October 26, 2014: Rare Superman Items Head to Auction

As part of their 213th auction, Hake's Americana and Collectibles in York, PA is offerring another assortment of rare Superman collectibles and memorabilia from the 1940's, 50's, 60's and 70's. Here are some of the featured items and descriptions:

SUPERMAN EXPANSION BAND WRIST WATCH

Original cardboard box w/nicely illustrated lid contains 1x1.5" silver luster metal case watch w/original metal expansion band (not "S" bands). Not to be confused w/the "Superman Supertime Wrist Watch" by Ingraham, this watch was produced by Bradley, though box features similar art. c. 1950s. © National Comics Publications, Inc. Box insert has "Superman" comic book title logo and space graphics. Box lid has nice images of Superman on top and two side panels w/Metropolis skyline bkg. Box lid notes watch as "Model No. 290" and has Bradley name. Box originally had hinged lid, but paper connecting lid to box bottom is torn, separating the two. This has resulted in some surface paper loss to lid. Old tape repair to bottom of box. VG overall, but still displays nicely from the front. Dial features full body image of Superman w/hands on hips. Slight trace of oxidation to metal expansion band, but watch is running and dial is Exc. w/full case luster. Comes w/original Bradley guarantee paper. As rare as boxed examples of the "Supertime" watch are, this example is even rarer and is the only example we've offered in our 47 years.

"SUPERMEN OF AMERICA" 1941 MEMBERSHIP KIT

16x26" frame contains professionally matted/shadowboxed and framed display that showcases complete and early 1941 "Supermen Of America" club membership kit. Display contains complete envelope (though matted so that only return address shows), welcoming letter, 1.25" dia. club button, "Superman's Secret Code" cardstock folder and "Supermen Of America" membership certificate #104872. Club started in 1939 and ran to 1965. Membership certificate has horizontal fold at center as issued and shows scattered wear w/.75" tear at left fold, by typed recipient's name. Fine overall, but rest displays Exc. as framed. Ready for display.

1942 SUPERMAN PROMOTIONAL FIGURE

5.5" tall wood composition figure designed by legendary Superman artist Wayne Boring to promote Superman to DC Comics' distributors and retailers. 1942. This is scarce brown and red version. Underside of base has "Wichita" inked notation as well as "2/24/42" date, adding a nice bit of history as to when this figure was originally purchased. There are some additional notations on underside, including "P+B" and "23" in black ink. Just the tiniest traces of minor aging/wear but no touch-ups or repairs. About as nice as these come.

View the complete list of Superman items up for auction at Hakes.com.