UPDATE: Sold for US$500.
The Kenner ALIEN toy I posted yesterday sold within 24 hours for the listed price of US$399.99. That was quick. Let’s see how long this one takes to sell, then. There’s always more of these things where they come from, somehow. This 40 year old toy is listed for US$500.00 on eBay and is complete; but it does come with some caveats.
This figure appears to be in good shape but is it worth US$500? The presence of the dome on the head makes it complete but no indication exists whether or not the dome is missing any of the 5 nubs on its lower edges. This critical value adding detail is not revealed in the images or the brief description provided by the vendor, “1979 18 in vintage Alien Action figure by Kenner. Condition is Used. does not have a box. All parts are attached nothing broken off. Shipped with USPS Priority Mail.”
The figure appears to have other issues, too. Leaning as it does, propped up against the wall would indicate the figure has extremely loose hip joints and may be prone to toppling over. What’s just as concerning is the orientation of the dorsal crest on the figure’s back (circled) as it is placed upside down. These features are often missing from the figure and their absence can indicate damage to the slot it is mounted in. One returned to the figure like this in an inverted state might indicate such damage may be present on the mounting slot, thus removing the figure even further from perfect condition. Documentation of any possible damage is lacking in the listing.
US$500 is definitely a high asking price for this item. The presence of the dome and thus the completeness of the toy pushes the value up – to around US$350. US$400 would be maximum price for this old toy but it would have to be in perfect condition to ask for that much. Especially with suspect issues such as the loose hips and inverted dorsal crest that may indicate damage to the figure. Speaking of wear and tear, that left arm does look like it’s sitting loose in the socket. I’d be wary that may indicate additional internal damage, at least a severe loosening of the neoprene arm anchor for that particular limb.
A handful of questions asked prior to purchasing this item is strongly recommended. The vendor has provided a ‘Make Offer’ option in the listing, so negotiation in price is advised.
-Windebieste.
