Anyone in our group get this? Way more than I can afford.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=110325630324&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=001 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=110325630324&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=001)
BK
I find it very fitting that there were thirteen bids in all. Very fitting, indeed.
-Andy
I knew this would go high, but I didn't expect $2,750. Maybe $1,500. It's in very nice shape. No cracks, nothing missing, no significant paint wear. The only upgrade would be a carded one. I've never heard of a carded Creature gun changing hands.
Holy Merciful Minerva! That is indeed one heckuva Grail...! And waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay out of my budget... until I win the lottery, at least... :)
I thought it went for a bargain. There's only what... 3 or 4 of these known to exist... and it's a Creature item, which usually brings more anyway...
There are more boxed Frankenstein speaker heads, carded AHI Creatures, etc. than there are AHI water guns. It's such a cool piece, and when's the last time anyone saw one of these for sale? I really thought it was going to bring over $5000 and would not have been surprised to see it hit $10k.
Quote from: Toy Ranch on December 23, 2008, 01:36:30 AM
It's such a cool piece, and when's the last time anyone saw one of these for sale?
Five years ago and it sold for a 1/4 of this one's price. (I think it was split a little on the seam?)
Quote from: Mike Scott on December 23, 2008, 01:47:38 AM
Five years ago and it sold for a 1/4 of this one's price. (I think it was split a little on the seam?)
I thought there was another one on ebay since then. I remember the cracked one. But I could swear I contemplated bidding on one in the last couple years, so there must have been one for sale somewhere. Maybe Hakes or Heritage or something. I thought about bidding on this one, but I knew I would get outbid, so what's the point. And I don't even have the dough to buy a Moebius Gigantic Frankie, let alone a multi-thousand-dollar squirt gun.
I only know of the one separated at the seam that Dave V. bought and nicely repaired (the glue had just dried out if memory serves). Would love to know the sell price and date of the other. With the economy down and it closing too close to Christmas for comfortable delivery, not too surprised this went under 5K, but a year ago? No question. Does anyone know of a carded example in anyone's collection? Know Dave V. bought that carded Kong that came up on ebay a while back, but other than that, I've never seen an AHI squirt gun on the card period. Also, anyone know if the color of the trigger happened to correspond to carded vs. counter display or if it was just random?
I remember that carded Kong gun sold for only $200 or so. The bubble was separated, but still. Now THAT was a steal. So David bought that? I thought HHWolfman bought it.
Pretty sure it was Dave, and over $500. Yep, it had been opened.
If memory serves me correctly, a cracked beat up one sold for $750 years ago and was discussed at the old UMA Yahoo Group.
Rob
I guess who ever bought it would be considered a serious collector? I don't think we have to many of them here in our group no to insult anyone.I no I would love to be but a little thing called money seems to always stand in my way??? LoL!
Quote from: toysoldierman2001 on December 23, 2008, 10:06:46 AM
I guess who ever bought it would be considered a serious collector? I don't think we have to many of them here in our group no to insult anyone.I no I would love to be but a little thing called money seems to always stand in my way??? LoL!
I think we have a lot of serious collectors here; it's not just about the super-expensive stuff.
I agree with Andy. I also think our empty bank books will prove just how serious we are. :P
Quote from: Roback on December 23, 2008, 10:24:30 AM
I agree with Andy. I also think our empty bank books will prove just how serious we are. :P
I think my wife Karen would agree. I think I spend more time in the "Dog House" than inside due to my collecting. LOL.
Quote from: raycastile on December 23, 2008, 02:19:23 AM
I thought there was another one on ebay since then. I remember the cracked one. But I could swear I contemplated bidding on one in the last couple years, so there must have been one for sale somewhere.
Searching the message archives of the old UMA and the Creature group only turns up mention of the 2003 auction. If the was a more recent one, it didn't seem to cause much excitement.
Most of the large monster toy collections are represented here.
Hey guys, and gals... it's Dave V. here. Long time I haven't been around. I was talking with Penny Dreadfull the other night, and decided to stop by again. I DID get the other Creature Squirtgun on Ebay several years ago. I paid $750 for it. It since has changed hands. I actually sold it for more than this one sold for, and I wouldn't doubt it if this one is in the hands of the same person. I agree with toyranch that I thought this would go higher. Although, it is a high price paid, in rarity, these simply do not surface. I also got the carded KONG for only around $300 at the time. I also had two Carded POTA guns. all of my guns were sold earlier this year as I started thinning my collection. I still have lots of my collection but sold a few items to help fund my Shrunken head and Tibetan Kapala collection.
Great to be back.
Dave V
Welcome back! Love that Shrunken head your holding ;D
Speaking of... welcome back Dave!
Welcome back, Dave! I'd LOVE to see some pics of the Shrunken Head and Tibetan Kapala collection. I love the shrunken heads.
I thought they were also sold loose, as in this picture....................Larry
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/knewby/monsterwaterguns.jpg)
Welcome back Dave! Good to see you hear!
BK
Yes Larry, I don't know if there was a card for the Creature water gun or not.
Quote from: knewby on December 23, 2008, 12:18:03 PM
I thought they were also sold loose, as in this picture....................Larry
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/knewby/monsterwaterguns.jpg)
Now THERE"S something I'd like to find in a garage sale!
The only one of the trio that makes sense to me is the Creature gun. Why would the other two be spitting water?
Hello! Nice to hear from you again! Stick around and show us your shrunken heads!
