Universal Monster Army

Collecting Monsters => Vintage Monster Toys => Topic started by: Bogey on March 17, 2009, 05:39:21 PM

Title: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: Bogey on March 17, 2009, 05:39:21 PM
So, what are the oldest non-paper and paper monster items that you own?  Just curious to how "old school" some of you may have ventured.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: Illoman on March 17, 2009, 07:24:19 PM
Quote from: Bogey on March 17, 2009, 05:39:21 PM
So, what are the oldest non-paper and paper monster items that you own?  Just curious to how "old school" some of you may have ventured.  Thanks!

Nothing fancy here, just my old 1970's Aurora's. They are still the way I painted them (i.e. poorly) as a Monster Kid. Part of me wants to do them justice, part of me wants to leave them locked in their time period.

Mike
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: avenger on March 17, 2009, 08:28:49 PM
Mike,
    I would leave them as they are.They are part of a time of fond memories.They are part of your history.
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: Bogey on March 17, 2009, 08:45:14 PM
Quote from: avenger on March 17, 2009, 08:28:49 PM
Mike,
    I would leave them as they are.They are part of a time of fond memories.They are part of your history.

Absolutely agree here.  Do not touch them, Mike.
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: Gasport on March 17, 2009, 08:45:47 PM
I agree...with all the reissues available for cheap out there it'd be a crime to erase something like that from your childhood. Like finding one of your kid drawings from way back and correcting all the imperfections.
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: poseablemonster on March 17, 2009, 09:03:49 PM
Quote from: Gasport on March 17, 2009, 08:45:47 PM
I agree...with all the reissues available for cheap out there it'd be a crime to erase something like that from your childhood. Like finding one of your kid drawings from way back and correcting all the imperfections.
Good analogy.  Don't alter them!  Built-up Aurora monster kits are cheap.  Get replacements if you want to paint 'em.
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: CreepyJeff on March 17, 2009, 09:39:06 PM
I have a complete set of the Jack Davis "You'll Die Laughing" cards from 1959.  My first vintage toy/model bought about twelve years ago is the 1961 Aurora Frankenstein built up with original box.  Paid $200 for it and thought it was a good deal at the time.   Before ebay (or at least before I knew of it). 
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: tv horror on March 17, 2009, 10:16:09 PM
My Aurora models are my oldest toys and a pressbook for the Mummy is my oldest bit of printed matter.  Like the rest of you I agree I would never repaint my models, in fact I even (now don't laugh) painted my Wolfman with liquid brown boot polish!!! Also he still has a shine to his fur nearly forty odd years later, I wonder could this be some kind of record. So instead of yak fur he has shellac fur (groan).
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: MDG on March 18, 2009, 07:53:13 AM
I don't want to think about what I had as a kid that got trashed when we moved (or was just played with to death)

The oldest paper I've bought is the Creature-cover Mechanix Illustrated. Toys are Marx Frankenstein, Mummy, Hunchback and Creature.

The oldest thing that I was able to hang onto is my Green Ghost game.
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: Universalrocks on March 18, 2009, 09:46:38 AM
My Frankenstein Bike Buddy.
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: ChattyLMS on March 18, 2009, 09:58:05 AM
Well, I'm new to this so my oldest monster is one of my Wolfys.
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: Gasport on March 18, 2009, 12:04:27 PM
I guess my oldest monster related collectible would have to be Famous Monsters #1....I will never forget buying it from a mail order comic/magazine dealer here on LI back in 1976. I was working with my late dad who was an electrician and since his paychecks were erratic at times, he would often just write me a check for bills and spending money as i needed it instead of paying me outright every week. I'll always remember the look of utter shock on his face when i said i needed 75 bucks [a fortune to me in those days] to buy an old magazine... He said "Here's 5 bucks, go buy TEN MAGAZINES!"

