Bobbleheads and Certificates of Authenticity

I get asked all the time if a bobblehead is worth more with its Certificate of Authenticity (COA). Easy answer is yes, the COA definitely adds value.  Some people will only buy bobbleheads with a COA, while others could care less.  And most bobbleheads now do not come with a COA.  However, in the early years of Twins and Timberwolves bobbleheads, all game giveaway bobbles came with a COA. Unfortunately many of the people who received the giveaways tossed the COA.  Because of that, there are a lot less COA's than there are bobbleheads, that's pretty much a fact.

If you are a collector who needs COAs to complete your collection, my buddy Bill can hook you up. Check out his site at Minnesota Fan Store.  If he doesn't have a COA you need, email and ask for it, he'll probably be able to find one for you!

Karl-Anthony Towns Bobblehead

Remember, the Wolves are giving away the 2nd bobblehead of the season (in a series of 5) tonight at Target Center.  It'll be first overall draft pick, Karl-Anthony Towns.  See the bobblehead below.  This is the first year in quite some time that the Wolves have done bobblehead giveaways and they are off to a very popular start.  The Wiggins bobblehead (first in the series) was gone by about 6:10 on game night (doors opened at 5:30 I believe).  I expect the Towns bobble to be just as popular.  Get down to Target Center early tonight!

2015 Yearly Recap - Part 5

This is my final yearly recap blog entry.  I've had many great deals this year and a few bad ones.  I'd love to eliminate the bad ones, but that's part of collecting (and learning while "on the job").  My final recap of 2015 is about the relationships you make while collecting.  I've met a couple really cool guys while collecting.  They are vastly more knowledgeable than me on the collecting industry as a whole (I might have more knowledge on specific Minnesota bobbleheads), but the relationships I've built with them are tremendous.  The deals we work out are good to great for all sides.  If I have questions, I feel completely comfortable asking them as they'll be honest and upfront with me about a potential deal.  They've saved me from the possibility of making dumb deals and I truly appreciate that.

I try to pass that on to my blog readers and other people I do deals with.  I've gotten plenty of emails asking about the value or rarity of a specific bobblehead.  I've had collectors ask me about deals they are in the process of making.  I've had people ask me to help them with a deal.  Karma is a very real thing and I certainly aim to be on the right side of it!

Collectors helping collectors, right?

2015 Yearly Recap - Part 4

For those of us who are married or have significant others, this might be one of the most important posts you read on this blog.  Jess is very supportive of my hobby, when she's out in the summer and hits a few garage sales looking for whatever she looks for, she always keeps an eye out for bobbles or sports stuff for me.  She's found a few good deals too!  But, I certainly return the favor as well!  I've picked up several items (usually they are clothing related or purses) with her in mind.  I've found genuine coach wallets/purses.  I've also found giveaway type clothing items she likes (the Twins bomber and stocking caps) and even a Gopher cardigan that she absolutely loved.

Re-read this one all you want!

2015 Yearly Recap - Part 3

I previously blogged about a deal that didn't work out.  I take pride in making deals that eventually work out for me.  I try to stick to my standards and budget as much as possible.  There were a couple garage sale deals that worked out extremely well.  There is no grand plan of figuring out which garage sales are the best.  I've been to sales that were extremely well marketed that turned out to be duds (that's putting it nicely) and I've been to sales on a whim that turned out great.  The first sale was marketed pretty well (not the best it could have been because they had so much stuff and 90% of it was quality stuff).  I chatted up the owner a bit and can only assume he and his wife were pretty big sports fans in general.  I wouldn't say they were the typical "collectors" though.  I bought several bobbleheads at the sale plus some random other stuff (mostly sports related).  I worked out deals where eventually the bobbleheads I kept were basically free.  

The second sale was completely on a whim and it turned out to be better than the one I just mentioned.  Lots of bobbleheads.  Lots of other giveaway type items.  I bought quite a bit of stuff, and sometimes at sales, the more stuff you buy the better deals you get.  I was able to re-sell a lot of the stuff and traded the rest of what I didn't want, so it worked out quite well for me!  