Quote from: tat2ist on December 23, 2008, 11:23:20 AM
Hey guys, and gals... it's Dave V. here. Long time I haven't been around. I was talking with Penny Dreadfull the other night, and decided to stop by again. I DID get the other Creature Squirtgun on Ebay several years ago. I paid $750 for it. It since has changed hands. I actually sold it for more than this one sold for, and I wouldn't doubt it if this one is in the hands of the same person. I agree with toyranch that I thought this would go higher. Although, it is a high price paid, in rarity, these simply do not surface. I also got the carded KONG for only around $300 at the time. I also had two Carded POTA guns. all of my guns were sold earlier this year as I started thinning my collection. I still have lots of my collection but sold a few items to help fund my Shrunken head and Tibetan Kapala collection.
Great to be back.
Dave V
Hey Dave, Welcome back. Love to see pix of the shrunken heads!
Bobby, The AHI UM squirt guns were sold on cards and in the pictured counter display according to older catalogs and sell sheets. I thought there was a photo at plaid stallions?
That box of squirtguns is insane!!! Love to have that. And speaking of that... Frankenkid (who bought all of my guns) also bought the newest one on Ebay (as I presumed). He is trying to put together a full display box like the one pictured. Quite a task indeed, but if anyone can do it, he can. He's a collector's nightmare, as if he needs the same item you need, one of you is going to pay dearly. Great to have him on my side!!!! He's the modern day "toyranch". I can't count the times I'd lose a much wanted toy to bobby. ( he was the king of sniping!!!)
On another note... the creature gun I got was not repaired as far as I can remember. I would not have been able to fix a crack so as not to be visible. Frankenkid called me today, and verified that it has NO repairs.
Thanks for the nice welcome back guys.
Dave V
This seller also has the Creature Board Game. It didn't hit the reserve.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=110326132273&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=001 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=110326132273&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=001)
BK
Yeah, I knew monstertoys (Greg) through collecting circles back in my Atlanta days, and he always had an amazing collection and an amazing knack for ferreting out the truly rare stuff. He's obviously just gotten better and better at it over the years.
Dave, I've got photos of the ebay auctions and postings of AHI squirt guns. I'll hunt through my other hard drive and see what I can come up with. Perhaps I'm just going nuts from all the snow! Cool that Frankenkid is working to put together a display box of 'em. Been a dream of mine since seeing a grainy shot of it in Toy Shop years ago.
So, which would you rather have, 3 (one of each) carded squirt guns, or the display box as seen in the previously posted pic (and assuming you didn't care that one might be more valuable than the other)?
Quote from: michblk on December 23, 2008, 05:23:06 PM
This seller also has the Creature Board Game. It didn't hit the reserve.
Anybody see the game board in those pics? I didn't.
Yup. Pretty grainy for such a high end item, but described as perfect.
Quote from: Mike Scott on December 23, 2008, 06:58:51 PM
So, which would you rather have, 3 (one of each) carded squirt guns, or the display box as seen in the previously posted pic (and assuming you didn't care that one might be more valuable than the other)?
I'd opt for the display box squirters. Why? These are toys that I would enjoy taking out and handling.
The carded ones would look nice, but be untouchable - Like graded and sealed collectibles, which I hate.
Dave~ I'd say you beat me out more than a few times yourself ;D I've never had the funds Frankenkid has to go after stuff. He's assembling an amazing collection.
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on December 23, 2008, 07:20:24 PM
The carded ones would look nice, but be untouchable - Like graded and sealed collectibles, which I hate.
Yeh, that's a good point. Plus, a whole box of 'em would (does) really look cool!
A lot of promotional flyers and catalog pages show stuff that wasn't produced or produced in the packaging shown. Manufacturers offer stuff at retail shows for retailers to order, and if they don't get orders or don't get enough orders, the stuff doesn't get made. These AHI water guns are scarce enough that it's entirely possible the carded Frankenstein and Creature were never produced. Obviously the Kong was, since we've seen that one carded. It would follow that it's likely they were produced in carded form, but until one shows up like that, I remain skeptical.
Quote from: Mike Scott on December 23, 2008, 06:58:51 PM
So, which would you rather have, 3 (one of each) carded squirt guns, or the display box as seen in the previously posted pic (and assuming you didn't care that one might be more valuable than the other)?
The display box, and not simply because it contains nine more water guns! The counter dump is an order of magnitude larger in terms of collecting than a carded set, because you've gone beyond what was available for sale to the consumer and into the world of of packaging and promotion. That box was never available to the general public, other than through some hypothetical case where a retailer sold one, and was meant to be disposed of when the toys were sold, making it that much rarer than the items it houses. Those display boxes weren't refillable, retailers just ordered a new case.
Now, a case of carded squirt guns against the counter display? Unless the carded case had amazing graphics (which is so unlikely as to be classed as next to impossible), I'd still go with the counter dump, assuming the value rule extends to resale, 'cuz while I could break a case of toys up, a display is near impossible for me, especially if the top had already been perforated like the one pictured in the catalog.
Quote from: darkmonkeygod on December 23, 2008, 08:11:48 PM
That box was never available to the general public, other than through some hypothetical case where a retailer sold one,
I'm sure
any retailer would have sold you that counter box full of guns, had you asked. I doubt anybody did, though. Not in 1975.
Quote from: tat2ist on December 23, 2008, 05:08:12 PM
He is trying to put together a full display box like the one pictured. Quite a task indeed, but if anyone can do it, he can.
