Superman Dies At Auction

same auction, a copy of Action Comics #1 graded 3.0 by CGC sold for $1,638,759.20. Both of these prices include a 15-percent buyer’s premium. It is easy to see that the most recent sale prices of these books represent a $965,990.80 loss on the Superman #1 and a $138,759.20 loss on the Action Comics #1. It’s not surprising no grading company or auction house touted the full disclosure of these sales figures.

By Shawn Surmick

On June 14, Goldin

Auctions sold two prominent golden age key comic books. The first was a copy of Superman #1 graded by CGC in 7.0 condition. The second was a copy of Action Comics #1 graded by CGC in 3.0 condition. Both books are very scarce and desirable and feature either the first appearance of Superman or his origin, depending on which book the buyer chooses. The Superman #1 sold for $1,620,000, and the Action Comics #1 sold for $1,500,000. Both sale prices quoted include a buyer’s premium of 20 percent. On the surface, it seems like this was a successful sale and that the vintage comic book market is robust and healthy. Unfortunately, the antiques and collectibles trade is not always a transparent market and, as such, when we look below the surface, the truth becomes apparent. And what is that truth? Back in 2021, both of these comics sold for a lot more money. In fact, these two sales show just how drastically the vintage comic book market has changed in the past two years.

In 2021, a copy of Superman #1 graded by CGC in 7.0 sold for $2,604,750 courtesy of Comic Connect. In that

To be fair, almost all pop culture collectibles are falling in price right now, compared to collectibles soaring during the pandemic. Unfortunately, when the pandemic ended and the age of what many in the field called “easy money” came to an end, prices for the vast majority of pop culture collectibles started to fall. Today, with interest rates higher, the collectibles marketplace is not immune. That said, some people in the vintage comic book community continue to dismiss these sales for reasons I would like to respond to.

The first criticism levied against these sales is that the consignor chose Goldin Auctions. Critics are somewhat correct in their analysis that Goldin Auctions is not known for their comic book sales as of yet. While it is true they are one of the top tier auction houses that cater to the sports memorabilia market, I can assure you that the final sale prices of these two books has very little to do with the auction house chosen and more to do with the overall state of the collectibles market at present time. Collectibles on every level are extremely volatile at present time, so these books could either rebound in price or fall further in subsequent sales. No one has a crystal ball, and anyone telling you to ignore these sales because the results do not fit their rose-colored outlook of how high-end collectibles are supposed to perform should be ignored.

The second criticism levied against these sales is that we have to take into account the state of the overall economy. Again, anyone can see the overall post pandemic economy is different from what was occurring back in 2021. That said, certain markets on the antiques side of the trade are still going strong. Just look at the prices for higher end pieces of rare coins and currency. Those markets have not experienced the massive declines that pop culture collectible markets have overall.

That is not to say there isn’t a downturn in some of those markets, but not to the extent of pop culture markets in which certain collecting fields like graded video games are down over 60 percent on average at present time.

Pop culture collectors need to start to realize there are no guarantees in the antiques and collectibles trade. This should not imply that these comics, along with the overall vintage comic book market, cannot rebound. However, it could take years for that to happen, and deciding when and where to sell your cherished collectibles matters almost as much as how much you pay for them to begin with. Most high-profile investors I know who operate in the antiques and collectibles trade are not selling pop culture collectibles at present time, and quite a few are not buying right now. There is a massive amount of risk in these markets. Due to the speculative nature of the antiques and collectibles trade, caution is advised. That said, don’t worry about Superman, as he isn’t going away anytime soon. I can assure you that the corporation who owns Superman and the rest of the D.C. Comics universe has no plans on letting that happen.

Shawn Surmick has been an avid collector since the age of 12. He currently resides in his hometown of Boyertown, Pa., and is a passionate collector of antiques and collectibles. His articles focus on various topics affecting the marketplace.

the first book published at Arkham House in 1939 retained its original dust jacket. It was one of only 1,268 copies printed by the legendary publisher of horror.

