Tag Archives: hakes auctions

1980s Toys Generate Dollar Signs in the Latest Hake’s Auction

Posted on by

The 1980s! The decade where we got a glimpse of the future, and were amazed by its visions of flying cars, transforming trucks, and robots made of jungle animals. And while much is made of the music of the 1980s, it’s the toys of that era that have truly withstood the test of time. Hake’s Auctions has a variety of 1980s toys on the auction block this month, and they inspire dizzying levels of nostalgia, both for those who lived through it and those who wish they did. Check out some of the top items:

MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE (1986) – ETERNIA SERIES 5 PLAYSET AFA 70 EX+

Ah, Eternia – home of Snake Mountain, Castle Grayskull and a little-used monorail system that connects all three. Seriously, why did He-Man never take the monorail? It would have saved a lot of gas for the Air Raider and Sky Sled. Anyway, the Eternia playset’s monorail featured the Battle Tram, Sky Cage and Jet Pack Fighter, and all seem like perfectly acceptable, all-electric forms of transportation. This massive box was marked down to $70 back in 1986, but you’ll pay a little more for it today. Starting Bid: $5,000

MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE (1986) - ETERNIA SERIES 5 PLAYSET AFA 70 EX+

TRANSFORMERS (1985) SERIES 1 – OPTIMUS PRIME AFA 85 NM+ (HASBRO/IGA MEXICAN RELEASE)

Mas de lo que ves! That means “More than Meets the Eye” in Spanish, more or less, and that’s what it says on the box of this Mexican release of Optimus Prime. Much more rare than the US release, this version replaces the Tech Specs chart on his filecard with a full Spanish biography, just one of the many little touches that makes this a collector’s must-have. Current Bid: $2,000

TRANSFORMERS (1985) SERIES 1 - OPTIMUS PRIME AFA 85 NM+ (HASBRO/IGA MEXICAN RELEASE)

VOLTRON – DEFENDER OF THE UNIVERSE (1984) – PANOSH PLACE GIFT SET AFA 75 EX+/NM (WINDOW BOX)

Sure, you can gift someone a PART of Voltron, but then you need to know what lions they have, or which color is their favorite, or what body part they prefer to play with. Better to just gift them the full robot, with all five lions and a bevy of weapons. This gift set from 1984 is any kid’s (or adult’s) dream. Opening Bid: $1,000

VOLTRON - DEFENDER OF THE UNIVERSE (1984) - PANOSH PLACE GIFT SET AFA 75 EX+/NM (WINDOW BOX)

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES (1988) – TURTLE BLIMP SERIES 1 VEHICLE AFA 85 NM+ (VIDEO GAME NOTICE)

You’ve gotta love the attitude rolling off the box for the Turtle Blimp by Playmates: “Blueprints included for easy-to-follow assembly. If you’re a know-it-all, chuck ‘em!” “Collect all the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle accessories… or else!” “We’re four wild and crazy guys!” Okay, that last one was likely cribbed straight from 1970s SNL episodes, but overall we’d say the copywriter deserves a raise for making a blimp sound like a fun time. To seal the deal, it comes with a joke book. Opening Bid: $1,000

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES (1988) - TURTLE BLIMP SERIES 1 VEHICLE AFA 85 NM+ (VIDEO GAME NOTICE)

THE REAL GHOSTBUSTERS (1986) – FIRE STATION HEADQUARTERS SERIES 1 PLAYSET UKG 75%Q

With the firehouse making a new appearance in the latest Ghostbusters film, demand is sure to double for the original 1986 Firehouse action playset by Kenner. The only downside to owning this graded, 75% rated (opened but not played with) boxed set is that you can’t play with the working firepole, ghost trap, containment unit and Goop Grates. Sure you can see them all on the box, but that’s gotta be torture. Starting Bid: $1,000

