What resources might one use to determine the value of a "collectable" figure?

There are a few retired Axtell models out there going for what seems to be pretty big bucks, especially compared to what they cost originally.

Thanks
Jim

Hi Jim, where did you find retired axtell models?

On "that" auction site.

Visit ebay Jim, and follow the closing prices on vent figures. This should give you some indication. Also, send details of your particualr figure to known figure makers in the business (ie. http://www.jerrylayne.com and Maher Studios is another) they should be able to give you some indication.

Hope this is of some help.

Jonathan

I've been watching some there. In fact, I was bidding on one that was on it's way out of my budget. That's where the question came from.

Thanks
Jim

If you get a permanent partner out of the deal. . .PRICELESS
What was Jerry Mahoney worth to Paul Winchell???
I was told if you see a figure and you KNOW that figure's personality instantly buy it at any price. I find those figures 3 times easier than hammering out a believable character.

I agree with you, TheGiz. If you strongly feel a particular figure can be your permanent partner, buy it all cost (of course, if you have the resources!). The moment I saw my figure Nonoy (the one with me in my avatar) in one site and he was for sale, I did not hesitate and bought him almost instantly. (He's over my budget!) He's a Mack-Marshall figure (circa 1918) and truly a treasure. But since then my act had a turning point because I felt I got a partner that I can perform with for the rest of my life.

As in anything in life, you really have to invest on some things if you want to succeed.

If I had a figure really appeal to me personally like that, you bet I'd go all out to get him. In fact, I just blew my budget big-time on a second puppet that I think will fit me, my show and my style very well.

I was asking from more of a collector standpoint. I'd really like to have the retired Axtell Gorilla listed on EBAY right now, but it's out of my reach. Now if it had been Peanuts the Elephant (my soon to be newest buddy) I'd still be bidding.

Best,
Jim

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I think that (perhaps)that the Giz really meant to pose the following question... "What was Paul Winchell worth to Jerry Mahoney... " "Pricelss"! LOL

Jonathan

I think it's safer to trade hard figures than latex figures. Hard figures last longer as compared to latex which spoil after awhile. It might be best to buy Latex puppets direct from Steve Axtell unless the person you are dealing with can guarantee that the Puppet is in New/Like new condition.


If you buy Axtell puppets from someone else aside from Axtell Expressions, it might be wise to ask for the condition of the latex first

For hard figures, I think the value will depend on the maker (e.g. Hartz, Marshall, Selberg, Poyner etc) and the year the figure was built...older figures might be more expensive. Another criteria might be the one who actually used the puppet. In the case of Charlie McCarthy, the figure is priceless I think becuase of the fact that both the manufacturer and the one who used the figure are both legendary icons in the world of Ventriloquism.

If Mr Bergen used a Juro/Eegie doll as his figure instead of a Marshall, that figure will still be worth a fortune


Wanlu

Im selling an old Maher figure made by Mr Clinton Detweiler in the 1970's. I think it's a retrofitted Juro doll now with moving eyes, raising eyebrows, ball and socket head movement, headstick and a bigger body. It has his complete original clothes and and hard case.

This figure was the first figure bought and used by another fellow vent and the Philippines' Premier Magician Mr Lou Hilario.

As for just the puppet, the value might be somewhere between $250 to $350. But since the maker is a great figure maker and the one who originally used the figure is another great artist, the value is now at least $500... not to foget the fact that it's a 1970's figure. Imagine how much a 1900's Mack figure used by Edgar Bergen would cost

If you plan to buy a figure to use in your act... a new figure might be more suitable...

...but if you plan to buy a figure to add in your collection, then these figures may be more expensive despite their current condition. Some old figures sell as much as a grand despite some defects e.g. broken mouth, cracks etc. Of course old figures in great condition will soar to as much as $4500...look at Dan Willinger's collection

http://www.ventriloquistcentral.com/dummy_collection.htm