Gary over on Treefrog forum posted the following information he got from John Stengel on the new figures. Gary noted you should wait a few weeks.
WW2 German Fallschirmjager Set #1 (4 pose set) $12
Fallen Norman Knight & Mount $10
Viking against Mounted Norman Lord $15
Norman Cavalry $32
Viet Cong Set #1 (8 poses) $24
U.S. Army “Green Beret” (4 poses) $12
Gary also got permission to post his contact info
The Marx-Man/ John Stengal
72-50 66th St., Glendale, NY, 11385
themarxman @nyc.rr.com
718-418-9439
All these sets are needed in the plastic collecting world. Wise choices by John Stengel Jr. Very excited to see the pics when they are posted. I wonder if his sculpting and casting is the same method Engineer Bassevitch and PVBLIVS is doing in Russia?
STRONGLY AGREED!!!
HELL, I may start doing it myself!!?
I’ve seen the prototypes/samples at OTSN, very nicely done! Especially the fallen Norman with spear lance defending himself behind his fallen steed! The Marx Men have also branched out into clearly labeled reproductions of the Marx ” Annie Oakley” figure and Marx’s 60mm pack mule and pack.
Mike
Thank you for the update, everyone is waiting to see pictures. Question were the figures a soft plastic or hard plastic?
As to the figures being soft or hard plastic. Not as soft as Contes but not solid hard plastic either. My first impression before I spoke with John was that they were resin but they are not. He explained the technical part but I got lost. I think everyone will be pleased.
Gary
Are those figures the ones for sale, or they are just prototype!?.German para poses are nice..Viet com three poses look pretty much the same. Weapons are not that accurate. The Norman and Saxon are much better detailed so far compare to modern figures..As far I can see on pictures.
I stopped by Marxman’s room both Friday and Saturday, and got a close look at the prototypes both times. John Stangle Jr. is quite excited about this new production venture, and is quite happy to talk about it to everyone who stopped by. He explained to me that the figures are plastic, but are a “cold pour” plastic, rather than injection-molded. I handled several of them, and to me they all felt just like TSSD’s current offerings, as well as Conte’s Omaha Beach U.S. Army figures.
John Jr. also stated that he’s going to wholesale to three other dealers (one of whom is TSSD, and possibly, if I understood him correctly, I think Tree Frog was another; I can’t remember the third). But he is also going to distribute retail himself by mail order and at shows.
I myself thought the sculpting of the figures was outstanding. John said the Viet Cong (which I thought were especially well done) were going to be cast in both black and tan.
His Normans were very good also, and were in a color that matches perfectly the Conte Normans in the Warlord playset, and included mounted poses.
John said his average price per figure was going to be $3.00, although there might be a few special or character type figures that would have higher prices.
John was giving people his new business card with his phone number and address, and said several of the new sets would be available the last week of October for direct ordering. For those who are interested, his number is (718)418-9439.
NAM, I predict is going to be a huge hit,
once the other makers start jumping aboard the period.
On the Marx-Man card, the email address is as follows (with capitalized letters exactly as they appear):
TheMarxMan@nyc.rr.com
Don
I have been having a problem with Marx Man’s email. Has anyone else been able to get through?
Don how was the rest of the show for you?
Here are the photos of the new GERMAN PARATROOPERS!
http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/Christian_Aldo/library/MARXMAN%20German%20Paratroops
And here are the photos of the new VIET CONG!
http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/Christian_Aldo/library/VIET%20CONG
OH BOY!!!!!! MINE!!!!!!!
Admin note you may get ad pop ups when viewing the above photos.
There were a couple of other developments at the show that some might be interested in:
1) Austin Miniatures (specifically, the gentleman at the table on Sunday morning who seemed to me to be the owner/President from how he expressed himself) said his new U.S. Marine figures would be available in tan color in less than two weeks.
2) Bill Murphy made the comment to me (this was on mid-Saturday afternoon) that he was finding room trading to be slow. He said other dealers he spoke to felt the same way. He said although there were just as many dealers there as ever, that there seemed to be fewer customers buying, and less money changing hands.
3) There were still a lot of people there; it was still a very big event, and on Sunday morning the line of people waiting to get in at 10:00 still seemed very long, like it always is. Inside, every table was occupied, and tables of toy soldiers still filled every available space in the main room and all the adjacent areas. It still seemed to me to be a great show, with so many people and hobby friends to see again, with dealers from France, Germany, and England.
