Record-Breaking Heritage Auction in Chicago
Share:
Heritage. I really lucked out when I met ’em ‘ cause they got me prices that
exceeded my wildest expectations, plus it was a real kick to work with them. I
don’t want this to sound like a TV commercial but, so help me Spidey, there’s no
one I’d rather entrust with my collection. Excelsior!” -Stan
Lee
Records weren’t just broken, they were smashed at Heritage’s
Signature Auction in Chicago last weekend. It had been touted as biggest and
best Heritage auction ever – but it actually went above and beyond even those
high expectations. “On the plane home to Dallas, we all felt like we’d just won
the Superbowl,” enthused Heritage Comics Auctions (HCA) Director John Petty.
“With over $5 million in sales and an 83% sell-through, I guess we’re still
riding quite a wave of euphoria.” Held in conjunction with Wizard World Chicago
2002, this was the highest-grossing auction ever
conducted in the comics, original art, or movie posters categories – with 2105
lots sold out of 2530 for a total sell-through of $5,027,553.90 (including the
15% Buyer’s Premium).
Some of the amazing pieces included were rare and
vast Golden, Silver and Bronze Age comic books, one of which – a Mad #7
Gaines File pedigree (EC, 1953) CGC NM+
9.6 – went for $4,600.00, over six
times the Overstreet Guide price. There was also a fascinating collection of
movie posters that ran the gamut from the obscure and campy (Earth vs. the
Flying Saucers) to the internationally beloved classics (Breakfast at
Tiffany’s, Gone With The Wind) and a ton of
original artwork.
Stan Lee’s phenomenal
consignment included his personal file copies of key Marvel comics such as
Fantastic Four #1, Amazing Spider-Man#1, Daredevil #1,
X-Men #1 and others. “The Stan Lee File Copies, all graded and certified
by Comics Guaranty LLC, surpassed everyone’s expectations, even mine,” said
Petty. “In fact Stan’s books brought anywhere from 2 to 45 times our
estimates.”
Not only these big names, but also secondary titles broke
records. Stan’s copy of Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. #1, CGC graded
3.0 with cream to off-white pages, which would normally be worth about $20, sold
for $899. A non-pedigreed copy of Avengers #1, CGC graded 8.0, sold for
$1,840 while Stan’s copy grading only 3.0 sold for $2,357.50! The total
realization of the Stan Lee-consigned lots came in just shy of $200,000, about
triple the presale estimate. When asked to comment, Stan Lee said, “Far as I’m
concerned, the real superheroes are those great guys at Heritage. I really
lucked out when I met ’em ’cause they got me prices that exceeded my wildest
expectations, plus it was a real kick to work with them. I don’t want this to
sound like a TV commercial but, so help me Spidey, there’s no one I’d rather
entrust with my collection.”
Steve Geppi, owner and founder of Diamond
Distribution and another high-profile consignor, was equally pleased. “The team
at Heritage did a great job on the July Signature Auction,” said Geppi. “They
got the word out, increased the general public’s awareness of the value of
collectible comics, and raised the bar for those of us in the industry. I’m
looking forward to continuing our relationship with Heritage for a very long
time.”
John Snyder, President of Diamond International Galleries, who
negotiated the Steve Geppi consignment added, “In my long experience in this
business, I’ve never seen such an atmosphere of professionalism and teamwork as
demonstrated by the Heritage group. I was present at each of the auction
sessions and it was energizing to see Jim Halperin not only attending but taking
an active role. It’s not unusual for the top people in an auction firm to not
attend the actual events, but Jim was involved, enthusiastic and effective. His
team reflected his commitment. It was an exceptional bit of history.
Congratulations also go out to Ed Jaster and John Petty and their staff for the
immense work on the catalog and assisting with the reserves!”
“It’s been
a pleasure working with these gentlemen, and with all of our consignors,” said
Petty. “Before the auction, there was some concern in the hobby about whether or
not the industry could absorb a sale of this magnitude. I’m happy to report that
those fears were unfounded, and that the state of the comics, art and movie
posters market is strong indeed.”
Other auction highlights, with their
prices realized, include (you can see images of these items at the bottom of the
page):
Hal Foster – Original Comic Strip Art for Prince Valiant
Sunday, 1944 – sold for $20,700
In one of Foster’s most significant (and
beautifully drawn) pages of the Prince Valiant saga, the dashing prince rushed
to the scene just before the young Queen Aleta was about to choose a husband.
This 29″x11.5″ piece sold in excellent, un-restored condition.
Dick
Sprang and Charles Paris – Original Art for Batman #56 Complete 13-Page
Story “The Riddle of the Seven Birds,” 1949 – sold for $34,500
This
action-packed Penguin tale not only featured antics from the Felonious Fowl,
Pengy and the Dynamic Duo, but also two panels that were not published with the
original story – featuring a concluding short coda. The story sold in overall
excellent condition.
Johnny Craig – Original Cover Art for Crypt
of Terror #17 – sold for $37,950
This piece, arguably the first
horror cover ever produced by EC, was drawn with amazing detail right down to
the scruffy alley cat searching for food. This 13.5″x19″ work sold in
exceptional condition.
