Auction Watch #32


There are very few redeeming qualities about the auction titled, “HUGE LOT OF 134 MUSCLE WRESTLERS MATTEL 1980S“. Four major shortcomings are immediately evident: (1) the picture quality is poor and you are unable to see all of the figures; (2) the starting bid is very high; (3) the shipping costs seem to be high; and (4) even the auction description lacks any useable information:

THESE ARE USED.FROM THE 1980’S .MUSCLE WRESTLERS.PLEASE EMAIL WITH ANY QUESTIONS.

However, there is one aspect that could cause a M.U.S.C.L.E. collector to dream. The seller is from the state of New York. While the city of Gloversville is centrally located in the state of New York (approximately 259 miles from Buffalo, NY) collectors have to wonder if perhaps the western-New York Super Rare commonality phenomenon might stretch eastward to Gloversville. The western New York Super Rare phenomenon is based on several Super Rare figures being purchased from the Buffalo/western New York area. Philosophy 200 takes a much closer look at Super Rare theories, which alleviates the need for further discussion here.

Map View 1

Map View 1

Map View 2

Map View 2

The odds would suggest that this auction is for nothing more than 134 Flesh M.U.S.C.L.E. figures. Hopefully there is at least a bit of wonderment left in every M.U.S.C.L.E. collector. At least for just a moment M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors can dream that this auction contains their dream Super Rare figure.

While a romantic view can be applied to this auction, the reality is much harder. Most collectors are not willing to spend, at least, $40 to purchase 134 unknown Flesh figures of unknown quality. Even at only $0.30 per figure this auction will not sell.

Of course, if this auction does contain a Super Rare figure, then this Auction Watch will be regarded as the pillar of inaccuracy.

Auction Screen Shot

Auction Screen Shot

Auction Picture

Auction Picture


Follow-Up: The final price of the auction was $52.00, which was only $12.01 more than predicted – at $0.36 per figure it was still a decent bargain.

Final Auction Screen

Final Auction Screen



While this auction may have been romanticized, collector Bill R. (vette88 from LRG.com) looked at the auction from the most simple and logical perspective. He simply asked the seller for actual pictures of all the M.U.S.C.L.E. figures included in the auction. Bill was kind enough to share those pictures – which also solidifies the fact that this Auction Watch may not have had the perfect predicted price, but it also won’t be remembered as “the pillar of inaccuracy.”

Figure Picture 1

Figure Picture 1

Figure Picture 2

Figure Picture 2

Figure Picture 3

Figure Picture 3

Figure Picture 4

Figure Picture 4

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  1. #1 by Jphat79 on March 1, 2010 - 8:56 pm

    ah home… i miss it but it’s cold upstate.

    are there any theories as to why SRs are spotted around there? any mattel distribution sites or anything?

  2. #2 by Chad Perry on March 2, 2010 - 8:13 am

    Philosophy 200 will take a much closer look at the almost 20 main Super Rare theories, including the “Upstate New York” one.

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