From: cmgeorg@eos.ncsu.edu (CHRIS MICH GEORGOULIAS)
Subject: Re:Collectables and Info (was: Stuff) 
Originator: cmgeorg@c00554-1403br.eos.ncsu.edu
Reply-To: cmgeorg@eos.ncsu.edu (CHRIS MICH GEORGOULIAS)
Organization: North Carolina State University, Project Eos
Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1992 18:22:50 GMT


>	I just found some stuff from Star Wars: a movie picture book, a 
>poster, stuff like that...   Any ideas where I could go to find out if any of 
>it would be of any value to a collector???
>	(In case anyone is somewhat local, I live in Buffalo, NY)
>Thanx!!!
>
>
>Eric


It seems like the time to try and shed some light on the merchandise questions.
First rule: Just because it says Star Wars does NOT make it anything of value.
Second Rule: It's only worth what someone will pay for it.  You can't always
go by price guides.

During the years of my collecting I have noticed that the only items of value,
thus the only items heavily sought after, are the (Kenner) toys and the original
movie (theatre) posters.

Since I concentrate on the toys I'll give more detail here.  First and fore-
most, Condition matters.  Just because you have a toy doesn't give you a slot
in the race.  This toy must be complete, in good condition (no cracks, or 
tears) and usually in the original box with instructions.  Now there are toys
that rank between every possible condition so good judgement has to be used.

Most people I have seen and talked with don't consider picking up loose items.
You see, there are far more of the sets than the boxes they came in, so 
theoretically the box is worth more than the toy, but since people can't 
comprehend an expensive box they usually associate the toy itself with equal
value.

When people mention high values this means the set is complete, it has been 
subjected to little or no use and it is still in a good condition original box 
(complete with instructions)

High value figures mean STILL ON THE CARD!! with no folds, wrinkles, or tears.
Again there will be fluxuations in condition so you have to be careful.

For example: if you have an original Luke Skywalker on the first issue (12 back)
card, you can probably expect it to fetch $100 (give or take $20).   But
this figure rapidly loses value if it's on a ROTJ card ($20).  Even in the same 
or better condition.  Likewise a loose one maxes out at $5 these days.

You see? The "box" is in tact and has survived its intended use.  That's what 
makes it so valuable.  The figure and it's relevance to the movies has very
little bearing on the value.

Books, magazines and other assorted paper goods and such are picked up now and
then  "just to have".  They really aren't worth more than they originally cost.
sometimes even less.

Isn't it funny how the cards seem expensive even for a dime each?  Because when
a baseball card just seems to skyrocket, the SW cards seem to just collect dust.
I, like most people, collect the cards just to have them.  They will hardly go
up in value at all. Except maybe the C-3PO "penis card"  (#207- Green).

Again this is of value only because of the hilarity of the whole thing.  And its
limited availability.  (They fixed the handiwork immediately)


Also be aware that the value of an item can also vary depending on the location
of the market. (Different state).  

I'm not trying to sound like the authority, and I'm not trying to burst bubbles 
out there, I just like to see people get some useful information and understand
it.


Chris Georgoulias
cmgeorg@eos.ncsu.edu