The first figure, M.U.S.C.L.E. men figures Meat Grinder custom, “Meat Grinder” is fantastic. It is the kind of custom figure that could have easily been a part of the original M.U.S.C.L.E. line of figures. If there is anything that could be argued as a detractor, then it would be the fist which can be seen inside the meat grinder. This choice could be argued as too violent for the original line of figures, but most adult collectors will likely enjoy that feature.
This figure is already at $24.95, which is one of the highest custom figure prices since Big Hammer Sunshine. The “Meat Grinder” auction will end at $28.50.
The second figure, M.U.S.C.L.E. men figures General Veers Custom, from the pair of creators is a “General Veers” custom M.U.S.C.L.E. figure. LittleRubberGuys.com board members will likely understand much of the history associated with this figure. For other collectors it’s an interesting marriage of two different brands, like He-Man and M.A.S.K before it.
The final price of the “General Veers” auction will be $12.50.
The third auction, Muscle men kinnikumen bootlegs, is only four figures – but it features two of the most popular Frankenstein-like Amalgam figures. There are numerous parts to love about this auction: low starting bid, free shipping, and awesome feedback.
The potential audience for Frankenstein-like Amalgam figures is even smaller than M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors. However the 6-armed Terri-Bull and Bald-Headed Monster are two of the best examples of Frankenstein-like Amalgam figures. These should be a welcome addition for nearly any M.U.S.C.L.E. collector.
The final price of the third auction will be $4.50.
The fourth auction, MUSCLEMANIA rare figures SELECT USA 1984 muscle, is a great opportunity for a collector to pick up 12 MUSCLEMANIA figures (and one Weird Ball Wrestler). This would be a great group to jump start any collection, or as a small anecdotal display for M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors.
MUSCLEMANIA seems to be a line that evokes great love or great dislike, which makes predicting auction very difficult. The final price of the fourth auction will be $15.50.
The last two auctions deserved to be pointed out because of their ridiculousness. The fifth auction, Mattel MUSCLE 144 4-pack STORE DISPLAY M.U.S.C.L.E. !!!, had been part of last week’s Epilogue. The link pointed out that the damaged and incomplete Pre-Pack was still overpriced at $50 – which had still been the lowest price after weeks of price reductions. That is why the sudden increase back up to $99 is such a mystery. Perhaps the Epilogue mention sent a flood of traffic to the auction? Maybe this mention will continue to drive the price comically back up again?
The other ridiculous auction is not quite as funny. This auction, m.u.s.c.l.e Men Poster Muscle Toys 1980s, is both deplorable and confusing. Once again this seller, retro_ross (who has gone by many names), has listed a laminated M.U.S.C.L.E. “poster” for about $20. The only problem is that it is not a M.U.S.C.L.E. poster. It is simply a piece of paper with the M.U.S.C.L.E. poster printed on it. It is the size of a standard piece of paper.
It is obvious that the seller is trying to prey on unsuspecting and/or overly excited bidders. However, it is utterly mystifying that the seller believes they will be able to keep the money. It seems nearly inconceivable that any buyer wouldn’t instantly insist on a refund when the laminated piece of paper arrives.
Follow-Up: The first auction sold for $24.95, which was $3.55 less than the predicted price of $28.50.
1st Auction
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The second auction sold for $33.88, which was $21.38 more than the predicted price of $12.50. The clear Star Wars connection certainly overshadowed the LittleRubberGuys/Veers connection which was expected to reduce the final price.
2nd Auction
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The third auction sold for $19.60, which was $15.10 more than the predicted price of $4.50. The appeal of the Ashura-Bull and ease of counterfeit figure purchase were both badly under estimated.
3rd Auction
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The fourth auction sold for $6.51, which was $8.99 less than the predicted price of $15.50. This auction paired with Auction Watch #73 MUSCLEMANIA auction may suggest some radical swings in MUSCLEMANIA prices.
4th Auction
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The fourth and fifth auctions were both predicted not to sell. Thankfully neither auction sold.
5th Auction
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6th Auction
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