That's impressive but also VERY selfish. Someone shouldn't hoard something that so limited when other collectors should be able to enjoy it as well...
Dan is selling repro AHI catalogs in the Classifieds that show the carded guns as well as the box.
Quote from: Toy Ranch on December 23, 2008, 08:31:57 PM
Dan is selling repro AHI catalogs in the Classifieds that show the carded guns as well as the box.
I was just going to say that it looks like the carded creature gun is pictured there, hard to tell for sure.
My 70's toy memory seems to recall that Kresge was a retailer that required packaging that could be hung by peg-hook style display. I think that is why the Kresge Mego figures came about, and perhaps eventually the packaging switch from box to cardback. Not sure, but it's a theory as to why they had both carded and counter displays available to retailers.
I would rather have three carded examples. I like carded toys, especially AHI and other low-end 70s merchandise. I remember them dangling from peg hooks like ornaments on a Christmas tree, or carrots on a stick.
I got most of my AHI stuff from Kresge, so it was all carded. My grandparents lived within walking distance of Kresge and Venture stores, so it was AHI monsters from Kresge, and Mego figures from Venture.
I still think I'd rather have the full counter display, but I'd settle for either! ;)
Quote from: poseablemonster on December 23, 2008, 08:40:43 PM
I was just going to say that it looks like the carded creature gun is pictured there, hard to tell for sure.
Yep, (L to R) KK, Creature, Frank.
Some stores have shelves, other stores have hooks. Manufacturers offer packaging for both, but if they don't get a significant order for a style (or an item), they don't produce it. The toy fairs are usually held before they go into production and then they produce toys based on orders they receive. Catalogs usually have photos of prototypes and packaging mockups if it's a new item. Even if it's a holdover from the previous season, most of them don't shoot new pics.
Quote from: MadCow on December 23, 2008, 08:30:52 PM
That's impressive but also VERY selfish. Someone shouldn't hoard something that so limited when other collectors should be able to enjoy it as well...
Madcow,
Respectfully, I completely and strongly disagree. I don't believe there's any truth to labeling that hoarding nor selfish. I believe it to be the order of magnitude in collecting that I mentioned in my previous post. Obviously I don't speak for Frankenkid, (he and I have never met nor even corresponded, though I'd love to) but I imagine his motivations to be like mine. He is collecting the display. Not twelve water guns, but the AHI Universal Monsters Water Gun display, which happens to contain 12 pistols. Had I the means, I do the exact same thing. The rarity of that, the history in terms of monster toys, and that is what we're discussing, is staggering. I've often found it hard to put into words my attraction to the ideal I have of this, my love of promotional items, paperwork, original and concept art and paperwork, but this example puts it best:
If I could, I would put together all the elements of that photo. Six Kong squirt guns, 3 Franks, 3 Gills, one original display box. Barring luck, the price of that, especially compared to my economic class, is staggering. The display box alone could fetch 10K give the right circumstances. But, supposing I could did such a thing, and then one came onto that market that was all original, a box that had been removed from it's shipping case, popped open and set up and no piece in it ever sold let's say, I'd buy it to replace the one I replicated by piecing it together, even if I couldn't resell the others. That's the kind of desire and respect I have for monster toys. I fully realize that many would label that at least a little nuts - I recognize it's atypical - but that's the sort of passion I have for collecting, and the kind I'd make a medium sized wager that a number of us do, including Frankenkid. I don't believe that to be selfish. Self-fulfilling, yes, but to label it selfish seems short-sighted and insulting in my estimation.
Best,
Shannon
Quote from: darkmonkeygod on December 23, 2008, 09:25:08 PM
If I could, I would put together all the elements of that photo.
Are there enough AHI (KK Creature Frank) squirts in existence to fill up a counter box? I'll bet there aren't enough mint ones.
I'd have to assume that there WERE carded frankenstein and Creature Guns. Reason being... I HAD the kong in hand, and I also had Both Apes in hand. I'd think that maybe those were released carded at the same time, but seeing that each series had it's own display box leads me to believe that they were all sold in both formats. Having them myself, I can also state that they were all MINT, but the bubbles didn't stay on the cards very well. Of the three I had, all three had excellent cards, with mint guns. but crappy bubbles. Perhaps the creature being the largest of all, it simply didn't stay on the card very well, therefore, the cards were probably discarded once the gun had fallen out. Just my opinion.
dave v
Quote from: darkmonkeygod on December 23, 2008, 09:25:08 PM
Madcow,
Respectfully, I completely and strongly disagree. I don't believe there's any truth to labeling that hoarding nor selfish. I believe it to be the order of magnitude in collecting that I mentioned in my previous post. Obviously I don't speak for Frankenkid, (he and I have never met nor even corresponded, though I'd love to) but I imagine his motivations to be like mine. He is collecting the display. Not twelve water guns, but the AHI Universal Monsters Water Gun display, which happens to contain 12 pistols. Had I the means, I do the exact same thing. The rarity of that, the history in terms of monster toys, and that is what we're discussing, is staggering. I've often found it hard to put into words my attraction to the ideal I have of this, my love of promotional items, paperwork, original and concept art and paperwork, but this example puts it best:
If I could, I would put together all the elements of that photo. Six Kong squirt guns, 3 Franks, 3 Gills, one original display box. Barring luck, the price of that, especially compared to my economic class, is staggering. The display box alone could fetch 10K give the right circumstances. But, supposing I could did such a thing, and then one came onto that market that was all original, a box that had been removed from it's shipping case, popped open and set up and no piece in it ever sold let's say, I'd buy it to replace the one I replicated by piecing it together, even if I couldn't resell the others. That's the kind of desire and respect I have for monster toys. I fully realize that many would label that at least a little nuts - I recognize it's atypical - but that's the sort of passion I have for collecting, and the kind I'd make a medium sized wager that a number of us do, including Frankenkid. I don't believe that to be selfish. Self-fulfilling, yes, but to label it selfish seems short-sighted and insulting in my estimation.
