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Inside the shoe it is marked "Stuart Wietzman for Mr. Seymour". I have researched and learned that Mr. Seymour is Wietzman's father. Does this increase the value?
The shoes are black satin dorsay pumps with about a 3" heel. They are adorned with a silver rhinestone star on the front of the left shoe and a silver rhinestone moon on the side of the right shoe. The inside of the shoe is silver. The shoe has a leather sole that has been worn so seldom that you can still see, with out a scratch, "made in Spain" on the sole.
What is the possible year my shoes were made?
Did I get a great deal for $3.50?
Thanks so much for your insight.
Best,
Colleen
Answer:Hi Colleen,
Keeping in mind that this type of value determination without at least a picture is very difficult. Condition is everything when it comes to vintage values though wear is always acceptable.
Vintage shoes are one of the hardest vintage items to come by in good condition for obvious reasons....you wear them on your feet!
I start off by saying that based on your description of condition they sound like they are easily "excellent" and , regardless, there is no doubt that you made a very good deal at $3.50. The size is about the lowest sellable size but since they're for you it's a non issue. I would hazard that a similar quality pair of shoes in stores today would cost over $150.
The relationship between father and son doesn't do anything for value here. Value is determined more by the look, age, quality and condition of the shoes save for well known designers. Your shoes are probably from the early 60's. Again, a picture would make age determination much easier.
I really can't give you a market value except to reiterate that a comparison with like quality items (if you can find them!) of today is a fair one. This is especially true for the relatively rare category of vintage shoes. For god's sake, you can't even park to go into the shoe store for $3.50!
Thanks,
Elle
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Subject: Snoopy tennis theme character watch Can you tell me anything about this, like the age and what is it worth. Thank you, The 1958 date appears on many Peanuts related toys as do other dates, often in succession. It is important to remember that Peanuts merchandise is one of the worst culprits of putting only copyright days on the early merchandise. Many people are under the misconception that these items were actually manufactured on these dates and it is often the cause of over paying for items based on a perception of greater age/value. In at least excellent condition, and working of course, you watch sells for $125-. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: What is the last metal lunch box made and who's on it? Leroy Made by one of the largest manufacturers of lunch boxes of all types, Thermos, the Rambo metal lunch box was both the last made by Thermos and the last metal box to be produced. Metal lunch boxes ceased to be made partial due to costs, partially due to the durability of plastics and partially due to scattered complaints about the misuse, as weapons!, of these boxes in schools. Metal lunch boxes have made a small leap at a comeback. Unfortunately a good deal of these boxes are done on a smaller scale than the classic boxes though some are being reproduced true to the older size. Even these reproductions are being collected and with many of them no longer being made and some featuring characters not previously immortalized in metal, they will likely join the ranks of vintage boxes. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Wacky Plax (Packages) and what ever happened to Fizzies These were cardboard plaques that one could mail to another. The only one I remember was one that showed this goofily dressed guy and it said, "I'm the brains of this outfit". Do you know anything about these cards? Also whatever happened to Fizzies? Brian Topps issued the original Wacky Plax in a set of 88 cards in 1959. I say original because they were issued again in the mid-60's under the name "Kookie Plaks". For those not familiar with them, Plax were stiff "postcards" complete with a back with "From" "To" and place to put a stamp. Obviously there are too many sayings and pictures for me to go into detail though you do indeed remember correctly regarding the one card you've mentioned. Plus just mentioning the text doesn't do justice without the wacky pictures that accompanied them. Classic gum card stuff. Individual cards easily fetch $3 each in decent condition and up to $5 each in Mint shape. By the way, you make a good point with your distinction from Wacky Packages and few people actually know that the "Wacky" line also included patches, posters and ads in addition to the many series of package labels. Fizzies.....Ahhhhh....Fizzies! Fizzies are actually back. Unfortunately like most things they were revamped with a 1990's slant to include lame package design and, get this, sugar free ingredients. Good God! what's the point if it's sugar free? In addition a small pack last time I ran across them was $10 and broke down to about $1 per tablet. If your like me you'll just stick to you fond memories. