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

Art 100 showcases the variety of counterfeit figures created in the wake of the popularity of M.U.S.C.L.E. figures. For some collectors these figures represent nothing more than sloppy copies of the beloved figures. Other collectors might see the uniqueness, kitschiness, and/or historicalness of the figures. Auction Watch #37 gives us an opportunity to focus on one unique counterfeit figure, and acknowledge the other figures.

This auction, titled 1980’s MUSCLE MEN KINNIKUMAN FIGURE LOT OF 8, features seven M.U.S.C.L.E. figures plus one very entertaining counterfeit figure based on #77. The most surprising part is that the figure is not simply a #77 with two extra arms added. It appears to be either a completely new sculpt or a very well-done Frankenstein creation. There is also the possibility that it is a combination of the two, because some of the arms look very similar to the arms of figure #27.

Regardless of the method of its creation, it is 100% obvious it is a counterfeit figure and not the next “Super Rare” figure. The pictures reveal the figure is missing any identifying markings, plus the auction clearly states that the six-armed figures is different:

This auction is for a vintage 1980’s lot of 8 Muscle Men figures. Figures range in height from 1 1/2″ to just under 2″. All are in good played with condition with normal play wear, all are marked on their backs Y/S-N-T, with the exception of the 6 armed flesh coloured figure who has no markings. Thanks for looking, please ask questions, I love to combine shipping. Janice

The last time counterfeit figures were featured (Auction Watch #14) an entire lot of seven figures only sold for $3.00 ($0.43 per figure). And when a unique Manufacturing Error Figure was featured in Auction Watch #34 it was hardly a factor in a lot of 91 figures that sold for $27.00 ($0.30 per figure). The fact that this auction is currently at nearly $2.00 per figure makes the final price very difficult to predict.

Oh, and there’s a Class A #174 Green in the lot too.

The final price of this auction will be $78.50.

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Follow-Up: The final price of the auction was $31.00, which was a staggering $47.50 less than predicted. The final price of this auction does a fine job of illustrating the volatility of prices for “rare” M.U.S.C.L.E. figures. While the Green #174 may have been a Class A figure it could be argued that it is not much more valuable than an interesting counterfeit figure.

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