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EcommerceBytes-Update, Number 42 - July 14, 2001 - ISSN 1528-6703
Collector's Corner
1) Planet of the Apes
By Michele Alice
Big-budget sci-fi films have the potential to generate huge profits for their studios through both ticket sales and merchandising. The same effect can also apply to the secondary-or collectibles-market, especially when the film just happens to be a remake of the classic Planet of the Apes. (The Tim Burton blockbuster, due to be released on July 27, 2001, is purportedly not an actual remake of the Charlton Heston vehicle, but is, instead, a "re-imagining" of the Pierre Boulle novel.)
Released to great popular and critical acclaim in 1968, the original Planet of the Apes (POTA) spawned 4 sequels, 2 television series (one live and one animated), and a plethora of POTA-related merchandise that is increasing in value even as this is being written. In the 60's and 70's, the merchandising of movie and television tie-ins was in its infancy compared to the excessive marketing practices of today, which is why original POTA, Star Trek, Star Wars, etc., collectibles are now in short supply.
Whether the new lines of merchandise being released with the Burton film will have as much potential is problematic as everyone is now on the POTA bandwagon. Remember the law of supply and demand: the more people buying and saving the new merchandise, the less likely that supply will be limited for the foreseeable future. If you are interested in seeing what is now and will be available, check out the POTA International Fan Club at ~http://www.dlcwest.com/~comicsape/ape.htm where you can peruse a list.
For now, though, a search (on 07.14.01) of eBay revealed that a 1975 set of 66 trading cards (NOT mint in box) recently sold for $103; a 1967 Mego figure of Zira (MOC) sold for $145; and a 1967 plastic bowl sold for $41! There also seems to be a great demand for POTA trash cans/waste baskets with several selling in the $20 to $50 range! And if you can find a 1963 hardcover edition of the Boulle novel, in English, you might also sell it for $102.01 (unsigned)!
So keep checking those yard sales, rummage sales, and thrift shops where I recently found a Planet of the Apes puzzle that turned out to have 3 pieces missing. And if you have them, let me know.
For more information, try the following pages and Web sites:
http://www.planetoftheapes.com The Official Tim Burton site
http://nav.webring.yahoo.com/hub?ring=ape&list Planet of the Apes (POTA) Web Ring List
http://www.geocities.com/drzaius0 The Ultimate POTA Web site (Timeline, chat, gallery of older collectibles)
http://www.geocities.com/apeincharge/index.html?947403895980 The POTA Cage (Movie pics, collectibles)
~http://www.dlcwest.com/~comicsape/ape.htm The POTA International Fan Club
(REALLY GREAT list of up-to-date movie sites, photo gallery of classic collectibles)
http://www.movieprop.com/tvandmovie/PlanetoftheApes Movie Props and Costumes (This site covers not only POTA, but other sci-fi movies and series also.)
2) Collector's Corner: Stamp-Collecting Courses Offered Online
By Ina Steiner
The American Philatelic Society offers three online courses on stamp collecting. "Collecting First Day Covers" begins August 15. The 8-week curriculum covers an introduction and history of FDC collecting, history and types of cancellations, types of cachets, developing a specialized collection, and care and storage of your collection. It also offers tips for identifying and valuing your collection and information about valuable resources - online and in print.
To sign up or for further information visit the APS virtual Stamp Campus at http://www.stampcampus.org or contact APS director of education Kim Kowalczyk, 814-237-3803 x 239; kim@stamps.org. The $75 fee includes all instructional materials. Members of the APS receive a $25 discount. The other courses offered online are Basic Stamp Collecting and Using the Internet to Collect Stamps.
The APS is a member-based nonprofit organization for postage stamp collectors in the United States. Membership is $25 and members receive a monthly journal, The American Philatelist, and may take advantage of other services including the Research Library, online and through the mail buying and selling of stamps, stamp insurance, and expertization of stamps. Membership information is available from PO Box 8000-N, State College, PA 16803 or the Society's Web site at http://www.stamps.org.
PS: STAMPSHOW 2001 is the nation's largest annual postage stamp show and takes place August 23-26 in Chicago, Illinois.
3) Elvis Collectibles @ eBay
By Ina Steiner
Did you know that First Day Covers of the Elvis stamp postmarked with "Return To Sender" are becoming a favorite novelty item? Lea Frydman wrote this article on finding Elvis collectibles on eBay.
http://www.elvispresleynews.com/article1003.html
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