Frank Frazetta – Original Art for the Back
Cover of Mad Magazine (circa. 1970) – sold for $27,600
This piece,
titled, “Early One morning in the Jungle,” consisted of four panels rendered on
one board, with each panel measuring 4.75″x14″.
Al Feldstein –
Original Art for The Crypt of Terror #17, Complete 8-page story, “Death Must
Come,” – sold for $10,063
This tale about the search for eternal youth
marked a new direction for Feldstein in the EC line. With art measuring 13″x18″,
this piece sold in excellent condition.
John Romita Sr. – Original
Cover Art for Spectacular Spider-Man #2 (Marvel, 1968) – sold for
$63,250
This, one of the most recognized covers of the Silver Age,
featured a classic battle between Spider-Man and the loathsome Green Goblin. It
was thought to have been destroyed in a fire years ago, but was recently
re-discovered in beautiful condition.
John Romita Sr. – Original Cover
Art for The Amazing Spider-Man #69 (Marvel 1968) – sold for
$41,400
Spidey appeared helpless at the hands of The Kingpin in this rare
Silver Age cover. With smooth inkwork and brilliant angles, this piece sold in
excellent condition.
Steve Ditko – Original Art for Amazing
Spider-Man 10, Complete 22-page story (Marvel, 1964) – sold for
$161,000
This was one of the earliest complete Spider-Man stories ever
brought to auction. With breath-taking brushwork and spine-tingling emotion,
Ditko made this tale come to life. With white 12.5″x18.5″ pages, this story sold
in excellent condition.
E.C. Segar – Original Comic Strip Art for
Thimble Theatre, 1930 – sold for $9,488
This piece, from very early in
Popeye’s life, was one of what many experts think may be less than 50 Segar
Sunday pages currently in existence. It measured 21″x19.5″ and sold in beautiful
shape.
Charles Schulz – Original Comic Strip Art for Peanuts Sunday,
1977 – sold for $9,488
Schultz’s work has reached an extraordinary level
of value since his untimely passing. This piece, in particular, because it
included an autographed, color photo of Schultz at work.
Bob Kane –
Original Comic Strip Art for Batman Sunday, 1946 – sold for $42,550
The
horrid Penguin was up to his usual antics in this very rare Sunday strip. With
great shots of the evil bird, as well as Batman and Robin, this 20.25″x26.5″
piece sold in excellent condition.
Superboy #1 (DC, 1949)
CGC VF/NM 9.0 Cream to off-white pages – sold for
$12,075
Detective Comics #1 (DC, 1937) CGC GD/VG 3.0 Cream
to off-white pages – sold for $21,850
Batman #1 (DC, 1940)
CGC VF 8.0 Cream to off-white pages – sold for $57,500
Young
Allies Comics #1 Pennsylvania pedigree (Timely, 1941) CGC VF/NM Off-white
pages – sold for $20,700
Marvel Comics #1 (Timely, 1939)
CGC VG+ 4.5 Cream to off-white pages – sold for $34,500
All
Winners Comics #1 (Timely, 1941) CGC VF+ 6.5 Tan to off-white pages – sold
for $14,950
The Amazing Spider-Man #1 (Marvel, 1963) CGC
NM-9.2 Off-white pages – sold for $43,700
Four Color #9
(Dell, 1942) CGC VF+ 8.5 Cream to off-white pages – sold for
$11,500
Carl Barks – “The Flying Dutchman” (circa 1972) – sold for
$80,500
Here, those lovable Ducks were seen confronting the legendary
lost galleon in Bark’s classic rich hues. At 18″x24″, this oil on masonite work
sold in excellent condition.
The Black Cat (Universal, 1934)
half sheet – sold for $43,700
This 22″x28″ sheet represented the first
teaming of Universal’s masters of horror, Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi, in a
fascinating tale of murder and jealousy. This was believed to have been the only
known copy of this poster in existence.
The Black Cat
(Universal, 1934) half sheet – sold for $32,200
Another successful
Black Cat sale was made with this rare half sheet, which featured the
same artwork that appeared on the title lobby card for the
film.
Gone With The Wind (MGM, 1939) one sheet -sold for
$18,400
This 27″x41″ poster of one of the most beloved films of all time
showed Scarlett running through the streets of a burning Atlanta. A very rare,
first release issue, this Very Fine piece was printed on
Linen.
Cimarron (RKO, 1931) Swedish one sheet – sold for
$3,680
This Swedish stone litho poster of the Academy Award winning
picture rivaled the American one sheet in beauty. It sold in Near Mint/ Mint
condition.