4) I sold so much of my own stuff I had brought (primarily Conte and formtech stuff) that on Sunday morning I chose to turn my half of the table over to my roommate, Bill Skinner, so I could get an early start back to Michigan, rather than remain set up all the way to 3:00 pm before I got started on my 5 – 6 hour trip home to Michigan. As far as my own acquisitions, I got a really neat Dinky Toys British Centurian tank I had as a child, a nice W. Britains large Naval siege gun, several Marx creme-colored character figures (Tonto — from Marxman, 60mm Paul Revere rider — from Rick Keller, a 54mm Roy Rogers rider with pistol, and a new set of Blue & Gray character figures — Lee, Grant, Lincoln, Davis — which I already had, but couldn’t resist because they were in such mint, shiny, clean condition), and a large set of Civil War comic book flats. Also acquired some more of the big 70mm Cherilea swoppet mounted knights, and couldn’t resist a few more Marx galloping horses and 54mm molded saddle horses in nice creme and tan colors. I even found a couple of good buys on painted metal sets from Britains and Tradition.
5) Finally, there was a historical milestone. Marx-Man (John Stangle, Sr.), on Sunday had a big, huge, wide plastic bin labeled “Original Marx”, filled with excellent condition Heritage Alamo Mexicans, Fort Apache 54mm Indians and frontiersmen, and WWII American GIs from the Battleground sets. They figures were all clean, shiny, undamaged, like-new in condition & appearance. Price was marked as $1.00 each or 12 for $10.00. I thought, I haven’t seen this in ages — good Marx figures have dropped below $1.00 per figure in price (at least when you buy 12 figures) from a major dealer at OTSN. I regarded it as a sign of the times.
Don
Thanks for the update, on the East Coast we have Gerry Watts who sells figures at $1.00 each. That section of his table is gone over by collectors. looking for treasures. I have corrected an error you to say $10.00
not $20.00.
One question?
How old is the average toy soldier collector, or someone that would attend the show?
Christian
The average age of collectors at U.S. shows is 50 to 70 years of age Over in Europe it is a little younger. This past weekend Laurie and I visited Retro Con. this convention for action figures and character items. The average age was 30 and younger. Also at the Retro Con there was a number of families with children, which we do not get at our shows.
I had been AT HOBBY/GAMER SHOWS/combention.Most does not have a clue about our shows and websites. (Few “toy soldiers companies” that goes do not mention about the rest of us either by lack of enthusiast or jealousy) .Most generation from 20-45 do not know we exist. They could be a good potential in keeping the shows/business open on future. Toy soldier’s shows and association need to promote it to those groups as the old generation are passing away. Other way the world of toy soldier show will diminish and be gone in few years. I had been contacted by gamers and others with an increasing interested on the 1.35-1.30 scale. They seen many figures/new soldiers on eBay and can afford to buy because are new/mid generation with more budget/working capabilities. Many figures and period are not done in the 25-45 mm scale (gamers’ most used).WW2 period and WW1 period are one of the most wanted by then.
Somehow we need to promote ourselves to then, either by internet, direct contact or else. Toy soldier collectors is not only for old /antique vintage items, need to focus on new product as we seen.
If you stand in one toy soldier show and see how many people younger than 40 are coming you will see they barely make for 5-7%.I think this is the cause of the dying interest. If a father or mother goes with his/her children; how could they say NO to then when they see something they never see at regular stores. (the same way old generation lived in past when seen the Marx /others toys) .We cannot expect that the same old generation will buy new product forever as many unfortunately are less every year and few can afford the new released as sadly for them and us the budget/retirement is not enough. It will reduce production of new item and demand. It will kill the hobby. We are not along but cannot play along forever!.WE need to united and stand for our future before is too late.
Erwin
Very good comments, I have seen other hobbies go to the wayside. One was radio premiums due the age of the collectors. The key is getting the children into the hobby. You comments have much too think about.
