I have had many enquiries about the value of certain John Wayne collectibles, mainly in the area that I collect. Whereas there is not specific value for any item there is usually a range. I have seen low value stuff go for a good price and high value stuff go for a song. Such as the Daniel Montford 20" full-length statue that has a value of around $300-$400 go for just over $20 on eBay.

But THIS (http://cgi.ebay.com/John-Wayne-THE-DUKE-Hand-Painted-Sculpture-w-Glass-Dome_W0QQitemZ270451173986QQcategoryZ197QQcmdZView Item) beats everything. I hope it does not get sellers asking such set prices for all the pieces in the 20-piece set.

Bob

I have had many enquiries about the value of certain John Wayne collectibles, mainly in the area that I collect. Whereas there is not specific value for any item there is usually a range. I have seen low value stuff go for a good price and high value stuff go for a song. Such as the Daniel Montford 20" full-length statue that has a value of around $300-$400 go for just over $20 on eBay.

But THIS (http://cgi.ebay.com/John-Wayne-THE-DUKE-Hand-Painted-Sculpture-w-Glass-Dome_W0QQitemZ270451173986QQcategoryZ197QQcmdZView Item) beats everything. I hope it does not get sellers asking such set prices for all the pieces in the 20-piece set.

Bob

Personally I think these figurines, dalton mug, dolls and even the artwork on the plates is gruesome. Nothing like the great man.

I would not even grace the dustbin (garbage can) with them!

But as they say one mans meat....

IMO Being a JW fan is about appreciating his body of work and trying to collect as much of that as possible and of course watching and listening.

Collecting figurines, plates etc on thier own is much like collecting stamps or any other ephemera.

I must add I am NOT trying to offend anyone here, each to thier own. just adding my twopenorth to engender a discussion

A number of these items do not have a great likeness to Duke, and some do. Some, like the Franklin Mint domed figurines, are individually hand painted in China and Taiwan and often do not have a likeness. Each is literally slightly different.

But they are all associated with Duke, and that was the crux of an article I read many years ago about the psychology of collecting. It is the 'association' that is the important factor. Thus it is not like collecting stamps (hands up who did not collect stamps when you were a kid) as there is no similar association. Stamp collecting addresses something else, and I cannot remember what as it was a long time ago I read the article.

Some of the creators may also deliberately not make a close resemblance because to do so they will need to get permission and pay Royalties, and so just make something that is a representation.

The bottom line, and an important point to make is, it helps to keep John Wayne 'alive' in the minds of us all. I am sure we are all committed to that.

Bob

I see that the auction started at $9.99, and as with everything on ebay, it all depends on the demand for the item. It is also very possible that if this same item went up two weeks ago, or two weeks from now, it may not sell at all, even for $10. It always comes down to getting your items up when folks are looking for those particular items. Almost like a game of chance.

That being said, I have 18 of these Franklin Mint mini sculptures on a shelf in my living room that have been given to me over the years as gifts, including the same one in this auction. Damn! I could be rich! All joking aside, I do enjoy them, as well as all the other John Wayne related items I have received over the years as gifts (cars, watches, playing cards, firearm replicas, plates, etc), but I probably wouldn't go out and buy them, as my principal focus on John Wayne collecting is audio, video, and written material. But it does make buying my birthday and Christmas presents pretty easy for my family!

Hi

I have twelve of the domes but although I would like the full set i don't collect them as a passion. The problem is one is nice, then it becomes two and then you want to own them all, perhaps one day, but not at that price.

Regards

Arthur

The quality of the series depends on the serial number single a A B or C followed by a number were first runs and some say made in USA. at least there is better quality control. The double letters followed by a number were painted in China with later series.

The most common in the series is Rio Bravo which was the first produced dome.
I would reckon Star Packer & Green Berets are the rarest titles to obtain.

Would have been nice if they had produced The Quiet Man, True Grit or Hondo.