THE REAL GHOSTBUSTERS (1986) - FIRE STATION HEADQUARTERS SERIES 1 PLAYSET UKG 75%Q

M.A.S.K. (1985) – THUNDER HAWK SERIES 1 AFA 85 NM+ (SECOND RELEASE, LONG MASK)

While every MASK vehicle had its own appeal – the pickup, the semi, the motorcycle that turned into a helicopter – the most iconic was definitely the Thunder Hawk, a Camaro that turned into fighter jet. (Okay, “jet” is generous, it was really just a flying Camaro.) While this 1986 release spells out “Camaro” on the box for the first time, it also features some other minor differences from the 1985 release, not that anyone will be looking closely enough to care – they’ll be too busy admiring the picture of the flying Camaro. Starting Bid: $1,000

M.A.S.K. (1985) - THUNDER HAWK SERIES 1 AFA 85 NM+ (SECOND RELEASE, LONG MASK)

G.I. JOE WEAPON TRANSPORT PROTOTYPE VEHICLE

When was the last time you saw a prototype GI Joe vehicle? This all-grey model of the Weapon Transport is made of plastic and styrene, with part numbers labeled in marker. Sure, it’s missing a tire and has a few cracks in it, but this is a piece of history, a behind-the-scenes piece of an iconic American toy line. It’s your patriotic duty to place a bid, assuming you’re an American. If not, it’s still pretty darn cool. Starting Bid: $1,000

G.I. JOE WEAPON TRANSPORT PROTOTYPE VEHICLE

HONORABLE 1970s MENTION:

MEGO WORLD’S GREATEST SUPERHEROES (1976) – AQUAMAN CARDED FIGURE AFA 75 EX+/NM

The Mego Corporation is back, churning out pop-culture icons in the 8-inch scale on a regular basis, but they only recently regained the DC license at that scale, which they did so well with in the 1970s. This 1976 Aquaman is mint on card, with a clear blister and crisp green pants, and is one of only four examples graded by the AFA. Starting Bid: $2,000

MEGO WORLD'S GREATEST SUPERHEROES (1976) - AQUAMAN CARDED FIGURE AFA 75 EX+/NM

HONORABLE 1960s MENTION:

GILBERT JAMES BOND 007 THUNDERBALL ACTION FIGURE IN BOX

While G.I. Joe was the first action figure, James Bond was hot on his trail! This 1965 Gilbert figure of James Bond as he appeared in Thunderball includes the likeness of Sean Connery, as well as a mask, snorkel and swim fins. Once you buy it, you have the right to remove the snorkel from the front of his pants, thereby avoiding awkward conversations. Starting Bid: $200

GILBERT JAMES BOND 007 THUNDERBALL ACTION FIGURE IN BOX

Vintage Toys Going For Big Dollars in Hake’s Auction

Posted on by

If you’re looking for a next-level collectible, you aren’t gonna find it at Walmart, or on eBay, or even at most conventions. You’re gonna have to go the auction house route. Fortunately, in this new era of global fandom, the breadth of items coming up to auction on a daily basis is incredible. The new Hake’s auction, ending July 27-28, has a wide variety of graded toys, prototypes and marketing materials up for bidding, at a range of starting prices. Here are some of the expected top earners.

Transformers Optimus Prime in Error Box (AFA 80)

There’s a lot of note going on with this “error” figure – misprinted graphics, Trademark symbol instead of Registered, light blue trailer supports – but the takeaway is that it’s a high-grade Optimus Prime in box, and therefore worth your time and attention. It’s also expected to reach nearly $50,000!

Transformers Optimus Prime in Error Box (AFA 80)

Transformers Soundwave & Buzzsaw No Rubsign (AFA 80+)

Wait, what do they mean “no rubsign”? Everyone loves the rubsigns, that’s what let you know whether they were an Autobot or a Decepticon! Why would this not have a – oh. Oh, my. This Soundwave is so old that it’s from before there were rubsigns. IT’S PRE-RUBSIGN! DOES NOT COMPUTE 00110101010111010110101

Transformers Soundwave & Buzzsaw No Rubsign (AFA 80+)

Kenner Batman Movie Figure Photoart

Remember in the 1980s and 1990s when school pictures were taken in front of laser artwork? Well, this is the toy industry equivalent, the original photoart of Batman and the Joker from Kenner’s Batman movie toy line. Own two pieces of toy (and Batman) history!

