YORK COUNTY, Pa. — An online auction is promising to be a collector's paradise.
On July 30 and 31, Hake's Premier Auction will hold an auction boasting plenty of collectibles. The star of the two-day event is expected to be a CGC 5.5 Fine-issue of "Captain America Comics #1," published in March 1941. The rare book contains the origin and first appearance of Captain America, Bucky Barnes and their nemesis The Red Skull.
The action-packed World War II-themed cover shows Captain America punching Hitler.
“This is not only a key Golden Age comic book with added historical significance, it's also a key issue when compared to the entire realm of comic books,” said Alex Winter, president of Hake’s Auctions. “It’s an absolute must-have for any serious comic collection and would qualify as the centerpiece.”
The auction estimate is around $200,000 or more.
But Captain America's comic won't be the only item up for auction. Hake's will answer the comic book demand with an array of choices.
Another auction item is Sam Kieth’s original pen-and-ink art for the cover of "Marvel Comics Presents Featuring Ghost Rider #99," published in March 1992. The front cover depicts Ghost Rider (Danny Ketch) surrounded by D’Sprytes, the toothy, goblin-like minions of the Fear Lord D’Spayre. This artwork will make its auction debut with a $20,000-$35,000 estimate.
Also poised for success is Walt Simonson’s original pen-and-ink art for the cover of "Shadow Cabinet #0," published by DC Comics as part of their Milestone Comics imprint in January 1994. This issue marks the first appearance of the Shadow Cabinet, with the cover showing members Hardware, Xombi, Iron Butterfly, Icon and Rocket; Static, and Blitzen.
Signed by Simonson and dated 7-15-93 at its lower left, the 14- by 16.75-inch artwork is expected to sell in the $10,000-$20,000 range.
Star Wars can also bid for rare items at the auction. A French Meccano Star Wars (1978) Luke Skywalker 3.75-inch action figure on a 20 Back blister card will be up for grabs and is estimated to fetch anywhere between $20,000-35,000.
Also on the block will be a 1978 Star Wars bell hanger advertising store display sign illustrated with Kenner's first 20 Star Wars action figures. The advertisement touts a mail-in "Special Limited Offer" promising a free Boba Fett action figure with the purchase of any four Star Wars action figures.
The bell hanger comes with its original cardboard carton ink-stamped to indicate it was destined for a Kroger in Cincinnati, Ohio and is expected to fetch upwards of $35,000 during bidding.
To view all of the items up for grabs during the late-July auction, click here.