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Beverly Hillbillies Whitman hardback book It is in very good condition with some browning of the paper edges and was published in 1963 by "Filmways TV Productions,Inc.". It has 212 pages and measures 19' long by 14 & 1/4' wide. I would appreciate knowing if it has any value and what that may be. Thank you!!! Slight darkening of page edges in these books is generally accepted and is simply a function of the quality of paper used and age. In very good condition you book sells just under $25. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Cabbage Patch kid poseable figure Thank You, As for the best place to sell your figure I don't think it will make too much of a difference since you would have to luck upon the seldom seen buyer to get around $5 for your figure. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: 1960's hot curler set Thanks, Even with a classic, period, color there will be few so into recreating the 60's lifestyle that a significant sale may be difficult. However, this type of person is indeed out there with a house quickly transforming from 2003 to 1960 from the living room to the bathroom. When it's done right, it's impressive. Provided you have a classic 1960's color then you might be able to get $25 for your set. Otherwise you really just have a useable curler set that might make for a good yard sale find for someone. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Games, various Can you help with the following? All are Near Mint condition. Cynthia I notice some dates missing from your question or a decade guess only. I believe all your games are actually dated and you will find the dates either on the inside instructions/game top or on the sides with other manufacturer's information. I've added and fixed dates this time and noted retail prices. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Howdy Doody marionette Do you know an approximate value or where I can go to check on the approximate value? Thank you!, Howdy is dressed in a plaid western style shirt, Blue pants with matching vinyl belt and Brown boots with White tops and a "HD" ranch design in Red. His hands, too, are Brown as if he's wearing gloves. If memory serves I believe the marionette itself is 16" tall. In very good condition this marionette, which is one of a series by the way, sells in collectible retail stores for around $225. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Smurfette character watch It has a blue plastic wristband that is in good condition. There are a few scratches on the face but for the most part it is in good condition. Is it worth anything? Heather The Smurfs continue to be popular with both those who grew up with them and kids of today. Your watch, which I assume is working, in good condition sells for around $60+ though it sounds like yours might be in better condition than that if the scratches are minor. Crystals can be polished. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: R2D2 Stuffed doll Is there any value? (besides sentimental value.) Courtney Particularly I think this is because of the massive merchandising with the latest (but certainly not greatest) Star Wars releases. Not only did it flood the market but if your like me it had the tendency to make you tired of the Star Wars brand in general. I, for one, stopped searching for Star Wars and stopped buying anything new/speculative completely. With the exception of the first re-release of Star Wars figures in 1995/6 I think future value of much of the newer Star Wars items is questionable. However, I'm certain the early items will bounce back. In other words, now is probably not the time to sell your doll for maximum benefit. It is hard for me to gauge the condition of your doll based on what you've told me (though it is still subjective, I can work better with a statement like "good condition", "Mint", etc.) but a few years ago I was selling the few that I had in Excellent or better condition for $50 each. Hold out for a little while you should be able to realize this value again (for Exc-NM), sell it today and you'll probably get $35 retail (again, Exc-NM). If the emphasis is on "a lot" in your played with statement then you may very well have little or no collectible value left. This value ebb and flow is what can happen in the Collectibles market. Timing is everything and many factors can effect a market positively and negatively. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted
Question:I have a snoopy wrist watch. It has copy(c)united feature syndicate,inc. on it. The background looks like blue jean style. Snoopy is holding tennis racket in the hour hand,tennis ball is the second hand. The numbers are orange.
reva
Answer:Hi Reva!,
Your Snoopy watch, despite having a date of 1958 on it, is from the late 1960's/very early 70's.
Elle
Question:Who's picture is on the last made metal lunch box?
Answer:Hi Leroy,
The answer to that question would be Sylvester Stallone, though it was illustrated.
Elle
Question:I have a question regarding an item I collected in the mid to late 60's. I believe it was called Wacky Plaques. This is NOT to be confused with Wacky Packages which are different.
Answer:Hi Brian,
As you can see by the title of my reply you may not have been able to previously find any information because you were using the traditional spelling of "Plax". Silly boy!, this is Wacky Package territory!