Kenner Batman Movie Figure Photoart

Super Powers Store Display Header

With the DC Super Powers toy line back in a big way, the time has never been more opportune to pick up this piece of Super Powers history. A double-sided display header, featuring classic 1980s artwork of most of the major heroes and villains in the line, measuring a whopping 34.5” by 28”! Turn your home into a toy store! You’re halfway there already, right?

Super Powers Store Display Header

Star Trek: The Next Generation Unproduced Figures

Boldly go where no one has gone beforeand bid on these two unproduced Star Trek TNG figures by Galoob! Wesley Crusher and the Romulan each come packaged on a Picard card, but you’ll own figures no one else has. Warning: You will almost certainly be bidding against Wil Wheaton.

Star Trek: The Next Generation Unproduced Figures

TMNT Undercover Action Figures

Leonardo and Michelangelo keep it on the DL by wearing trenchcoats and disguises in these two rare vintage releases. Even with all of the TMNT figures shipping to stores nowadays, these old figures are still hard to find!

TMNT Undercover Action Figures

GI Joe: A Real American Hero Storm Shadow (AFA 80)

He may be easy to spot now, what with the white ninja outfit, but Storm Shadow is going to vanish like smoke if you don’t get a bid in on this high-grade vintage figure. Because honor demands it!

GI Joe: A Real American Hero Storm Shadow (AFA 80)

GI Joe: A Real American Hero Serpentor (AFA 80)

While Cobra Commander is great and all, you just can’t beat a guy dressed like a snake holding a snake staff and flying a snake hovercraft. Who would YOU want running your snake-themed organization?

Masters of the Universe Fright Zone Playset (AFA 80)

Take the highway to the Fright Zone and place a bid on this highly sought-after MOTU playset, a favorite hangout of the Evil Horde. You may not be able to manipulate the puppet monster, it being encased in plexiglass, but the fright is still palpable!

Masters of the Universe Fright Zone Playset (AFA 80)

Rocket-Firing Boba Fett L-Slot Prototype

Ah, the rocket-firing Boba Fett, the holy grail of any Star Wars collector. There are many stories about it, but this version was one of the earliest rejected prototypes, an L-slot, meaning there was no lock to keep it from accidentally firing, one of the many safety concerns that ultimately led to its cancellation. A piece of toy history, expected to sell for historical numbers.

Rocket-Firing Boba Fett L-Slot Prototype

Star Wars Luke Skywalker 12-Back (AFA 85)

Did someone say double-telescoping? Those are the magic words when it comes to vintage Star Wars figures. This DT Luke Skywalker is on a 12-back card from 1978, and it’s got a pretty high grade to boot. Unpunched? No price tags? This sucker is a must-have.

Star Wars Luke Skywalker 12-Back (AFA 85)

Star Wars Boba Fett 21-Back-A (AFA 85+)

When you can get the best one of something, why settle for the second-best? According to AFA population reports, this is the highest-graded example of Boba Fett on a rare 21-Back-A (debut) card. Come on, you know you want it.

Star Wars Boba Fett 21-Back-A (AFA 85+)

Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark Action Figures

If, after seeing Dial of Destiny, you want your memories of the first Indiana Jones movie preserved forever, you may want to dip into savings and pick up one or all of the vintage action figures up for auction, including the rare Arabian Stallion!

Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark Action Figures

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Prototypes

Did you know they only made three Temple of Doom figures, and there were at least two unproduced figures? Now you can own the Willie Scott and Short Round figures they never made, and the three they did, in hand-painted prototype form!

