Action Figures: Antiques for the Common Man
Action figures are some of the most fascinating toys. With the release of a blockbuster movie or an addictive TV show, action figures spike in popularity and value; kids scramble to find these limited editions that grow in value exponentially over time.
This post will provide you with all the information you need to buy, sell, and trade your action figures without getting duped by a fake buyer or seller. We'll also offer advice on selecting toys for your own collection as well as how to spot fakes among the best collectibles available today.
The goal is to have a complete guide on how to purchase and properly store your figure collection so it can be enjoyed for generations to come.
What Is an Action Figure?
An action figure is a miniature representation of a character done in plastic or any other material that is representative of the actual character. The figures typically come with accessories and are often packaged as a set to preserve the integrity of the film or TV show. Some companies provide collectors with multiple versions of their figures and even flexible parts to allow for more creative playtime. There are several different sizes and types of action figures on the market, but for this article we'll focus strictly on dolls 7 inches or more in height. These are most likely going to be purchased by collectors and will generally be made from firmer materials like plastic rather than rubber.
What Are Action Figures Made Of?
Action figures are typically made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or vinyl. PVC or vinyl is both a synthetic polymer and an acrylic plastic. PVC is the form of plastic which was widely used for action figure dolls during the 1960's and 70's due to its cost-effectiveness and durability in comparison to other types of plastic. Commonly referred to as toilet paper by collectors, this material is still often found in action figures today but you will now find it only as a softer material than that of the 1970s.
How Can I Tell If My Action Figure Is Fake?
The three most common ways to make sure you're getting the real deal are to check the vintage label on the back or check your figure's estimate price on eBay.
While some authentic labels have been known to have become detached over time, this is pretty common with vintage figures. The former should still be able to be read though and some stickers have also become nearly unreadable as time has gone by. The best solution is to just check your figure's price again each time you buy or sell. I can guarantee that any vintage figures that are selling with a realistic price inquiry will not be a fake (unless they've been hoarded for years on eBay).
How Much Is My Action Figure Worth?
There are several factors that go into determining the value of a specific action figure. While you can search online to see estimated values of the items in your collection, one of the most important factors is the condition. The best way to ensure you're getting the most for your money is to make sure that your toys are as close to new as possible. This means you check out all of their accessories and make sure they have no broken pieces or missing parts. Not only will this help you with finding more value in your collectibles, but it also makes sure that when you sell them later on, they will be worth more than a toy missing a piece.
How Do I Care For My Action Figures?
The best way to store your action figures is to make sure they are in a climate controlled environment. Some collectors prefer to store their figures in individual zip lock bags, but these should not be used. Instead, you should use a vacuum sealer. This process is easiest with PVC figures, which come in flexible tubes that can be used as storage containers. If you do choose to use the plastic tubes, they should be stored vertically (not horizontally) and in a dark area of your home or office. You can find more information on storing vintage action figures here: http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/collecting-action-figures-toys-420731.aspx .
There are a few factors to consider when storing your toys. Action figures can be difficult to find a temperature that is correct for all of the toys you own at once so you'll want to consider how many action figures you have and what their temperatures need to be. You'll also want to think about where they are going to be located in your house or office as this will help decide if you want them on display or in storage. If you choose outdoor storage, make sure it's near an air conditioner or in an area with a consistent temperature of 70 degrees or lower (ideally 50).
What Is The Best Way To Clean My Action Figures?
You want to avoid getting your action figures wet. If your toy is covered in dust, you can clean it with a dry cloth and make sure not to get any moisture in their eyes or mouths. While this won't damage the figure, it is best to keep them away from water when possible. If you have a plastic figure and need to remove any dirt or grime, you can use an extremely soft cloth (like an unused baby wipe) dipped in non-abrasive window cleaner and even this should be used sparingly. Only one side of the washcloth should be used on each figure and then washed separately before being reused on another toy.
You can also use a non-abrasive cleaner (with a high pH) on PVC figures. Make sure to test your cleaner on an inconspicuous part of the piece first and then follow up with a normal cleaner. Always make sure you completely dry the toy before storing them away after cleaning. PVC is not designed to be put in the washing machine so it can easily break or melt if subjected to water.
How Can I Tell If My Action Figures Have Been Moldy/Dirty?
If you've found mold or dirt underneath parts of your baby wipe or cleaned figure, there is a good chance it has been exposed to moisture or bacteria because it was stored incorrectly. There are a few ways to tell if your figure has been affected by this.
One of the most obvious signs is that in the same area where there is mold or dirt, there may also be some discoloration and/or rust. If you find this on your figures, you should make sure you're storing them properly and if they're PVC or vinyl, have them professionally cleaned. You can read more about cleaning your action figures here: http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/collecting-action-figures-toys-420731.aspx .
Conclusion
If you have any helpful hints or collecting advice, please let us know by leaving a comment below. It's also helpful to suggest what else we should be covering regarding action figures in the comments section below. We'd love to hear from you!
References:
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/new-toy-story-4-details-revealed-1138881
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toy_story 3#Artistic_direction_and_design_.281992_.E2.80.931997_.29
http://www.bbcamerica.