This lot of figures, from seller deutscheben, does not offer anything special. One the plus side the opening bid and shipping is incredibly reasonable. And the auction description certainly doesn’t attempt to oversell the condition of the figures. This auction may be most attractive to customizers. However it seems that purchasing softer Kinkeshi figures might be easier to cut apart.
Several years ago it would have been laughable to suggest the final price of this auction could top $5. Today it seems rather probable. The final price of this auction will be $7.75.
The second auction, Kinnikuman Deka Kinkeshi M.u.s.c.l.e Sunshine , is not actually a M.U.S.C.L.E. figure. It is a Japanese Kinnikuman figure, specifically the larger Deka-type of figure. This auction may not appeal to all M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors, but these types of auctions often offer a degree of insight into the popularity of a specific character. Collectors that like the “Sunshine” figures may become interested in a figure a bit outside of their normal collection.
This auction also stands to attract a large number of bidders through a low starting price, incredibly fair shipping, a clear and concise description, and a solid auction picture. The feedback of the seller, 89cp, only further impresses. The seller is also known to collectors as 89cp at LittleRubberGuys.com. Having a known, trustworthy seller will only help to propel the price of this auction higher as bidders can be beyond confident in the item they will receive.
Because this figure is both popular and outside the normal items featured a final price will not be predicted. However, it seems safe to assume that the figure will likely climb to the mid-twenties and probably higher.
The third auction, Group of 6 Figures – Muscle Men Or Musclemania (1984), is a fine lot of MUSCLEMANIA figures. Probably the two most attractive aspects of the auction are the seemingly good condition of the figures plus the simplicity for collectors to get a lot of MUSCLEMANIA figures.
The auction also has a fair starting bid, acceptable shipping costs, and a seemingly honest description of the figures. The only aspect of the auction that may cause apprehension or concern is the corroboration of the auction title and description.
The auction title clearly and accurately states that the figures are MUSCLEMANIA figures. However, the auction description takes a much more passive, apologetic approach – perhaps hoping to remove collector expectations after accurately identifying the figures.
MUSCLEMANIA figures are simply too uncommon and unpopular to be accidentally identified. This seller, treasure924, certainly knows what they have. Regardless of the seller’s intentions or the impression it may create, this lot will sell. The final price of this lot will be $12.50.
The fourth and final auction, M.U.S.C.L.E FIGURES 60 DIFFERENT + PURPLE RED BLUE RARE, is a terribly frustrating auction. Overall the auction features almost 50 M.U.S.C.L.E. figures of varying condition. Many of them appear to be in mediocre condition. The seller even states:
SOME HAVE A LITTLE DIRT THAT WILL
COME CLEAN I HAVE NOT CLEANED THEM YET. SO WHAT YOU SEE WILL COME OFF.
Most M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors quickly decode that description to actually mean, “Figures are stained and dirty.” However, the accuracy of the seller’s auction description is not a focal point in this auction. Instead the focal point is the ridiculous opening bid price of the auction – $49.99, fueled further by the absurdity of a far too expensive shipping cost.
The sad part of this auction is not that this uninteresting lot of mediocre figures from thebestone8 will not be sold. The sad part is that four utterly fantastic counterfeit figures will not find a new, fully-appreciating owner.
The four counterfeit figures are simply fantastic examples of counterfeit figures. However, these types of figures never justify high prices – and rightfully so. The appeal and beauty of these figures is actually in their poor quality, odd creative choices, and sometimes even odder materials.
This auction is unlikely to attract the attention of most M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors given the condition of the figures. It will be interesting to watch if any counterfeit M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors feel that there is an opportunity to purchase the lot and reduce the overall cost by reselling the unneeded figures.
This auction will need the perfect storm of a collector needing those four figures and being willing to resell the extra figures. If those conditions are met, then the auction will sell for it’s opening bid price.
If not, then the lot of figures will not sell.
Follow-Up: The first auction sold for $6.06, which was $1.69 less than the predicted price was $7.75.
1st Auction
Final Screen Shot
The second auction sold for $18.50. A specific final value was not predicted. But the general prediction of the “mid-twenties” turned out to be fairly accurate.
2nd Auction
Final Screen Shot
The third auction sold for $4.81, which was a$7.69 less than the predicted priced of $12.50. Certainly a surprising final price, but perhaps all the MUSCLEMANIA collectors already have these figures?
3rd Auction
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The fourth auction was predicted not to sell. It did not, and has been relisted several times – and continued not to sell.
4th Auction
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