Elle
Question:I have a hard back book,"The Beverly Hillbillies. The saga of wildcat Creek." It is a first edition,(probably the only) with wonderful sketches of the television actors inside and a colorful still photo on the cover.
Becky
Answer:Hi Becky!,
You have one of the many Whitman T.V. theme books available. In and of themselves, Whitman books are collected and some of the other great T.V. titles available include; F-Troop, Leave it to Beaver, Wagon Train, multiple Lassie titles, The Invaders, Land of the Giants, Family Affair, Green Hornet, Mod Squad, and many more. Beverly Hillbillies stuff too is highly collected though this book is one of the easiest items to find (and most affordable).
Elle
Question:What would be the value of a 1984 Cabbage patch kid poseable figure Lynn Luna (miniature). Where would be the best place to sell it for the best price? Still in original packaging and looks the same today as in 1984.
Sandy
Answer:Hi Sandy!,
I'm sorry to tell you that demand for most Cabbage Patch stuff is extremely low save for the very first limited signature dolls.
Elle
Question:Can you tell me the value of a Kenner Hot Curler Set? It was manufactured in 1963 and it is in excellent condition, all parts are present along with the instructions and original box.
Diana
Answer:Hi Diana!,
In my experience the value of an item such as this, which is generally not collectible in and of itself, comes down almost completely to the color of the set. Of course it has to work too.
Elle
Question:Hi, Thank you for the great website. I understand TV show tie ins make board games more valuable.
Answer:Hi Cynthia,
Your right, with the exception of very early games TV and cartoon tie-in games are the most collected and some of them can be quite valuable. There are notable exceptions such as "Mystery Date", "Which Witch" and others that can command prices equal or greater than even some of the early TV/cartoon games.
(I'm unaware of more than one game other than full size arcade game with this name and this one was made either in 1976 or 1978) - $25
(again, could be another addition in the 50's but I have never seen one and since it's electric I'm guessing the date was wrong) - $35, 1971 issue
Elle
Question:I still have my original, 1950's, Howdy Doody marionette. The body and clothes are in very good condition. The strings are in ok condition - they are all there and so is the hand controller, The mouth and eyes still work.
Sashay
Answer:Hi Sashay!,
Though you don't give me or the other readers any information of how Howdy is dressed, etc. I'm going to assume you have the Howdy marionette by Peter Puppet Playthings.
Elle
Question:Dear Elle,
I have a Bradley Time Division wind-up watch with a picture of Smurfette on the face. I have had it since the 80's.
Answer:Hi Heather!,
Character watches are not only hot right now but buying an older character watch can often cost less or just slightly more to the inferior character watches being put out today. It's much the same as it is with Vintage clothing.
Elle
Question:Hi,
I have a stuffed R2D2 doll that I got probably around 1978-1979. It is worn (played with a lot) and has a slight tear underneath one of the legs. The legs move, they are connected with a plastic circle on top part and then Velcro on the bottom to hold in place when not moving legs. The top part is dome shaped just like R2D2's and is has a colored panel "face" which has a button to push that squeaks. It is about 9-10" tall and about 8-9 inches wide.
Answer:Hi Courtney!,
Your doll was issued in 1977 with the original merchandise releases. Early Star Wars items are really the only Star Wars toys holding their own right now. Even most of those older toys are experiencing a low in terms of value and buyers.
Elle
![[Peter Max eyeglasses]](../ellespage/ellepicts/maxglasses1.jpg) Click for larger picture | ![[Peter Max eyeglasses]](../ellespage/ellepicts/maxglasses2.jpg) Click for larger picture |
Deb
Answer:Hi Deb!,
Wow! What a great pair of sunglasses and the condition appears to be spectacular.
Peter Max had a full clothing line in the 1970's that included eyeglass frames, sunglasses, eye/sunglass cases, bell bottom jeans and pants, sneakers, scarves, T-shirts, tote bags, robes and more. All of this clothing in wearable condition is highly sought after and prices for some of the harder to find pieces (like nice condition sneakers AND sunglasses!) can be staggering. Scarves are fairly easy to find in good condition but even they can hover around the $100 mark.
Your sunglasses with their classic Max designs would sell for $250+ in a good Vintage shop.