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Prototypes Shortround

Hake’s Opens a New Auction With Rare Toys and Prototypes

Posted on by

Hake’s Auctions newest auction, #237 is chock-full of pop-culturey goodness. From now until March 21-22, you can bid on some of the rarest toys around, including some one-of-a-kind prototypes! Read on to see what cool items are on the auction block!

G.I. JOE:

#1345. G.I. JOE (1982) – SNAKE EYES, SERIES 1/11 BACK. AFA 85 NM+ (STRAIGHT ARM). The original ninja commando gets a high grade here, with his original, iconic, no-frills figure on a nice card. Hard to believe that a toy released with no paint on it would become such a sensation! Current Bid: $1,210.00

#1347. G.I. JOE (1983) – DESTRO SERIES 2/20 BACK. AFA 85 NM+. While the Cobra forces had no shortage of metal-faced members, Destro was the king of the metalheads, and rocked a sweet chest medallion besides.  Plus, he was his own boss! Current Bid: $3,575.00

#1375. G.I. JOE (1985) – U.S.S. FLAGG, SERIES 4 VEHICLE, AFA 60 EX. If you’re going to spring for a graded G.I. Joe vehicle, you might as well go for the biggest and best, right? The G.I. Joe team’s aircraft carrier was the grail item for any child of the 1980s, and remains so for any adult of the 2020s. Current Bid: $4,400.00

#1376. G.I. JOE (1985) – COBRA FLIGHT POD, SERIES 4, AFA 80 NM. The Flagg a little out of your reach? The “Trubble Bubble” was the vehicle of choice for the Cobra team, and has become an iconic part of the 1980s TV series and toy line. Current Bid:  $610.50

MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE:

#1388. MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE (1987) – SCARE GLOW SERIES 6. AFA 80 NM (GREEN HALBERD). He-Man figures are getting remade left and right these days, but this is the O.G.! One of the most desired He-Man figures, Scare Glow was an evil ghost from another dimension, and NOT Skeletor at the beach as he might seem at first. Starting Bid: $1,000.00

#1391. MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE (1984) – SNAKE MOUNTAIN SERIES 3 PLAYSET. AFA 80 NM. Another must-have from the He-Man line, Skeletor’s headquarters was one of the creepiest office buildings in toy history. Since it’s graded, you won’t be able to use the voice-changing microphone, but you can still creep yourself out every time you look at it! Current Bid: $1,210.00

#1392. MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE (1986) – ETERNIA SERIES 5 PLAYSET. AFA 70 EX+. Three towers! Three battery-operated vehicles! Almost 40 years of wanting! The ultimate He-Man collectible may be sealed in its box for eternity, but you would still have bragging rights over your childhood friends. Current Bid: $1,710.50

TRANSFORMERS:

#1402. TRANSFORMERS (1984) SERIES 1 OPTIMUS PRIME. AFA 85 NM+ (TRADEMARK LOGO). This particular Optimus Prime has a Trademark symbol on the Transformers logo, which is much rarer than the Registered logo. Regardless, everyone needs an Optimus Prime in their collection. Current Bid: $7,480.00

#1407. TRANSFORMERS (1984) SERIES 1 JET – STARSCREAM. AFA 85+ NM+ (RUBSIGN). Need something that makes you hear Chris Latta’s voice every time you walk by it? Sure, you could go the Cobra Commander route, but Starscream turns into a jet, which makes him a lot cooler. Current Bid: $4,950.00

#1415. TRANSFORMERS (1985) SERIES 2 CONSTRUCTICON GIFTSET – DEVASTATOR. AFA 85 NM+. Not every kid had to build their Devastator one piece at a time, picking up a Constructicon every other week at the local TRU – some kids got the gift set and built the first Decepticon Combiner in one fell swoop. Why not treat yourself? Current Bid: $12,100.00