I was pretty used to this scenario by now as [in his eyes] almost EVERY purchase i ever made was wrong. Eventually i wore him down and he cut me a check for the mag. One of my most cherished possessions and i'm happy to say that i got  Forry himself to sign it for me at a New York Sci Fi con in the early 90's... A lot of precious memories wrapped up in that one "old magazine."
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: ChattyLMS on March 18, 2009, 06:44:32 PM
Hi Gasport!
I can just see your dad rolling his eyes and clutching his chest when you asked for $75 for a magazine!  "Elizabeth, I'm comin' to join you honey" - Fred Sanford

PS - If my hubby knew what I spent on some of my collectibles he'd be rolling his eyes and clutching his chest, too!
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: Bogey on March 18, 2009, 07:16:37 PM
Quote from: Gasport on March 18, 2009, 12:04:27 PM
I guess my oldest monster related collectible would have to be Famous Monsters #1....I will never forget buying it from a mail order comic/magazine dealer here on LI back in 1976. I was working with my late dad who was an electrician and since his paychecks were erratic at times, he would often just write me a check for bills and spending money as i needed it instead of paying me outright every week. I'll always remember the look of utter shock on his face when i said i needed 75 bucks [a fortune to me in those days] to buy an old magazine... He said "Here's 5 bucks, go buy TEN MAGAZINES!"

I was pretty used to this scenario by now as [in his eyes] almost EVERY purchase i ever made was wrong. Eventually i wore him down and he cut me a check for the mag. One of my most cherished possessions and i'm happy to say that i got  Forry himself to sign it for me at a New York Sci Fi con in the early 90's... A lot of precious memories wrapped up in that one "old magazine."

Yet another great story.
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: Toy Ranch on March 19, 2009, 11:01:57 AM
I have some petrified dinosaur poop that's about 67 million years old.
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: Illoman on March 19, 2009, 11:06:36 AM
Quote from: Gasport on March 18, 2009, 12:04:27 PM
I guess my oldest monster related collectible would have to be Famous Monsters #1....I will never forget buying it from a mail order comic/magazine dealer here on LI back in 1976. I was working with my late dad who was an electrician and since his paychecks were erratic at times, he would often just write me a check for bills and spending money as i needed it instead of paying me outright every week. I'll always remember the look of utter shock on his face when i said i needed 75 bucks [a fortune to me in those days] to buy an old magazine... He said "Here's 5 bucks, go buy TEN MAGAZINES!"

I was pretty used to this scenario by now as [in his eyes] almost EVERY purchase i ever made was wrong. Eventually i wore him down and he cut me a check for the mag. One of my most cherished possessions and i'm happy to say that i got  Forry himself to sign it for me at a New York Sci Fi con in the early 90's... A lot of precious memories wrapped up in that one "old magazine."

Did you hear about the guy who bought a copy of Action Comics number one for 50 cents in the 50's? His Dad tried to talk him out of it because it had "ten cents" on the cover. He bought it, and kept it all these years. It was just auctioned off for $317,000!!!!

Mike
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: Gasport on March 19, 2009, 11:57:18 AM
Yes Mike, I did read about that in the newspaper... although it didn't mention his dad trying to talk him out of it. I'm certainly glad i didn't take my father up on his offer of 5 bucks for 10 magazines, so imagine how this guy must feel!
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: Jscareshock on March 19, 2009, 01:49:47 PM
I gotta say, "Me."
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: Bogey on March 19, 2009, 09:12:19 PM
Quote from: Toy Ranch on March 19, 2009, 11:01:57 AM
I have some petrified dinosaur poop that's about 67 million years old.

And the species?
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: packy120353 on March 19, 2009, 09:22:10 PM
I would say my oldest monster collectible is paper - published December 1945, look at the town I guess he's the GIANT Frankenstein!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3652/3369578856_040528af87_o.jpg)

Oldest non-paper would most likely be Aurora kit or 60s Cooper/Halco costumes or masks.
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: Monster Bob on March 19, 2009, 10:06:48 PM

(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g107/backlotcharlie/zkong.jpg)
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: Bogey on March 19, 2009, 10:11:13 PM
Wow!
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: Grape on March 21, 2009, 10:12:03 PM
Quote from: packy120353 on March 19, 2009, 09:22:10 PM
I would say my oldest monster collectible is paper - published December 1945, look at the town I guess he's the GIANT Frankenstein!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3652/3369578856_040528af87_o.jpg)

Oldest non-paper would most likely be Aurora kit or 60s Cooper/Halco costumes or masks.