I agree the trafiic from room trading was way down from other years. I had a good Thursday, a bad Friday , a decent Saturday and Sunday I did really well. While the room trading crowds were smaller, there wasn’t a lot of the same guy coming in your room 5 or 6 times to look at your loose figures and finally on the 6th trip offering you half of your asking price. Those that bought usually bought enough to make me happy. I rarely have had a good show day and this year was a the best show day I ever had. I did have one guy try to come in and sell me a set I never saw before, it was a Marx Miniature Covered Wagon Attack ( or something like that), I had never seen one anywhere even on e-bay. I would think it was rare and the mounted Indians would probably excite some people, but the box was crap and I couldn’t offer him near enough what he wanted to part with it, he never would say how much he wanted , but $200.00 wasn’t enough. I had no idea what a set like that was worth or even if anyone wants one.
I agree with Erwin.
Our hobby is dying off, at 45 I’m considered young in this hobby.
The makers need to reach the millions of kids from 15 – 35,
that obsessively with and play WWII video and roll playing games.
They also watch history channel documentaries and know everything.
These young kids see my collection and can name all the tanks on my shelves,
but they never even knew that this hobby even existed except for the bags of army men from the dollar store.
I don’t think the hobby is dying, not by the amount of money they lay out at shows. I do think the hobby is shifting somewhat, I see a dramatic shift in what they are buying. Our room for example we had some vintage Marx and some of the newer sets, Conte, Barzso, Replicants etc. The vintage Marx sets barely got a glance, while most of the newer items were snapped up. In the past while sitting in the smoking area outisde it was common to see buyers strolling out carrying Marx sets, I didn’t see a one this year. Is it price, is it because they already have what they want in their collections? I can’t say. There was still a goodly amount of vintage figures being bought at the show on Sunday, but again no play sets. I think if you look at the amount of new sets being made and their sales it will tell you we are seeing a shift in wants. So, I wouldn’t plan on a memorial service for the hobby jusy yet.
Ed, I’ve made the comment before (perhaps elsewhere) that as far as the old Marx sets and figures go I achieved my dreams several years ago thanks to ebay. There were a number of figures, accessories, and/or sets I either had and lost or wanted and never got when I was a kid. I had an entire box of accessories (including two complete different Fort Apache stockades stolen from my apartment by a worker when I was in college) sadly, I didn’t discover it until I moved after graduation and it was too late. I’d had the stuff stored in a closet and was so busy with school …
Anyway, I thought the hobby had completely died sometime in the 80s when Marx finally went belly up, Airfix went bankrupt (didn’t realize that was SOP for them); ESCI offered hope and then they, too went under. Then sometime in the late 80s I discovered Accurate figures and started doing mail orders through folks like Stad’s. When I joined the internet age I discovered ebay and was wild for awhile replacing the stuff stolen (not quite the same sentimentally, some of the stuff stolen went back to my early childhood) and then collecting wants. But I reached a saturation point. I have at least two (sometimes) three complete sets of 54mm pioneers in every color I know of. How many more do I need? (Even though I AM tempted when I see them at a good price…)
So it’s looking at new stuff, which is getting more expensive. So even there with times being tight (though I find myself thankfully doing okay) I find I have to be more selective.
I don’t know that the hobby (in the USA) ever recovered from the anti-war sentiment of Vietnam. Face it, that’s when the old “classic” toymakers like Marx went belly-up. There is still some stigma attached in the current atmosphere. There was a news blurb about a kid having to cut off the weapons his toy soldiers were carrying in a history diorama he created for a school project!!! There were NO guns at Iwo Jima, folks… Of course, I reflected, the absence of guns might have improved the accuracy of the project as he was using cheap Hong Kong figures using M16s… but…
Then there’s the (mistaken) idea that toy soldiers are for kids. All my boys who, I admit, only shared a passing interest in the hobby “outgrew” toy soldiers when they hit a certain age. My oldest grandson, who was an avid collector and pretty good painter, has lost interest now that he’s in high school. He was just getting where I was able to buy him really high-quality more expensive figures, too. I hope one day he’ll revive his interest. I have three more who are in the late toddler age who love the little guys – I hope it lasts.
The hope I hold is that when the kids really grow up and are secure in their maturity they might return to the things that brought them joy in their childhood as I did. I would love to see my collection handed down to my kids and grandkids; I would hate to see it end up on ebay or worse – in a garbage bin.
Sorry for going so long, fellas.