Best,
Shannon
Well-said and I wholeheartedly concur.
Agreed. Nothing wrong with putting together a set. Kind of "Indiana Jones" cool if you ask me.
Quote from: Mike Scott on December 23, 2008, 09:35:39 PM
Are there enough AHI (KK Creature Frank) squirts in existence to fill up a counter box? I'll bet there aren't enough mint ones.
There are enough Creatures and Frankensteins. 6 Kongs is probably going to be the hardest (although probably not the most expensive).
Quote from: darkmonkeygod on December 23, 2008, 09:25:08 PM
Madcow,
Respectfully, I completely and strongly disagree. I don't believe there's any truth to labeling that hoarding nor selfish. I believe it to be the order of magnitude in collecting that I mentioned in my previous post. Obviously I don't speak for Frankenkid, (he and I have never met nor even corresponded, though I'd love to) but I imagine his motivations to be like mine. He is collecting the display. Not twelve water guns, but the AHI Universal Monsters Water Gun display, which happens to contain 12 pistols. Had I the means, I do the exact same thing. The rarity of that, the history in terms of monster toys, and that is what we're discussing, is staggering. I've often found it hard to put into words my attraction to the ideal I have of this, my love of promotional items, paperwork, original and concept art and paperwork, but this example puts it best:
If I could, I would put together all the elements of that photo. Six Kong squirt guns, 3 Franks, 3 Gills, one original display box. Barring luck, the price of that, especially compared to my economic class, is staggering. The display box alone could fetch 10K give the right circumstances. But, supposing I could did such a thing, and then one came onto that market that was all original, a box that had been removed from it's shipping case, popped open and set up and no piece in it ever sold let's say, I'd buy it to replace the one I replicated by piecing it together, even if I couldn't resell the others. That's the kind of desire and respect I have for monster toys. I fully realize that many would label that at least a little nuts - I recognize it's atypical - but that's the sort of passion I have for collecting, and the kind I'd make a medium sized wager that a number of us do, including Frankenkid. I don't believe that to be selfish. Self-fulfilling, yes, but to label it selfish seems short-sighted and insulting in my estimation.
Best,
Shannon
How is it insulting? Short-sighted is an opinion from 2 totally different types of collectors...
Collecting the display is besides the point IMHO...
While I see and understand what he is trying to do, I also see the other side of the coin which is that of the collectors that are getting shut out from owning just one of these pieces. I can understand the passion and see why someone would want to do it. But just knowing the rarity of the item you are trying to obtain multiples of and knowing that there are others out there without one who would love to own just one is selfish to me. It is taking away from others for the sake of benefiting your own desires...
Agree to disagree, it's my opinion...
Quote from: MadCow on December 23, 2008, 10:07:46 PM
But just knowing the rarity of the item you are trying to obtain multiples of and knowing that there are others out there without one who would love to own just one is selfish to me.
On the other hand, when one of these comes up for sale, you can always outbid the other guy and get one.
MadCow~ You're certainly entitled to your opinion.
It's available to anyone who wants it bad enough to obtain it. If you want it now, you can buy it or trade it out of Frankenkid. If you wanted it before, you should have bid high enough to get it. By the standard you cite, all collecting is selfish. Someone gets it, others don't. If it's worth collecting, not everyone who wants one is going to get one. There are plenty of things you can choose to collect that are in greater supply than demand, and won't have to worry about "selfishness". More things on eBay go unsold than sell every day.
By your standard, I'm selfish. So are many of us here. Understanding your view on this, I'm not particularly concerned or insulted that you feel that way. Collecting is a competitive hobby. We are friends, but we are also competitors for the same items for our collections. By that standard, collecting is a self-centered, egocentric, self-absorbed, selfish hobby.
I belong to several collectible and memorabilia websites and the issue of "hoarding" has sprung up, at least once, on all of them. Hoarding, in my opinion, is a word that carries negative connotations. If a person were hoarding every AHI squirt gun, be it Creature, King Kong, or Frank, he came across for the sole purpose of keeping them from others, then yes. What he is doing is completely selfish. I know people who have bought out entire inventories of items simply to keep them out of the hands of others. This is a selfish act.
However, if you have the money and time required to invest in such a project (such as assembling the AHI squirt gun countertop display,) simply for the love of it and the desire to own it, then by all means go for it.
It doesn't matter if he's trying to piece together the entire display (six Kongs, three Franks, three Creatures, and display box,) or just the display box itself. That's irrelevant to the topic.
In my opinion, Frankenkid's intentions are not malicious. I don't think he's trying to wipe out the few remaining squirt guns simply for the fun of it. It's what he's passionate about and he's got the cash.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that the Green-eyed monster lurks in us all, and when we call someone selfish simply for having the means necessary to acquire such an incredible piece, then we might as well call ourselves selfish, because basically we're saying it should belong to us, and not them. "He's got the money...I don't have the money. He owns several...I don't own any. He doesn't deserve it...I deserve it."
