Some collectors definitely see collecting as a form of investment opportunity. Of course, collector's friends and family see the same behavior as a form of obsession. WHATEVER. Watching the Pugliese Pop Culture Collection auction Live on eBay puts our X:WP collecting in perspective -- many lots are selling below the original opening bid, some lots aren't selling at all, but there are a few exceptions:
One of 2 known "Odd Job" Hats from Goldfinger (James Bond) sold for $110,000 (it had previously sold at a 1998 Christie's auction for $120,000). The estimate for this item was broad at $75,000-150,000.
Mel Gibson's Braveheart Sword sold for $25,000 (estimate was $35,000-40,000). This was actually two swords, one a fixed blade version and also a special effects retractable blade, both in a custom wooden case with a LOA (Letter of Authenticity) from the special effects prop master on the film.
Michael Keaton's costume from Batman Returns sold for only $35,000 (the estimate had been $75,000-100,000).
My previous poll on this blog was "What Type of Collector are You?" and out of 36 votes, only 1 vote was cast for "It's an investment" (voters could vote in more than one category). So, for Xena collectors, investment potential isn't a motivation for collecting certain items. Looking at the dollar amounts for these items, collecting as an investment isn't a good way to grow your nest egg.
Certainly the current economy could be the explanation for the low sales from this auction (so far, it's really only just begun) or the auction house is off in their estimates (I have no expertise in these items, so I'm speculating). But one thing is always true: VALUE FLOATS -- a hard and fast rule of collecting anything and it's important to remember.
And then just as I was typing this last paragraph, Jim Carrey's Ace Ventura Hawaiian shirt sold for $11,000 (estimate $2,000-3,000). So, there you go. Value Floats.
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