For the sake of those who may read this thread long after the auction on ebay is available for viewing, here is a picture of the figurine being discussed -

2360

It sold for a whopping $265! I am pleased to say that we own all twenty in the set, and we NEVER paid anything close to that price for any one. That particular one is more difficult to get (it was one of the last ones we got!).

I did notice that it started at $9.99 and skyrocketed from there. I think the seller got especially lucky, to sell it for that much money. I noticed that neither bidder was particularly inexperienced (based on their feedback numbers), as sometimes ebay newbies will get into a bidding war, just to get an item, and bid it way beyond what it's worth. All I know is somebody wanted that one badly, and was willing to pay a bundle of money for it.

Chester :newyear:

Wow!!! I think I paid about £10.00 for mine. I suppose as the years go by there will be less of them about with breakages etc.

Knowing ebay there will no doubt be an avalanche of this dome inthe next couple of weeks.

I'm definitely a newbie...I collected the FM domes and I have 19 of them. I opened 14 of them as I got them but lost interest as time wore on (5 are still in the FM Styrofoam packing). Now, I'm more interested in selling my set of 19 together but I'm curious to know what the value is. I do have the greenshirt one listed above and it's still packed in the FM shipping foam. Anyone have any ideas on what kind of value the collection is worth? I have 19 and I can't for the life of me find out any references to a complete inventory or descriptive list of the set, much less any pricing guidelines. I don't know if the set is 17 or 18 western and 2 military or what. I have 19 and I never canceled my status at FM so I got them until they didn't show up anymore--I thought my set was/is complete. Any help or information with respect to the value, or an inventory list is greatly appreciated by any members. Thanks.

tneils,

First of all, I would like to extend to you a big WELCOME to the Original John Wayne Message Board! You find yourself among a large, friendly, knowledgeable bunch of Duke fans, from all around the world.

Regarding the Franklin Mint figurines, I would refer you to the thread Guess the Film? Franklin Mint (http://www.dukewayne.com/showthread.php?t=2565) (click the title, and it will take you directly to the thread), as it is the most extensive discussion regarding them.

I can tell you that there are definitely 20 in the collection, since I have all 20. There are 18 Western-themed ones, and 2 military ones.

Again - WELCOME!

Chester :newyear: (and the Mrs. :angel1: says, "Howdy!" too.)

tneils,

Selling them all as a single lot may be less profitable and more difficult than one at a time. A few may not sell for much more than about $5-$10 but others may get up to about $30. It depends on how many people are looking for a particular one at the time. Original packaging may make them more attractive for collectors, as will the COA.

They have all been on eBay over the past year, some of them appear often. Even the 2 military ones have been listed several times.

Do you have the Green Berets with COA?

Bob

firstrebel makes a very good point, when he suggests selling them individually over selling as a set.

If you are thinking of selling on ebay, I would recommend doing a search first, to see what's out there AND also check completed listings, to get an idea of what things have sold for. I, too, have seen some sell for as little as $5 (or not at all), up to the incredible $265 shown previously in this thread, although that is VERY unusual. As you study it, you will see that some of the figurines are far more common (may have been among the first few in the series).

Also, the time of year may make a difference. For example, right now - immediately after Christmas - many people are hurting for money, and gift giving is past, for the most part. Selling right before a holiday (like Christmas or Father's Day) may increase the likelihood of higher prices; it seems there are also more of them out there for sale. Having the original packaging and COA will increase the value for some collectors. For others, it may not matter.

