posted on October 8, 2001 09:24:31 AM
A few weeks ago I picked up an iron Mickey bank at a local auction. He looks like he has some age, but then i checked the eBay sales and found him there all spanking new. Can anyone tell me if I bought a ringer, or are the new ones just repros from the old? I didn't pay much and just find it almost impossible to believe someone would go to all the trouble to age the little guy for the few bucks they received form the sale. Is there a factory out there producing aged Mickeys in bulk?
Any help from Mickey experts would be appreciated and thanks in advance.
posted on October 8, 2001 09:38:10 AM
I do believe in "you get what you pay for". ANY original Disney thing will bring high money. Live Auctions are frequented by a lot of well-seasoned dealers: if THEY did not buy it, it is because they knew right away that is was a repro.
Yes, manufacturers are very UP on collectibles, and will reproduce just about anything...A dead give-away would be the word "Taiwan" or "China" or any such name on the underside, either as paper label (easily lost, so easier to pass as "real" ), or in raised letters.
posted on October 8, 2001 10:54:03 AM
Can you post a pic? Also, the newer banks have a "rough" finish to them, unlike the smooth as a babies bottom finish on the older cast iron banks. The older toy bank manufacturers used very fine sand in the casting, the repo makers can't be bothered going to the same lengths for a finely finished product. The new vs old paint is also a giveaway, but you need to have handled a number of older banks to get a feel for the subtle differences.
posted on October 8, 2001 11:22:49 AM
I see these banks all the time in flea markets and some are good fakes. Look old and feel smooth and the screw changed to a flat tip from the newer phillips.
), or in raised letters.