This jacket represents one of the only known pieces to have
survived from Rocky Jones, Space Ranger, an important early TV program
that aired April-July, 1954. The jacket's militaristic design was a huge
influence on uniforms in later sci-fi series like Star Trek and Lost In Space. (images via Hake's)
So, Hake's Auction #217 came and went (March 15-17, 2016). Having seen so many tempting items it was hard to pick just one - and with finances as tight as they are, only one item would be allowed. In light of these factors this collector decided to sit #217 out. Below are the ring items on my list that had no bids - making the minimum bid sufficient to win. If I were a rich gal, all of them would be mine. Without further delay I present the items no one bidding wanted - my island of misfit pop culture remnants would have been grand... (Click on the images to enlarge)
SECRET OPERATOR MELVIN PURVIS LAW AND ORDER PATROL RING - PLATED IN 18K GOLD
Premium ring from F.B.I. agent, on the scene for both killings of John Dillinger and Pretty Boy Floyd, turned radio host sponsored by Post's cereals. Brass with adjustable bands from 1937. Top has shield surrounding club logo. Professionally 18K gold plated to Mint luster. (link)
DICK TRACY GOOD LUCK SECRET COMPARTMENT RING
1938 Quaker premium in brass with adjustable bands. Sides show four leaf clover and horse shoe designs while top has rectangular compartment with removable brass lid. Lid has high relief portrait of Tracy surrounded by good luck symbols. (link)
SKY KING'S-FIRST PREMIUM RING WITH GLOW-IN-DARK TOP
Known as the 'Radar Signal' ring this 1946 premium has a brass base with adjustable bands with top holding rectangular plastic stone which glows a soft blue color after light exposure then darkness. This piece slides off to reveal a secret interior compartment. With the top removed, the ring top displays Sky King's Flying Crown logo. (link)
SUGAR JETS-CEREAL FOUR COMIC CHARACTER SCARCE RINGS
These were issued in 1964 by both Sugar Jets and Cracker Jack...This group includes 'Kayo' in both light blue and brown. Terry of Terry & The Pirates. And Smilin' Jack is in cream - my personal favorite of the set. (link)
SIXTEEN RINGS PLUS TWO DUPLICATES FROM THE 1960s-1980s
This is a miscellaneous group with numerous scarce rings. Begins with ring in thin brass showing Asian man with pigtail and mustache plus image of his hands holding a chain. Probably 1950s. Second is fierce face with oval mouth showing teeth and pair of tiny ball bearings beneath clear plastic eye covers. Marked on the underside 'Cleinman & Sons' and from the 1960s. Next is silver plastic base with paper label 'Go-Go-Bats.' Next is plastic 'Casper' the ghost. Next is Dennis The Menace and his dog Ruff from the 1960s (two of four in set). Next are Addams Family plastic figurals that fit on a prong on a plastic base. Next is scarce 1960s silver base with flasher top showing green face Frankenstein alternating to a red face Devil. Next is Spider-Man issued in 1975 by vitamin maker. Next are two rings from Battlestar Gallactica. Two different style metal bases but each has color circular top with one showing Daggit and the other an alien. These are from 1978. Next is a copyrighted 'Marvel' ring. A simple circular band in silver luster with alternating designs of "4" (for Fantastic Four) with an "X" in a circle for X-Men. Last is a large plastic Thundercats Ring from Burger King, 1986. (link)
COUSIN EERIE PORTRAIT RING PLATED IN 18K GOLD
Ring is in heavy brass which the previous owner had professionally plated in 18K gold to a lustrous Mint appearance. Band is a single piece of metal that expands. Top is high relief portrait and underside has 1969 copyright of Warren Pub. Co., the publishers of Eerie Comics. (link)
CHICAGO CENTURY OF PROGRESS EIGHT DIFFERENT PLUS THREE DUPLICATE RINGS
These are all adjustable band silvered brass souvenir rings. Of the eight different rings, four are dated for 1933 and four for 1934. Most are silvered brass with second ring in row 2 in brass. Five of the eight include enameling. The final three rings in the photo are the duplicates. (link)
KING FEATURES EIGHT COMIC CHARACTER RINGS
These are from a 1953 set of 20 different and they were sold off of store cards holding 36 rings. Each has a plastic gold luster base with cream colored plastic figure of the character on top and characters have some single color accenting. This group consists of: Barney Google, Blondie, Hans, Inspector, Mama Katzenjammer, Maggie, Olive Oyl, Swee' Pea. (link)
"GREEN HORNET" FLICKER/FLASHER RING SET
Complete set of 12 plastic rings w/inset flicker/flasher pictures. 1966. Each features two different character or action scene images of Green Hornet, Kato, etc. This is the set w/original silver plastic bases marked "China." (link)
KELLOGG'S CORN FLAKES F-87 SUPER JET PLANE RING, MAILER & AD
Lot of four pieces, all from 1948...and offered via Pep cereal and on the Superman radio
program. Canadian issue. First is ring w/adjustable brass band
w/airplane image on each side. Top has metal spring-loaded black plastic
airplane which shoots off ring top when lever is released. Comes w/original mailer box w/typed Canadian name/address label. Also comes w/folded as issued directions/order form w/some French text. "Jet Plane Ring" Sunday funnies ad shows image of ring w/image of
Curtiss-Wright jet test pilot Lee Miller (who was also featured on
instructions) and has coupon to order ring w/one Corn Flakes box top and
20¢. Corn Flakes cereal box is shown as well. Exc. Rare as complete and w/ad. Franco Toscanini Collection. (link)
Well there you have it. 'One man's junk'...blah, blah, blah...
