Auction Watch has highlighted several poster auctions and Auction Watch #34 will add two more instances. However, one of the most unique current M.U.S.C.L.E. auctions appears to feature a Manufacturing Error Figure.
The first auction, RARE-M.U.S.C.L.E. Muscle men figures checklist poster, features a Flesh M.U.S.C.L.E. poster. Overall this is a pretty good auction. The auction description and pictures seem properly representative; the starting bid and shipping seem fair; and the seller’s feedback seems trustworthy. The only downside to this auction is the condition of the poster.
The overall condition of the poster seems pretty average, but it has been folded. The folds essentially break-up the poster into eight sections. This may not be a big issue for some collectors. Damaged M.U.S.C.L.E. posters still seem to be popular with M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors.
The final price of this auction is difficult to predict for two reasons: (1) there is a second M.U.S.C.L.E. poster auction (as seen below) that ends approximately an hour after this auction; and (2) how much do the folds impact collectors’ opinion of its condition.
The final price of this auction will be $34.50.
1st Auction - Auction Screen Shot
1st Auction - Auction Picture
The second auction, Vintage M.U.S.C.L.E. Muscle Men Poster, also features a Flesh M.U.S.C.L.E. poster. This second auction is staggeringly similar to the first auction. However there are two notable differences: (1) the seller has zero feedback as a seller; and (2) the poster has not been folded. For most buyers the lack of selling feedback will not be an issue.
The condition of the poster will likely siphon many of the bidders from the first auction (noted above). It will not only receive the bidders that lost out on the first auction’s poster, but also those who are drawn to the poster in better condition.
The final price of this auction is also difficult to predict for two reasons: (1) frustration over losing the first poster auction may drive their bidding on this second auction; and (2) the poster is in better condition.
The final price of this auction will be $47.
2nd Auction - Auction Screen Shot
2nd Auction - Auction Picture
The third auction, 91 M.U.S.C.L.E. Muscle Men Figures + 4 bonus figures, appears to contain a unique #4. This #4 appears to fit the criteria of a being a Manufacturing Error Figure. Some collectors may not be interested in a manufacturing error figure. They may simply view this as a routine auction of 91 Flesh and Color figures with two bootleg figures and two other unidentified little figures.
However, some collectors may view this as a very special opportunity. Manufacturing error figures are not routinely seen, and even less often are they actually highlighted in both the pictures and auction description. The only potential danger is that the figure isn’t a manufacturing error.
The figure’s unique look is likely not the result of being a warped M.U.S.C.L.E. figure, but there is the potential for the figure to be the result of M.U.S.C.L.E. torture. Most collectors would agree that M.U.S.C.L.E. figures were prone to being damaged and abused by children.
For a third time, the final price of this auction will be difficult to predict. Will collectors care about a #4 figure that appears to be the result of a manufacturing error?
The final price of this auction will be $86.51.
3rd Auction - Auction Screen Shot
3rd Auction - Auction Picture
Follow-Up: The final price of the first auction was $57.00, which was surprisingly $22.50 more than predicted.
1st Auction - Final Auction Screen
The final price of the second auction was $62.50, which was $15.50 more than predicted.
2nd Auction - Final Auction Screen
The final price of the third auction was $27.00, which was $59.81 less than predicted.The questions was asked if collectors would care about a #4 figure that appears to be the result of a manufacturing error. The answer is clearly no.
3rd Auction - Final Auction Screen
