Guy has been scouring the lands of the great white North for years, hunting for rare and exciting toys to add to his incredible collection. Let’s take a closer look…
How did your collection start? What was the first item in your collection?
My collection started over my deep love for Batman. The first item in my collection I recall was the Batman 8″ Mego Action Figure as a child growing up in the 1970’s and then when I got the fervor as an adult collector that was the first must-have piece to acquire, and it grew from there and took over my life.
Approximately how many items are in your collection?
It all started when I was 4 years old when my mom bought me my first two Star Wars action figures. I still remember the big cardboard display with the original 12 action figures. I don’t know what happened to Darth Vader but I still have Chewbacca. When I hit high school I started looking for pieces I once had as a child (or wish I had but never got). Since then it’s been a constant search for the next treasure.
Approximately how many items are in your collection?
I estimate roughly 350 action figures, 40 ships or playsets, 60 miscellaneous items such as lunchboxes, puzzles, games, etc. and 300 books, magazines and record albums.
Do you have a favorite item in your collection?
When it comes to my favorite items there are those that have sentimental value, those that have monetary value and those that are just cool to look at. As for sentimental value, aside from my first Chewbacca action figure, I’d have to say the large size Boba Fett action figure my dad bought me out of the blue when I was 6 years old is on top of the list. My vintage Star Wars Death Star playset which is complete and still in the box would probably be my most valuable in terms of money. My favorite item to look at because I just think it’s cool is my 1966 Batman plush doll from the Commonwealth Toy Company. It’s in great shape and reminds me of watching reruns of the TV show as a kid.
How do you store/display your collection?
Everything is in my basement under lock and key in display cases. Perfect protection from curious children.
Is there a “holy grail” item that you would love to add to your collection?
I have all the vintage large size Star Wars action figures except for IG-88. Of course he’s the toughest to find…especially complete. Maybe someday.
Do you collect other things?
I’ve been collecting comic books and trading cards since I was a kid. Like my toys, I don’t collect anything produced after 1990 and the themes are similar (Star Wars, Star Trek, superheroes, sci-fi, etc.).
Do you have any advice for new collectors who are just starting a collection?
Set boundaries. If you like a certain movie and decide to start buying any product that contains a logo of that movie, you will quickly be overwhelmed. I myself limit my purchases to items of a certain time period. I think the most successful and happy collectors are those that are focused and know what they want.
Do you have any interesting stories or memories about collecting?
The most interesting aspect of collecting is the chase. Having specific pieces in mind of what you truly want and then going out to collectible shows, conventions, retail outlets, online, etc. and finding that piece that you’ve wanted for a long time is truly satisfying and makes collecting worthwhile. I still remember finding my rare vintage Star Wars Blue Snaggletooth action figure in the bottom of a plastic bag at a toy show. Only paid $3. Poor seller didn’t know what he had. The thrill of the chase!
Guy lives in Ottawa Canada with his wife and three kids. “Although my wife doesn’t understand my collecting passion she is very supportive. Being a child of the eighties, my collection is focused on items produced prior to 1990. For me it’s all about nostalgia from my youth. I like so many movies and characters that without a cutoff point my collection would spiral out of control. Plus I like the challenge of finding older pieces. For me it’s more rewarding than going to a store and buying something new.”
View even more of Guy’s collection on his Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/57732865@N03/
—
If you are a collector and would like to share your passion with other like-minded collectors, just fill out the collector profile form.