Henry Roth’s (1906-95) “Call It Sleep” was estimated at $3,000-$5,000 and traded hands at $9,000. This first-edition of the author’s first book was published in New York by Robert O. Ballou in 1934 and included its rare first issue dust jacket. This example was from the personal library of Larry McMurtry. Thomas Hardy’s (1840-1928) “The Trumpet-Major. A Tale” was estimated at $2,000-$3,000 and made $11,400. This firstedition in book form was printed in London by Smith,

Elder & Co. in 1880. This work in its rare secondary binding was originally published as a serial in Good Words magazine that same year.

Collections and archives also caught the eye, and wallets, of literature enthusiasts. A group of 32 mostly first-edition works by Charles Dickens sold for $6,600. A library of 1,300 mystery and detective titles mostly from the first half of the 20th century, estimated at $1,0002,000, rang up $15,600. Many were listed and limited, all were in their original cloth or wraps, and most retained their original dust jackets or slipcases.

This sale came full circle with antique to antiquarian works, important historical ephemera, and other categoryspanning publications. Gaius

Gaius Julius Caesar’s (100-44 BCE) “The Commentaries of Caesar,” translated into English, to which is prefixed a discourse concerning the Roman Art of War, realized $6,600. It was translated by William Duncan. This rarity was published in London in 1753 for J. and R. Tonson and S. Draper, and R. Dodsley. It was complete with all plates, including the double–page “bull” plate.

Julius Caesar’s (100-44 BCE) “The Commentaries of Caesar,” translated into English, went for $6,600. It was translated by William Duncan. Published in London in 1753 for J. and R. Tonson and S. Draper, and R. Dodsley,

19711 Newark 302-454-8007 AUNT MARGARET’S ANTIQUE MALL, 294 E. Main St. Mon- Sat. 10-5, Sun 12-5. 2 floors. Antiques, collectibles, vintage, primitives, much more! www.auntmargaretsantiquemall.com

19711 Newark 302-733-7677 MAIN STREET ANTIQUES, 23 Possum Park Mall. Summer Hrs.: Mon.-Sat. 128, Sun. 12 - 5. Over 45 Showcase/ Room Dealers selling quality antiques & collectibles. mainstreetantiques.com

Charles Dickens’ (1812-70) “Great Expectations” was estimated at $8,000-$12,000 and sold for $24,000. This firstedition, first issue copy was printed in London by C. Whiting for Chapman and Hall in 1861.

21901 North East410-287-8318

5 & 10 ANTIQUE MARKET, 115 S. Main St. Daily 10am-6pm. Cecil County’s largest! Approx. 65 dealers, variety & nostalgia. Buying/ selling antiques & collectibles. Local honey available.

07052 West Orange973-323-1711

VALLEY VINTAGE, 168 South Valley Rd.

Open Mon-Sat. 11-6, Sun. 12-5. 2100 sq.ft., 25+ dealers. Antiques, vintage, collectibles, furniture, decor, kitchenware, jewelry, books, LPs, ephemera.

07901 Summit 908-273-9373 SUMMIT ANTIQUES CENTER, 511 Morris Ave. 2 floors, 50+ dealers. Antiques, collectibles. Smalls to furniture. Open 7 days 11-5. Free Parking. www.thesummitantiquescenter.com

08005 Barnegat 609-698-3020 it was complete with all plates, including the double–page “bull” plate.

BAY AVENUE ANTIQUES, 349 S. Main.

Open Thurs.- Sun., 1-5 PM or by appt. Book Seller, Pottery, Glass, Furniture, Holiday, Decoys, Antiques & UniquesPLUS Chalkpaint & Iron Orchid Design.

Maureen Lambray’s “The American Film Directors Volume I” was estimated at $2,000-$3,000 and made $7,800. It was published in

The group of 32 mostly first-edition works by Charles Dickens brought $6,600. These included a first-edition, first issue copy of “Sunday Under Three Heads”; a first-edition in book form of “The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club”; a first-edition of “Sketches of Young Ladies”; a first-edition of “Sketches of Young Gentlemen,” and many others. New York by Rapoport Press in 1976. This first-edition was specially bound by Lord John Press for publisher Herb Yellin (1935-2014) and was signed by 500-plus film directors, actors, and Hollywood personalities.

