt.
Anyone have these hooked up to a vintage stereo? 8)
Quote from: jimm on February 20, 2013, 01:24:38 AM
Anyone have these hooked up to a vintage stereo? 8)
it's funny i've always wondered that too and thought if i ever found a working one i might have too hook that bad boy up.lol!
Someone here had the repop heads as their PC speakers IIRC 8)
Quote from: jimm on February 20, 2013, 10:00:46 AM
Someone here had the repop heads as their PC speakers IIRC 8)
if i find a repop reasonable something awesome is gonna happen with it.lol!
One is up for sale again. I bid what I could but it is over $150 now so I will just watch.
Hope someone from here gets it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Frankenstein-Head-Speaker-Old-Vintage-Famous-Monsters-/151012257043?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2329082d13 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Frankenstein-Head-Speaker-Old-Vintage-Famous-Monsters-/151012257043?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2329082d13)
Quote from: John Pertwee on March 15, 2013, 11:17:53 PM
One is up for sale again. I bid what I could but it is over $150 now so I will just watch.
Hope someone from here gets it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Frankenstein-Head-Speaker-Old-Vintage-Famous-Monsters-/151012257043?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2329082d13 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Frankenstein-Head-Speaker-Old-Vintage-Famous-Monsters-/151012257043?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2329082d13)
I doubt it's old. Looks like it was just made yesterday and from what i understand these things usually came scratched in the box. ALso there is some cracking it looks to me on the eyes.
Something VERY odd about that speaker. :-\
I have in the past painted a few of the repros for different collectors- I wonder if this is one of them? Looks too perfect...
He also has a Wolf Man Mystery Game for sale.
Quote from: Monster Bob on March 16, 2013, 07:12:17 AM
Something VERY odd about that speaker. :-\
I have in the past painted a few of the repros for different collectors- I wonder if this is one of them? Looks too perfect...
I agree, its definately a repaint at the very least id say. And probably a repop to boot. The cracks around the eyes and one on the mouth have me a bit bothered. At this price it wouldnt be bad still, but any more and i wouldnt want to be the one to take a chance with it. The seller is flockman, is he the guy that reflocks gi goe heads? If so he is in the business of reproductions, and repairs.
I noticed he had a few neg feedbacks too.
Yes, a 98% feedback indicates possible seller trouble.
I have never seen blow-mold plastic crack in that fashion- on a speaker head, a bucket head, a pumpkin, or anything else for that matter. The only way I could see it happening is either extended freezing or sun exposure- i.e. the plastic getting brittle over time. Either that, or it is resin (aka the repop).
Either way, the paint certainly doesn't appear old or original, but if the price stays where its at pricewise, it is a nice looking shelf piece no matter what it is, esp. for someone that doesn't want to spend the $$ on a bonafide original.
I bid $198, and was high bidder until a few hours ago. For that price I would have had it in my display cabinet, but I just can't justify more than that.
Quote from: Monster Bob on March 16, 2013, 01:43:26 PM
Yes, a 98% feedback indicates possible seller trouble.
I have never seen blow-mold plastic crack in that fashion- on a speaker head, a bucket head, a pumpkin, or anything else for that matter. The only way I could see it happening is either extended freezing or sun exposure- i.e. the plastic getting brittle over time. Either that, or it is resin (aka the repop).
Either way, the paint certainly doesn't appear old or original, but if the price stays where its at pricewise, it is a nice looking shelf piece no matter what it is, esp. for someone that doesn't want to spend the $$ on a bonafide original.
Ya i think this is a repop also. And besides the ones Terry has I've never seen ones this color.
Here's some new info added to the auction....
Q: Do you know the back story on this speaker? Is the made from "blow mold" plastic (like a "Halloween pumpkin"), and therefore very light in weight for its size? It appears to be freshly painted, or at least repainted. Do you know if this is the case? Thank you for your assistance. Mar-16-13
A: Hi, and thanks for your questions. This is a blow mold Frankenstein Head. I have had a ton of questions and some offers. This was stored in a garage (bad place) for many years. Hot and cold. I think that is why it has cracks. not sure. This was in my Uncles collection so its possible that it has been repainted at some point. Never the less it looks fantastic for its age. The offers have been coming in at $200-$300. The offers are either low ball or maybe a true value. So if thats all its worth I think I am going to just end the auction and keep it. I may sell a few of the other Monster items I have instead. Thanks and take care,......
Anyone pay close attention to the speaker vent? looks new to me but i'm not familiar with the original.
Quote from: horror1o1 on March 16, 2013, 05:10:19 PM
Anyone pay close attention to the speaker vent? looks new to me but i'm not familiar with the original.
The mesh, speaker, and screws on top are correct, and the mesh repainted silver.