That's a weak argument if you ask me.
Am I saying I'm not jealous? Hell no! I'd love to have that little guy sitting on my shelf, as well as the rest of Frankenkid's collection (from what I've read so far it's pretty spectacular), but I'm not going to call him selfish simply for having the means to buy it..
Did any of what I just said make sense?
-Andy
Maybe I can help Dan sell some more AHI catalogs by letting folks have a closer look at the Water Gun ad:
(http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii98/roheimiana/ahi75Medium.jpg)
BTW, I wonder how Frankenkid is going to decide exactly what to include in the display box. The photo on page 2 of this thread only showed 3 Creature squirters but the AHI ad has 6. Perhaps the boxes were filled more or less randomly because I remember seeing another picture which had mostly Frankies. That really made my mouth water!
I would guess (and hope) that anyone would not collect to the extreme of trying to match an actual photo of a display box. We all know there were not only one of these. And unless noted on the box, usually they differ from case to case. If it were me, as long as I had enough of them to fill the box, I'd be happier than a pig in... well you know. He feels the same way.
The kid is a crazy collector, but I don't think he's that compulsive to actually match a random photo.! Maybe if these were readily available, one would be. It's not like we're talking about a pencil sharpener display here. By the way, I'd like to correct the fact that I said he's a collector's nightmare. Don't think he got what I was trying to say, and out of respect... He's a great guy and doesn't hoard things so others can't have them. He's passionate, and a respectable person. He's not collecting just so others can't have what he does. that's crazy. We're all a bit crazy, but it's different to be malicious about such a thing.
dave V
Hi, This is my first post, so this is only a test.
I'd take em carded, or at least with the card. The art on them is fantastic and unique. The display box just uses the "Stock" Ahi art.
Quote from: lappys22 on December 24, 2008, 09:23:33 AM
Hi, This is my first post, so this is only a test.
It worked, so you passed the test, but you didn't mention monsters, so you only get a C+. Be forewarned, the next test will be an essay test.
;D
Rob
Quote from: roheimiana on December 24, 2008, 07:14:44 AM
Maybe I can help Dan sell some more AHI catalogs by letting folks have a closer look at the Water Gun ad:
(http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii98/roheimiana/ahi75Medium.jpg)
BTW, I wonder how Frankenkid is going to decide exactly what to include in the display box. The photo on page 2 of this thread only showed 3 Creature squirters but the AHI ad has 6. Perhaps the boxes were filled more or less randomly because I remember seeing another picture which had mostly Frankies. That really made my mouth water!
Oh, cool. There were Ape ones. Heck, I think I like those more than the monster ones. Thanks for the pics!
You would think that "for a catalog photo" they would have filled a complete three rows with each monster. Just my OCD kicking in I guess.
Dave V
QuoteYou would think that "for a catalog photo" they would have filled a complete three rows with each monster. Just my OCD kicking in I guess.
Agreed. Six Creatures, four Kongs, one Franky, and an empty hole just doesn't scream "Buy me!"
-Andy
Thank's Rob! That C+ was better than my actual H.S. grades. Those teachers were such MONSTERS! :P
Quote from: roheimiana on December 24, 2008, 07:14:44 AM
BTW, I wonder how Frankenkid is going to decide exactly what to include in the display box. The photo on page 2 of this thread only showed 3 Creature squirters but the AHI ad has 6. Perhaps the boxes were filled more or less randomly because I remember seeing another picture which had mostly Frankies. That really made my mouth water!
The box has 4 rows but only 3 monsters to choose from. They should have included one more monster to complete the box. Which monster would YOU have added?
I think I would have added Dracula. He is the 2nd most iconic monster after Frankenstein. Besides, a kid could have filled him with a red-colored liquid and make him spit blood!
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on December 24, 2008, 11:21:41 AM
The box has 4 rows but only 3 monsters to choose from.
Unless you look at it the other way and then it's 3 rows of 4.
I won't comment on Frankenkid, except to say that, thanks to this thread, I don't have to waste my time bidding on any AHI monster squirt guns that hit ebay ever again. Whew. One less thing I have to do in this lifetime.
As for whether all three were released on cards, I think it's obvious that they were. We have two AHI catalogs from (presumably) two different years that show the guns on cards. They were sold to retailers as an assortment. I don't see individual item numbers for each monster. So any retailer would have had to order the assortment. Yeah, some might have requested all Kongs, but why? Creature might have been a slow seller in the 70s, but surely Frankenstein would have sold well. Hasn't Frankenstein always been the top-selling Universal monster toy? He's certainly the one that's produced the most. And if Creature and Frank did not sell, why would retailers order all three in bulk? No, I think AHI produced all three on cards. But for whatever reason, the only surviving carded example we're aware of is a Kong.
I have a vague memory of someone having a carded Creature back in the 90s. I want to say it was Let's Talk Toys, but maybe he was just talking about someone else.
Quote from: Mike Scott on December 24, 2008, 12:25:03 PM
Unless you look at it the other way and then it's 3 rows of 4.
I like it
my way - I get to add another monster (at least in my mind.)
Quote from: darkmonkeygod on December 23, 2008, 09:25:08 PM
I fully realize that many would label that at least a little nuts - I recognize it's atypical - but that's the sort of passion I have for collecting, and the kind I'd make a medium sized wager that a number of us do, including Frankenkid. I don't believe that to be selfish. Self-fulfilling, yes, but to label it selfish seems short-sighted and insulting in my estimation.