“The sale was truly remarkable all around. We more than doubled our low estimate, selling 97 percent of the 508 lots, which far surpassed the average that week of global sales. We already have our sights set on August when we bring to market the collection of Robin and Kathryn Smiley of Firsts

Magazine. After that is the important Chet Ross collection of Nobu Shirase and the Japanese Antarctic Expedition, most of which has never been offered on the market and is near impossible to find in the wild. We close out the year with the ‘Alice in Wonderland’ collection of Stephen J. and Nancey Farber, featuring choice offerings of presentation copies and rare first editions,” according to Christopher Brink, Potter & Potter Auctions’ director of Fine Books and Manuscripts. For more information, visit www.potterauctions.com.

08016 Burlington609-747-8333 HISTORIC BURLINGTON ANTIQUES & ART EMPORIUM, 424 High Street. Open 6 Days, Tues.-Sun.: T, W, F, Sat., Sun: 11A-5P; Th.&F.: 11A-7P; Closed on Monday. www.antiquesnj.com

08037 Hammonton609-561-1110

BERNIE’S ANTIQUES & ARTIFACTS, 18 Central Ave Tues.-Sat. 11-6 & Sun. 11-5. Trains, Pottery, Lenox, Breweriana, Fenton, Petroliana, Van Briggle, Albums + Neon Signs. Qty.Dlrs. Invited.

08062 Mullica Hill 856-478-9810

OLD MILL ANTIQUE MALL, 1 S. Main Street. Open Daily, 11-5; Sat. 10-5. Antiques, glassware, records, coins, stamps, military items, collectible toys, trains, linens, books & ephemera.

08081 Sicklerville856-545-3187 CARNIVAL OF COLLECTABLES, 368 Cross Keys Rd. Open Wed.- Sat. 10am6pm, Sun. 10am-5pm. 12,000 sq.ft Antique & Arts Mall, over 100 dlrs. www.carnivalofcollectables.com

08096 Woodbury856-205-3075 EVERGREEN ANTIQUES & MORE, 429 S. Evergreen Ave. Multi-dealer, 60+ dealers. 20,000 sq. ft., 1 floor ADA Compliant. Qty. antiques & collectibles. Huge, free parking. Mon.-Sat. 11 am-6 pm; Sun. 11am-5pm

08525 Hopewell609-466-9833

TOMATO FACTORY ANTIQUE & DESIGN CENTER, 2 Somerset St. We Have It All! Open Mon. thru Sat. 10-5, Sun. 11-5. We have 38 Dealers. www.tomatofactoryantiques.com

16686 Tyrone 814-684-5088

I-99 ANTIQUES, conveniently located off the Tyrone Exit of Interstate 99, 1222 Pennsylvania Ave. Quality antiques & collectibles. 40 Dlrs. Open Th., Fri., & Sat., 10:30am - 4:30pm, Dlrs. welcome.

16801 State College814-238-2980

APPLE HILL ANTIQUES, 2221 East College Ave. Distinctive antiques in a gallery setting. Over 60 dealers. Open daily 10 to 6. Wide variety.

17062 Millerstown717-589-7810

STITCH IN TIME ANTIQUE & GIFT

MALL, 43 N. Market St. Antiques, Collectibles, Furniture, Quality Handmade Crafts & Gifts. Open 7 days 10-5, Fri. til 8. Millerstown exit off RT 322.

17350 NewOxford717-624-3800

ZELMA’S EMPORIUM (Formerly Golden Lane) 11 N. Water Street. Antiques, Americana, Art, Asian, Primitives, etc. Closed Mon., Tues.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 12-5 or by appt. ZelmasAntiques.com

17361 Shrewsbury717-235-6637

SHREWSBURY ANTIQUE CENTER 65 N. Highland Dr. “A True Antique Mall” Over 10,000 sq.ft. with over 60 dealers. Open 7 days, 10-5. Ample parking. Close to other shops in historic village.

18944 Perkasie215-257-3564

TREASURE TROVE, 6 S. 7th Street. Estate jewelry, furniture, linens, vintage clothing, glass, china, books, toys, kitchenware, advertising, postcards. Primitives to Deco. Dealers Welcome. Mon.-Sat. 10-5. In business 42 years.