Yeah high school seems to be the age that kids put aside their toys for creatures that wear skirts. Later on as they settle into the boredom that marriage often becomes and the budget allows they may return so they have a hobby to keep them out of trouble. My bordom resulted in bars and other women, which is never healthy for a marriage. I guess i really did need a hobby, just a healthier one. Just think though we have more toy soldier options then we ever had in our lifes. There are more toy soldiers being made by different manufacturers then there have ever been. To me at least this does not point to a dying hobby. Marx has been dead for years, others emerge. The items being offered now are just not fond memories of our childhood or items we wanted and never found under the Christmas tree. Long live toy soldiers and all the joy they bring us!!!!
After seen some others comments I will like to add and clear few detail .I do agree with many as the hobby is not death yet. Still I understand and very happy we see people buying old and new items. (AND like congrats those who did well and enjoy the last show too).But my focus is the fact that most of buyers are old generation and the new generations are not getting informed and attracted because a lack of advertising and promotion of these toy soldiers shows at any other level.
Yes; there is much type of toy soldier collectors. Those who look for recovering their lost treasure of their childhood plus, the ones looking to add on and got many new items, the curiors, the history fans or buffs who like to recreate their own battles and movies scenes too, others who are barely mentioned but are there and like toy figures not exactly toy soldiers or army figures and so many more. But most are in the age mentioned by ADMIN before. I’m the mid generation and had seen with sadness in my heart some good friends and my own father pass, many of who could not get to see all new coming.
Plastic toy soldiers were meant in the beginning of their time as toy soldiers (cheap) to play with. For us who passionate about and love then till now are collectibles. New generation, including the huge gamers population (18/20-45) if introduced and invited with more aggression towards our world will become eventually the same in many cases. They are the seed with need to plant. Also IF one children or grandchildren of us (even 1 out of 20) become a collector. We will have a future. If not it will died down.
In the past 7 years three toy soldiers shows in my area (3 states)had been suspended because lack of buyers and interested. New electronic devise are attaching the children to become real addict of it without interact their brain and imagination like they could do in a floor or table with few dozen figures. Still the interest is there. Recently figures sets at TRU, Wal-Mart and Target) like those found by admin and others clearly show that it is small sale group buying it yet. Still they only let few cheap toys compete with the strong action figures/else products. But I could see parents buying it for then at stores.
A resent research done in my past travel and at a warehouse supplier for TRU
After seen some others comments I will like to add and clear few detail .I do agree with many as the hobby is not death yet. Still I understand and very happy we see people buying old and new items. (AND like congrats those who did well and enjoy the last show too).But my focus is the fact that most of buyers are old generation and the new generations are not getting informed and attracted because a lack of advertising and promotion of these toy soldiers shows at any other level.
Yes; there is much type of toy soldier collectors. Those who look for recovering their lost treasure of their childhood plus, the ones looking to add on and got many new items, the curiors, the history fans or buffs who like to recreate their own battles and movies scenes too, others who are barely mentioned but are there and like toy figures not exactly toy soldiers or army figures and so many more. But most are in the age mentioned by ADMIN before. I’m the mid generation and had seen with sadness in my heart some good friends and my own father pass, many of who could not get to see all new coming.
Plastic toy soldiers were meant in the beginning of their time as toy soldiers (cheap) to play with. For us who passionate about and love then till now are collectibles. New generation, including the huge gamers population (18/20-45) if introduced and invited with more aggression towards our world will become eventually the same in many cases. They are the seed with need to plant. Also IF one children or grandchildren of us (even 1 out of 20) become a collector. We will have a future. If not it will died down.
In the past 7 years three toy soldiers shows in my area (3 states)had been suspended because lack of buyers and interested. New electronic devise are attaching the children to become real addict of it without interact their brain and imagination like they could do in a floor or table with few dozen figures. Still the interest is there. Recently figures sets at TRU, Wal-Mart and Target) like those found by admin and others clearly show that it is small sale group buying it yet. Still they only let few cheap toys compete with the strong action figures/else products. But I could see parents buying it for then at stores.
A resent research done in my past travel and at a warehouse supplier for TRU I found out that (72 pieces set bucket play set call “true legends” UPC 803516049316”) Supplied from January 2014 till July with a total national distribution of 480 000 bucket playset.Had sold so far 229 000 as off 8/28/2014.The similar type play set but with cloned cheap Tim mee figures had sold 188 000 in same period .Now could somebody explain it to me other than most were purchase by children or gamers!?; as most of old generation toy soldiers collectors do not buy or like these toys. (I do by the way)!!.
