Universal Monster Army

Collecting Monsters => Memorable Memorabilia => Topic started by: horrorhunter on August 30, 2013, 02:15:53 PM

Title: Topps Ugly Buttons
Post by: horrorhunter on August 30, 2013, 02:15:53 PM
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2811/33020161674_148d4cac47_b.jpg)

I haven't heard these mentioned on UMA, so I thought to start a thread. In 1967 Topps came out with a set of 24 Ugly Buttons. Half of the set was done by Norman Saunders of Mars Attacks fame, and the other half were designed by Wally Wood and painted by an unknown artist. I have 14 of the set of 24 pictured above. I've been on the hunt for the other 10 but they don't show up often, and when they do the ones I've seen are very expensive. Like with most things I collect I'm just "pecking away" as Hepcat says. These cool pinbacks just scream "'60s monster". I won this whole group surprisingly cheaply in an eBay auction before I even knew what they were. I just know what I like. They weren't titled correctly in the auction, so the seller didn't know what they were either. After getting them I did some research and found out the above info.

Anyone else have any of these, or know any more info on them?
Title: Re: Topps Ugly Buttons
Post by: horrorhunter on August 30, 2013, 03:14:33 PM
Closer pics. The pic quality sucks I know. Someday I'll get the hang of it.

(http://imageshack.us/a/img850/6530/ook8.jpg)

(http://imageshack.us/a/img829/9063/s0td.jpg)



Title: Re: Topps Ugly Buttons
Post by: Mord on August 30, 2013, 06:42:27 PM
Love those monster niks!
Title: Re: Topps Ugly Buttons
Post by: Hepcat on August 30, 2013, 06:54:58 PM
I like the Ugly Buttons better. They're way cool!

8)
Title: Re: Topps Ugly Buttons
Post by: horrorhunter on August 30, 2013, 07:00:46 PM
Quote from: Mord on August 30, 2013, 06:42:27 PM
Love those monster niks!
Me too, man. I was nikless up until a few days ago. Actually, I still am, I think those are Monster Men from what I could find out on here. Still, I like 'em. And I'd rather have 'em nekkid than dressed up all flouncy and fruity with the feathers and nightgown-looking panchos and crap. :laugh:
Title: Re: Topps Ugly Buttons
Post by: Mord on August 30, 2013, 07:21:44 PM
Yep, I used to have the Frankenstein Nik and always wondered about the fruity garb. I guess they figured it would appeal to kids more. Not this monsterkid. Btw, where did you get them?
Title: Re: Topps Ugly Buttons
Post by: horrorhunter on August 30, 2013, 08:05:43 PM
Quote from: Mord on August 30, 2013, 07:21:44 PM
Yep, I used to have the Frankenstein Nik and always wondered about the fruity garb. I guess they figured it would appeal to kids more. Not this monsterkid. Btw, where did you get them?
I got them in a evilBay auction. Paid too damn much, too. People think these things are worth their weight in gold nowadays. Oh well, I finally got one example of each. That may be all my Nikkin' unless I find some cheap (fat chance).
Title: Re: Topps Ugly Buttons
Post by: Mord on August 31, 2013, 12:48:24 PM
You're right, HH, I have never seen monster toys go for as much as they're going for now. A year and a half ago, I got my holy grail (Marx Frankenstein in box) for $1,400 on Evilbay. It was the best example I had ever seen for sale, so I bit the bullet and bought it. Just a few weeks ago, one sold (on E-bay, again) for $3,000!!! That's insane!
Title: Re: Topps Ugly Buttons
Post by: horrorhunter on August 31, 2013, 05:42:30 PM
Quote from: Mord on August 31, 2013, 12:48:24 PM
You're right, HH, I have never seen monster toys go for as much as they're going for now. A year and a half ago, I got my holy grail (Marx Frankenstein in box) for $1,400 on Evilbay. It was the best example I had ever seen for sale, so I bit the bullet and bought it. Just a few weeks ago, one sold (on E-bay, again) for $3,000!!! That's insane!
Congratulations, Mordster! You did the right thing pulling the trigger like that. The Marx Frankenstein is a worthy centerpiece in any monster collection. Sadly, I'm still on the hunt for one. And, like you say, the way these key monster toys keep rising in price I'd better get one soon or maybe not at all.
Title: Re: Topps Ugly Buttons
Post by: horrorhunter on September 15, 2013, 12:00:58 PM
A scan of my Topps Ugly Buttons:

(http://imageshack.us/a/img209/7984/zyni.jpg)
Title: Re: Topps Ugly Buttons
Post by: Hepcat on September 16, 2013, 02:14:59 PM
Great stuff! I would have gone for those big time had they been available when I was a kid.

8)
Title: Re: Topps Ugly Buttons
Post by: Flower on September 16, 2013, 02:34:51 PM
I want the Ugly Buttons.
Title: Re: Topps Ugly Buttons
Post by: horrorhunter on September 16, 2013, 03:11:52 PM
Thanks, peeps. I would like to get the other ten but the ones that have shown up on evilBay recently have ranged from simply expensive to downright ridiculous. I got these 14 in one auction pretty cheap, so I'll wait for another good deal I guess. Naively optimistic aren't I? ;D
Title: Re: Topps Ugly Buttons
Post by: Flower on September 16, 2013, 03:33:59 PM
Quote from: horrorhunter on September 16, 2013, 03:11:52 PM
Thanks, peeps. I would like to get the other ten but the ones that have shown up on evilBay recently have ranged from simply expensive to downright ridiculous. I got these 14 in one auction pretty cheap, so I'll wait for another good deal I guess. Naively optimistic aren't I? ;D