Thanks,
Elle
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Subject: James Bond Odd Job figure / box I have a great 12" action figure from James Bond. The figure is of Odd Job and it was produced in 1965 by the Gilbert Company. As I said, he's 12" tall and he's' wearing a classic Karate outfit along with his even more classic, and dangerous!, derby hat which he can fling. Believe it or not he is still sealed in his original box! The story is that my parents tried a brief stint of buying some duplicate toys back in the 1960's. They say they did it more to keep me happy in case I destroyed the first one (something which I'm told I did quite often by the way) but also for the potential that I would want it when I grew up. I did (destroy the first one) and I do (want it now that I'm grown up). Can I tell my parents that they were wise beyond their years and take them out to dinner? Thanks, If this great figure were simply Mint in a Mint package you could easily get in the neighborhood of $700. However, sealed tends to be a completely different story and sought after figures such as this can easily reach factors of their Mint values with just a couple of serious collectors. Getting twice the Mint condition value wouldn't surprise me but certainly $700 in a retail setting would be called for. This has good potential if you go to sell it since it is a cross over collectible appealing to a number of markets; action figures, James Bond, Movie characters, etc.. Hats of to your parents for their unintentional investing savvy. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Regarding buying items I appraise Now I know these already could be sold, but I would be interested in both items. How would I go about making an offer to them? Thanks, There are a couple of reasons we can't facilitate this kind of offer. The first and foremost is the privacy of our customers, we NEVER release any personal information including email addresses. The privacy issue is taken very seriously and is enough to prevent such introductions but we also assume that people who get a response for me regarding the value of their item(s) either do not wish to sell it, will sell it themselves or will contact Funk & Junk® who might then sell it under consignment. Most people on the Internet these days are bothered enough and most people who submit questions don't expect to be contacted directly and some might even liken it to SPAM. This service is a free one that Funk & Junk® has put in place as a gift for their customers with no strings attached. There is also the issue of time. I certainly don't have the time to facilitate such meetings and I have to assume that the staff at Funk & Junk® would like to get paid for the sales work they do. If an item were to be consigned and I would get an inquiry such as yours I would immediately forward it to the staff so that they could contact you or anyone interested in a consignment item. Sorry I can't be of any help, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Are tins collectible? Thanks, There are a few good ones but to find the best one you might check Jeff's collector book review feature. If your collection appears to be of good enough quality to get top dollar you would be well advised to invest in a more specific guide dealing either in tins themselves or advertising in general. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Levi Denim Action Slacks The size is not printed, but they measure 40 inches around the waist. The tag on the back pocket is unusual because it has a big E and because it is printed in rainbow colors and has a small golden gate bridge on the tag as well. They are in excellent condition except that they are cut off at the calf. They are a dark blue indigo color and look like denim but are thinner and lighter that regular denim. The stitching is done in gold colored thread. The back pockets have stitched double arches that intersect and form diamonds. Also they button at the waist with a red plastic button instead of a regular metal button. I hope I didn't overload you with information, but I wanted to be thorough. THANKS, Not that many people appear to take the time to read it but here is a list of basic reasons your question may never be answered. Your Levi's aren't as popular as standard denim Levi's themselves and generally aren't bought by hardcore Levi dealers/buyers. However they do have a distinct early 70's look that sells in most Vintage clothing stores. Unfortunately, condition is a huge factor in the value of Vintage duds and with cut off legs they are virtually valueless. Deadstock (unused) or lightly worn pairs of these Levi's usually sell for around $45. Vintage Levi's of this type along with the Levi corduroys present a good Vintage value since compared to new Levi's or the redone corduroys (inferior in my opinion) they are a bargain. Sorry I don't have better news!, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Barbie 1996 Olympic gymnast doll I have a Barbie that someone told me was a collectible. It is a gymnast barbie from the 1996 Atlanta Olympic games. It comes with a medal, a gym bag, and a little plastic thing for making her do flips. She is still in the box and it has never been opened. What do you think the value is? Thank you, One thing that is more important in the collecting world these days then it ever has been is patience. For an items value to increase significantly there has to not only be a group of people interested in such