#1401. TRANSFORMERS: ACTION MASTERS (1990) – WHEELJACK CARD ORIGINAL ART. The only thing better than Transformers was Transformers character artwork, the art that appeared on the front and back of the box and often made the Transformers look much cooler in their robot form than they actually were. This art, attributed to TF regular Jeff Mangiat, was for the Wheeljack Action Masters action figure, and looks straight outta the cartoon. Current Bid: $500.00

STAR WARS:

#1609. STAR WARS (1978) – TUSKEN RAIDER 20 BACK MOCK-UP PROOF CARD (ON 12 BACK-A PROOF CARD). AFA 80 Q-NM. There are a lot of things going on with this card, a 12-back card used to mock up a 20-back card, with a lot of modifications, but the biggest thing is that it calls the Tusken Raider a “Tusken Raider” rather than “Sand People,” which is what they were called in production. A one-of-a-kind item. Current Bid: $9,350.00

#1690. TOLTOYS STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980) – JAWA 41 BACK-E. AFA 50 VG (AUSTRALIAN RELEASE, VINYL CAPE, EXTREME RARITY). Sure, you can get a carded Jawa anywhere, even a rare vinyl-cape Jawa, but this one is the rarest of the rare. An Australian release by TOLTOYS, it uses a darker vinyl only released in Australia, and is carded on an Empire Strikes Back card instead of a Star Wars blister card. Very few of these Vinyl Cape Jawas were released by TOLTOYS and only for a very brief time period. This is the first time one has been offered by any auction house, and it’s one of only five examples graded by AFA. Current Bid: $11,111.00

#1728. POPY STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980) – BOBA FETT. AFA 85 NM+. Think windowless figure boxes are a new thing? Popy was the only company in Japan to release Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back figures, issuing 15 different figures in bags inside illustrated boxes. This deconstructed Boba Fett box is one of the highest graded examples. Current Bid: $2,000.00

#1811. STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI (1983) – C-3PO COLLECTOR’S CASE OFF-WHITE PROTOTYPE FIRST SHOT. AFA 85+ NM+. Before they started production on the gold C-3PO carrying cases, they did a test shot in white! In addition to looking very cool, it’s incredibly rare. Current Bid: $2,200.00

#1842. STAR WARS: THE POWER OF THE FORCE (1985) – YAK FACE 92 BACK. AFA 80 Y-NM (KENNER CANADA). The most desirable of the last 17 vintage issued figures, Yak Face was only released in foreign outlets. His card is unpunched, his blister is yellow, and his value is very, very high. Current Bid: $6,660.88

#1886. STAR WARS: EWOKS (1985) – SERIES 2 CHIEF CHIRPA FIRST SHOT PROTOTYPE SALES SAMPLE FOR UNPRODUCED FIGURE. AFA 70 Y-EX+. Did you know they never made a second series of Ewoks action figures? Did you know that Chief Chirpa was among the unmade characters? Did you know you can still own one? This unproduced first shot prototype of El Jefe comes on a Series 1 Cardback with a B-Wing Pilot collector’s coin. Current Bid: $7,150.00

LORD OF THE RINGS:

#1446-1450. LORD OF THE RINGS TOYS BY KNICKERBOCKER (1979). Sure, nowadays everyone is into those cool LOTR figures by Diamond Select Toys, but back in 1979 it was all about the Knickerbocker, baby! Based on the classic Ralph Bakshi cartoon adaptation, Gandalf, Frodo, Samwise, Aragorn and a Ringwraith are all here. Starting Bid: $300-500.00

TMNT:

#1462. TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES (1993) – HOT SPOT SERIES 6/52 BACK. AFA 75 EX+/NM. One of the harder to obtain figures from this line, the firehouse dalmatian came towards the “tail” end of the line. Starting Bid: $500.00

#1468. TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES (1988) – SERIES 1 TURTLE BLIMP VEHICLE. CAS 85. In most toy lines, you’d have to build up to the heroes having their own blimp, but not the Ninja Turtles. Nope, Series One release. This one’s graded, so you can’t blow it up, but still an iconic vehicle for an iconic toy line. Starting Bid: $1,000.00