Agreed. I hold nothing against Frankenkid whatsoever for attempting to assemble a complete display of squirt guns. I think it's a cool idea, and if I had the funds, I'd do the same. I know several of us, including myself, have already done the same with the pencil sharpeners and its display box. So what's the difference? Oh yeah .. roughly about 25k when all said and done. :D
Quote from: Toy Ranch on December 24, 2008, 12:35:58 AM
Collecting is a competitive hobby. We are friends, but we are also competitors for the same items for our collections.
This is one of the things that makes this group so special. In the reality of what drives us to collect; there is a human element of goodness and friendship that keeps it going. We may have different opinions or compete for the same rare items; but many of us have become friends first and foremost. To me, that is an amazing thing that I am thankful for.
Quote from: poseablemonster on December 24, 2008, 02:27:21 PM
This is one of the things that makes this group so special. In the reality of what drives us to collect; there is a human element of goodness and friendship that keeps it going. We may have different opinions or compete for the same rare items; but many of us have become friends first and foremost. To me, that is an amazing thing that I am thankful for.
Very well said Andy. Your astute observation is the "secret ingredient" that keeps this forum operating on all cylinders. It's also the reason for the UMA's longevity and success. Friendship is a pretty strong foundation from which many things including collections can be built upon. And the best part of it all is that it's free and unconditional. The toys are just the gravy that comes after. That's not to say that I'm not looking for more gravy in my life, but the gravy always comes with a price tag! ;)
Quote from: fmofmpls on December 24, 2008, 03:26:24 PM
The toys are just the gravy that comes after. That's not to say that I'm not looking for more gravy in my life, but the gravy always comes with a price tag!
Now you're bingin' on gravy! (Joke transplanted from another thread.)
Quote from: Mike Scott on December 24, 2008, 03:39:35 PM
Now you're bringin' on gravy! (Joke transplanted from another thread.)
LOL! Well cut me some slack Mike. It is after all Christmas. I'm pigging out today and tomorrow. Eat, drink, and be merry I say. And ho, ho ho, too.
Quote from: fmofmpls on December 24, 2008, 03:46:17 PM
LOL! Well cut me some slack Mike. It is after all Christmas.
I've been munchin' on the cookies and the candies my own self! Happy holiday weight gain to everybody!
So, are the Planet of the Apes squirt guns as difficult to locate as the Universal Monster squirt guns?
And I was just handed a Tupperware container full of homemade peanut butter cups, so I'll see you folks later!
Merry Christmas to all!
-Andy
Personally, I find that the apes show up for sale more frequently. and for ALOT less mortgage payments
dave V
Yeah, the Apes are pretty common. I haven't seen carded ones, but I don't look for them either. I have a Cornelius one that I got for under $25. These were released in the height of Apes mania and all things Ape were selling well.
Here's a pic of the carded Kong for those who hadn't seen it.
(http://members.cox.net/tattooist/DSC_0131.jpg)
Dave V
and the apes
(http://members.cox.net/tattooist/DSC_0132.jpg)
(http://members.cox.net/tattooist/DSC_0133.jpg)
Coolness!
That lumbering POTA chimp looks like a cursed monster wandering into some small European village. I'm sure the art was painted by the same person that did the monster card art, so it has that same 70s monster vibe.
I don't expect to ever own a carded AHI Frank or Creature squirt gun, but it would be neat (and somewhat more plausible) to own the Kong. I've got the AHI Kong jiggler, sparking walker and Bend 'Ems on cards, so it would be cool to add the squirt gun for the complete carded AHI Kong experience.
Quote from: tat2ist on December 26, 2008, 10:09:51 AM
and the apes
(http://members.cox.net/tattooist/DSC_0132.jpg)
(http://members.cox.net/tattooist/DSC_0133.jpg)
Wow, I love that card art!
My older cousin had the creech and Frankie squirters when I was very young, there's a massive possibility that they are still collecting dust in his attic. The problem is that we haven't talked for years due to a family feud. Hell, perhaps it's time to bury the hatchet ;)
QuoteHell, perhaps it's time to bury the hatchet
Bury it like there's no tomorrow!
That carded King Kong squirt gun is awesome! I love it when purple is used as background colors for monsters. Purple just seems so appropriate. That's why the Frankenstein and Wolf Man Aurora models have my favorite box art. The purple skies behind them just remind me so much of Halloween. I always imagined living in the house behind the Wolf Man, hoping he didn't turn around and come back towards me! :o
At least, that's how I saw it when I was like...you know...eight. I don't think things like that anymore. ;)
(Yes I do.)
-Andy
Quote from: chrisnurse on December 28, 2008, 12:31:52 PM
My older cousin had the creech and Frankie squirters when I was very young, there's a massive possibility that they are still collecting dust in his attic. The problem is that we haven't talked for years due to a family feud. Hell, perhaps it's time to bury the hatchet ;)
I will mediate the reunion if necessary! ;)
Quote from: chrisnurse on December 28, 2008, 12:31:52 PM
Hell, perhaps it's time to bury the hatchet ;)
I'll do it for ya, no problem. So, where you want the body. Oh, that's not what you meant? Um, yeah, just kidding then. Still, just give me his address so I can send some flowers, or a Time magazine subscription. Or something ;-)
Quote from: darkmonkeygod on December 28, 2008, 05:03:28 PM
I'll do it for ya, no problem. So, where you want the body. Oh, that's not what you meant? Um, yeah, just kidding then. Still, just give me his address so I can send some flowers, or a Time magazine subscription. Or something ;-)
You're too funny Shannon. ;D
Quote from: Roback on December 28, 2008, 09:40:50 PM
You're too funny Shannon. ;D
Robert, that's one of the nicest ways anyone has ever put it. Usually it's just a restraining order.