items but there generally also has to be the passage of time. How much time? Well, that is not an easy answer and it is what makes collecting for profit an often risky business. You have your Barbie for different reasons, you love Barbie. Buying what you love is always the best motive, if the value increase later then it is all the better. But increases in value don't always happen. In fact, many items actually decrease in value. Speculation is a term that is used to describe buying toys, for example, now with the thought that they will later increase in value. This is by far the hardest part of buying and selling collectibles since it can go either way and you could just as easily make a large profit as a small one, or even a lose. Are there items that increase in a very short, one or two year, period? Yes there are but these are very few and far between and don't come around very often these days. Your Barbie was produced at a time when "limited edition" collectibles, particualry toys and dolls, were being produced for just about everything. By a company using the words "limited edtion" on their box or package many people leap at the chance to own one. However, the term "limited" can mean very large numbers and the more that are made the less likely that extreme values for individual items will be reached. Sure, the company may limit how many they make but they may make hundreds of thousands of these items which in the collecting world isn't limited at all. Five or ten thousand worldwide would be a little more like it. In my opinion, 35,000 is about the highest number I would term truly limited. I believe that your Barbie was produced with a limited edition of 35,000 and it was a Toy R' Us exclusive item. With the huge numbers of Barbie collectors, 35,000 is better than it would be with any other collectible. I made a few calls to some dealer friends of mine along with a quick search at a few retail collectible sites online. I could get just about as many Olympic Barbies as I want for under $15 a piece, many for $10. I would place an average retail value on your doll which is probably close to what you paid for it originally, $20-25. Yes, there are dealers selling this doll for $35-50 but given the dolls available for significantly less I doubt they will sell. Keep your eye on the Olympics. If the U.S. has a great gymnast team and scores big then the time might be right to sell this doll at the best price. This, too, isn't gauranteed and if the value does go up it will be for a very short time while people are struck with the fever of the moment. Please don't let this discourage you. As I said, it takes time and it is possible that this doll will increase in value as you get older. But, on the other hand, don't let future potential value stop you from playing with your Barbie. I am a firm believer in playing with and using your collectibles or future collectibles. In fact, it is this play that makes us want these items again as we get older so if everyone kept their toys locked away in their original boxes there would be significantly less emotion behind wanting those toys again. If you do have an eye towards the collectible value then by all means save the box as it will always add value (often times as much as the toy itself!). Hope this all doesn't sound too complicated, it's really not but it does take some thought if you eventually want to make money buying and selling collectibles. Popularity, demand (this includes "cross-over" collectibility such as Olympic collectors and sports collectors for your Barbie), number of items produced, passage of time and other factors are things you need to think about when you buy collectibles to make a profit. If you stick with it long enough you will learn how to collect just like anything else you learn in school and, eventually, you wont have to think so hard about all of these things....you'll just know. Remember, collecting should be fun....always. Take care and thank-you for your question, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted
Question:Hi Elle!,
Great feature and I've been both with your feature and Funk & Junk since its/their inception.
Ben
Answer:Hey Ben!,
I'm not sure you can get away with just dinner with this one!
Elle
Question:Hi Elle,
I have been looking through you previous questions and found two items I am interested in obtaining, An Elsie the Cow doll owned by a gentleman named Larry back in 11/2003, and the renwal nursery with nurse owned by a woman named Blair back in 2001.
Gina
Answer:Hi Gina!,
I get asked this question from time to time so I'll kill a few birds with one stone.
Elle
Question:Is there any category for collectable tins? I have a huge inventory I am selling, I am not s ure if any I have are of real value or not.
Andie
Answer:Hi Andie!,
There most certainly is a category for tins. It is usually found under the advertising category and you can start by looking in almost any generalized Antique price guide.
Elle
Question:Dear Elle,
I recently acquired a pair of Levi's Action Slacks at a yard sale, I wanted to find out how much they are worth, if anything.
Jessica
Answer:Hey Jessica!,
Too much information! You must be kidding. I can easily edit too much information but I can never ADD information. In fact, the almost complete lack of information on the majority of request results in easily 50% of inquiries automatically being trashed since I simply can't work with them.
Elle
Question:Hi. My name is Mackenzie and I am ten.