At first glance I thought "Oh, he's not really a giant. He's just standing on a hilltop in the foreground." HOWEVER, at second glance I realize he does indeed appear to be holding a fully grown tree in his left hand. Weird.
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: hammett1 on March 27, 2009, 02:52:24 PM
I guess the oldest piece in my collection, by default, would have to be the PROP CARD from the Frankenstein Card Set.  Even though the product is fairly recent, the wire is from the classic KARLOFF film.  Baring that, my next oldest piece is the PHOTO PLAY Edition of DRACULA.  Peace.
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: toysoldierman2001 on March 27, 2009, 03:19:49 PM
Mine would have to be my stuffed doll like King Kong with a rubber face.
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: Therin of Andor on March 28, 2009, 01:16:36 AM
Quote from: Toy Ranch on March 19, 2009, 11:01:57 AM
I have some petrified dinosaur poop that's about 67 million years old.

Your pet dinosaur was so petrified he pooped? ;)
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: kreaturekid on March 29, 2009, 11:23:43 PM
My oldest and probably the closest to my heart is a page out of my grandmas diary talking about how her and a friend went to the broadway theater in CA. Feb. 12th 1942 and met up with two boys and saw 'Wolf man' and she glued the original ticket stub to the page. she was 14 years old
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: ChrisW on March 30, 2009, 11:40:51 AM
Quote from: kreaturekid on March 29, 2009, 11:23:43 PM
My oldest and probably the closest to my heart is a page out of my grandmas diary talking about how her and a friend went to the broadway theater in CA. Feb. 12th 1942 and met up with two boys and saw 'Wolf man' and she glued the original ticket stub to the page. she was 14 years old

That is wonderful - and a very cool souvenir!
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: darkmonkeygod on March 30, 2009, 11:48:17 AM
Quote from: kreaturekid on March 29, 2009, 11:23:43 PM
My oldest and probably the closest to my heart is a page out of my grandmas diary talking about how her and a friend went to the broadway theater in CA. Feb. 12th 1942 and met up with two boys and saw 'Wolf man' and she glued the original ticket stub to the page. she was 14 years old

That is fantastic. Love to see a pic.
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: Anton Phibes on March 30, 2009, 12:30:15 PM
Oldest paper...Lon Chaney Sr. signed social card

Oldest non-paper...  Original long box Aurora models.
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: MadCow on April 01, 2009, 07:44:56 PM
Quote from: hammett1 on March 27, 2009, 02:52:24 PM
I guess the oldest piece in my collection, by default, would have to be the PROP CARD from the Frankenstein Card Set.  Even though the product is fairly recent, the wire is from the classic KARLOFF film.  Baring that, my next oldest piece is the PHOTO PLAY Edition of DRACULA.  Peace.

Oh wow, nice! That Prop card is another one of my "most wanted" things for a while now. I've busted quite a few boxes trying to get one. No luck... :(

Did you pull it from a pack?
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: BlackLagoon on April 01, 2009, 10:20:38 PM
Though they are not all that old in the grand scheme of things. I have a Remco glow in the dark Dracula and Creature, both in pretty beat up shape and most my most favirote figures in my entire collection.
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: raycastile on April 02, 2009, 01:59:44 AM
I guess my FM#1 is the oldest piece in my collection.  I have some early Keith Ward Topstone masks that might be 50s, but I have no way to know for sure.  For obvious reasons, most of my collection is 60s/70s.
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: greenpricklemonster on April 14, 2009, 09:16:31 AM
Quote from: BlackLagoon on April 01, 2009, 10:20:38 PM
Though they are not all that old in the grand scheme of things. I have a Remco glow in the dark Dracula and Creature, both in pretty beat up shape and most my most favirote figures in my entire collection.




I too, still have my old Remco monsters ,, once ordered from out of the JC Penny catalog in 1980 .
These just happen to be my oldest collectable's too -next to that bendy villian from Bullwinkle.' I have no idea just how I obtained him. But he's dated 1972. Next to that is just one of those tiny whine-up robots, that most had probably had at one time.




Also had the cool card board 'carry along castle' that went with these Remco monster figure's,,but I suppose that thing got lost back then.
There were two others in this set 'which I never got to own', those guy's are..
-Frank and The Wolfman- .


(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r178/chaosnfx/remcomonsters.jpg)
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: lblambert on April 16, 2009, 08:32:06 PM
mine is this 1939 playbill from Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men signed by Lon Chaney Jr & Wally Ford

(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c84/lblambert/Heads/Chaneyauto.jpg)
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: hammett1 on April 17, 2009, 02:40:47 PM
Fantastic piece.  Thank you for posting the picture. Peace.
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: hedorah59 on April 17, 2009, 11:18:33 PM
Non Paper would have to be an Aurora Hunchback.