This is a clear example of why I’m very interested in others and worry about our future.
Once again thank you for reading my opinion and sorry for mine grammar that most of you should be accustom by now.LOL!!
Admin
Very good observations, I had hope when BMC got into Toys R Us we would see a resurgence. Sadly it lasted only a few years. The key is we are fighting against the action figure market which is being fueled by the various movies and television shows. We lost nearly a whole generation because of action figures among other reasons.
Agree 100% on the generation lost to action figures and TV/Movies. Sad but true. I will focus myself using web pages and other server to advertise as much I can to OTHERS. Any toy soldier show sponsor is welcome to contact me and will more than happy to help for free. If technology had hurt us in some way we can still use it to reverse the damage too. We need to help each other. We need to keep the fight for this beautiful hobby alive and going..
I’ve been hearing this same old song for decades now. If the hobby were dying, why would all of these new toy makers bother to produce a new product? It’s expensive to have figures sculpted, molds made, and figures run. To say nothing of the sorting, packaging. promotion and on and on. And yet we see more and more new companies springing up. Paragon, TSSD, Austin and now Marxman are just a few making new figures. AIP and CTS have for a while. Who’s buying them? You have to sell big numbers of figures just to break even
The Chicago show is an anomaly. If you don’t live near Chicago, it is very expensive to travel and book a hotel and stay 3 or 4 days, just to buy toy soldiers. Only collectors that are well off can afford to travel from either coast to attend. I can afford to attend now, but when I had 3 kids to feed and a mortgage to pay, it was out of the question.
This is why you see a majority of graybeards at Chicago. It still the “old boys club” show.
If you go to either Lango’s show or the Freeport, Long Island show there are plenty of kids and many families wandering around. Local shows are more apt to be attended by younger collectors because of travel concerns and finances. When you only have a limited budget, you don’t want to waste it on airfare or lodging. You want to spend it on soldiers.
Perhaps old plastic Marx collectors will eventually die off and that portion of the hobby will wither. Personally, I don’t think so. Just take a look at Ebay prices for old Marx playsets or take a gander at Rick Eber’s price lists if you think interest is on the decline.
This has always been a niche hobby. But it’d a cool niche and it will survive, as most cool things do.
ok
Bill N
I would not call Chicago an anomaly, I would call it a default National Convention. Most hobbies have a national convention. Some national conventions stay in one place other rotate the national convention is where many new products are introduce. Chicago came the National convention from its location in the middle of the country.
At one time OTSN was inexpensive to fly, not anymore. The cost of airfare has tripled since I first went there. Car rentals are one of the highest in the country if you get a car. Add in the hotel and meals, you have a expensive proposition.
That said I recommend that a collector tried to get OTSN once in their collecting life. It is an unique experience, first you will many dealers that you do not see at your local show. Second there is the fun of the room trading which allows you look for hidden treasures. Then because of its relax atmosphere, you can spend time talking to people with your own interest.
I also recommend to try to get to a show in Europe for an even different experience. While the show is much the same, you get away from the heavily dominated Marx to see figures from other countries you never know existed. I have found that every time we have been over to Europe. The best show to do is Plastic Warrior as they speak same language. If you do the other shows in Europe you will be welcome and there will be people to help with the language.
One of the things I noticed at the show this year at OTSN was the absence of the small buyers during room trading. Usually there are a host of guys that will visit your room 5 or 6 times going through the loose figure bin. They are generally somewhat of a pain as you sort of keep your eye on them and they scrutinize every figure and usally walk out without buying anything. This year there was a noticeable decline in those guys. While the overall traffic was down the guys that did come in and take serious looks were ready to plop down the cash for what they wanted. The other good thing I only had one figure stolen this year, the 45mm Marx scalper pose.
Another side story, this year I had or will have a 3d figure of myself made. It was rather costly $70.00 for one 54mm figure and $120.00 for two of the same pose. I was disappointed that they didn’t actually have the printer with them, they just did the scan so I didn’t get to see it made before my eyes. It was a strange process were you stand on a disc that rotates and the guy uses some hand held scanner device to scan you a section at a time as you spin slowly in a circle. It took three spins to get the full body scanned and it will take up to 3 weeks to get the actual figures. I can hardly wait to see the results. It was interesting though.
