In Auction #216 Hake’s Americana & Collectibles presented the second portion of the Franco Toscanini Superman Collection. The Man of Steel continued to leap tall results in single bounds, bringing in impressive prices and competitive bidding.

Frank Frazetta Superman specialty original art took top honors in the auction, closing at $35,420 over a $10,000 to $20,000 estimate. The piece by the legendary fantasy artist depicts a full body image of Superman soaring through the air, paying homage to the Man of Steel’s creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

“For the second round of items from this amazing collection, the quality and rarity matched that of our inaugural offerings. That fact was backed up by the same spirited bidding we saw last auction,” Hake’s President Alex Winter said. “The key pieces we expected to do well did just that and in a number of cases even eclipsed our highest expectations. However, across the board, the Toscanini collection was another resounding success and we expect the same for what will follow in the March auction. Many more Superman items are set for auction #217 and beyond.”

The second highest selling piece in the Franco Toscanini Collection was a rare Superman linen-backed poster for the movie serial which closed at $16,761. Featuring Superman art and comic books, the poster was released for the 1948 Columbia film starring Kirk Alyn as Superman.

An incredibly rare Superman Bubble Gum and Picture Cards by Bowman/gum Inc. shipping carton sold for $12,524. The large 14” x 17” x 14” deep cardboard carton originally contained 20 boxes/100 count of the classic 1940 gum card issue. Unlike many generic cartons used for gum card boxes, this is a wonderfully illustrated example with full figure image of Superman in flight.

A rare Action Comics version of the Superman 1940 contest prize ring in high grade brought $10,436. The ring reads “Supermen of America,” “Member,” and “Action Comics.” Hake’s knows of only 23 examples of the prize ring and this example is one of only seven known to include the “Action Comics” text.

A Superman die-cut promotional folder soared past the estimate of $1,000 to $2,000 to sell for $9,260. The thin cardboard folder in classic hands on hips pose, measures 7” x 14-1/2”, and opens to reveal promotional text for the Superman radio show.

Another piece that flew beyond the estimate was the Superman Official Junior Suspenders display box and suspenders, which realized $8,625 over the expected $700 to $2,000. The original cardboard box is illustrated with an image of Supes in flight and the suspenders are 22-1/2”, which are rare finds.

A Superman Cut-Outs rare book realized $7,590, over the $1,000 to $5,000 estimate. The book’s pages are printed on stiff paper with pieces designed to be cut out. The pages are uncut and clean with bright colors. It is a rare piece and the first Hake’s has ever offered.

Another popular poster in the auction was a Superman and the Mole Men linen-backed three-sheet for the movie serial, which sold for $5,060. This was the first theatrical feature release for the DC hero, distributed by Lippert Pictures Inc. in 1951.

Joe Shuster Superman Christmas card original art reached $4,554. The piece came double matted with two openings featuring vintage artboard with preliminary pencil original art by Shuster. The art shows Supes partially standing behind a large drum with hand lettered “Seasons Greetings 1945” pencil text.

All prices include the 15% buyer’s premium. Hake’s is already accepting consignments for their next auction. To consign with Hake’s Americana & Collectibles, contact Consignment Manager Kelly McClain at mkelly@hakes.com or call (866) 404-9800, ext. 1636.