Paper would be one of my 50's lobby cards - I have many different movies, some in better shape than others.
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: thelatewinslowleach on April 21, 2009, 04:02:24 PM
My oldest paper collectible is a near complete window card for the 1943 "Phantom of the Opera." How I got this is a cool story. Back in the 1970s, I was growing up in a small town in very rural Virginia. My Dad liked to take me with him to explore old abandoned farm houses, which is something I would not advise to do today.
We used to find old bottles, old books, even antique mirrors, and once a stand up Victrola  that would make Quentin Collins envious. I spotted this poster, being a window card printed on cardboard, actually being used like insulation in the kitchen wall. While there is a rather small tear in the solid yellow border area, its basically not only intact, but the colors are still really vibrant! Eventually, I framed it and its in my "Monster Stairwell." Its the best original Universal promotional item I have. Its looks similar to the one in "Graven Images."

My oldest toy may be the Frankenstein with the troll body, which my mom gave me in either a Christmas stocking or an Easter basket as a kid.

Michael
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: hammett1 on April 21, 2009, 04:11:34 PM
Quote from: thelatewinslowleach on April 21, 2009, 04:02:24 PM
I spotted this poster, being a window card printed on cardboard, actually being used like insulation in the kitchen wall. While there is a rather small tear in the solid yellow border area, its basically not only intact, but the colors are still really vibrant!

Michael

Hi Michael, Great find and it reminds me of the incident that occurred up north somewhere, where a new home owner was re-modeling the old house he just purchased and removing the plaster from the walls he discovered 100's or maybe 1,000's of old movie posters from the 1920's and 1930's. Many still looked as if they were just printed.  Paid for his house and remodel.  Myself, I discovered a number of old COLOR Sunday comic sections from the 1930's used as insulation when I removed an old window from my house when I lived up north.  Ya never know what you will find.  David
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: HARRY HAMMOCK on April 30, 2009, 06:56:14 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v640/barnabus/scan0001.jpg)   May have already shown this,but my first monster mag.
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: The Phantom Creep on May 03, 2009, 01:33:36 AM
Probably my oldest horror related paper item would have to be what is supposed to be an original ticket to White Zombie. This is a very odd item. It's from a theater in a very small town here in Georgia. When I bought the ticket the seller also sent me a photo of the theater from around that time. Since the ticket is not dated I kept pestering her about details of where it came from. She found it at an estate sale and ended up sending me a stack of other paper stuff she found with it. It all dated from around '32. The ticket prices on the back of the ticket also reflect the average ticket price during the depression. Actually the average price in big cities was around .25 for an adult admission but in smaller towns such as this one it was lower.

This is still a very strange item to me. It's definitely old paper, more like an old photograph. I've never seen anything like it for another movie. It doesn't seem like a theater in a small town, especially during the depression, would print up something like this.

It measures 2 1/2" x 3".

(http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/3374/whitezombie01.jpg)

(http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/448/whitezombie02.jpg)
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: NekroDave on May 30, 2009, 10:21:42 PM
Just got these this week, but thought that they were more appropriate to this thread than the "weekly finds" one.

On the left, a 1938 Ogden's cigarette card featuring Boris Karloff as himself in the insert and of course as Ardeth Bey from The Mummy. I'd be curious to know if there is an older monster collectible that isn't shilling for an actively playing movie? Of course, there are posters and stuff, but this isn't designed to fill seats in a theater, y'know? It was made for it's own sake. I got the entire set of 50 which also features other monster related stars such as Elsa Lanchester, Charles Laughton and Ernest Thesiger, but this is the only one that references a monster movie openly and directly.

Anyway, on the right, this may not even be technically considered a true "monster collectible" since it doesn't show or mention any monsters, but I think it's great regardless. A 1931 weight machine card featuring Fay Wray. I'd never even heard of weight machine cards before discovering this one, but I think the concept is great. And I sort of even like that it pre-dates Kong. And I like that the fortune on the back says I have good taste.  ;D

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v448/nekrodave/100_4078.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v448/nekrodave/100_4081.jpg)
Title: Re: Your Oldest Monster Collectible
Post by: darkmonkeygod on May 31, 2009, 02:42:31 AM
Glad you picked these up Dave, they are very cool. Had never seen the back of the Ogden's card, thanks for posting.