Wallets

[freddie poe]

Last year i was at the Dedham Toy Show  in Dedham Mass. A dealer had a Creature wallet. It was kind of shabby looking but it still had some of the guts (u kno the stuff inside). He wanted $200.00. I DIDN'T LIKE THE CONDITION??   I wonder what i was on that day..............?

[rpritchard1]

I am new to this site as I recently purchased a wallet, Dracula / Mummy, and was researching it's rarity / value etc. All of the wallets that I have come across on eBay note 1963 as the production date.  My version of the wallet is the mirror version, came with the four "cards" in plastic holders that are held in place by a metal clip. Also the mirror is the exact dimensions of the area viewing area that it is to be held in place so it simply falls out and has to be kept in another pocket. Overall the wallet is in mint shape, no cracks no scratches, the Mummy side of the wallet is printed perfectly, but the Dracula side appears to be offset slightly so it is a bit blurry (also this is the side with the date). Finally, as far as I can tell the date on this wallet is 1953 and not 1963 and notes "Universal Pictures Co., Inc."  So I guess my question is, was there a 1953 version of these wallets (it looks authentic based on the pictures that I see) and were there any fakes being produced.  I can post a couple of pictures tonight!  Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Mike Scott]

Welcome to the UMA, rpritchard1 ! 

Definitely no '50s wallets. They all date from 1963. It sounds like a copyright date for the movie, though it doesn't line up to a c. renewal date for either movie. A pic might help.

No fake, or repro wallets that I've ever seen!

[Mike Scott]

Looking at other wallets, they all say c. 1963 on them, which would be the wallet date, not a movie copyright date. 1963 was the year that a majority of the '60s Universal Monsters collectibles were released.

[Hepcat]

All of the wallets that I have come across on eBay note 1963 as the production date.... Finally, as far as I can tell the date on this wallet is 1953 and not 1963....

Have you used a magnifying glass? The numbers 5 and 6 can look very similar.

My version of the wallet is the mirror version....

Is there any desilvering, i.e. blackening, evident on the mirror?

...came with the four "cards" in plastic holders that are held in place by a metal clip.

In what condition are the cards?

[rpritchard1]

Yes, there is some blackening on the mirror.  The back of the mirror appears to be a copper colour.  The cards are in very nice shape with some wear of the ends sticking out of the plastic holders (which are in rough shape) and aside from being signed by I assume the original owner.  Taking another look at the date under a magnifying glass, while the top of the six looks flat when looking straight on, looking at different angels it is a 6.

Cannot figure out how to post a picture. Can someone please tell me how!!  I have the pic's in photo bucket, but find it very unfriendly since they went through their last batch of changes. I did a test below.

[rpritchard1]

Test picture did not work.

[rpritchard1]

Got it!

[Mike Scott]

Taking another look at the date under a magnifying glass, while the top of the six looks flat when looking straight on, looking at different angels it is a 6.

Had a feeling that 5 was gonna turn into a 6! 

I think those mirrors were just glued on. Glue probably dried up and it fell off.

[rpritchard1]

I am wonder which is the most desirable combination of characters to have (aside from simply having them all!)

[Mike Scott]

I am wonder which is the most desirable combination of characters to have (aside from simply having them all!)

Well, Creature is almost always the most desirable in any set of UMs, so I gotta go with Creature/Wolf Man.

[Mord]

 I think Dracula is the best looking one.

[rpritchard1]

Thanks for all the information.  I stumbled on this piece at a flea market and took a chance as the price was right.  I'm a vintage hot wheel collector, but I think I may have found my next outlet!!

[Mike Scott]

Don't know if you were interested in value, but I've seen them go as high as $500 (for a Creature), depending on condition and completeness.

[rpritchard1]

Value is always a good thing.  I paid $10 for it at the market. There is one guy there who always has great stuff and you never know what will be there.  I just saw a Dracula / Mummy wallet sell in ebay (magic slate type, but missing the slate) for $415US. Gotta love the internet and people who don't care to use it. Thanks again for all of the information.