As mentioned in my last post, winter is the time of year that I tend to reorganize my collection. There's just something about this time of year that makes me reassess what interests me, and what I want to see on the shelves. Of course, vintage Batman toys are my primary focus, but over the past few years, I have really focused on Marvel Comics items from the 60's and … [Read more...] about The evolution of a collection
Batman
My Top 10 favorite items in the Hake’s auction
The latest Hake's catalog arrived recently, and as usual, it is overflowing with incredible pop culture collectibles. I usually take a few hours to pore over every page, leaving a rainbow of post-it notes sticking out from the pages, tagging items that I want to research and add to my watch list. I have winnowed the rainbow down to the top ten items that I am excited to watch … [Read more...] about My Top 10 favorite items in the Hake’s auction
Custom collages almost as good as the art they frame
The current Hake's auction has tons of great stuff, but while browsing through the catalog, I kept being drawn to these amazing custom framed pieces of comic art. Sure, the art itself is incredible, but the frames take it to a whole new level. The collage work done on the frames is the work of artist Dan Makara, who uses clippings of comics along with hand-colored elements and … [Read more...] about Custom collages almost as good as the art they frame
A few super hero finds at this weekend’s DC Big Flea
The DC Big Flea held before Christmas always seems to be the busiest show of the year, and this time around was no exception. When you can't find a parking space, you know the aisles are going to be crowded with antique hunters. I saw a woman pushing a double stroller, and did a double take when I realized she was pushing around two very spoiled pups rather than children. I'm a … [Read more...] about A few super hero finds at this weekend’s DC Big Flea
I’m a Hallmark ornament collector. There, I said it.
So, now I'm a Hallmark ornament collector. Ugh. Seriously, how could I not collect these things when they keep coming out with items that I have to have for my Christmas tree year after year? Have you seen what they are offering up this year? Here's what I've got (so far). The classic Batman ornaments are strong this year. There is a black Batmobile kiddie car … [Read more...] about I’m a Hallmark ornament collector. There, I said it.
Report from the DC Big Flea – September 2017
It's been a while since I've been able to go toy hunting, so when the DC Big Flea rolled into town again this past weekend, I jumped at the chance to go. Their Fall show is always my favorite one to attend because many of the vendors bring vintage Halloween items, which I love to see, but have not yet dipped into collecting. I also enjoy the vintage plastic Santa Claus … [Read more...] about Report from the DC Big Flea – September 2017
Toy Show Report: Dave Hart Show in Timonium, MD
The Washington, DC area is severely lacking in toy and collectible shows, so when the Timonium show takes place, it's always worth considering. For whatever reason, this show is always around July 4 or Thanksgiving, which makes it hit or miss for me -- family obligations tend to get in the way -- but this past weekend was free and clear, and I made the trek up to northern … [Read more...] about Toy Show Report: Dave Hart Show in Timonium, MD
Vintage Heroes found at the Timonium Toy Show
Yesterday, I made the trek up to Timonium, MD for the bi-annual toy show put on by Dave Hart Shows. This is really the only real "toy show" in the DC-metro area, even though this is more a Baltimore show than DC, but we'll take what we can get. This show had over 80 vendors with well-stocked tables and wide aisles that made for easy browsing. The prices were great and … [Read more...] about Vintage Heroes found at the Timonium Toy Show