My main focus at sales is being nice and courteous.  I was surprised that this doesn't seem to be a common theme among "garale-salers."  Some are quite rude and in a hurry.  I was at a sale where another guy drove up to the house, decided he was going to park in the driveaway (there were lots of items lined up on the driveway) and was smoking...and not just smoking...but didn't even put it out when he walked around the garage.  

2015 Yearly Recap - Part 2

For every deal/find that works out...there's probably another deal that doesn't work.  Earlier this year I heard about some bobbleheads that ultimately I was interested in.  The seller had many other items that I thought might be collectible.  I didn't know much about most of what he had, but a few things I did have some background knowledge on and figured, why not take a shot.  Perhaps I sell those items and make a little money which would make the bobbleheads I bought "free" or at least cheaper.

Unfortunately for me...most of the stuff I bought wasn't that valuable and I didn't make anything on it.  So instead of making some money...those bobbleheads ended up costing me a bit more than originally thought!

2015 Yearly Recap - Part 1

In my previous blog I mentioned doing a yearly recap.  This will be a blog series as there are a few different stories I want to share.  Some good, some bad, some good and bad!  I try really hard to keep track of all the bobbleheads I come across, but honestly...its tough.  Sometimes I just forget to update my spreadsheet and other times I update it, but not 100% accurately because I wait a few days and forget everything about a deal.  Luckily for me...it's not imperative that everything is 100% complete!

The first garage sale I went to...a random drive by on my way home from work netted me a Hrbek/Gant 1991 World Series bobblehead.  That might have been a bit of foreshadowing of what was to come in 2015.  When it comes to bobbleheads that you might find (not super rare ones) the Hrbek/Gant is about the best you can get.  The bobblehead(s) itself was in great condition. Unfortunately there was no box.  For most collectors this is somewhat of a dealbreaker, especially when it comes to the Hrbek/Gant bobblehead as it comes with a picture box and styrofoam packaging.  I already had my own so this was to trade or sell, which limited my market as I wasn't going to ship this one without the proper packaging.  Sometimes tho, when it comes to great bobbles like this...you still pick it up because it was well worth it!

Here's the Hrbek/Gant bobblehead along with the box, which has value in itself!

I've had some bad buys too at garage sales.  Some people are very good and making a garage sale ad seem extremely appealing.  Several times I've wasted my time in going to sales that appear (on paper) to be exactly what I'm looking for, just because there is an "S" on the end of bobblehead, doesn't mean there will be 10 or 20 of them (of course at times it does).  So just remember, garage sales in general are very hit and miss!

The season of helping?

I haven't been able to blog much lately because I've been incredibly busy.  Mainly with family/friends for the holidays, but this year the holiday season has been good to me in the world of bobbleheads too.  Found a few new ones for my collection.  I've made a few deals for bobbleheads that I know other people need.  I can't promise anything, but if you are looking for bobbleheads from Minnesota teams, let me know and I'll do my best to find one and get it in your hands!

I continue to say that a big part of collecting for me is helping other collectors.  I recently made a deal with a friend in Florida.  He had a Twins retail bobble that I've been looking for and I have a Minnie & Paul bobble he wanted.  It's nice to help one another out and even more so during the holiday season.

I'm putting together a yearly recap as well.  Granted, right now its just in the back of my head, but I'll post that at some point in December.  Reliving some of my best deals and finds during 2015.  And I've also made a couple of boneheaded mistakes too - but that's part of collecting, right?  Right?  Tell me, I'm right dammit!

Happy Holidays!!

Sneak Peek - LaVine, Rubio and Dieng Bobbleheads - Minnesota Timberwolves

Here are mini versions of the upcoming bobblehead giveaways by the Timberwolves.  Zach LaVine, Ricky Rubio and Gorgui Dieng!  Once I have better (or full size) pictures, I'll share!  Glad the Wolves are in the bobblehead game again!

Sneak Peek - Karl Anthony Towns Bobblehead - Minnesota Timberwolves

Here's the first look at the new Karl Anthony Towns bobblehead the Wolves are giving away on December 26th.  This is the 2nd in a series of 5 from the Wolves this season.  Looks to be a pretty cool bobblehead of KAT!

More Replica Stadiums!

Here are a few more replica stadiums I'm looking for!  As I said in the previous blog post - I'm sure there are several others that I don't have.  But after you see my "want list" you'll probably have a good idea of what fits into my collection and what doesn't!