No, I`m a firm believer that you`ll get them at a good deal. When is the question but I have faith in you ..  ;D
Title: Re: Topps Ugly Buttons
Post by: horrorhunter on September 16, 2013, 03:40:26 PM
Quote from: Flower on September 16, 2013, 03:33:59 PM
No, I`m a firm believer that you`ll get them at a good deal. When is the question but I have faith in you ..  ;D
TY Flower. I am stubborn when "on the hunt". ;D
Title: Re: Topps Ugly Buttons
Post by: Flower on September 16, 2013, 04:33:57 PM
Quote from: horrorhunter on September 16, 2013, 03:40:26 PM
TY Flower. I am stubborn when "on the hunt". ;D

Me too!  :D
Title: Re: Topps Ugly Buttons
Post by: Hepcat on June 17, 2014, 08:53:47 AM
Quote from: horrorhunter on August 30, 2013, 02:15:53 PMIn 1967 Topps came out with a set of 24 Ugly Buttons.... I have 14 of the set of 24 pictured above. I've been on the hunt for the other 10 but they don't show up often....

Anyone else have any of these, or know any more info on them?

Are you going to add a wrapper or a display box?

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/UglyButtonsB2_zpsc7286a5f.jpg)

???
Title: Re: Topps Ugly Buttons
Post by: horrorhunter on June 17, 2014, 06:38:36 PM
Quote from: Hepcat on June 17, 2014, 08:53:47 AM
Are you going to add a wrapper or a display box?

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/UglyButtonsB2_zpsc7286a5f.jpg)

???
Probably not. Too scarce and expensive. I'm still hunting a decent deal on any of the 10 buttons I still need. All I ever see on eBay are BINs for $20-$50 each. They may be worth that in the current collecting environment but at those prices they fall pretty low on my collecting priority list.
Title: Re: Topps Ugly Buttons
Post by: horrorhunter on April 05, 2017, 05:40:16 PM
Re-hosted my Ugly Buttons scan.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2811/33020161674_148d4cac47_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Topps Ugly Buttons
Post by: Mike Scott on April 05, 2017, 05:50:04 PM
I edited your fist post to re-include it.
Title: Re: Topps Ugly Buttons
Post by: horrorhunter on April 05, 2017, 05:51:02 PM
Quote from: Mike Scott on April 05, 2017, 05:50:04 PM
I edited your fist post to re-include it.
TY, Mike!
Title: Re: Topps Ugly Buttons
Post by: horrorhunter on April 05, 2017, 06:07:35 PM
Net pic of the wrappers for Topps Ugly Buttons and Leaf Fink Buttons:

(http://thumbs.worthpoint.com/zoom/images1/1/0807/25/topps-ugly-buttons-leaf-fink-button-wrapper-wally_1_5d41d7ed8a755f463a12b56a25c8dcf1.jpg)
Title: Re: Topps Ugly Buttons
Post by: Hepcat on April 06, 2017, 08:23:37 AM
Quote from: horrorhunter on April 05, 2017, 05:40:16 PM
Re-hosted my Ugly Buttons scan.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2811/33020161674_148d4cac47_b.jpg)

Quote from: horrorhunter on April 05, 2017, 06:07:35 PM
Net pic of the wrappers for Topps Ugly Buttons and Leaf Fink Buttons:

(http://thumbs.worthpoint.com/zoom/images1/1/0807/25/topps-ugly-buttons-leaf-fink-button-wrapper-wally_1_5d41d7ed8a755f463a12b56a25c8dcf1.jpg)

Oh man! So much cool stuff, so little time and money. These buttons were after my time as a kid so I haven't actively pursued them. If, however, I came across a whole set at a good price, I'd be very tempted to snap it up.

:)
Title: Re: Topps Ugly Buttons
Post by: horrorhunter on April 06, 2017, 04:49:52 PM
Quote from: Hepcat on April 06, 2017, 08:23:37 AM
Oh man! So much cool stuff, so little time and money. These buttons were after my time as a kid so I haven't actively pursued them. If, however, I came across a whole set at a good price, I'd be very tempted to snap it up.

:)
I lucked into that lot of 14 for $70. It was an auction and the seller didn't have them listed properly as "Ugly Buttons". I didn't know what they were either at that point but I knew I really liked them and the work of Norm Saunders/Wally Wood kinda lit up for me. I got lucky and outbid the other guy. I wish I could find the ones I need that cheaply ($5 each) but lightning hasn't struck again regarding this so I still only have the 14.

They can be bought off evilBay for around $20 each in varying conditions. At that price they just fell low on my buying priority list. I think they're worth that, especially in high grade, but my monster money only stretches so far... I still plan to finish the set at some point. I'm just exercising patience. Even if I only ever have those 14 I'm glad of it and will continue to enjoy seeing them on my monster shelf.
Title: Re: Topps Ugly Buttons
Post by: Hepcat on August 04, 2023, 04:09:29 PM
These buttons may have hit store shelves in time for Halloween 1966. Here's a picture of the entire set:

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/g434/Balticprince/Ugly_Buttons_5.jpg)

Quote from: horrorhunter on April 06, 2017, 04:49:52 PM...the work of Norm Saunders/Wally Wood kinda lit up for me.

Norm Saunders rendered the art for eleven or twelve of the above buttons including all of my favourites:

What Ever Happened to Baby Sister?
Watch the Birdie
Be Kind to Animals
Come on Down
Here's Mud in Your Eye
You're Driving Me Bats
Respect Your Elders

Wally Wood evidently sketched the designs for the other ones but somebody else did the finished artwork.

Here's a picture of the display box:

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/g434/Balticprince/Ugly_Buttons.jpg)

And the wrapper (actually bag):

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/g434/Balticprince/UglyBttsWpr.jpg)

:)