Guys - you're too kind, body or pacification are fine by me. Let's move in at dawn ;D
One just sold on eBay for 11k.
Me Realizing I live in a world where someone will pay 11k for a loose, broken, mass produced rack toy.
Quote from: Dr.Terror on February 22, 2026, 11:59:11 PMmass produced rack toy.
Mass produced, but not mass extant.
Most rack toys were mass produced, yet they remain some of the neatest, cool monster collectables out there. I knew it would go high but just a little surprised it went for that much with a cracked broken trigger. Many years ago there was word of a carded one being found at one of the earlier Atlantic City antique shows during early dealer set-up hours. I have no idea of what became of it or the price paid at the time, I never followed through with finding more info on it.
Carded at 11k I totally get. Ridiculous, but I get it. I just dont know whats going on anymore where a loosie sells for 11k. Imo I think there is one guy trying to amass a creature collection who is known for blowing crazy amounts of money.
I feel its the same person that paid 30k for the paint by numbers. These foolish collectors that throw money around like that have no clue how much it screws things up for everyone else because resellers think thats what this stuff is "worth".
Quote from: Mike Scott on February 23, 2026, 12:27:11 AMMass produced, but not mass extant.
But still produced in large numbers at a factory. 10k+ is usually reserved for one of kind prototype stuff.
I was out at 10.5 K ;)
Brian K
Quote from: Mike Scott on February 23, 2026, 01:10:02 PMI quit at 40 bucks.
As soon as I saw it, I was already out.
Brian K
Quote from: michblk on February 23, 2026, 04:08:30 PMAs soon as I saw it, I was already out.
Even if it started at 99 cents, there's no point in me bidding. ;D
Very true. It might be just one person buying these things, but who knows. There could be another one on e-bay the next day and it might not bring half that price, or it could bring more. Most of the time when I give a price on something at my booth people usually go right to their phones and check e-bay, it has really taken over the pricing on most items. Yet on the other hand, what else is there? As soon as a so-called price guide is published it's outdated before the ink dries. Like it or not, since e-bay, that's what most people do. Nothing else can give "instant information" like this. So lets just call it like it is, nothing is secret anymore with prices on these things, everyone can see what this brought, like it or not. Is it worth it? That all depends on the person bidding. You have your opinion, they have theirs. If someone gets upset it's because the high price is now seen, and if you just can't accept the instant information provided, or if you don't have the money that you wish you did to bid, then you'll just have to be satisfied with what you really can afford and what you already have. So I guess no one wants resellers to actually know the prices on what they sell?? I've said this before--if you had this particular item, what would you sell it for?
Quote from: skully on February 23, 2026, 06:38:06 PMIt might be just one person buying these things, but who knows.
There had to be a second guy willing to pay almost as much.
Ironically, the buyer pulled the trigger on an auction item he can't pull the trigger on!
Quote from: Monster Mafia on February 23, 2026, 07:43:14 PMIronically, the buyer pulled the trigger on an auction item he can't pull the trigger on!
How does that work?
Little gun pun—-cuz' the trigger was broken!!
"Pulled the trigger"—slang for went ahead and bought the item.
Not my best material but Forry would have liked it!
Quote from: Monster Mafia on February 23, 2026, 07:49:50 PMLittle gun pun—-cuz' the trigger was broken!!
Damn my rotten brain!
Let me clarify: not Trigger the horse but the mechanism on a gun that you pull with you finger to shoot the bullet.
...or Willie Nelson's guitar.
Or, to cause a negative emotional reaction.
I had a negative emotional response when I saw the ending price of that gun!!
Trigger was also the name of a friend of Winnie the Pooh. He was Tigger's brother. Disney did not include him in the series. His full name was Trigger Happy.
Tigger bounced on his tail but Trigger bounced by shooting his pistols in the ground to get the same effect. Disney didn't think the violence was good for children.
Quote from: Monster Mafia on February 22, 2026, 10:31:40 PMOne just sold on eBay for 11k.
WOW!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55113338852_01eb6a84ea_h.jpg)
Creature Squirt Gun - Azrak Hamway - SOLD - 2-21-2026As it was listed: https://www.ebay.com/itm/147154461481?_trksid=p2471758.m4704
Beginning bid was $99.99. (I'm betting the person who listed this is VERY happy.)
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on February 24, 2026, 02:23:37 PMBeginning bid was $99.99.
I think I would have added another 9 to that for starters.
I don't feel so bad about dropping $1300 on my Frankenstein Squirt gun.
https://tinyurl.com/4zfmcvvp
Quote from: Monster Mafia on February 23, 2026, 08:30:25 PMTrigger was also the name of a friend of Winnie the Pooh. He was Tigger's brother. Disney did not include him in the series. His full name was Trigger Happy.
Tigger bounced on his tail but Trigger bounced by shooting his pistols in the ground to get the same effect. Disney didn't think the violence was good for children.
Looney Tunes didn't seem to care with Yosemite Sam. :)
Of all the monsters, the Creature was the only one that made sense spitting water out of his mouth.