Mackenzie
Answer:Hi Mackenzie!,
First I have to say that it is a real pleasure to come across someone so young with such an interest already developed in collectibles. I hope you keep it up!
Elle
![[Vintage Black coat with collar]](../ellespage/ellepicts/blackcoat.jpg) Click for larger picture | ![[Vintage faux Leopard coat]](../ellespage/ellepicts/leopardcoat.jpg) Click for larger picture |
Thanks in advance,
Tammy
Answer:Hi Tammy!,
Despite having pictures (I always appreciate them by the way but please remember to size them so I don't have to.) it is a little difficult to give an exact appraisal of value. I'll try my best.
With a little work on the dark photo it appears that your Black coat may have lambs wool, often referred to as "Poodle cloth", trim. Poodle cloth coats were very expensive in the 40's and 50's and costs were right up there with fine fur coats of the time. Having a Poodle cloth collar is a sign of quality, as is the label.
However, solid Black is not the most desirable of colors for a vintage coat though it is a staple and most vintage wearers have at least one near solid Black coat in their wardrobe. In vintage shops you would expect to pay $115-125 for your Black coat.
Faux Leopard coats continue to be popular and finding ones in good condition is getting harder all the time. Again it is difficult to tell the quality and thickness of your coat with the picture but it appears to be decent quality and quite thick. Though there are a range of values for these coats depending, again, on the quality and condition I would place your coat in the $225 retail range.
Thanks,
Elle
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Subject: Beanie Babies, keep 'em or toss 'em? I haven't heard much about them since I have purchased them. I'm sure there is a reason why. Thank you, Michelle The proof is really obvious in the market today. One only need to go to collectible and antique stores that a few years ago always had a "rare" beanie or two lying around to find that they are either gone all together or heaped in a large bin at bargain prices. Another indicator is evident in the latest round of general price guides which have either significantly reduced the space previously devoted to them or, more often, eliminated the category all together. Are they all worthless? Probably not all of them but the buying market for the extreme book price Beanies is going to be so slight that finding a buyer willing to part with even close to the historic prices is going to be near impossible. As with everything there are exceptions and prototypes and severely limited editions (usually signed by Ty Warner) still occasionally sell for big bucks but just as many go unsold for high asking prices. You may still be in luck given that you have a complete/near complete collection since full collections still can realize at least original retail prices (on average) when sold as on full collection. My advice would be to sell them as a collection as soon as possible unless you love them despite their value. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Sorting through online information for reproductions vs. real and accuracy in descriptions First, I am not a seller--I am a buyer . It is my understanding that the seller usually consults for the services provided at your entity, but I entered "collectibles authenticating services," or to that effect, on Google, and yours was one of the links that came up. I noticed there were two pinback buttons I was interested in buying--both have the exact same designs, but are just different rock and roll groups. My suspicion from the scanned images of both is that they are either reproductions or just modern-day (not of their era) merchandise. So I have three parts of this question: The second question is trading-card related: There are many TV-theme trading cards on eBay and on the market, as you well know. Are cards worth more if they are a complete set, but minus original packaging, or an incomplete set, but with original packaging? Obviously, a complete, intact set with original packaging, sealed is the barometer by which one would measure such things. Second, and item-specific--there are two sets of trading cards of the same item, one advertised as "complete set" with a 1983 copyright, the other advertised as a "set of 60" and a 1985 copyright. The original set of cards totaled 60 (this I'm getting from previous auction statistics of the same item), but on the second auction item there is no wording that says "complete," so there could be duplicates. And also, the discrepancy in copyrights, what's up there? Thank you in advance for your professional expertise in these matters, and if there are any questions I've asked you that you don't feel qualified or have enough information about, please e-mail back with further probing and/or please refer me to someone who would have knowledge of these issues. Sincerely, With respect to Rock and Roll pinbacks I'm not aware of a lot of nonpolitical pinbacks that are currently being reproduced. I would, however, assume that two examples might be/are exceptions; The Beatles and Elvis (early). I really don't understand question number one since reproductions and "not of the era" sound very similar to me. Suffice to say that the value of any reproduced item is speculative but very often not valueless. This is particularly true for super rare items. Provided the release of a reproduction is fairly limited and desirable there is a