This auction goes live at 10:00 AM PT today, 10 December 2015. It was hoped that this post would be up before the day but other things did not permit. The items below are just a few of interest. The comments about them are what might be considered for each one. Unfortunately, a strick budget prevents myself from jumping in to the bidding fray so I'll just blog about it. If you're catching this post in time, like any of the items, and you've got cash to spare, the auction is live at liveauctioneers - to get there click here.
This is 'The New Astro Boy' ('Shin Tetsuwan Atomu') battery-operated figure based on the 1980 animated series and manufactured by Yone, Japan for the Japanese market in 1981. He's 9" tall, made of hard plastic, can walk on a hard surface, or he can hang from the ceiling by a connection on his belt and fly around propelled by an add-on propeller that attaches to the bottom of this feet. This Astro Boy is hard to find with all the parts and the original box. Like almost all listings for this auction, the seller doesn't provide a lot of details on the item. The starting bid of $450 is a bit on the high end but considering how hard he is to find it may be a worthwhile investment for an Astro Boy collector (and there are a lot of them).
The 1973 Corgi Batmobile with Batman & Robin in the first black tire 'whizzwheels' version.
This looks like an outstanding example of this Corgi classic. The car and box appear mint. The seller has even left the contents of the instructional envelope intact. The estimate for this item by the seller is $1,000 – $1,100 with a starting bid of $850. That's pretty close to what you'll find for the 1973 Corgi Batmobile with collectors. It may be just a tad on the higher end but this particular example might be worth it. I did locate an eBay listing for $474.19 (including shipping) here. That's a big savings and although it's in good shape it doesn't impress as much as this example.
This is a difficult set to find in complete and working condition. Besides including figures, vehicles, a helicopter, and a working rocket launchpad, the command center building doubles as a neat record player. Two records feature actual NASA recordings that can be listened to with the 'Electro-Phone' headset. The estimate is $500 – $600 with a starting bid of $400. I saw a complete set sell on eBay for $130 relatively recently but that is a very rare occurrence. This Astronaut Base is a Space Age gem and would be worth inquiring about with the seller.
A very prized vintage robot. The starting bid is $1,950. That's pretty competitive with the average collector's value, if the betting doesn't drive it up too high. Below is a photo of ST1 with the trolley from Strenco manufactured in 1956. So much super.
In 2009 Hake's valued the console in mint condition with original instruction sheet at $100 to $200 - it sold at $126.50. In this auction it's valued at $300 to $400 and a starting bid of $275. Kind of iffy about this investment, but it's a cool item to own.
This is a super find. As is pointed out in the listing, the 'Robby' version of the Marusan Bulldozer is more rare than any other. The estimate is $1,200 – $1,400 with a starting bid of $1,150. Christie's sold one of these beauties in November 2005 - their estimate: $343 - $515. Realized price: $350. And Christie's came with an original box. Go figure. There is currently an eBay listing with a 'Buy Now' price of $479. It will be interesting to see if this one sells.
This is a listing that would be so much better if there was a photo of the actual robot. Apparently there are two styles of this Horikawa video robot. The two are pictured below. The robot on the left has 'VIDEO' under the screen. The robot on the right has dials. Mr. Mercury at the Collecting Toy Robots site believes that the 'VIDEO' robot is more in keeping with the original box which suggests that it's the earlier one.
Strangely, although the 'VIDEO" robot is seen less frequently, I find that the robot with the dials is more often than not more expensively valued. Whichever the case, this is a listing I would definitely consider - if I had the moola. I've wanted one for a while. Just look at this...ponder the coolness of the 'video':
A vinyl version of Mikhail Gorbachev, former President of the Soviet Union from 1990-1991. When his stomach is squeezed his mouth mouth moves up and down. Historical and too cute - complete with topside birthmark. The starting bid is $150. You can save lotsa dollars by grabbing this one on eBay for $24 (including shipping) here.
1995 'BATMOBILE of 1950' - Highly Detailed Solid Model Kit, 1:24 Scale, Sculpt by Sen Maruyama. Officially licensed by DC Comics.
