The first auction, MUSCLE figure bootlegs, features some interesting bootleg figures. The M.U.S.C.L.E.-like Flesh colors appear pretty routinely. However, older color bootlegs do not show up in auctions as often. This is not meant to suggest color bootleg M.U.S.C.L.E. figures are “rare.” It’s just that color bootlegs tend to be more modern, like the Dodo or Uniao Festas figures.
Starting at only $1 guarantees this auction will sell (even if the shipping is a bit high). By starting the auction at $1 it will bring in the bidders that are interested in the niche collecting of bootleg M.U.S.C.L.E. figures. Starting with a low price is really the only option for selling bootleg figures.
The second auction, M.U.S.C.L.E. MEN 2″ figures, vintage, collectables, See Photos!, is another example of starting low. This auction appeared in an Epilogue with a much higher price. It obviously did not sell. Starting with a low price is critical when selling bootleg figures. Bootleg collectors tend to be much different than M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors. As a group they tend to be patient, deliberate, and not willing to ever overspend – unless it’s something truly special.
Bootleg M.U.S.C.L.E. figures are simply not valuable. The only possible way to get a higher than average price is to bring bidders into the “eBay game” and hope they start bidding. This auction does not feature anything extraordinary, but it does seem to have at least two different types of bootleg figures. A low opening bid id the best way to attract bidders to a lot like this one.
The third auction, Large Mattel Buffaloman Kinnukuman M.U.S.C.L.E. Figure, is very simply garbage in its current condition – which is badly painted and over-priced.
But could it be a hidden treasure? At $18.99 it seems unlikely that any collector would be willing to gamble on this figure. However, with a much, much lower price the figure could be ideal for a Simple Green experiment.
The fourth auction, M.U.S.C.L.E Figure. Original 80s hard figure, comes from grandpappys-attic. This seller has been mentioned several times on UofM and not always because of the very best reasons. Knowing that puts a large asterisk next to this auction. However, collectors should still take a look at the auction.
This #21 is either a pretty awesome Manufacturing Error Figure or a good old-fashioned tortured and mutilated M.U.S.C.L.E. figure. With an opening bid of $0.25 it certainly invites collectors to take a chance on it (and the seller).
The fifth auction, Lot of 102 Ultimate Muscle Kinnikuman Figures, seems quite pedestrian at first. It appears to be a pretty normal lot of over 100 Color figures. However, the grouping a Green figures features something a bit unusual.
The Green #78 figure looks a bit strange. Is it just the picture? Is it stained? Or could it possibly be a Manufacturing Error Figure like the fabled Green #63?
If it is the latter, then it could turn this rather basic looking lot into quite the popular auction. However, unless the seller is a seasoned M.U.S.C.L.E. collector it is very unlikely that they would be able to tell the difference between a stain and a legitimate error. This is a lot that will probably go to the biggest gambler.
#1 by allsportdvd on July 18, 2013 - 9:06 am
I can say that even if the Buffaloman in the third auction was completely devoid of ink, the $18.99 price tag is at the top end of the pricing structure for that figure in mint condition – if you could do the “Simple Green” trick, there simply isn’t any meat left on the bone….provided you want to flip it. Best to find a mint one for $10 in Japan.
#2 by Lucas on July 18, 2013 - 5:08 pm
I disagree with the assertion that non-flesh Kinnikuman bootlegs tend to be modern, as opposed to vintage.
At least 50% of my bootleg collection are non-flesh colors, and were obtained before the year 2000, either by myself or the collectors from which I purchased or traded for them.
#3 by Chad Perry on July 19, 2013 - 8:56 am
Lucas, if anyone knows about bootlegs – it’s you. However, that’s not what I said. I said:
I probably should have finished the last sentence with, “…when they show up in auctions.” My point was that color bootlegs aren’t rare, but we don’t see them in auctions too often.
Hell, look at the color mixed into the The Counterfeit Collection. They aren’t rare.
Sorry to anybody if I wasn’t clear. 🙁
#4 by lucas on July 19, 2013 - 12:22 pm
Ah, I see what you are saying, and do agree. Even Future Strength figures tend to show up in Ebay auctions more often than non-flesh Kin-boots as of late, which is quite nifty in it’s own right!