Fargo Moorhead RedHawks - Newman Outdoor Field

Minnesota Vikings - Metropolitan Stadium

Minnesota Golden Gophers - Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome

New Collection - Replica Stadiums

While collecting bobbleheads I've drawn an interest to mini stadiums.  I think they are super cool, especially the older ones and ones with all sorts of detail.  I have several and again, I'm mainly collecting Minnesota based stadiums or ties to Minnesota (for instance, some of the ones you'll see are from the Twins minor league teams).  These are what I currently would like to add to my stadium collection.  I'm sure there are others out there that I haven't seen or don't know about - so if you have something you think might catch my eye - let me know!!

Up first are several replicas of current and past Twins minor league affiliates!

Cedar Rapids Kernels - Veterans Memorial Stadium

New Britain RockCats - New Britain Stadium

Portland Beavers - PGE Park

Quad Cities River Bandits - Modern Woodmen Park

Fort Wayne Wizards - Memorial Stadium

Updated Want List - Part 6 (Baseball Bobbleheads)

I believe this will be my last Want List post...but also my longest.  Which shouldn't be a surprise since baseball teams, no matter the level, love to promote bobbleheads.  So, let's get to it!

Up first, Ron Burgundy...I mean, Bruce Aune from the Cedar Rapids Kernels.  

Next up, another minor league promotion, this time from the Fort Myers Miracle, 

2 variations of Craig Sager!

LaTroy Hawkins, former Twins pitcher has 2 bobbleheads I'd like to add to my collection.  First, from the Fort Wayne Wizards and second, from the Gary Southshore Railcats.  

David Ortiz wearing a New Britain Rock Cats jersey, but I believe 

this was a New Hampshire Fisher Cats giveaway!  

Next up is Duke Snider, a Saint Paul Saints Giveaway.

How about, Eric Milton, from the Belfonte State Spikes.

Then we have 2 SAM's Twins bobbles, first is Rod Carew and then the generic SAMs bobble!

Updated Want List - Part 5 (Football Bobbleheads)

Next up focuses on a few football related bobbleheads I'd love to add to my collection.  None of these will be easy to find...actually its very unlikely I find any of them, but that's what makes collecting so fun, right?  The hunt is on...

Fran Tarkenton is first, this is an extremely rare bobblehead as he's wearing a white jersey instead of a purple one.  I believe there are only 10 of these in existence.  

Up next is a rare Vikings generic bobblehead from SAMs.

Lastly, another Holy Grail for me, Bobby Bell University of Minnesota Graduate bobblehead!

Updated Want List - Part 4 (Hockey Bobbleheads)

In part 4 of my Updated Want List, I'm focusing on a couple of hockey bobbleheads I'd like to find and add to my collection.  I'm sure there are a few other ones out there, but these 3 are my top 3 at the moment.  Ya know, until I see something else that I haven't seen before!

My Holy Grail and all Gopher collector's Holy Grail, Neal Broten!

Next up is a mini Nino Niederreiter bobblehead from his minor league career.  

Lastly, another minor league bobblehead of current Wild Defenseman, Ryan Suter.

Updated Want List - Part 3 (Sports Personalities Bobbleheads)

This part of my Want List might grow the most - as these don't really have anything to do with Minnesota, and are more wanted because I think they are "cool" or something like that.  I don't think many of these were made (maybe only a handful) so it'll be difficult to add to my collection but they all have a spot on my Want List!

First up, Mike and Mike from ESPN

Former Northern State Basketball Coach, Don Meyer

Howard Schwab from ESPN's "Stump the Schwab"

Updated Want List - Part 2 (Mascots)

In part 2 of my Updated Want List, I'm showing pictures of mascots I'd like to add to my collection. I'm 100% positive that there are several more Minnesota related mascot bobbleheads that I don't know about, so if you do...send them my way!

The first 2 are from Minnesota State University - Moorhead.  

The Go Dragons Bobble and the Power Bowl Dragon. 

Next up is Power Bowl opposition, Concordia College Cobbers. 

Here are 2 different Ringo bobbleheads from the Alexandria Beetles.

And then we have Bucky, 2 different styles from Bemidji State University.

Lastly we have the Southwest State Mustangs bobblehead!