The "hot and cold temps in Uncle's garage" thing makes sense- the plastic would likely become brittle, and also explain why it would need a repainting. The painter did a very nice job, though. The wire is original, too. I don't know what the seller expects to get price-wise, but obviously in its present state, it is worth a fraction of an all original one. Still, it looks great as is (I think), and was restored nicely, plus painted correctly.
horror101- this would be a good candidate for you- I think it would sell/auction for a reasonable price for what it is, but from the way it sounds the seller is not going to let it go reasonably. I'm sure he saw the $12k one and saw the dollar signs in his eyes!
I think I'm going to pretend like I have the cash for this and put in a $300 bid, knowing that I'd easily be outbid!! At least I can say I tried for it! Of course if I won you'd all be able to get a chance on it when my wife sells off my monster collection.....after I mysteriously disappear!
You could just bid $203 to b in it, and not have to worry about winning it. I bid $198 before the fine people of this forum gave their thoughts, and was a little worried about it.
Quote from: Monster Bob on March 16, 2013, 06:20:32 PM
The mesh, speaker, and screws on top are correct, and the mesh repainted silver.
The "hot and cold temps in Uncle's garage" thing makes sense- the plastic would likely become brittle, and also explain why it would need a repainting. The painter did a very nice job, though. The wire is original, too. I don't know what the seller expects to get price-wise, but obviously in its present state, it is worth a fraction of an all original one. Still, it looks great as is (I think), and was restored nicely, plus painted correctly.
horror101- this would be a good candidate for you- I think it would sell/auction for a reasonable price for what it is, but from the way it sounds the seller is not going to let it go reasonably. I'm sure he saw the $12k one and saw the dollar signs in his eyes!
I thought about it but the broken eyes bother me. I would rather have a solid raggeed out onne then to have it broken up like that. But like you said he won't let it go cheap
Auction ended. Be curious to see if someone here bought it and can shead some light on the condition in a week or so.
Okay, I am confused as to how this auction ended. It appears that there were bids for the item but seems as though the auction ended without a buyer. I don't remember if it had a reserve or not but I thought you could not end an auction if bids were pending. Can a seller just end a no reserve auction if they don't like how the bidding is going?
Yep, that is exactly what he did. and ebay does allow it. Some people just enjoy wasting others time. He may have got an offer to buy outside ebay, or just thought it was worth more than he was getting. which is stupid items like this get all the large bids in the last few seconds (ala snipers), thats how i was going to bid on it... If he didnt sell it outside ebay, look for a relisting at a overly excessive starting price, or reserve. and ridiculous buy it now price. And we'll be able to watch as he drops the amount every 29 days for the next year. He has negative feedbacks, I am sure there is a reason. Ive dealt with people like this more times than i'd care to. Count yourself lucky to not be part of the transaction.
The seller more or less stated in his answer (I posted a few comments back) that he was going to cancel the auction and just keep the item! He probably looked this up before hand and either expected to get pre-recession price or didn't take into account the condition of his item, I think others stated this theory before!
I asked him extensive questions and didn't get a email back. My guess is with the questions i asked it would have confirmed it was a repo.
It's wasn't a repro- he answered all my questions and confirmed it was repainted, and was damaged by poor storing conditions. Still, it looked nice. I too think he should have let it run, as he would have gotten decent money for it. Now it is likely what we used to call "dead in the water".
There was 5 days left. Did he think it would hit a grand in a few hours and ten grand by Wednesday?
Quote from: Monster Bob on March 17, 2013, 05:50:27 PM
It's wasn't a repro- he answered all my questions and confirmed it was repainted, and was damaged by poor storing conditions. Still, it looked nice. I too think he should have let it run, as he would have gotten decent money for it. Now it is likely what we used to call "dead in the water".
I guess he got tired of answering questions when I got to him
Well this fell into my lap a few years ago. The original Frankenstein Head Speaker complete in box and with instruction sheet. The head itself is near mint and the box is in pretty good shape. I gotta figure out what I'm going to do with this!
Here are a couple images:
https://imgur.com/a/D3Pmv (https://imgur.com/a/D3Pmv)
Welcome to the UMA, jamesh1018 :)
To post pics in messages you need to have your pics hosted somewhere on the web. Then post the image file URL in your message using the forum code. [img]
Quote from: jamesh1018 on November 06, 2017, 09:38:24 PM
Well this fell into my lap a few years ago. The original Frankenstein Head Speaker complete in box and with instruction sheet. The head itself is near mint and the box is in pretty good shape. I gotta figure out what I'm going to do with this!
Here are a couple images:
https://imgur.com/a/D3Pmv (https://imgur.com/a/D3Pmv)
Here are jamesh1018 photos of his great find for those not into clicking the link. And a great find it is! Thanks for sharing it.
