1/18/12

Question of value...

Question:  I've got a Ken Spencer figure with inscription that says, "Carved by Ken Spencer and Modification by Stewart Scott".  I need advice on how much he could be worth?   He's in lovely shape, and I love the fire out of him.  I'm just curious about value in case I put insurance on him.  Ken Spencer is dead so I needed to know if he might be pretty valuable. Thanks, Jeremiah Burch
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From Mr. D:  Your question is a difficult one indeed!  How does a person judge the value of an irreplaceable item?  I have not witnessed the sale of a Spencer figure recently, but I'll estimate their market value at $1,000-$1,500.  Much would depend upon the character and number of animations, of course.  But if lost, stolen, or destroyed, it could not be replaced with a duplicate at any price, so for actual insurance purposes I would suggest a value that would realistically allow you to purchase a comparable figure (by another maker) on today's market.
Note: If any reader is interested in possible purchase of this figure, contact me (mahertalk@aol.com) and I will put you in touch with Jeremiah.
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From Bill Matthews:  What I have done is taken photos of my figure, Larry, from several different angles (front, back, sides and angle shots), with and without the animations. That way if anything happened to the little guy I have plenty of pictures to send to a figure maker and have a new one made as close to him as possible. I keep a couple sets of pictures in different locations for in case they get destroyed, like a house fire. I also have him insured enough to cover the cost of a custom made figure. Better safe than sorry.

5 comments:

  1. Anonymous1/19/2012

    What I have done is taken photos of my figure, Larry, from several different angles (front, back, sides and angle shots), with and without the animations. That way if anything happened to the little guy I have plenty of pictures to send to a figure maker and have a new one made as close to him as possible. I keep a couple sets of pictures in different locations for in case they get destroyed, like a house fire. I also have him insured enough to cover the cost of a custom made figure. Better safe than sorry. Bill Matthews

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  2. Anonymous1/19/2012

    I don't know their value, but I think that Ken Spencer figures will be more valuable than Frank Marshall's in time. He did not make as many. LeeDean

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  3. Jeremiah Burch2/05/2012

    He is an original Ken Spencer Had him appraised and he is 100% Original Ken Spencer he was one of the last if not the last Ken Spencer Figure made. He has moving eyes,an eye winker which was very common with Ken Spencer Figures and his mouth works. They opened his head and it said KEN SPENCER in Pencil and had it look like a date also right under it! If I can get the right amount I'm looking for I might be considering to sell it the appraiser said it was worth any where from 1,500-4,000 at the low ball price and he's delt with 8 diffrent Ken Spencer Figures! If you know anyone interested please tell I wont accept under 1,500

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  4. Jeremiah Burch2/05/2012

    He made about 75-100 figures in his life and again you know a reasonable cost of it would be any where from 2,000-3,500

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    Replies
    1. Jeremiah Burch2/05/2012

      Please contact me Mr. D please

      Delete