UofMUSCLE.com – M.U.S.C.L.E. Figures from Mattel

I mentioned a weird SC situation in this week’s Auction Watch. It has become even more bizarre after following up on a couple SC listings from last week’s Epilogue.

I mentioned that the AOTW #2 (from last week) should keep an eye on this listing. That lot of 10 Flesh figures sold for $136.27. Certainly too much for a SC, but not shocking either.

There was another SC listing (which made it the fourth that week) and I joked, “I wish collectors would keep explaining to me that SC is rare.” That lot of 106, mostly Flesh figures sold for $195.50. Again, not great – but not shocking.

That’s why this BIN sale price is so incredibly unusual. Especially when the seller had been a big fan of the $0.99 secret handshake. Weird.

Of course, I’m just recklessly speculating. I’m happy to admit it, but even my speculating is based on observable data and experience. I can point to some reasons for my opinions.

To my surprise, some people thought I was posting an opinion or speculation that Brian DeMars was selling a broken #168 for $200. Or a Flesh figure for $15. I was not.

I confirmed the story with multiple sources and screen shots. However, they asked me not to share the details because it would “out” them. Ok, happy to respect their wishes – but I knew M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors needed to know this type of information. (Unless we don’t care about novice collectors being taken advantage of by more experienced collectors.)

On Monday (or maybe Tuesday) I’ll share the new evidence I have. It’s win-win. The truth can be told (which will hopefully keep more collectors safe) and I can keep my word to my friends/sources (whatever they want to be called). I should add, it wasn’t hard to get. The truth is always easy to prove. Here’s a sample:

What the fuck is he talking about? What “turf” is he talking about?

Don’t worry, we’ll dive much further in-depth next week.

Let’s get to eBay. Is that the turf? I hope not. eBay is the worst. Brian can have it.
– Of course they said, “Rare.” And, of course, the #141 is damaged.
– Weird opening bid price.
– This would have been in Auction Watch…if it was listed at the time.
– New ‘Forever Unsold’ entry?
– Not $0.99, but better than most.
– Hahahahaha…
– I can’t find this listing’s previous mention.
– If this guy just started at $0.99, then he might actually sell one of the lots.
– Dude is dreaming.
– I’m sure snipers will grab a couple, but the dude should have made one, big $0.99 lot.
– Purple #208.
– I knew it would payoff searching, “The Green Is a Neat Looking One.”
– Gotta remember him for next week’s AOTW.

To my continued surprise, $0.99 listings are still showing up. Again, I don’t want to keep relisting the same sellers and listings. There are more than this, but these seemed like the newest entries.

Honestly, it’s so awesome to see sellers embracing the $0.99 starting price. That’s something that even Brian and I agree on.
– konigfische has 15 listings starting at $0.99.
– Perfect lot to start at $0.99.
– I know it is over now, but it started at $0.25 and I want to see if it sold.
– Still nice to see.
– “Hold my beer. I’m starting at $0.88.”

Not too much has changed with our Unsold friends, which should surprise zero people.

Current Auction Link: (4) Vtg 80s YSNT MUSCLE MEN Rubber POCKET Action Figures Toys Weeks Unsold: At least 14 Price: $17.50

Current Auction Link: 1986 Mattel M.u.s.c.l.e. Hard Knockin’ Rockin’ Ring Wrestling Arena Playset Game Weeks Unsold: At least 14 Price: $199.99

Current Auction Link: M.U.S.C.L.E. Men Kinnikuman Light Blue Ashuraman #077 Mattel First Shot Muscle Weeks Unsold: At least 17 Price: $400

Last week I thought we had AOTW combatants that would make it a close battle. The AOTW #3 was able to get some votes, but the $249.95 SC ran away with the voting.

I would need to crawl through way too many Epilogues to properly validate this thought, but it sure feels like we’re in the most extreme phase of idiotic pricing. There is almost an endless supply of insane prices for mundane items.

Thankfully, it seems like eBay M.U.S.C.L.E. listings are breaking into two groups: (1) fair listings; and (2) insane prices. Not the ebb and flow of the past, but I’ll happily welcome this trend.

The winner of this week’s AOTW battle will ultimately battle the three past champions below.

But before we get to the third AOTW Battle of the Champions, we need to crown this week’s champ.

The AOTW #1 is a lot of 130 figures, which also include Weirdball Wrestlers and MIMP. Did the seller use the $0.99 opening bid? No. They felt a $260 opening bid was the best way to kick-off a bidding war. Nothing entices bidders like a $2-per figure price.

The AOTW #2 is a #64 lot, which most experienced M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors would call, “A lot of four Color figures.” However, the seller, the previous mentioned lukekneewalker, decided it was much more than a lot of four Color figures. That can be the only reason he decided on an insane $45 BIN for about $4 worth of figures.

The AOTW #3 could have easily been selected for its $25 opening bid. Instead, it was selected for its auction title, “1985 Mattel M.U.S.C.L.E. #153 Claw Hand Kinnikuman flesh FOXMAN #124 ultra rare.” Ultra rare? I’m sure they’re trying to suggest the #153 is ultra rare. But, the way it is written sure seems like the #124 is the ‘ultra rare’ figure. That made me smile.

Wrapping things up, as always, is our AOTW #4. In mid-January, of this year, a similar condition window-box belt sold for $102.50. This seller said, “Double it. And then add $45.” What an asshole.

Cast your vote (below) and crown the next AOTW Fatal-Four Way winner. Here are the four combatants:

AOTW #1 $260 Opening Bid

AOTW #2 Four Dollars Worth of Figures w/ $45 BIN

vs.

AOTW #3 ‘Ultra Rare’ Lot w/ $25 Opening Bid

AOTW #4 Window-Box w/ $250 BIN

Remember to cast your vote and crown this week’s AOTW Fatal-Four Way winner:

There used to be a long write-up about the first and second ULTIMATE AOTW Battle of the Champions Winners. The 3rd winner has a tiny backstory, which made me think we don’t need the full saga anymore.