For years, Hake’s has been a leader in collectibles outside of comics and has seen realized prices on vintage and antique trading cards, toys, and antique political items. This month, Hake’s has several unique and interesting finds in their November auction, with sessions ending February 12th.
Star Trek Phaser Gun (1975)
Gene Roddenberry's science fiction phenomenon has been a cornerstone of pop culture since the original series debuted in 1966. The Original Series, as it's lovingly referred to, consisted of three seasons spanning 79 episodes. The series pushed social norms, took imaginations into space, and generated one amazing franchise. But between 1969 and 1979 the only new adventures fans would get were in comic and chapter books. But fans could also create their own adventures thanks to the many toys that were available. Some of these toys have become grail pieces for some collectors!
However, licensing for Star Trek was not taken exceptionally seriously. Prior to Mego releasing their popular Star Trek figure line, many of the toys released for the series had little to nothing to do with the show. By the mid-1970s, fans were finally getting merchandise that resembled items from the show (save for maybe that Spock helmet), including this Phaser from Remco. This Phaser, in particular, comes complete in its box and is noted as being in Fine/Very Fine condition.
Batman Vending Machine Pin Set with Label
Without a doubt, Batman is one of the most merchandised comic book characters in our time. During the late 1960s when the Adam West Batman show was on, kids and adults worldwide could get their hands on all kinds of Batman-related items. Many of these items have become sought-after collector pieces.
These pins in particular aren't necessarily hard to find, but this set includes all 14 pins and the vending machine label that went with them. A set like this doesn't come along too often. Judging by the artwork on the label and pins the 1966 show influenced the artwork. This is a fun piece of Batman merchandise, and one any collector would want for themselves! Hakes notes that this set ranges from Good to Very Fine condition.
Green Lantern Signed By Marton Nodell
This is by far my favorite piece in this auction. This is an actual green lantern, signed by Golden Age Green Lantern co-creator Marton Nodell, and signed to Steve Geppi. There's a lot of comic history happening on this lantern, and I absolutely love it. Nodell, alongside Bill Finger, created the original Green Lantern (Alan Scott), who made his debut in All-American Comics #16 in 1940. Geppi started Diamond, which at one point was the largest comic book distributor in North America.
Scott's Green Lantern is based on magic, and he bears a green lantern on his costume. The character would be re-imagined in 1959 when the Silver Age - and most well-known - Green Lantern was introduced in Showcase #22. As stated, this item is incredible. You simply do not see many green lanterns signed by Green Lantern creators very often. While it's hard to determine a price on an item like this, I would not be surprised if this lantern became one of the more popular items in this month's auction.