Updated Want List - Part 1 (Minnesota Miscellaneous Bobbleheads)

I'm going to blog about my Want List a little different this time.  Only a few posts, categorical specific and several pictures.  These will also appear in an updated Slideshow, just like my old Want List did.  I think I'm going to move that to the top portion of the blog tho!  These are all miscellaneous Minnesota bobbleheads.

     

 The first 3 are Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox bobbles

Next comes Big Ole from Alexandria Minnesota

How bout local attorney, Ron Meshbesher?

And finally, local big time music producers, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis!

Coming Soon - Updated Want List!

It's been quite a while since I've put any time into my Want List.  I plan to update this part of the blog over the next week or two.  It'll be a work in progress.  Sometimes I know of bobbleheads I want but finding pictures doesn't prove to be an easy feat!  And to me...a picture is worth a lot, as it shows me (and you) what I'm looking for!  I'm also going to look into different ways of how to show my Want List on my blog sidebar.  I'm unsure of what the possibilities are, but the way it is now might change as well. So...within a matter of weeks, you'll see a new collection of pictures (with a few current ones remaining) of stuff I'm looking for!!

My Second Custom Bobblehead - Glen Perkins

Several months ago I blogged about my first custom bobblehead.  I learned several little tricks while doing my Mauer custom bobblehead.  At the time I had ideas of specific customs I wanted to try. Even tho I still have those ideas, a couple other ones jumped to the front of the line.

Everyone knows my passion for Gopher Sports.  Being a U of MN Alum...maroon and gold always get my attention. I blogged about this specific bobblehead back in 2014...the final SGA bobblehead the Twins did that season, Glen Perkins.  After doing the Mauer bobblehead, I kept looking at the Perkins bobblehead, but his arms in front of his stomach caused a huge problem as I figured it'd be extremely messy when trying to paint around/under/over and in between that area of the bobblehead. Luck would have it...I received a broken bobblehead I bought from eBay...the arm was out of socket, but easily glued back into place and it looks just like new.  I found a couple extra Perkins bobbleheads and about a month ago started the process.  The first part - breaking his arms from the sockets they are glued in.  Once I did that cleanly (enough) the customizing was on.  See a side by side look of Glen Perkins, his SGA bobblehead and Perkins in his Twins uniform with his Alma mater's colors - Maroon and Gold.

Timberwolves Bobbleheads

Yep, thats right, the Wolves are bringing back SGA bobbleheads this season.  I teased this with a post in early September.  At the time, I couldn't say anything until it was public knowledge.  It's been in the local paper so now I can officially announce the Wolves will giveaway 5 bobbleheads this year, starting with Andrew Wiggins on November 12th.  I haven't secured the names of the other 4, but I can only assume 2 of them will be Kevin Garnett and Karl Anthony Towns.  The other 2 are pretty debatable at this point.  Once I know more, I'll pass it along.  And of course once I have pictures, I'll post them!  Hopefully giving everyone sneak peeks of all 5!

I'm super excited for this set of bobbleheads.  The Wolves haven't done bobbles for a long time (and even the last handful of years when they have, its been for season ticket holders).  I'm glad they got back on the bobblehead bandwagon!

Update

The 5 bobblehead dates/players have been announced.  Here they are!

November 12th - Andrew Wiggins
December 26th - Karl Anthony Towns
January 23rd - Zach LaVine
February 20th - Ricky Rubio
April 13th - Gorgui Dieng

Big Ole Bobblehead

I recently added this one to my collection as well.  Big Ole - the famous statue in Alexandria, MN, the birthplace of Minnesota.  There is the modern bobblehead, while there is another similar one of Big Ole that I've yet to add to my collection.  I was happy to add this one tho as it's a pretty cool bobble!

Tires Plus - Tuffy Bobblehead

Here's another mini bobblehead for Tires Plus - a locally based company.  A local company - Graphic Source, also produced the bobbleheads for them!  I had been looking a long time for this one. Knowing its not all that valuable, I did have a spending limit in mind.  Recently a couple came up on eBay.  One was an auction the other was a fixed price, although they accepted offers.  Knowing there were 2 of them, I figured why not make an offer and see what happens.  It was accepted, I paid immediately and a few days later this one is added to my collection!