I hate when I heard that individuals come to ROB. This year I’ll bring the cameras setup with laptop at NJ show to grab the idiots on hand .I will ask sponsor to set a poster warning it at entrance like they do on stores. It is so sad we had reached this point!!About 3 D; hat was smart .They tease you without bringing the printer to do figures!. Printer quality machine is a plus. That is the true about the 3d figures. Design it is interesting. But if the printer and type of ink is not good ,it do not make any sense. Good printer range from$16000 till $30000.rest are no good at all. I spoke from industrial type quality as seen at factories.
Erwin
I hate people that steal too. I once had a discount store and a person stole one pen out of a set of two and left the rest there to annoy me.
Three D printing for the home or small business is a dream away for figures. As I mention before early this year Laurie and I went to a Maker Fair to see 3D printing up close. We were told a figure would take at least an hour, which cost effective. Three D for figures at a reasonable prices is three to 5 years away.
Well, at least the thief has good taste year by year what they stolen:
1- Powder Blue set of character figures Rin Tin Tin ( all three)
2- 60mm cavalry kneeling firing rifle in tan
3- 45mm scalper from Marx
The noted trend is they are stealing less and less valuable figures each year. I guess for that I should be thankful.
Ed B
A friend told me that in business you are going to have stealing from either employees or scum If it is under 3% you are doing good.
Paul. That is annoying, I had seen that at stores too, opening package and taking one out all, then put back the same pack on shelf/peg!!What low human these scum are!!
Ed;I’m wondering if the same thief is the one selling similar figures at eBay, twice I had seen those figures on eBay listed by a seller who do not know about the real price of them. Will do research and send link.
Tip for 3 d design figures.Progarm the software to make it in pieces. In other words.
Design torso separated, head separated and arms legs separated, you can put it together on design screen, then command split in to the 6 pieces mold. Once printed out, put it together (result a true 3 D figures with more detail and position pose plus ideal for pose change. Use design plug in pin like those on OWN/Conte figures to attach after printed out. Ink color in grey/cream mate finish typo 400k29 range. Give printer speed out on designing work too.
Erwin
I know what you mean about these low lives It is getting worse in so many ways. We have to bear with it.
The worse part of the store experience was the store was broken into on Christmas day. They cut the glass on the door and were able to get in What save me from losing all my inventory was lock on the door was a key system instead of a latch on the back. I lost about $500.00 and closed up shortly after that.
I hope I’m not coming off as a doom-and-gloomer here. I just tend to try and identify any problems or potential problems so they can be dealt with however. At one time I was convinced the hobby was going to die of old age, however, now I’m not so sure – though the aging of our hobby IS a potential problem. I DO see the hobby as changing. The old mega toy soldier makers such as Marx are largely gone now (at least in the USA – I don’t know how big some of the overseas manufacturers are) and the majority (I say majority lest there be some exception of which I’m unaware) of makers now are small “Mom and Pop” operations. This changed the complexion of the hobby greatly. The question is, what’s next and how will the hobby – both buyers and sellers respond? I have little doubt the hobby will survive – but in what form?
The toys hanging in the Dollar Store show us there is an interest in toy soldiers, but does/will that translate to interest in the higher quality figures as the kids playing with them now grow up? That, I believe is where Erwin’s interest in advertising comes in.
I have a buddy that works in security, we have discussed installing these miniature cameras with motion sensors in our room fixed on our display areas. If something is stolen we can review the pictures and see if we catch them. Be hard to identify a picture of a toy soldier being sold on e-bay that may or may not have been the one stolen from me, I didn’t mark it any way to so I would know it’s mine. Whoever they are they are sneaky and good at what they do.
Ed B
Sadly it is not worth the effort. If you do catch the thief what are going to do? If you have him arrested it not worth court’s time for the amount. You could pass the word of who stole, but be careful for a lawsuit Even if the lawsuit is a joke it will take up valuable time and money. If you would beat the person up, you would now be the person in the wrong.
Agree with admin in most. It is true we should not get physical involved or/and not worth as not enough value to press charges won’t do much; but should be good to get surveillance proof and call cops to scare them .