I always thought THIS was the funniest squirt gun out there.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55114795022_0e5684c87a_c.jpg)
BATMAN - Squirt Gun - 1966
It's a toss-up which is funnier, what you push to make him spew - or where you reload him.
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on February 25, 2026, 11:08:51 AMI always thought THIS was the funniest squirt gun out there.
Whe I see it, I always think of "The Ambiguously Gay Duo". ;D
My top bid was $116 and I was out pretty quickly. I told my friend and wife I thought it would hit 5 grand but that was it. Shows what I know.
Sold for quite a bit less than what I sold mine for, I dropped out at 9K.
Quote from: LFSPaul on March 05, 2026, 08:11:39 PMSold for quite a bit less than what I sold mine for, I dropped out at 9K.
Why did you want to buy another one?
And why would you publicly admit to bidding 9k??😆 No offense but its folks like yourself that make it impossible for the average person to own stuff like this.
Not everything in the world is available for the "average" collector.
Sometimes you have to go outside what you would normally pay to obtain a thing. I don't go around tossing out $1300 for old squirt guns. I had just received that dopey Covid $1400 check (that I didn't need) from the federal government and thought, "What the hell"?
I don't begrudge people of greater means than myself living in mansions and owning antiques.
"No offence but it's folks like yourself that make it impossible for the average person to own stuff like this" Well, I was going to write a nice long response to this, but midway, I decided against it. I changed my mind and have no reason to respond, not because of lack of extreme enthusiasm on my part (quite the contrary), but because of lack of true understanding on your part, and also, because it would be too much fun. My mind could easily be changed though.
The market has spoken, and crying about it won't change the price.
Quote from: John Pertwee on March 08, 2026, 05:13:03 PMThe market has spoken,
The market is a poo poo head! :P
Oh, I agree. This is happening in many hobbies right now. Pokemon has exploded to the point that Saudi Princes are buying cards for investments instead of cars or real estate. They are buying sports cards instead of sports cars. Collectibles will unfortunately go for more for the next few years but it might be a good time to sell high ticket items soon. This auction might be the first of many that we see making record sales, and if so dig out your high end stuff that you can live without. Cash in and wait for the crash.
John Pertwee, very true. Did you see the recent Horrorscope being listed for just about 10,000 opening bid?! I agree if you are looking for the cash, it might be tempting to sell now, but, with e-bay, and any auction house it's still a roll of the dice. Chances are good still that if another Creature water gun would be listed it would probably still bring good money, but sometimes it can go the other way, even though another Creature water gun would only maybe bring in half of the first price, it's not chump change. As with me, I struggle with this, only because I still like the higher end items that I retain, I guess I'm a true collector, and it's certainly not ruled out that the posibility of another Creature listing would maybe realize even more money, who knows?
It's gotta make you wonder. What would a pristine carded squirt gun go for?
My tastes are for the high end stuff at cheap prices. If I can't but it for what I consider a decent price, I move on. I also look for deals on stuff I don't like or don't collect anymore and use it for trade. The Amazing Spiderman 129 (1st Punisher) I bought for $5 netted me a Famous Monsters #2, a Creepy #1 signed by Warren, a 1966 Peter Cushing Doctor Who Comic I already had but wanted to trade to someone else, and a large stack of monster magazines I didn't have.
I also used other older Spiderman $5 comics to trade for another rare book at the same show. That little flea market haul paid off, but I never would have bought that stuff at market price.
(https://i.postimg.cc/TYQKQBRP/76_A6uxC.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zVbDGtHm)
Quote from: Monsters For Sale on March 09, 2026, 03:12:39 AMWhat would a pristine carded squirt gun go for?
Has anybody ever seen one?
To my knowledge there is no known example of a Creature or Frankenstein squirt gun on the card. Considering the AHI Creature Walker went for over 15k on the Heritage Auction, the squirt gun is getting that or more.
Quote from: PaynePfeif13 on April 03, 2026, 09:32:42 AMTo my knowledge there is no known example of a Creature or Frankenstein squirt gun on the card.
I think I saw a Kong, once, but not the others.
I saw a Kong water gun last month, not sure what they were asking on it though.
(https://bg-so-1.zippyimage.com/2026/04/03/6af539f0e502f46ae61fcdd54dbbcba5.jpg)
I knew I had seen one somewhere.
You can see the other 2 in one of the original ads, but not recent (last 40 years) photos.
How about the counter boxes? More, or less rare than the carded ones?
The only versions of the squirt guns I have seen is the carded King Kong, and I think maybe there are two versions? Could be mistaken. Then just loose Creature and Frank.
Counter box? Like the store display?
Quote from: PaynePfeif13 on April 03, 2026, 07:22:59 PMCounter box? Like the store display?
The box that holds like a dozen of the guns.
I know of where one of them is located. But not the monsters. Planet of the Apes. I actually know there are two Apes boxes. I have never seen the Monsters box.
Quote from: PaynePfeif13 on April 03, 2026, 08:02:53 PMI know of where one of them is located. But not the monsters. Planet of the Apes. I actually know there are two Apes boxes. I have never seen the Monsters box.
https://www.plaidstallions.com/racktoys/azraksquirt.html
Yeah I have seen Brian's post, but I have never seen a real image of the piece just stock photos from the magazine. The only squirt gun display with current images outside of the stock photo is the Apes. Unless someone has one that has not shared.