HORROR:

#1486. AURORA FRIGHTENING LIGHTNING FRANKENSTEIN FACTORY-SEALED BOXED MODEL KIT. Kit No. 449-150. This 1969 officially licensed model kit includes glow-in-the-dark head and hands and is still sealed in shrinkwrap after 50 years! Starting Bid: $1,000.00

#1506. AURORA GODZILLA FACTORY-SEALED BOXED MODEL KIT. Kit No. 469-149. Released by Aurora in 1964, this shrinkwrapped model kit is a classic Godzilla collectible, back when American Godzilla items were rare. Current Bid: $880.00

#1507. AURORA WOLF MAN’S WAGON FACTORY-SEALED BOXED MODEL KIT. Kit No. 458-98. Also from 1964, Aurora made a line of Universal Monsters hot-rod model kits to cash in on the hot-rod culture that was going around at the time. Now scarce, this sealed Wolf-Man in a hot rod is one of the better examples. Starting Bid: $1,000.00

#1520. AURORA THE MUNSTERS LIVING ROOM FACTORY-SEALED MODEL KIT. Kit No. 804-198. This classic model kit depicting Lily, Herman, Grandpa and Eddie Munster from the TV show “The Munsters” is a highly unique item. With Grandpa hanging from the ceiling, Lily in her coffin chair and Herman in his electric chair, it’s an American family portrait that still holds up to this day. Starting Bid: $1,000.00

#1482. MARX ARCHIVES FILE COPY THE MIGHTY KONG BOXED KING KONG BATTERY-OPERATED REMOTE CONTROL TOY. This Marx Toys 11-inch King Kong from the 1960s is a working remote-control toy, with a wired controller that causes him to move forward, beat his chest, open and close his mouth and growl.  Comes in the original cardboard box with an illustrated lid. One of the most desirable battery-operated toys, for obvious reasons. Starting Bid: $500.00

#1519. THE ADDAMS FAMILY HAUNTED HOUSE BOXED AURORA FACTORY-SEALED BOXED MODEL. With “Wednesday” blowing the Addams Family up on Netflix, now’s a great time to look into real estate, with the Addams Family’s mansion in model kit form. Current Bid: $665.50

Ben Kenobi Figure Sets a Star Wars Record in Hake’s Auction

Posted on by

You know that old hermit who lives out by the Dune Sea? Well, he may be looking for better digs soon. A carded action figure of Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi with a double-telescoping lightsaber recently sold for $79,178, setting a record for a carded Ben Kenobi figure, and reaching the second-highest price ever paid for any carded Star Wars figure.

The auction, held by Hake’s Auctions, featured several different versions of the Kenner-made Obi-Wan Kenobi from 1978. The record-setter had a few things going for it, though, including the aforementioned double-telescoping lightsaber (quickly abandoned by Kenner), a SKU number on the yellow footer (inside the plastic blister), an unpunched card, and a grade of 75 EX+/NM from the Action Figure Authority (a division of Collectible Grading Authority).

This auction at Hake’s, #236, also featured a number of pre-production Star Wars items, including a Yoda doll prototype, a Han Solo 12-inch figure in prototype costume, an IG-88 hand-painted prototype, a number of unused backing cards, and a carded sample of Princess Leia on Hoth, wearing a pink poncho, which went for $42,834. 

See the full auction results at Hakes.com!

The 1980s are Alive and Well in the Newest Hake’s Toy Auction

Posted on by

As Stranger Things has proven, everyone loves the 1980s, even those who weren’t alive to see it – the music, the movies and especially the toys. With many of the 1980s’ top action figure lines alive and well in their modern iterations (and even some retro-styled ones), demand for the originals has not wavered, and a current auction has dozens of old-school action figures on the block for a good amount of cash.

