Does anyone collect MIB/MOC vintage Mego anymore?

[toys2cool]

This is possibly the seed of a different topic, why there seem to be so few NEW vintage collectors. (New collector, not new toys)

I don't think they are quite as expensive as they used to be. I agree with megoscott.

What sparked me to start this thread was the recycling of anarocker's nice packaged vintage WGSH in Marketplace. I can't believe such nice, fairly priced (lower than in past years!) figures can't sell here.

yea there are still good deals to be had here, but man some ebay prices are crazy! even on loose stuff

I don't know maybe the rest of the old collectors either have everything they want and can afford or they just can't find what they need

[osker55]

I agree 80stoyman people want it dirty cheap instead of paying the extra 5 bucks or so still lookin for stuff

[dumbldor]

So vintage collectors fall into two categories now?

1. Have just about everything they want or can afford
2. Are scavengers looking for "dirt cheap" deals, possibly to flip

Are we so cynical? Is this true?

Regarding inflated evilbay prices, I think the "Buy It Now" and "Best Offer" options are the reason.

[Werewolf]

I don't think the vintage collector has gone away, but there certainly isn't the level of activity on the boards for them for a variety of reasons as some big vintage guys have sold off collections or moved on in some ways.

I also think that discussions based on a handful of people selling and trading the same high end MIB examples back and forth can only go on so long. Conversations had to evolve to include other aspects of Mego collecting and Mego toys. Like loose figures, customizing and retro. I don't think the museum would now be so active and vital if the main focus had stayed on high end MIB collecting.

[toys2cool]

So vintage collectors fall into two categories now?

1. Have just about everything they want or can afford
2. Are scavengers looking for "dirt cheap" deals, possibly to flip

Are we so cynical? Is this true?

Regarding inflated evilbay prices, I think the "Buy It Now" and "Best Offer" options are the reason.

well I can't speak for everyone, I'm just throwing out a couple guesses of what it could be

[vintage spideyfan]

I'll agree with most everything that has been said. I only collect vintage toys, but am only focusing on one particular area right now. This is mainly due to financial restrictions. I try to share new acquisitions in my Toy Room Thread as they occur, but unfortunately, it's not that often. It does seem a little more difficult to spark a good vintage discussion. I know the vintage guys are still out there, but it's just not currently at the forefront of the hobby.

[RickD]

I have some particular wants right now that I am patiently waiting for so I am holding off right now and making room on the shelf for them when they come up

[mikeMc6]

Where all the vintage MIB/MOC collectors you ask? The economy has effected much of how people spend the last four years and frankly inflation. I spend way more on basic family groceries, health care and gas than i did a few years back for the same product. I think the average person's disposable income is a fraction of what it was and therefore that moc mego purchase ain't gonna happen. But tinkering with that custom and showing it off to your buddy is fun and relatively cheap, keeps you home in the studio (no gas) and maybe fits better in the new economy, along with collecting the cheaper retro stuff.

Ok, so I am a relatively new Vintage only mego collector, mainly wgsh. And what do I collect? Loose figures if financially possible and thrashed or rough packaging, because its what I can afford. I hope my collecting habits are not the wave of the future for mego, I dunno. Too many blue collar collectors will kill the mint resale market (Ha!). I do know if I roll into some money or find a shed full of MIB fist edition barbie's I'm trading them in for MIB/MOC Mego! I would often visit my friend who had a diamond circle suit spider man and now he sold it a while back. Some day...

[Megospidey]

I am a vintage toy collector (spiderman in particular), and I am extremely picky about what I purchase. I'm always on the hunt (here, ebay, toys shows, flea markets, antique stores), but I am extremely disciplined with my spending.

I do some flipping, but not much. Most of the items I purchase are for my collection, and I look for the highest grade possible. I have a lot of patience when it comes to purchasing the "right" piece for my collection.

I do purchase some newer stuff, but I'm 95% into older stuff.

[theressa]

I have and still do collect vintage Megos!
I still have my SS gals. They're pretty close to being my pride and joy(s).
I still have my carded Isis with 2 rights hands.
I have my '79 US card red torso Spidey.
I have my mailer box Soldier ape and boxed Canadian horse, catapult and wagon.
I have a few other loose Megos, not all the WGSH like I did have.
I've just about completed my Knights. Upgrading them with nice parts is the thrill of the hunt! Took probably a year just to find a nice belt and sword, but patience paid off.
My only customs are my Teens and Guinvere. Knights weren't complete without her
I do pick up parts here and there, just not as much.
I do have tidbits from other lines, but not much anymore.
My retros are presidential monsters and I DO like them. They're a fun line of figures for me.
Making custom outfits helps others fill voids in their collections.

[boss]

Personally, I think the cost of the figures hasn't declined in step with the decline in demand. I've been actively trying to piece together a MOC collection of WGSH over the last few years and have picked up some great deals (some from Dan... thanks). I hope to pick up some more at megomeet. The problem is the supply is up, the demand is down... but the prices are still high.

In my mind, this is somewhat similar to the debate that rages when old time Flatt collectors try to sell their figures at "historically achievable" prices. The window of opportunity has passed to turn those items at those prices. This isn't quite as extreme, but a thread of commonality exists.

Yes, I've been trying to pick up some deals. I guess I've been around long enough to know that patience is a virtue AND that I can live without another carded Mego in my collection.

[dumbldor]

I started a thread over in Mego Marketplace, a VINTAGE WANTED THREAD. Moderators, can we make it a sticky post and see if it gains any steam? Can everyone edit it? The idea is to keep an up-to-date want list for vintage for every member that collects vintage, all in one thread. It might reinvigorate buy/sell/trading of vintage. I know I will scroll through it periodically to see if I can help someone out.

[Werewolf]

Personally, I think the cost of the figures hasn't declined in step with the decline in demand.

Good point. There is the growing generation gap. As Mego generation kids move on and or age out of the hobby there isn't a whole lot younger collectors (80s, 90s, etc. kids) interested in filling in the ranks. If they wan't a high end Batman, Iron Man or Superman figure they're going to go for Hot Toys and Sideshow and not some cute little doll wearing oven mitts. Sadly, the truth is many younger collectors think Megos look stupid and have no interest in them at any price.

[RickD]

Another thing is that the newer generation doesn't take the time to educate themselves on anything anymore. Their education is eBay.

personally I buy reference books, catelogs, etc to know what is out there and help me become more knowledgeable as a collector, buyer, and reseller.

Reference books are a thing of the past for a lot of folks anymore.

[osker55]

I think I might one of the only younger late 80s generation that's in to the old mego ahi lincoln mattel etc. toys but I apreciate the old stuff I may not now were to buy old 70s cat, but I find out what's out there one way or another but to me it the old stuff just shows how much more work people put in to the toys and more perfect in how they look what kinda fabrics etc. but I admire there hard work and diedacation. this just me tho