Having bought and sold stuff on E-Bay for about ten years you get to notice patterns in items. I am talking about John Wayne exclusively right now. If you are in the market for a buckle or a figurine don't buy when there are only a few offered. Wait until there is a excess. Most items follow patterns and Chester 7777 makes a good point about holidays. When there are lots of the same items on the market sellers are discounting to move their stock. Right after Christmas is a good time to find bargains. Of course getting a deal on an item is great but getting hosed on the shipping isn't so get all the facts. As for items like the JW figurines some times you can get a better deal if you buy bulk. Lots of times ther are whole collections offered for sale and when you do the math they are quite affordable and you can always resell the ones that you double up on. You can list them here and if you price is fair they will move. The number #1 thing that irks me with sellers on E-Bay is the sellers who don't include foreign shipping costs. If you don't ship out of the US then please state that in your add. If you do then please state that in your add too. I have spent hours e-mailing sellers about shipping costs and it is frustrating to find an item you want and it can't be shipped to you. Of course if what you are buying is a must-have and your finances will let you pay the ultimate price then go for it. But everyone likes a bargain so thats why I browse E-bay at least once a day. I have my want list and it is far from being filled. I am always interested in the unusual. That is how I got my JW clock and I haven't seen another like it, not yet anyway...ST...

Prices of Duke's stuff on eBay are up and down like a fiddler's elbow. Recently the Franklin Mint Commemorative Colt revolver and automatic 45 have been quite high after not selling at all for a while. Comics have suddenly been abundant although the prices are not too high.

I have sold a lot on eBay and I found that if I put a start price of GBP 10.00 on an item that is worth much more than that, it will not sell. But, put a start price of GBP 0.99 and people fall over each other and it goes for a lot more than the earlier start price of GBP 10.00. There seems to be some psychology in the low start price.

I have seen that happen often.

I have found many US sellers not willing to ship outside the US, even if it means the item will not sell or would get a better price if they did ship outside the US. They say it is too much hassle or have had problems with overseas buyers before. That works both ways. Fortunately they are in the minority. I had one seller who had his selling setup so only US folk could bid but changed his selling setup so I could bid just because I asked and said I would pay the appropriate shipping.

Overseas shipping costs are now high no matter where you are and want to ship to so I suppose some sellers may think it is not worth advertising outside their own country. If I want my ad to appear in the US and Canada I have to pay an additional fee, so that has to be considered as well. All the eBay selling fees add up and then there is the PayPal fee; it all eats into the seller’s profit.

But eBay is still cheaper than some bigger auction houses that even charge the buyer up to 19.5% commission.

Bob

Prices of Duke's stuff on eBay are up and down like a fiddler's elbow. Recently the Franklin Mint Commemorative Colt revolver and automatic 45 have been quite high after not selling at all for a while. Comics have suddenly been abundant although the prices are not too high.

I have sold a lot on eBay and I found that if I put a start price of GBP 10.00 on an item that is worth much more than that, it will not sell. But, put a start price of GBP 0.99 and people fall over each other and it goes for a lot more than the earlier start price of GBP 10.00. There seems to be some psychology in the low start price.

I have seen that happen often.

I have found many US sellers not willing to ship outside the US, even if it means the item will not sell or would get a better price if they did ship outside the US. They say it is too much hassle or have had problems with overseas buyers before. That works both ways. Fortunately they are in the minority. I had one seller who had his selling setup so only US folk could bid but changed his selling setup so I could bid just because I asked and said I would pay the appropriate shipping.

Overseas shipping costs are now high no matter where you are and want to ship to so I suppose some sellers may think it is not worth advertising outside their own country. If I want my ad to appear in the US and Canada I have to pay an additional fee, so that has to be considered as well. All the eBay selling fees add up and then there is the PayPal fee; it all eats into the seller’s profit.

But eBay is still cheaper than some bigger auction houses that even charge the buyer up to 19.5% commission.

Bob

Speaking of ebay, Bob. Over the years, I've bought several items on the site but I invariably pay with a postal money order. I know that almost all ebay sellers state that the only acceptable way to pay is by PayPal but when I tell them I'll buy only if they let me pay by money order, and they see my 100% feedback rating, they nearly always accept my proposition.

The latest kick in the **** from eBay was back in October 2009 when they decided to make free shipping mandatory for some categories. I think it mainly affects the sellers own country.

I am selling off a huge 'old' collection of CDs and music memorabilia and the system forces me to show free shipping for the UK. So far all my stuff sells, even for GBP 0.99, but if I had to offer free shipping for that sort of stuff I will lose.