The top bid in Hake’s Auctions’ current offerings goes to a Transformers Optimus Prime from 1984’s Series 1, in-box, AFA-graded 80. It currently has a bid of $6,050, and is expected to go for north of $10,000.

Other 1980s toys going for big bucks:

  • G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero Destro, from 1983, AFA-graded 85 – $3,850
  • G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero Snake Eyes (straight arm, Cobra Commander offer), from 1982, AFA-graded 80 – $3,300
  • Transformers Series 1 Starscream, from 1984, AFA-graded 80 – $2,750
  • Transformers Series 1 Megatron, from 1984, AFA-graded 80 – $2,500
  • Transformers Series 1 Sunstreaker, from 1984, AFA-graded 85 – $1,771
  • DC Super Powers Cyborg, from 1986, AFA-graded 85 – $1,650
  • ThunderCats Lion-O (red hair, 14-back card), from 1986, AFA-graded 80 – $1,210
  • Masters of the Universe Man-At-Arms, from 1982, AFA-graded 80 – $1,100
  • DC Super Powers Superman (first-shot figure), from 1984, AFA-graded 80 – $1,100
  • G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero B.A.T., from 1986, AFA-graded 90 – $1,000
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Raphael , from 1988, AFA-graded 80 – $655

There are also a ton more Transformers and G.I. Joe figures up for auction, as well as Indiana Jones, Inhumanoids, MASK, Battle Beasts and more! Place your bid at Hakes.com!

Rare Graded Toys, Video Games and Comics are going up for Auction

Posted on by

Hake’s Auctions is known for their pop-culture auctions, including toys, comics, video games, posters, political memorabilia and more. Now, with online bidding started for their latest auction, they can reveal the full list of what they have on the block, and it is nothing short of incredible. Not only are there a variety of rare, graded toys from the 1980s, there are also over 200 video games graded by Video Game Authority, as well as the usually amazing assortment of key comic issues and artwork.

On the toy side, there are toys from Star Wars, GI Joe, Transformers, MASK, Super Powers, Battle Beasts, ThunderCats, Indiana Jones, Inhumanoids and TMNT! Notable items include:

  • A Star Wars Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi with Double-Telescoping Lightsaber from 1978, AFA-graded 75
  • Three different carded iterations of straight-arm Snake Eyes from G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero Series 1 (1982)
  • Masters of the Universe Man-At-Arms Series 1 (1982) 8-Back figure on card, AFA-graded 80
  • The Transformers’ Optimus Prime from 1984’s Series 1, in-box, AFA-graded 80
  • ThunderCats leader Lion-O, with red hair on a 14-back card from 1986, AFA-graded 80

On the video game side, there are over 200 games, all graded by VGA, from Nintendo, Super Nintendo, N64, Game Boy, Game Cube, Wii and more. Items include:

  • Contra for the Nintendo Entertainment System, from 1988, VGA-graded 85
  • Nintendo Game Boy system with Tetris game, 1989, VGA-graded 85
  • Final Fantasy for the Nintendo Entertainment System, from 1990, VGA-graded 85
  • Street Fighter 2 for the Super Nintendo, from 1992, VGA-graded 90
  • Super Mario 64 for the N64, from 1996, VGA-graded 85
  • Goldeneye 007 for the N64, from 1997, VGA-graded 85
  • Super Smash Bros. for the N64, from 1999, VGA-graded 85

For comic book historians, this auction contains four key issues from Marvel Comics history, among others, each of them likely to generate high interest:

  • Journey Into Mystery #83 (1st appearance Thor), 1962, CGC-graded 5.5
  • Amazing Spider-Man #1 (2nd appearance of Spider-Man), 1963, CGC-graded 4.5
  • Tales of Suspense #39 (1st appearance Iron Man), 1963, CGC-graded 4.5
  • Giant-Sized X-Men #1 (1st New X-Men), 1975, CGC-graded 9.4

NYCC 2022: Hake’s Previews Upcoming Auction Items

Posted on by

Hake’s Auctions is known for their highly successful pop-culture auctions, featuring everything from comic books to comic art to toys to posters. Now, they’re bringing a sneak peek at their next auction to the pop-culture fans at New York Comic-Con, including graded toys, comics and their largest offering of graded video games yet!

