Vintage Prototype and Pre-Prod Collectors Thread

[Tattoo Shane]

Hey everyone...i thought i'd start a thread to see just how many people on the boards are either actively collecting or interested in prototypes and other pre-production material material from the 1982-1994/95 line. This includes figural prototypes, artwork, proofs, etc.

I figured this thread could also serve as a good way for people to discuss thier interests, collections, some of the stuff we're currently seeing surface on eBay, ask questions about proto collecting, and make any observations of this genre of the hobby.

So, that said, i encourage others to post on the subject!

[mizak23]

I don't actively collect the stuff, but I do have preproduction artwork of the 1991 Mercer, I got it for Christmas.

[NewOrder]

I'm always looking to buy most things proto 82-88, maybe 89. Everything except mock-ups. I wish more stuff would surface more often.

As far as interests are concerned, I take what I can get; the pickings are very slim and there's no room for being a picky eater.

My general observation of this collecting focus--as a genre (I think you've mixed your metaphor here)--is that there is an overall lack of coherrence. Lots of anecdotes, tall-tales, heresey, speculation, and so on. But then again, there isn't a wide body of information on JOE prototypes available for ease and orderly dissemination as well. As of this moment, it seems to me, collecting JOE prototypes requires more guess work and faith than intervention from the factinista.

[82to87Joes]

Id Like To Find Anything Preproduction For The 86 Viper

[gutstheberserker]

I would be interested in certain items depending on the character.

[dominic.18]

i am interested in the artwork and proofcards, but not in the prototypes. dom

[Tattoo Shane]

My general observation of this collecting focus--as a genre (I think you've mixed your metaphor here)--is that there is an overall lack of coherrence. Lots of anecdotes, tall-tales, heresey, speculation, and so on. But then again, there isn't a wide body of information on JOE prototypes available for ease and orderly dissemination as well. As of this moment, it seems to me, collecting JOE prototypes requires more guess work and faith than intervention from the factinista.

I can see that definately being the case for the uninitiated. Unfortunately no one has really taken the time to divulge the pre-production process for the GI Joe community so it's easy to see why some people might feel there is a lot of speculation, heresey, etc. Once that step has been made, then hopefully people can approach the subject with a lot more clarity.

I think the most frustrating part is that there hasn't been a lot of this stuff brought to market, at least since 1994, and trying to determine fair market value on these things can be somewhat daunting...no one really knows what a fair price is to pay for a type of item that has never been available before.

The thing that i've noticed is that more people seem interested in 2D items like artwork and proofs than 3D prototype material like first shots (FS), hardcopies (HC), etc. Maybe that's because it's a lot easier to understand what you're getting with artwork as opposed to figural stuff? There's less confusion?

[dominic.18]

is there any place of info on any of the samples. or a select few sellers with access to these. the origins of the prototypes always bothered me because of the figure molds being used by other countries i imagine prototypes could be manufactured easily. ive also wondered if anyone has tried to make vintage samples with some custom figures to sell.

[dmooretoys]

This is an area I have recently taken an interest in, especially the concept artwork. In fact, I almost wish the recent items that have surfaced would have remained hidden a little longer because I am spending more than I should.

Dan

[Tattoo Shane]

is there any place of info on any of the samples. or a select few sellers with access to these. the origins of the prototypes always bothered me because of the figure molds being used by other countries i imagine prototypes could be manufactured easily. ive also wondered if anyone has tried to make vintage samples with some custom figures to sell.

Provenance is always important when you're buying prototypes but the location of the steel molds is of little real signifigance when it comes to this stuff. The only types of prototypes made from the steel molds are First Shots. Hardcopies, 2 Ups, etc are all hand made by Hasbro sculpters and engineers out of different materials and are VERY different than something made from the steel mold.

I'm sure some people have tried to make custom prototypes but i'm equally sure that they'd be fairly easy to spot to the trained eye. This is why provenance and trusting your source is so important.