18962 Silverdale215-453-1414

THE FACTORY ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES, 130 West Main Street, Rt 113, Bucks County. Featuring 45 Dealers. Open Wednesday thru Saturday 10 -5, Sundays 11-4

19543 Morgantown610-913-1953

MORGANTOWN MARKET, 2940 Main St.. Hours 10-5 daily. Berks Co. Largest Antique Boutique. Antiques,Collectibles, Vintage Home & Garden Decor. Now we have miniatures & dollhouses!

A copy of the Boston Gazette and Country Journal sharing the news of the Boston Massacre was estimated at $400$600 and sold for $5,280. It was No. 779 and dated Monday, March 12, 1770. It included a woodcut vignette at the center of the masthead and four wood-engraved coffins of the victims by Paul Revere (1735-1818).

DELAWARE

07/27/23, CARLISLE, THURS.

08/26/23, HARTFORD, SAT.

10AM-5PM, 84th PAPERMANIA

PLUS: Antq. Paper Show +

Advertising & Photography, 1

Civic Center Plaza, XLCenter: exit off I-84; exit 32-B off I-91

08/10-13/23, ATLANTA, THURS.-SUN., Antique Market, 3650 Jonesboro Rd. SE, Atlanta Expo Center, North Bldg.

09/07-10/23, ATLANTA, THURS.-SUN., Antique Market, 3650 Jonesboro Rd. SE, Atlanta Expo Center, North Bldg.

BARNEGATLIGHT, SUN. 9AM-5PM, RAIN OR SHINE, Antique & Collectible

Show, 19th & Bayview Ave., Historic Viking Village

06/25/23 TO 10/01/23, DENVER, EVERYSUNDAY: 7:30-4; SPEC. SUNDAY, 10/1: OUTDOORS 5AM, INDOORS 7:30-4, Antique

07/29-30/23, REINHOLDS, SAT. & SUN., 7AM-4PM, Vtg. Political, Religious, Scientific, Medical & Black Memorabilia, 607 Willow St., Reinholds - Lancaster County

SUN.,

VIRGINIA

29th Annual & Collectors Special Sundays, 2500 N. Reading Rd., Renningers Adamstown 04/08/23 TO 12/31/23, BERWYN, EVERYSAT. & SUN, 9-4, Indoor/Outdoor Vintage Flea Market - Now Open Year Round!, 270 W. Swedesford Rd, Berwyn, PA 09/02-03/23, STORMVILLE, SAT. & SUN., 8AM-4PM, Antique Show & Flea Market, 428 Rte. 216, Stormville Airport, NY 08/14-20/23, BOUCKVILLE, MON.-SUN., 8AM-5PM, Antiques & Collectibles Show, 13 Show Fields Along Rte. 20, Bouckville, NY 09/24/23, HAMMONTON, SUN. 9AM-3PM, Fall Antiques & Bottle Show, 31 Batsto Rd., Historic Batsto Village - Wharton State Forrest 09/17/23, BARNEGATLIGHT, SUN. 9AM-5PM, RAIN OR SHINE, Antique & Collectible Show, 19th & Bayview Ave., Historic Viking Village 08/06/23,

07/29-30/23, CHANTILLY, SAT.

09/23-24/23, CHANTILLY, SAT.

9-6 & SUN. 11-5; $10 ADM., DC BIG FLEAAntiques Market, 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Dulles Expo Center

Wurlitzer Model 71 Tabletop

A Wurlitzer Model 71 tabletop jukebox on a stand, made in America, ca. 1940-41, sold for $14,750 on day two of two days of online-only auctions held June 9 and 10 by Miller & Miller Auctions Ltd. The first sale was dedicated entirely to toys, and the second featured petroliana, advertising and coin-ops. All prices quoted include an 18percent buyer’s premium and are in Canadian dollars.

Headlining the auction was a pair of important collections, both offered in the second session. One was the Linden Johnson collection, featuring a treasure trove of petroliana and general store advertising. The other was the Dr. Don Gutoski collection, which included a fine assortment of Kuntz Brewery advertising, rare Wurlitzer jukeboxes and speakers and assorted coin-ops.

“This sale was proof that the rule of investment collecting persists, condition is the foremost predictor of price,” according to Ethan Miller of Miller & Miller Auctions Ltd. “While mature market segments such as pre-1950 breweriana and toys fell somewhat beneath expectations, midcentury soda signs, particularly vertical signs and push bars, were on fire. Attendees hoping to build their advertising collections at yesterday’s prices took a walk down the boulevard of broken dreams.”