If is my business I will post a picture of him/her face after call cops and detention done, even if release because lack of value to press charges. Post a picture with sign at front door. I had seen business doing it and is legal for them: (Family dollar store does that).Similar could/should be done probably on shows-maybe!!. Once cops are call and escort person out; post a picture of (no welcome “person”) so they never come back and will act as a deterrent for others. I don’t know to what effect this could be done at show levels as store/retail companies do it all time, even in bathroom entrance halls-not inside.
If stores place surveillance system warning sign at front entrance, the same could be done at shows. Any one not like it because their face will be on camera or feel his privacy violated should not enter premises them. I bet most will agree(specially vendors/sellers).The ones not agreeing ,then I hope they never get out of their home as today most stores and many public places have cameras, including street lights, tolls and else..I could be wrong as the law and legal papers involving this could lead to an increase of insurance for premises and show sponsors fees. But is an idea I just shot out for consideration.
I’m not sure I could resist a left hook to the liver if I caught someone stealing from me or someone else. It doesn’t leave a mark and if there are no witnesses what can he do? An interesting event took place at the show, there were maybe four or five of us lines up table to table along the wall, the guy next to me, thought he saw someone pilfer a figure from the table on the other side of me. He immediately went over to him grabbed his hand and forced it open, turned out he only had a piece of double bubble that was being offered for free. The guy next to me returned to his table and the guy continued his shopping, no harm no foul I guess. It could have gotten ugly but it didn’t. The guy next to me said if he had had a figure in his hand he would have marched him straight out to security.
Ed, glad this incident end ok; but the opposite could/may had happen if the guy will/had act defensive too. So as Admin say, it is still a dangerous move when we act like that..
If the guy had acted defensivley it would not have been in his best interests, the guy that forced his hand open is huge and I was right there too, so it would not have gone well for him. He took the right course of action and just kept moving.
Well, You should contact the police, so you can get your figures back. Hopefully it will prevent others from being victims as well. Ed even states its a yearly occurrence. I’m pretty sure he is not the only one that was stolen from either.
It sounds like someone that knows Ed, and probably has even bought some of his figures before. Taking insignificant figures is a symptom of being a kleptomaniac. You would be doing the person a huge favor by confronting them, so they can get some help.
I am glad the show was an overall success for most that attended. I like hearing about individual stories, and of course checking out the pictures of the new figures, an old figures as well.
I like action figures, especially 54mm-70mm scale ones. I have some really nice ones. PlayAlong, Mattel Heroes in Action, I even have the British, and German WWII they did, and they are very hard to find, and very expensive. Good luck on finding them. You need to know someone overseas basically to get them, or a big collector. I would actually like to see more companies do action figures in the scale we like.
They fit right in with our other figures, are often times multicolored, you don’t need to paint them, they are usually articulated at the waist at least. You can also find some that are articulated at the shoulders, and wrists as well, and these are some of the best figures ever made in my opinion. They usually come with very nice looking weapons also.
Its too bad the people that started the action figure craze decided on 3.75 inch scale (90mm) and larger. Star Wars, and GI Joe figures in particular. The figures are really too large to have massed battles with, unless you have a huge area. Not to mention you basically would have to scratch build buildings for them, if you wanted buildings.
I was hoping PlayAlong was going to be a major player, I am not exactly sure why they stopped producing figures, because they sold huge amounts of them. I even tried to buy direct from them in bulk, without their packaging. I am talking significant numbers as well. $5k a pop. Direct from China.
Within 6 months they had sold their company. They wouldn’t even consider producing figures that couldn’t be Licensed, because I wanted my own produced. Conte should have contacted them. With the problems he had with getting licensing, that sounds like a match made in heaven, both of them working together, could have done big things. Even after PlayAlong sold their company, they could have still produced figures. I know these figures sold, ( especially specific sets ) because I called basically every dealer that carried them, that was listed on the internet, and had a phone number, and regular business hours.
So the money is there. I am positive I am not the only one that likes these types of figures. So you have money, and market, why aren’t they being produced today ?
Plain stupidity, lack of knowledge, fear of risking private, or even investors monies, even greed plays a role somewhere in it.
Our niche will change like everything else in the future, because that is another thing you can count on happening. Change is inevitable.
I
Except the figures he stole were not insignificant at least to me, the powder blue character figures can fetch $150.00, the tan 60mm kneeling firing figure $50 to $60.00, the scalper is less significant he’s somewhere between $8 to $20. Not sure if it’s the same guy, but George G of Minutemen has First Legion Figures stolen from him too, don’t know if he got hit this year. They are costly figures themselves.