It is time for a new comparable online auction site as an option, but that will be very difficult now.

Bob

The latest kick in the **** from eBay was back in October 2009 when they decided to make free shipping mandatory for some categories. I think it mainly affects the sellers own country.

I am selling off a huge 'old' collection of CDs and music memorabilia and the system forces me to show free shipping for the UK. So far all my stuff sells, even for GBP 0.99, but if I had to offer free shipping for that sort of stuff I will lose.

It is time for a new comparable online auction site as an option, but that will be very difficult now.

Bob

Hi Bob

you can always try Ioffer.com

or on ebay put it in a category where you do not have to offer free shipping? EG other items

Thanks Elly, I will look at Ioffer.com. The problem with putting items in the wrong category on eBay is that they often check listings for 'correctness', especially from regular sellers. If the item is in the wrong category they remove it, then they tell you. They will not move it or tell you to move it; they just bin it. This puts potential buyers off, assuming they find the items again.

I have had this done several times and they have this 'God-like' attitude. I tried to get around the free shipping issue by putting shipping rates in the item description, and they removed the items. No warning at all.

I know a number of big sellers who have now been permanently banned for very trivial matters.

They really tick me off.

Bob

Late last year on eBay a complete set of the 6 Franklin Mint pocket watches with glass domes (issued late 1980's) sold in the US for just over $160, then shortly after a full set sold in the UK for £75. Last week a full set sold in the UK for £315 (just over $500).

Bob

I notice in ebay's latest announcements that they are repealing mandatory free shipping in place of maximum postage on those affected items. looks like lack of sales hurt them badly.

I notice in ebay's latest announcements that they are repealing mandatory free shipping in place of maximum postage on those affected items. looks like lack of sales hurt them badly.

Thanks for letting us know. I have quite a few books and DVDs I am going to be selling but not until they change this stupid postage issue.

I looked at Amazon and their fees are exorbant too if you sell via them and they cap the amount of postage you can charge.

Recently I bought a box set of DVDs and after the seller paid ebay fees, paypal fees and the postage he got £31.00 for 33 DVDs!!! This box set retails at £171.00. I felt so bad for the seller and emailed ebay to tell them how ridiculous this free postage policy is.

Does anyone else know of any other auction sites that are at least fair for both buyer and seller?

Hi Guys; I have another alternative for you. We have a web site here in Canada called CanadianGunNutz.com . There is a Equipment exchange where you can sell anything (thats legal) from firearms to autos,properties ,books etc. It is free of charge. There are around 56,000 registered members and they are a friendly bunch not unlike the folks here. There are a few rules but the forums are all very plain and informative. I have sold alot of vhs and dvd's here and avoided the e-bay gouging. Check it out and let me know what you think and tell the others here...ST...

Hi Guys; I have another alternative for you. We have a web site here in Canada called CanadianGunNutz.com . There is a Equipment exchange where you can sell anything (thats legal) from firearms to autos,properties ,books etc. It is free of charge. There are around 56,000 registered members and they are a friendly bunch not unlike the folks here. There are a few rules but the forums are all very plain and informative. I have sold alot of vhs and dvd's here and avoided the e-bay gouging. Check it out and let me know what you think and tell the others here...ST...

Thanks I had a look at it and as I do not know anything about guns I was a bit daunted!!

Here in UK we olny see these things on TV or Films.

Don't worry about the guns Elly. The "Everything Else" forum is 2nd from the bottom on the E+E exchange and there are things from books to hunting cabins. It is catorgarized to keep everything from getting muddled. You just register with your e-mail and On-line name and you are set. You need to ask one of the moderators for permission to post on the E+E and usualy permission comes that day or the next. Just like things here work. You know how to post and put up pictures so it should be no problem. You can only repost once a week. Thats about the only rule. And it's "ALL FREE". Don't be intimidated by the firearms. It can work to your advantage. I have sold lots of JW stuff on the site.There are lots of "Duke" fans monitering the forums there. Hope to see you there. I use the same name as here...STew...