(https://i.imgur.com/pVfbTNb.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/n4l8IBk.jpg)
Quote from: darkmonkeygod on November 07, 2017, 01:39:45 AM
Here are jamesh1018 photos of his great find for those not into clicking the link. And a great find it is! Thanks for sharing it.
(https://i.imgur.com/pVfbTNb.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/n4l8IBk.jpg)
Killer!
Sent from my SM-S327VL using Tapatalk
I read this whole thresd, I'm curious about the one that was listed back in 2010. The one with the description about having some splits at the eyes and mouth. Is there any way to get a picture of it, the E-bay photo is long gone.
it should be here somewhere:
https://www.worthpoint.com/inventory/search?query=frankenstein+speaker&category= (https://www.worthpoint.com/inventory/search?query=frankenstein+speaker&category=)
Doesn't Worthpoint list (or know) if their listing is for a repro or not? Most are repro's!
Count Zero, thank you. Clicked on the link, couldn't find a listing with the 2010 sale date, actually wanted to find a picture of THAT one, because of the splits it had "due to poor storage". I purchased one a few years back, from a very well known monster collector-monster show promoter-dealer that had splits in it also, above the eyes, small split at mouth, and around a neck bolt (the bolt opposite from speaker wire). Actually, it was the one in the first 2 photos from the link you sent that I purchased. I just wanted to try and find out if the one listed in 2010 was the same one, or if it's actually a different one from the one I got about 2 years ago from the dealer.
Skully, I don't see any splits on the first two photos, but it sure looks great.
Congratulations!
Hey Hugo. Well, it is really nice, if you click on the photos of it on that site, just below the brow, you'll see some fine lines, along with a small crack at the left in the mouth. When I purchased the piece, and I opened up the package, it looked like it might have been re-painted, but I wasn't sure, it was just so great looking. There were a few small spots that showed it was molded in the "blue" plastic, and I read that these were molded in green, with lighter green over-spray, or blue, with darker green being used. When I saw the small, slight "cracks", I called the dealer, and we negotiated a better price for it. The paint may very well be original on it,but still not sure 100%.
Quote from: kklloo on September 16, 2008, 11:46:54 AM
Aren't there repros floating around?
The Fort Wayne bucket reproducer has started making the speaker heads now.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4551/38741966861_c70fb65ec0_c.jpg)
Here is the listing:
https://tinyurl.com/ybpfslmd
Cheap, and he even says it does not come with the wire or grill for speaker.
The pictures are strange color wise. Is it green or blue? Probably green, but worth asking before buying.
Thats kinda purdy. 8) For a re-cast vintage item.
The speaker and grill can be bought.
Quote from: Monster Bob on December 01, 2017, 04:12:47 AM
The speaker and grill can be bought.
Turning this into a Bluetooth speaker would be my plan.
Nice pair!!
Quote from: John Pertwee on November 30, 2017, 09:11:08 PM
Cheap, and he even says it does not come with the wire or grill for speaker.
The pictures are strange color wise. Is it green or blue? Probably green, but worth asking before buying.
The trouble is, some bidders think they HAVE to compete for every item - even the new stuff that is currently in production.
The winner of that Frankenstein Speaker Head Reproduction paid $356.00. Even though, it was listed as a "reproduction" that most certainly will be made over and over again.
The seller listed it with a $100.00 opening bid and no Reserve. To me, that means he was willing to sell it for the initial bid, if need be. Why raise his expectations on all future sales by paying him 3½ times his asking price? Now he will be a lot less satisfied with a $100. If he doesn't get more than that in the future, he may just raise his opening bid on all subsequent auctions - or begin having Reserve Prices.
Hopefully he makes a few hundred of these in hopes of cashing in, and eventually sells the remainder for $50 a pop. I refuse to pay
through the nose for a reproduction.
This could be a good candidate for the new Rotocast process. It basically spins the plastic inside the mold and is a good way to fill hollow
plastic items with air and use less plastic.
There is yet another vintage one for sale on e-bay.
(https://i.postimg.cc/wtnfNPVx/head-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/wtnfNPVx)
(https://i.postimg.cc/CZRrzYb6/head-3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CZRrzYb6)
Someone posted on Facebook and Instagram that they are putting this on ebay Sunday. They are looking for $15,000. In this condition, is that out of the question?
I figured we might want the pics here.
Even if I didn't already have one, I wouldn't dream of paying $15,000 for this thing.
Mine is loose. But, I think the box and other junk would just be wasted space.
Quote from: John Pertwee on August 18, 2023, 07:58:12 PMSomeone posted on Facebook and Instagram that they are putting this on ebay Sunday. They are looking for $15,000. In this condition, is that out of the question?
Let them look. That asking price is silly.
::)