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

Satan Cross has been a popular topic within the University of M.U.S.C.L.E.. It has been featured in write-ups regarding its price and been highlighted in, at least, a half-dozen Auction Watch entries. Auction Watch #33 showcases two more auctions for this celebrated and commonplace figure.

A quick reminder before taking a look at the two auctions below. Some collectors have noticed an increase in Marty Hansen’s (TheGodBeast) figures appearing on eBay and the seller not being Marty Hansen. As mentioned in Auction Watch #26 Marty Hansen could still use the direct business from M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors. If you are considering buying a Marty Hansen figure, please contact him directly. To contact Marty Hansen please email him at thegodbeast@mchsi.com, or visit his website: www.godbeast.com.

The first auction, Lot of 20 VINTAGE M.U.S.C.L.E Muscle men Flesh, features 19 Flesh figures and a Satan Cross. Both the opening bid for this auction and the shipping charges seem reasonable for this auction. The most troubling aspect of this auction is that the condition of the Satan Cross is questionable. It’s unclear if the figure is stained, dirty, and/or poorly lit. The auction states:

Lot of 20 flesh VINTAGE M.U.S.C.L.E Men in very good condition, Original owner, I’ve had about 20 years old.. Sold as is.. Thank you for looking and check out the other MUSCLE men lots, I will combine with other MUSCLE men lots!

chas280’s claim that the figures are in “very good” condition does not seem to align with the condition of the figures in the picture, specifically the Satan Cross. Additionally he states that the figures are sold “as is” which may concern some buyers as chas280 has had some disagreements with buyers regarding the condition of items he has sold.

The wildcard aspect of this auction is the bootleg figure. A bootleg collector may highly covet that figure and see the auction as a great opportunity to purchase both a bootleg figure and Satan Cross.

Because of the condition of the Satan Cross figure, mixed with the potential bootleg excitement, the final price of this auction will be $36.20.

The second auction, M.U.S.C.L.E. Muscle Men figures 16 (Lot 5), features 15 Flesh figures and a Satan Cross. Like the first auction, both the opening bid for this auction and the shipping charges seem reasonable for this auction. However, in stark contrast to the first auction, this auction’s Satan Cross appears to be in much better condition. The auction description offers very little additional information, “You are bidding on 16 original muscle men figures from the 1980’s.”

With the auction description unable to support the assumption that the figure is in great condition, some question may be raised regarding the accuracy of the picture. Many M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors have experienced sellers that simply took a picture with the flash which accidentally masked some of the imperfections of the figures. This is most likely a legitimate accident, but still frustrating for M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors. xrecordgreenville’s feedback may or may not influence some bidders.

This auction’s final price will likely be $32.00.

Follow-Up: The final price of the first auction was $27.66, which was only $8.54 less than predicted. It appears that there was very little interest in the bootleg figure and that the condition of the figure played a large part in the final price.

The final price of the second auction was $51.00, which was $19 more than predicted. Satan Cross’ price continues to as unpredictable as the appearance of a Purple #153.