Great sculpt based on the 1950 DC Comics way cool Batmobile design. High detailing makes for a fun model to assemble. Starting bid of $120 is competitive with a common 'buy now' price of $150 - $170.
Another interesting listing. This Space Patrol Drink Mixer looks very sturdy and the red/yellow colors are fab. It's the one I've seen a couple times in the past. Recently another version's been popping up. It's made out of a see-thru pink plastic with a clear plastic straw included. The one below is up for sale here on eBay for $125. I'd personally want the red/yellow rocket as it displays nicer and seems more heavy duty - this one has a starting bid of $250. Although not knowing about the differences between the two I would definitely inquire with the seller..
And finally, the 1977 Star Team ZEM-21 Zeroid Poseable Action Figure From Ideal
This was the Ideal Toys' Star Team universe answer to C3P0. He's intended as a companion to the ZEROID robot. The vinyl plastic head design really makes ZEM-21 way cool. The original window box looks a bit worn but the humanoid looks in good shape. The estimate is $100 – $150 with a starting bid of $74. A very lightly used ZEM-21 with a near mint window box is selling on eBay for $80 (including shipping) here.
So there ya have it. Some neat stuffs in the Laurie Maoz XX C Toys Auction Part II. There are 792 items in this auction, if you want to check out the others you can view them at liveauctioneers by clicking here.
In 1953 Ralston foods began distribution of Space Patrol premium trading cards inspired by the popular 1950's TV and radio outer-space drama - one random card was included in every box of Wheat and Rice Chex. The complete set consists of 40 separate cards - needless to say, the collectors probably had to buy a whole lot of Chex cereals to get them all. But what good space cadet could resist trying? The collection came in three sub-sets - Space Heroes/Stars, Rockets/Jets and Weapons (it really should have been Rockets/Jets and Tech), and Planets. The three sub-sets are shown below - the full color illustrations are way cool. This full set auctioned at Hake's in May 2007 - the final winning bid was $4,437.62. It was the first complete set ever sold in Hake's 40 year history. (Click on the images to enlarge)
A complete 75 piece Captain Video Superior Space Port by T. Cohn, Inc.!
This might seem like advertising, but it's not. It's really just a big Neato!
Captain Video and His Video Rangers was a ground breaking sci-fi space adventure television series that aired between June 1949 and April 1955 on the American DuMont Television Network. The Captain was the first action hero specifically invented for TV and the show was the first regularly scheduled space drama on television. As with all things popular in pop culture, Captain Video was soon popping up in media outside the box. Fawcett Comics published a six issue comic book series in 1951, and Columbia Pictures produced a movie serial, Captain Video: Master of the Stratosphere, the same year. Admirers of the show could join the Video Rangers Club and buy stuffs like games, records, rockets, and helmets. Sponsors of the show offered mail-in premiums or free items in cereal boxes like rings, decoders, and small flashlights - all the items had cool special functions. And they are all treasures in today's collectors market.
This Captain Video Secret Seal Ring has a Buy Now price of $249.99 at eBay
This Captain Video Mysto-Coder decoder has a 36% markdown Buy Now price of $95.97 on eBay
The seller claims that this is the highest graded copy - A 9.0 Very Fine/Near Mint Fawcett Comics Feb. 1941 Captain Video issue #1. The Buy Now price is $1,385.00 on eBay.
Now, getting back to the T. Cohn Captain Video Superior Space Port. In her 2012 book, 1950s "Rocketman" TV Series and Their Fans, Cynthia J. Miller wrote this:
The set now up for grabs at eBay is listed at the heavy duty fun shop. It's run by Tom Frey - the author of the highly acclaimed 1994 book, Toy Bop: Kid Classics of the 50's & 60's.
As Toy Bop was coming together, one of its two largest sections became, space toys. In it, I wanted to include the most exciting and dazzling toys I could beg, borrow or buy. The Superior Space Port by T. Cohn was a toy that became a welcomed photo included in the book. Since then the playset has been safely tucked away over 20 years until now...This is a complete 75 piece set in near mint unused condition except for setting up for photos. First Toy Bop, then for this eBay ad.
Helmets, Rangers, Rockets, and Launcher
Robots and Interplanetary Space Men
Atomic Space Cannon
Captain Video Stamped Space Vehicles
Tin Lithographed Ground Level Space Drome
Nine spectacularly lithographed tin walls depicting a futuristic city...
The Mechanical Features: The Rotating Radar Screen and Controls in the Upper Tower, The Wind-Up Space Alarm, The Atomic Cannon, The Space Ship Launcher and Two Burgundy Space Ships, and a Rocket Launcher with Three Rockets
Back in the day, the complete T. Cohn Superior Space Port sold for $5.39. This particular set's Buy Now price is $1,250.00. Tom Frey: This dazzling Superior Space Port is recommended for adult collectors to display rather than any age children to play with. Museum Quality indeed - you can even find one in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum on display in the James S. McDonnell Space Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly, VA.