From October 6-9, a variety of Video Game Authority (VGA)-graded video games will be at booth #3063 as part of a sneak preview of the next Hake’s auction. Also on display will be a Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi Double-Telescoping figure, graded 75 EX+/NM by the Action Figure Authority (AFA), as well as some key comic books from the auction. Hake’s Auction #236 goes online October 25, 2022 and closes November 15-16, 2022.

In addition, Hake’s will be giving out four specially designed pin-back buttons at the booth, featuring an assortment of popular video game characters. A different button will be available each day of the convention, all exclusive to NYCC 2022.

The Hake’s booth will be staffed by Kelly McClain, Senior Consignment Manager, and Corey McClain, Comic Book Consultant. They will be on hand to talk about the upcoming November auction, as well as discuss possible consignments for future events. 

Legendary Captain America ‘Hero-Prop’ Shield on Display with Hake’s Auctions at Baltimore Comic-Con

Posted on by
Captain America shield

Be a part of the Baltimore Comic-Con the weekend of October 22-24, 2021 at the Inner Harbor’s Baltimore Convention Center. Hake’s Auctions brings a unique experience for Baltimore Comic-Con attendees. Tickets are now available!

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a groundbreaking achievement of interconnected films crafted by numerous architects and starring many of Marvel’s most powerful heroes and game-changing villains. The first three phases of movies, known as the Infinity Saga, unfolded over 11 years, with each individual entry providing a puzzle piece for the larger picture that would come to pass in Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame.

While a new phase of movies has begun, Marvel devotees and collectors of high-end props and costumes have been clamoring for the opportunity to own a piece from the Infinity Saga. Those collectors vying for that material will have the chance to bid on, not just a prop, but one of the most significant props from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In their November 2-3 online-only auction (now open for bidding), Hake’s Auctions will be offering Captain America’s Avengers: Endgame screen-used shield hero prop that was wielded by Chris Evans.

The shield Hake’s is offering was constructed by Marvel Studios prop master Russell Bobbitt. It is 24 inches in diameter, approximately 3 inches deep, and is constructed of high-density foam, with a spun- aluminum exterior and hand-crafted leather arm and hand straps on the interior. Between 30 and 40 shields were produced for Endgame. The example being auctioned by Hake’s was used for close-up shots in Evans’ hand, as it shows the most detail, and its spun-aluminum surface exhibits a mesmerizing metallic sheen. The other prop shields made for Endgame were used in long shots and action sequences, lasting one or two scenes before sustaining damage from use associated with stunt work. This shield was handled with care on-set so it could be utilized in multiple scenes, making this shield’s near-pristine condition even more remarkable.

Captain America shield

The shield was gifted to youth empowerment nonprofit Sand Sisters Los Angeles Inc., by Marvel Studios’ Executive Vice President Victoria Alonso. It was offered in February 2020 in a raffle hosted by Sand Sisters (now known as Girl Powerful) and generated $155,801. This very same shield is now being offered by Hake’s Auctions.

It has been authenticated by Marvel Studios prop master Russell Bobbitt and comes with custom crafted plaque, as well as an LOA, both signed by Bobbitt.

In a rare opportunity, fans will have a chance to view this amazing collectible in-person by visiting Hake’s Auctions at the Baltimore Comic-Con, Booth 3001, on October 22nd- 24th, 2021. Convention attendees can get their photos taken both with the iconic shield and with professional Captain America cosplayer Knightmage! Sporting three different classic looks across three days, Knightmage will bring the Captain America legend to life at the Hake’s Booth!

By visiting Booth 3001, everyone will have the chance to win fun Captain America collectibles, as well as pick up a free custom designed Captain America shield button!