Some of our readers have complained that there is not enough American Dimestore material in recent issues of the magazine. This is not due to any editorial policy but rather reflects the balance of articles submitted. For those who still delight in this aspect of the hobby, please “put pen to paper” and let us hear your thoughts.
Regular contributor Stan Alekna is always on the lookout for material on American Dimestores. The results of his labours are contained in this new article, which reflects his continuing search for interesting variants and anecdotal information that he believes might be of interest to fellow collectors. Over to Stan…..
Several years ago, I stopped mailing my Dimestore mail order/catalog because the increasing mailing and printing costs made it prohibitive. At the suggestion of several advanced Dimestore collectors I began issuing Amercan Dimestore Silent Auctions every 1-2 months starting in 2015.
The average auction contains 15-20, top condition items and most include some rare figures and vehicles. A partial list of some items that have been sold via recent auctions follows:
- M88 gray parachutist
- M61a stewardess in khaki
- BA5 giant zeppelin
- B244A Red podfoot pilot
- Large, unlisted Gey Iron covered wagon, team and driver
- Arcade tank and cannon
- Both M58a stretchers marked #32
- TT19 Tommy Toy Tom Tom the Piper’s Son
- B137 Ski trooper in brown
- M95 banjo player
- M121 Hot Papa in white
- Barclay unlisted zepher train
- BV175 Two-piece fuel tanker
- B255A Red podfoot wounded
- G2A Grey Iron flag bearer, flag in musket
- Barclay circus wagon
- Barclay horse drawn milk wagon
- BV64 Steam roller
- AMV1 Tank, flame touching hull And hundreds more.!!
The auction format is as follows: All items are fully described in an email using O’Brien’s numbers and rated as to % paint with two, close-up photos of each f igure. Most items are 98% or better.
The starting (minimum) bid for each item is listed. Bidding is by email or phone, and you can bid as often as you like, but to be fair, I will not disclose where your bid(s) stand in relation to other bids. I pay for shipping and insurance for total winnings of $100 or more. $6.00 postage is added to the invoice for total winnings under $100. Refunds are provided for any item returned within 10 days of the buyer’s receipt of the item. I have never had an item returned from any auction. Payment is by personal check only.
Each auction has a stated closing date around 10-14 days after issuance. All bidders are advised via email of the winning amounts for those items that they bid on, within two days after the closing date of the auction. There are no fees or other auction charges and no obligations to bid on any auctions.
You can be added to the bidders’ list simply by sending Stan your email address.
Here’s a chance to acquire some of those rare Dimestore figures and upgrades that you have been looking for.
Stan Alekna
email: [email protected]
phone: (717-228-2361
The following are photos of just a few of the items that have recently been sold at auction.
