Hake’s March 11-12 auction included original comics, Star Wars characters and political artifacts

YORK, Pa. — Hake’s first pop culture memorabilia auction of the new decade brought in a solid $1.5 million, buoyed by sales of key comics, rare original comics, star wars action figures, political memorabilia and other valuable collectibles.

The March 11-12 sale had over 1,600 comics, including over 300 certified issues (mostly by CGC). The selection was conducted by Showcase #4 CGC 8.0, a coveted title that features the Silver Age “Flash,” one of the many superheroes DC Comics reinvented after World War II. It landed in its valuation range at $75,284.

The comics continued their impressive run with The Incredible Hulk #1, CGC 5.5, featuring the Hulk’s origin and first appearance, reaching $19,275. A CGC 6.0 example of The Fantastic Four #1, Signature Series Stan Lee, featuring Marvel’s first superhero team, ordered $17,700.

The auction included very rare original comic books by legendary cartoonist Winsor McCay (American, c.1866/71-1934). His 1903 mixed-media Sunday color page titled “Why the Parrot Learned to Talk,” featuring mischievous characters known as “The Jungle Imps,” swept its high estimate with a sale price of 49. $973. Also, McCay’s 1911 linen-mounted cartoon poster for Little Nemo hit the midpoint of its estimate range at $15,576.

An AFA 75 Ex+/NM-rated AFA 75 Ex+/NM double telescoping 12-back Darth Vader action figure fetched $47,200. Created for Kenner’s 1978 star wars Toy Line, it was factory packaged with an unpunched card and, significantly, a white cardboard backing under the figure’s feet. “It was a very early production. Only a prototype could have preceded it,” said Alex Winter, president of Hake’s Auctions.

Bringing together many franchise favorites in one pivotal scene – including Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and C-3PO – original comic page 27 art star wars #2 exceeded expectations at $24,272. Drawn by Howard Chaykin and inked by Steve Leialoha, the page is from the second part of the A new hope comic adaptation released August 1977. Also, Nick Cardy’s original cover art for super boy #197, featuring a terrific image of the Legion of Super-Heroes battling Timberwolf, sold for $14,746.

America’s original superhero, Superman, towers over a colorful, larger-than-life poster inviting guests to visit the Palisades amusement park in New Jersey, which has been listed for sale with an estimate of $5,000-$10,000 . Measuring 82 by 42 inches, the poster references a 1968 comic promotion for which three poster styles were produced – the other two depicting Batman and Wonder Woman respectively. “All the posters of this promotion are very rare. It was the first such example that Hake’s had ever offered,” said Alex Winter. The final sale price was $14,927.

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity came in the form of six original paintings created as the box art for Remco’s 1980-81 series of 9-inch universal monster action figures. The framed paintings of Frankenstein, Dracula, The Mummy, Wolfman, The Phantom of the Opera and The Creature from the Black Lagoon, which were acquired directly from sources at Remco, generated enormous interest ahead of the sale. They sold for a total of $49,119, with “Creature” topping the bunch at $13,565.

Highlights from the music memorabilia category included a pair of Gretsch drumsticks personally used by Ringo Starr, $9,767; and a rare 1978 promotional album for AC/DC’s “PowerAge” autographed by all band members, including original singer Bon Scott (1946-1980). It surpassed the high estimate, selling for $5,428.

Flying high above Hake’s parade of early political memorabilia, an 1868 Grant and Colfax campaign flag fetched $7,139 from an estimate of $2,000-5,000. The waxed cotton flag is overprinted in bold black ink along white stripes: “US Grant For President.” S. Colfax for Vice President.

An 1801 Liverpool Creamware pitcher with a portrait of Thomas Jefferson and an early version of the American Seal hammered $6,567. Hake’s catalog noted that this is probably the plate example listed in Arman’s Anglo-American ceramics.

The March 11-12 auction was filled with desirable political campaign buttons, including a rare Theodore Roosevelt “The Winner” live-photo portrait button. Previously not listed in Ted Hake’s Political buttons price guides and estimated between $1,000 and $2,000, it spurred bidding that pushed it up to $4,997.

Hake’s is currently accepting submissions for an auction in July 2020. For more information, call 866-404-9800 (toll free) or 717-434-1600. Email hakes@hakes.com. Online: https://hakes.com/

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