The Wurlitzer Model 71 tabletop jukebox on a stand was the overall top lot of both days. It was a mechanically functioning and nicely restored example with original toned catalin inserts and a refinished case and trim. It sat on a rare, restored original Wurlitzer model 810 stand. The wood base was painted with designs that simulated mixed wood inlays.

The top two lots of the toys category were a Marx Indian motorcycle with sidecar, made in America, 1940, 6.25 inches long, boasting original lithographed tin ($2,950), and a Canadian 1950s Lincoln TransCanada Air Lines pressed tin model airplane with four propellers, rubber landing gear and nice T.C.A. decals, 9.25 inches long ($2,950).

The June 9 toys auction, 272 lots, grossed $141,541 and attracted 230 registered users who combined for 4,439 bids. The June 10 petroliana, advertising and coin-ops auction, 377 lots, grossed $531,531; 429 bidders placed 8,852 bids. Online bidding was via LiveAuctioneers.com and MillerandMillerAuctions.com.

07/22-29/23, WILMINGTON, SAT. AT5PM (ONLINE BEGINS THE SAT. PRIOR), 40+ yr. collec. of Lionel & HO Trains! Vtg. pre/post war Lionel, Phila. 'Septa' PCC elec. street car, Northern Pacific 4-4-2 Atlantic, op. switch tower, automatic refrig. milk car, op. cattle car w/box, assort. HO & Lionel transformers, Rail King 4car subway set, & much more!, Live & Online: 1323 Newport Gap Pk.; www.EstateSalesofDelaware.com, Delaware Estate Sales

MARYLAND

07/25/23-08/04/23, SPARKS, THROUGH FRI., Nation's Premier Stoneware & Redware Auction, feat. museum-qty. examples from North, South, East & Midwest., Online & by phone: www.crockerfarm.com; 410-4722016, Crocker Farm

07/26/23, PARSONSBURG, WED. AT5PM, 2004 Cadillac Deville 4-dr. sedan, qty. artwork by Jack Lewis, Jovan Obican, Michael Green, lg. selec. sterling silver, estate jewelry, antq./mod. furn., glass/ china, collec., 75+ Hummels, Persian & Iranian rugs, Navajo rugs, tools & more!, Online Only: www.AMauctions.com via HiBid, A&M Auctions

08/23/23, SALISBURY, ENDS WED. STARTING AT5PM, Artwork, antq. & mod. furniture, housewares, collectables & more!, Online Only: www.AMauctions.com via HiBid, A&M Auctions

NEW JERSEY

07/29/23, PRINCETON, SAT. AT 11AM, Antique & Vintage Quilt & Textile Auction. Quilts, quilt tops, coverlets, feedsacks & other fab. textiles!, Live & Online: 3490 Rte. 1N, 11C; www.DanaAuctions.com, Dana Auctions LLC

A Kuntz Park Brewery Waterloo factory scene beer tray (Canadian. 1900), lithographed tin, with vibrant colors and a rare factory scene (L. Kuntz Park Brewery, Waterloo, Ontario) brought $12,980, while an 1890s Kuntz Park Brewery lithographed tin Lager sign with factory scene, embossed lettering and design, also from Waterloo, Ontario, realized $12,980.

A Globe Amusement Lighthouse grip strength tester (American, 1924), featuring lights and a horn that sounded when the player reached the top level of the game, 84 inches tall, knocked down for $12,980. Also, a Caille Brothers five-cent Olympia Puncher strength tester (American, 1910s), cast iron with nickel plated trim and a painted top sign, designed as either a “puncher” or a “hugger” after inserting a coin, went for $8,850.

A monumental, singlesided porcelain building sign (“Drink Coca-Cola, Delicious and Refreshing”), made in Canada in 1935, 4-by-8 feet, the scarcer, earlier version of the iconic sign of the same size, reached $9,440. Also, a Frontenac Brewery “Buccaneer” porcelain corner sign (Quebec, 1900s), made to be mounted to a corner of a building, showing excellent gloss, found a new home for $10,030.

