How Would You Begin a WGSH Loose Collection?

[TrekStar]

Concentrate on one at a time, or basically decide which mego collection you want to start with that most interest you, for example...WGSH, Teen Titans,
Star Trek-POTA-WOZ or television like Starsky and Hutch, Waltons, there's also LJN Swat, Emergency, Rookies, AHI Monsters.

For me it was Star Trek (my favorite) one day I came across a shoe box buried under a lot of junk in my celler, I opened it and there was Kirk-Spock-McCoy and Klingon, they even still had there weapons and belt, I decided to collect the rest of the set, some were easier than others, but after years of being patient, and saving money, I finally got the rest, then decided to put together custom Trek figures that mego never made.

Also remember it's a hobby, so it does have to take a back seat to other things (unfortunatley) plus there's no mego law that says you have to collect everyone
ever made, just what interest you, and take it from there. You can also research what interest you and get an idea on a price and save up.

[PNGwynne]

One at a time is good advice. It took me about 6 years to build my collection, and I still have a few gaps to fill. (Parker, anyone?) I recall poring over Ben's book like a Christmas catalogue, deciding which WGSH I'd go after next. I went line by line for the most part: WGSH, Trek, Mad Monsters, POTA, knights, pirates, American West, Flash Gordon, OMBC, Oz, Waltons.

Sometimes I was too impulsive/impatient and overpaid, but I improved. My mistakes taught me something and provided some custom fodder.

[Mr.Marion]

I'd say if you're starting out just look for good deals on the lines you like. I love wgsh but I'm not a Superman guy so I pass on him, mxy, and Supergirl. Conan and Shazam don't do anything for me either so that narrows the list.

[huedell]

Upon reflection, I was compelled to edit my post. It originally began with "Great takes on collecting loose figures in this thread." a sentiment which didn't come off too genuine to my fresh eyes, as that sentiment was directly followed by THIS sentence: "Always shocked at how unappealing repro parts are to so many collectors."

No sarcasm intended with my lead-in sentence!

Moving on to my original (barely) unedited post:

I will try to remember you as I begin the process of selling off my original WGSHs----not sure when I'll have the energy/focus. I started collecting before repros became rampant, otherwise I wouldn't have so much original stuff around my home (on display, or in storage).

FTC's Superman suit is the kind of thing where I'll "draw the line" so to speak....I guess the disparity in suit material texture is so prominent and the original character toy is so cherished, I gotta display an original Mego suit on my WGSH Supes.

That auction you linked? Totally my style.

Yes, yes. I totally get what people are saying about the fun of "slow steady, prudent collecting", but being able to save on the individual shipping costs of what can amount to tens of purchases (significantly, you're going for all original parts) spread out during the extensive time it takes do the "hunting"? If you can afford buying a complete (or almost complete) set in one go----then, hey....I say: Give yourself a break

Good wishes towards your collecting success!

[Hedji]

It's funny you say that because when the money's in my paypal account, I find I lack the patience to wait. It took me about 2-3 weeks to pick up the 8 remaining vintage 12 inch Star Wars dolls I needed.

I find the hard part for me is identifying original through only pictures. I haven't handled 80% of these figures in real life, so textures and materials, and what ought to be right is foreign to me. Thank goodness I have the Holcomb book. I bought it at the time it was published saying to myself that "well, I'll never own the actual figures, but at least the pictures in the book are so wonderful, it'll be like owning them."



This has been wonderful to read everyone's advice. I'm actually blown away by how much great help has been shared here. By all means, keep it coming.

[daz71]

i got most of mine from ebay,i don't really know if i got decent deals but i got the following the cost is in pounds
superman £12 repro sticker
aquaman£23 repro sticker
torch £18
the thing £17
the falcon £13
the joker £16
the hulk £16
the penguin £12
supergirl £20
mr.fantastic £7 repro boots
iron man £30 repro belt
green goblin £30 repro satchel

[Hedji]

Sounds like you did pretty well!

[jwyblejr]

If you want,you can try your hand next week at the Madison-Bouckville Antique Show. It starts on August 10th and runs for a week.

http://www.madison-bouckville.com/index.html

[daz71]

Sounds like you did pretty well!

i hope so .i got those in the last 18 months i have never seen one wgsh for sale in the u.k. at flea markets,car boot sales or antique places so i had to use ebay

[PNGwynne]

...I find the hard part for me is identifying original through only pictures. I haven't handled 80% of these figures in real life, so textures and materials, and what ought to be right is foreign to me. Thank goodness I have the Holcomb book.

Very true--ebay can be a minefield and you have to self-educate.