Millions Spent on Star Wars Memorabilia, but is it Really "Collectible"? Expert Says: "Buyer Beware!" - The Official Price Guide to Star Wars Memorabilia
Author and Star Wars collecting expert Jeremy Beckett cautions buyers about the latest wave of Star Wars memorabilia, in advance of the release of the film "Revenge of the Sith". What is "collectible" and what is not?
(PRWEB) April 9, 2005 -- Collecting Star Wars memorabilia is hot! The five
previous Star Wars movies have generated $9 billion in merchandising sales,
almost triple the $3.4 billion hauled in at the box office. Now an array of
action figures, video games, battle vehicles, puzzles, and more is being rolled
out through stores such as Walmart and Target in advance of the release of Star
Wars: Episode III The Revenge of the Sith, the eagerly anticipated third film in
the trilogy of Star Wars prequels. With merchandise often touted as
"collectibles", both die-hard fans and treasure-hunters are lured to buy in the
belief that these items will someday have values far greater than their purchase
prices.
Not so, says expert Jeremy Beckett, author of The Official Price
Guide to Star Wars Memorabilia, (Random House/House of Collectibles, 4/12/05,
5th ed). Beckett owns one of the largest Star Wars memorabilia collections in
the world, numbering over 4,000 toys, comics, audio/video, promotional items and
original movie props. While the figures, posters, books and toys associated with
the films can be very valuable, and the already huge and enthusiastic collecting
base will no doubt grow with this latest film, the future value of the new wave
of merchandise is anything but assured.
"One mistake that is commonly
made during these toy launches is that anything with 'Star Wars' on it is a
collectible, and will become valuable in the future", states Beckett. "The sad
fact is that there are millions of people squirreling these toys away for a
rainy day, but the truth is that with hundreds of thousands of each toy being
mass produced in the Far East none of them are going to be truly
rare."
Many buyers eagerly search for production errors, such as a figure
with an arm on backwards or holding the wrong weapon. But unlike the world of
coin collecting where minting errors can command soaring values, Beckett sees it
differently. "With millions of action figures a day being produced on lines
staffed by people who don't have a clue about what they are making, production
errors are sure to creep in. Even if a mere 1% of action figures had a mistake,
then simple math tells us that there will be tens of thousands of goofs that are
only worth the sticker price."
" If I was going to put some of the
Revenge of the Sith toys aside and keep them preserved for future investment it
would be the 12" dolls. The latest additions, all taken from Episode 3, are very
special - with more detailing this year than at any time before. These aren't
aimed at children but the doll collecting market which has a long history and
high standards," Beckett counsels. He notes that there are some interesting toy
variations showing up in the marketplace, such as one figure in particular, the
Royal Guard (III-23), whose distribution seems to be split by the Atlantic
Ocean, with the red variation showing up in Europe and the blue one in the USA
and Canada.
Aside from writing The Official Price Guide to Star Wars
Memorabilia, this active Star Wars collecting expert is also a partner in
Rebelscum.com, an extremely popular website devoted to Star Wars, and he will be
one of the featured authors and speakers at the upcoming Star Wars Celebration
III April 21 - 24, 2005, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, which
is anticipating over 30,000 visitors to its more than 500,000 square feet of
exhibitions and event space.
Beckett's passion and devotion as a true
fan bring a unique dimension to The Official Price Guide to Star Wars
Memorabilia. He is deeply involved with the Star Wars community and he brings an
insider’s knowledge of the market for this particular genre of collectibles. The
book covers all of the essentials necessary to be an educated collector.
Enthusiasts will find invaluable information on everything from condition and
grading to autographs, prototypes and reproductions. This complete collecting
reference includes everything about the genre, with thousands of comprehensive
listings and prices, an eight-page color insert and over 300 black & white
photos. Additional resources include a useful glossary, reading and internet
resources, as well as a guide to restoration and preservation. The best source
for pricing and understanding the value of all your beloved Star Wars treasures
is This is the A(manaman) to Z(utton) of Star Wars collectibles!
House of
Collectibles’ books are available wherever books are sold, online, or by calling
customer service at 1-800-726-0600. For more information about the entire line
of books published by HOC visit www.houseofcollectibles.com.
About the
Author:
Jeremy Beckett posses one of the largest collections of Star Wars
memorabilia in the world. He has over 4,000 pieces of toys, comics, audio/video,
promotional items and original movie props. He has worked with the Star Wars
conventions as well as with Carrie Fisher (a star of the original film),
planning autograph signings.
The Official‚ Price Guide to Star Wars
Memorabilia, 5th Edition
Release Date: April 12, 2005
By Jeremy
Beckett
ISBN# 0-375-72075-8, Trade Paperback, $17.95
Editor’s
Notes:
• Review copies of the book and images are available upon
request.
• Interviews with Jeremy Beckett are encouraged. The author resides
in the UK, but will be in the US from the 17th to the 26th of April, primarily
at the Star Wars Celebration III in Indianapolis.
• Media Contacts: Tony
Fusco or George Berry, (617) 363-0405
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