possibility of increased value in the future though it will never reach the value or the real McCoy. The fact that the designs are similar is probably not a problem. If you look at a lot of pinbacks, for example political ones, you will at times see the same backgrounds or designs with different politicians/sayings. This is just a case of the manufacture using the existing boilerplates to save design time and cost so that could easily be the case with your Rock and Roll pinbacks. I am not aware (though that by no means indicates that it doesn't exist) of a group or organization dedicated to evaluating Rock and Roll pinbacks as there are for political related pins. Telling whether something, pinbacks or otherwise, is the real deal on online auctions can indeed be tricky as there are people who conveniently leave out pertinent information in an effort to fool people to assuming that the item is a significantly more valuable one than the newer/reproduced item is. You should always go by the adage that if it seems too good to be true then it probably is. It takes a certain amount of intuition and judgment when evaluating the seller and his/her honesty. Obviously always ask very pointed questions (e.g.. is it old?) with a seller when you have any doubts since it is more often the case that sellers do not realize that descriptive text needs to be very complete to provide a certain comfort level for buyer who cannot handle the items. This is a pervasive problem not only with online auctions but with the vast majority of online sellers as well, one that I hope changes. Also take a look at their longevity with the online auction service along with their feedback ratings which are offered by all online services. A stray bad feedback is generally no problem and, in fact, often just a buyer/seller trying to cause a problem that is really unrelated to the purchase related conduct of the buyer/seller (another story for later!). Though I'm not aware of a good guide for nonpolitical pins, price guides will often highlight reproductions and if possible highlight ways to tell the difference (e.g. size, printed dates/copyrights, etc.). A little research on your part might uncover a decent guide on the subject. One last but significantly harder thing to spot is a duplication of a prior picture posted on the online service or elsewhere. If the picture is an exact copy of an earlier auction with big dollar results it might be a spoof and the item may not even exist in the first place. Phew!, now on to your trading cards question. Generally speaking trading cards are valued in a number of ways; as single cards, as complete sets, as unopened packs, as wrappers only and as packages only. Of course these factors combine in the case of unopened boxes, packs or cases. Many people fail to realize the value of the packaging but significant value can be found particularly with empty boxes which were generally not sold but, rather, thrown away by the retailer. Wrappers, too, were more often than not tossed while the gum was devoured and the cards scanned. So with regards to your questions of sets with or without packaging it really would depend on what set your talking about but, again generally, complete sets are what most strive for and the addition of or search for packaging is often a separate venture. It's very much a personal choice, however. After all, YOUR the collector and there are no rules. The difference in dating of the set you mention might very well indicate that there was more than one series of the cards your referring to. Wacky Packages, for example, have numerous sets and release dates. These different series may very well have different card counts. If you really interested in trading cards I would suggest that you hunt down the multiple volumes (different year concentrations) of the "Price guide to Non-Sports cards". They are, I believe, out of print but a little hunting might uncover a copy or two. Though pricing is significantly out of date, these books provide excellent reference material including cards counts, designs on each cards, wrapper and box values (again, out of date but once you get a feel for the market the relative information will become useful) and background on the sets. Thanks for a really great question with some meat to it, I hope I've helped in some small way, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Question:I have almost all of the 1st TY Beanie babies. All in mint condition can you please tell me if they're worth keeping or not.
Answer:Hi Michelle,
There is a good reason you haven't heard much lately. Sure, everyone was shouting from the rooftops as the speculation took over when these dolls were first issued but, as predicted by most in the know, the Beanie Baby market is all but gone. Before you die hard collectors yell at me I realize that there is almost always someone who holds on to a dying collectible and read on for the exceptions to the rule as I see them.
Elle
Question:My name is Jim and I'm a member of the eBay trading community. I have a couple of questions which are specific-item relevant, but may be of some guidance in general to me in future buying at eBay or elsewhere?
Jim
Answer:Hey Jim!,
Your questions are a little too general to probably give you the answers you need for the specific items your obviously talking about since the are variables involved but read on and hopefully you'll get some insight.
Elle
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