The latest show of Toy Hunters found Jordan with his friend Steve in Clearwater Florida. The show followed the usual format of visiting three collectors at their home and buying items. I do not know if Steve was one off thing or he is going to be more of a regular on the show. Addition of Steve did not seem improve the show as his personality is similar to Jordan. Also Steve use the term of “breaking the ice” which is what American Pickers use.
The prices on the items that were shown some seem on the money while others were high. I sm still debating Jordan paying $500.00 for the Early bird Star Wars. I have looked at Ebay and the prices are lower. Also it should be mention that the package was reissued in 2005. Jordan did say 1977 date. Likewise I fewlt he over paid on the diecast Star War vehicles. I would appreciated some feedback on his prices from other people.
I have picked up some other information on the show. The show was originally offered to History Channel who turned it down. It was then offered to Travel Channel which took it. I have may have a third situation where the toys were staged. I have to get more information to confirm it.
I sometimes catch that show, and I have some opinions on it as well Paul.
Here goes, please keep in mind this is strictly my opinion, based on what little I know.
First off, I do like learning about figures, and some of the accessories that come with them, and in some cases other types of toys as well.
However I personally would not like those guys looking over my treasures, and try to lowball me (nickel, & dime me to death) on everything, plus they cherry pick. Because they want to resale it, and make money. I don’t know, but it reminds me of scallywags after the Civil War, or shysters, or buzzards circling waiting to swoop in.
If the person contacted them, thats one thing, but its quite another just showing up at someones door and asking if they collect anything, and if they could pick through it.
I don’t like the American Pickers for that reason as well, it comes off as slimy.
I also know for a fact, Pawn Stars, is all show. Many of the items you see in their shop, are not even for sale, its to get people to come in, and they are way over priced on pretty much everything they do sale. The rewards of fame, and TV ?
I have nothing against people earning an honest living, but when you buy something dirt cheap from someone that doesn’t know any better, and you know its true value, thats like stealing to me. Thats my personal opinion.
Ed C
The shows do give some interesting information, I am questioning some of the prices being given out. I also did not like using Mark Huckabone as a collector when he is a master dealer.
The shows because of time constraints are going to cherry pick and only show the good stuff.
You are right of course as usual Paul, and perhaps I was a little harsh as well.
The price on Star Wars stuff is mind blowing to me. I guess he knows the price of at least what he can get for it, perhaps he has someone already. I also think the show could stage some of the items. When it comes to TV, sensationalizing for ratings is par for the course.
However, I have no proof of that in this case, I just think its very likely. I couldn’t believe the prototype of the Bubba Fett figure went for around 20 grand. I wish I owned about 10 of them, lol. I would definitely sell them. Anyway, if someone can afford that amount, and is willing to pay it, it amazes me. People love their toys.
Ed C
I was surprised on the price for Boba Fett too. The person bought the Boba Fett later pop up on another episode and bought The American Greatest Hero prototype figure for $13,000.00. There are people for these items and we usually do not hear about these sales.
I didn’t catch that whole show with the Greatest American Hero prototype. I can only image at what is out there, when it comes to collectors and their collections, and what they pay for unusual items. I know certain gemstones are like that. One example are rare diamonds, the highest price I heard for one that was under a carat, was 1 million dollars. It was a red diamond, and the general public, never gets to see nor even rarely even hears about these rare collector buys, because of the monies involved.
The Dealers don’t want to give away who their clients are, ( so they can keep doing business with them) and the collectors usually want to remain anonymous. The public never sees nor hears about it. I guess it goes for pretty much everything, including toys. Also Paul on the episode it introduced Mark Huckabone, it never mentioned he was a dealer as well ? Thats kind of fishy, that they would omit that. Another coincidence on staging shows or another clue that it is rigged.
I do not know of the episode, nor who he is, but I do find it strange that they didn’t mention he was also a dealer. I mean many collectors are dealers too, but by not saying that, it does lead one to believe, they hid that fact intentionally. Its food for thought at the very least.
Ed C
There is a group of people who have the money and can pay silly prices. The dealers protect that cilentale. You hear only rumors or whispers. I had dealer bitched at me once that Steven Spielberg stiffed him on some figures. I am more interested in help the average person.
On the episode of Toy Hunters Jordan passed Mark as a fellow collector. It was also a caption on a photo on the travel channel site. If he said a dealer end of story. It is givinng the wrong impression.