Fowl, Pengy and the Dynamic Duo, but also two panels that were not published with the original story - featuring a concluding short coda. The story sold in overall excellent condition.
par
par b Johnny Craig - Original Cover Art for i Crypt of Terror i0 #17 - sold for $37,950
par b0 This piece, arguably the first horror cover ever produced by EC, was drawn with amazing detail right down to the scruffy alley cat searching for food. This 13.5”x19” work sold in exceptional condition.
par
par b Frank Frazetta - Original Art for the Back Cover of Mad Magazine (circa. 1970) - sold for $27,600
par b0 This piece, titled, ”Early One morning in the Jungle,” consisted of four panels rendered on one board, with each panel measuring 4.75”x14”.
par
par b Al Feldstein - Original Art for The Crypt of Terror #17, Complete 8-page story, ”Death Must Come,” - sold for $10,063
par b0 This tale about the search for eternal youth marked a new direction for Feldstein in the EC line. With art measuring 13”x18”, this piece sold in excellent condition.
par
par b John Romita Sr. - Original Cover Art for i Spectacular Spider-Man #2i0 (Marvel, 1968) - sold for $63,250
par b0 This, one of the most recognized covers of the Silver Age, featured a classic battle between Spider-Man and the loathsome Green Goblin. It was thought to have been destroyed in a fire years ago, but was recently re-discovered in beautiful condition.
par
par b John Romita Sr. - Original Cover Art for i The Amazing Spider-Man #69i0 (Marvel 1968) - sold for $41,400
par b0 Spidey appeared helpless at the hands of The Kingpin in this rare Silver Age cover. With smooth inkwork and brilliant angles, this piece sold in excellent condition.fs20
par fs24
par b Steve Ditko - Original Art for Amazing Spider-Man 10, Complete 22-page story (Marvel, 1964) - sold for $161,000
par b0 This was one of the earliest complete Spider-Man stories ever brought to auction. With breath-taking brushwork and spine-tingling emotion, Ditko made this tale come to life. With white 12.5”x18.5” pages, this story sold in excellent condition.
par
par b E.C. Segar - Original Comic Strip Art for Thimble Theatre, 1930 - sold for $9,488
par b0 This piece, from very early in Popeye’s life, was one of what many experts think may be less than 50 Segar Sunday pages currently in existence. It measured 21”x19.5” and sold in beautiful shape.
par
par b Charles Schulz - Original Comic Strip Art for Peanuts Sunday, 1977 - sold for $9,488
par b0 Schultz’s work has reached an extraordinary level of value since his untimely passing. This piece, in particular, because it included an autographed, color photo of Schultz at work.
par
par b Bob Kane - Original Comic Strip Art for Batman Sunday, 1946 - sold for $42,550
par b0 The horrid Penguin was up to his usual antics in this very rare Sunday strip. With great shots of the evil bird, as well as Batman and Robin, this 20.25”x26.5” piece sold in excellent condition.
par
par
par bi Superboy #1i0 (DC, 1949) CGC VF/NM 9.0 Cream to off-white pages - sold for $12,075
par i
par Detective Comics #1i0 (DC, 1937) CGC GD/VG 3.0 Cream to off-white pages - sold for $21,850
par i
par Batman #1i0 (DC, 1940) CGC VF 8.0 Cream to off-white pages - sold for $57,500
par i
par Young Allies Comics #1i0 Pennsylvania pedigree (Timely, 1941) CGC VF/NM Off-white pages - sold for $20,700
par i
par Marvel Comics #1 i0 (Timely, 1939) CGC VG+ 4.5 Cream to off-white pages - sold for $34,500
par i
par All Winners Comics #3i0 (Timely, 1941) CGC VF+ 6.5 Tan to off-white pages - sold for $14,950
par i
par The Amazing Spider-Man #1i0 (Marvel, 1963) CGC NM-9.2 Off-white pages - sold for $43,700
par i
par Four Color #9i0 (Dell, 1942) CGC VF+ 8.5 Cream to off-white pages - sold for $11,500
par
par Carl Barks - ”The Flying Dutchman” (circa 1972) - sold for $80,500
par b0 Here, those lovable Ducks were seen confronting the legendary lost galleon in Bark’s classic rich hues. At 18”x24”, this oil on masonite work sold in excellent condition.
par b
par i The Black Cati0 (Universal, 1934) half sheet - sold for $43,700
par b0 This 22”x28” sheet represented the first teaming of Universal’s masters of horror, Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi, in a fascinating tale of murder and jealousy. This was believed to have been the only known copy of this poster in existence.
par
par bi The Black Cati0 (Universal, 1934) half sheet - sold for $32,200
par b0 Another successful i Black Cat i0 sale was made with this rare half sheet, which featured the same artwork that appeared on the title lobby card for the film.
par
par bi Gone With The Windi0 (MGM, 1939) one sheet -sold for $18,400
par b0 This 27”x41” poster of one of the most beloved films of all time showed Scarlett running through the streets of a burning Atlanta. A very rare, first release issue, this Very Fine piece was printed on Linen.
par
par bi Cimarroni0 (RKO, 1931) Swedish one sheet - sold for $3,680
par b0 This Swedish stone litho poster of the Academy Award winning picture rivaled the American one sheet in beauty. It sold in Near Mint/ Mint condition.fs20 f2
par }
’70s
or its better-dressed sequel, the ’90s. In each case there were nods to the
prevailing mores,