A Seven-Up “Bubble Girl” single-sided tin vertical sign (American, 1948), embossed, made by Stout Sign Company (St. Louis, Mo.), finished at $8,850, while an Orange Crush single-sided tin sign (American, 1940s), rare and embossed, also made by Stout, made $8,260. The toys auction unlocked

AT3PM, Antqs. & Collec.: nice brass cash register, CVRR & OCRR lanterns, 18th cen. oak spice chest, country items, early kitchenwr., wrought/ cast iron skillets/ coffee mill, 19th cen. cookbooks, German Bisque head dolls, German carved bottle stopper collec., adv., old lighting, Cumberland Co. photo postcards, brass sleigh bells, Breininger pottery, etc., Rowe's Auction Barn, 2505 Ritner Hwy., Rowe's Auction Service

07/27/23, KINZERS, THURS. AT 10AM, Movie, TV& Music Memorabilia, Autographs & Ephemera. Feat. magazines/ periodicals from 1930's - 1970's. 1,000's mags., signed photos, posters, newspapers, solf/ hardcover movie & TVrelated books., Live & Online: 5336 Mine Rd.; embassyauctionsinternational.com; liveauctioneers & invaluable.com, Embassy Auctions International

07/29/23, MOUNTWOLF, SAT.

AT9AM, Vtg., antq. & collec. toys & trains. Great sci-fi & move character collec., Bob Burns-related scifi items, superhero items, windups, tin toys, HO & O guage trains/ access., model cars & collec. trucks, general antiques & more!, Live & Online: 4522 N. Sherman St. Ext.; rentzelsauctionservice.com, Rentzels Auction Service

07/29/23, WOMELSDORF, SAT.

AT8:30AM, Vehicles & Trailers, ATVs & Rec. Lumber, bldg. mat., tools, antqs. & collec. Lg. selec. lighted beer signs, adv., pocket knive collec., traps, selec. of mounts, & much more!, 148 Deck Rd., L&H Auctions

07/31/23, DILLSBURG, MON.

AT6PM, 2 Auctioneers: 1 tools/box lots; 1 furniture. Antiques, collec., unusual items, primitives, BR suites, nice furn., washer/dryer & more!, 185 Logan Rd. (Rte. 15), Hardy's Auction Service

07/31/23, NEWHOLLAND, MON. AT7PM, Two 3-D Abner Zook carved & painted dioramas & seven pcs. mid-cen. mod. furniture., Online Only: www.pmorganauctions.com, Patrick Morgan Auctions

08/05/23, ORWIGSBURG, SAT. AT10AM, Alaskan black wolf mount, firearms, coins incl. 1999 $50 gold pc., 1914-D $10 gold eagle, Morgan dollar collec. incl. 1895-S, jewelry, Star Wars, video games, furn., antq. dry sinks, oak roll top desk, antqs., ephem. incl. 1821 Orwigsburg City Plan & Deed, 1852 & '56 deeds, comics, vtg. books, Pokemon cards, sports rel., mus. instru., + more!, 1506 Centre Turnpike, Blum's / Auction Time Bid Board

08/08/23, GLEN ROCK, TUES. AT9AM, Outstanding Antique Auction!, Live & Online: 4067 Snyder Rd.; wehrlysauction.com, Wehrly's Auction Svc.

08/10/23, RONKS, THURS. AT 6PM, Real Estate in Paradise Twp.: beautiful custom home w/ qty. craftsmanship, 2.2 acres mostly wooded, LR, Kitchen, DR, baker's pantry, 4 BR (2 incl. full BA), 2-car garage, over garage bonus room, propane heating & cent. air, lg. 30'x50' workshop/ barn w/ gas heat/ water/ elec. , 9 Shady Hill Dr., Lefever & Hart Auctions, LLC

08/15/23, GLEN ROCK, TUES.

AT9AM, Gigantic Jewelry Auction - Gold, Sterling & Designer!, Live & Online: 4067 Snyder Rd.; wehrlysauction.com, Wehrly's Auction Svc.

08/22/23, GLEN ROCK, TUES. AT9AM, Lg. Variety Auction!, Live & Online: 4067 Snyder Rd.; wehrlysauction.com, Wehrly's Auction Svc.