Calling cops won’t work, unless the person is apprehended with the figures in his/her possession by time they arrive or surveillance system clearly shows it .
Regarding the incident mentioned by Ed Borris before, if the guy resisted and altercation ensued. Even if the BIG GUY win it will lead for sure to a sue and legal action to you and any other involved as by law .None other than law enforced and few securities personnel are permit to use force IN ANY CASE/MOMENT during a robbery unless your own life is in danger and it was not the case. As it was a minor incident of theft, not armed assault or else. I understand how we feel but please be careful as incredible sometimes the law protect more the suspect than yourself.Sad but true.
Insignificant isn’t necessarily associated with the price someone may put on an item Ed.
Perhaps in your case it was since your figures were expensive. I thought you stated they weren’t very valuable figures in earlier posts. What I meant, is most klepto’s steal small insignificant items (to themselves). What the actual value is of said item, is really irrelevant to them.
Sorry, but you do have the right to protect yourself, and property. If the person resists, you can subdue them, then call the police, and press charges.
We have the right in and felt like too, I agree..But unfortunately the law is above you and me and will act as per statement before. You subdue a person in a public place, store or convention/show. Both you and him could ended arrested unless you could clearly proof you were physical treated and you life was in danger, a sue could come to you from suspect-“victim” after. Even sponsor will try to avoid this by taking you and suspect out if create a problem as is his business to keep the environment safe. Once again is my observation and recommendation to take precaution better and avoid physical confrontation. There even some scum playing the game in line to sue small owner and others by creating and provoking good fellow and honest persons like you. These rats are everywhere…
You have the right to use one degree of force above whatever the person is that is resisting, this is even in public. Especially a business with witnesses. Them trying to sue you for protecting yourself or your property will usually be thrown out of court as a frivolous lawsuit, and you can also counter sue said person.
If you do not stand up for your rights, these things will not only continue to happen, but also become more frequent in our society. Let me catch someone who is trying to steal, and they will wish they were never born.
Ok . I wish it never happen to you for your best . Any ways .No were in any part of article 51,51,53 to 72 it say that unless proved what I state before. But once again my point is to avoid damages in order to bring further damage consequences to you, your business and sponsor business, as the one who will sue most of the time cannot be sue back unless own properties/business and he/her will look for more money using the scum lawyers who defend then.
And yes I bet you will do it as probably I will wish too if happen to me …So let’s pray we don’t get to that because if you and me are there I bet we are going to kill the rat even after all I say!!When I was 19 I fight one inside the store I worked for, I took a good care of him, but lost my job in same day. I wish I could bring my dog to the show, she smell all bad people from start!!LOL!!
I actually did stop 2 thieves one time. They were stealing from a department store, and one of them was about to hurt an employee, she was on the floor, and the guy was about to bring his foot down on her. I didn’t work for the store. I grabbed the guy and swung him to the ground, and if he would have resisted, I would have hit him in the head about 20 times, because I pulled my punches about a hairs breadth away from his head, in a whirlwind. His partner just throw up his hands, then security came.
The holy spirit moved me to act because the girl was in danger, and I was about 20 feet away, when the guys leg came up to strike her in the head, I reached him and did all this within a blink of an eye. He never had a chance.
My wife was freaking out, so were a few of the other customers. That happened at Steinmart, in the early 90’s. I should have told the guy that the man upstairs was looking out for him, because if he would have resisted he would have been seriously hurt. I felt it was divine providence, that he needed to get off the path he was on, and listen to his Grandmother.
He was a middle teenager, his partner was an older man, and no I didn’t know him or even know if he had a grandmother. It was a feeling, I didn’t say anything to him about it, security took him away and I never heard anything else about it. My wife used to love going there and shop though.
At one of my first OTSNs (this was about 20+ years ago), I walked into the room of Francis Turner. He seemed somewhat dejected, and told me that someone, a short while earlier, had stolen his set of Marx Gunsmoke character figures that were on display. Francis was beside himself. He felt it had happened when he briefly left his room for just a few moments, and had left his 12-year old daughter in charge of overseeing the room just momentarily.
I bought a Matt Dillon from Francis a long time ago, I hope he is doing well, he’s a good man.