First Legion Napoleonic Bavarian Standard Bearer on Evilbay (1 Viewer)

[Gebhard]

Hi Guys,
I noticed a long retired Napoleonic Bavarian Standard Bearer listed on ebay at item number 121277191564 and was blown away at the current price{eek3} . With 3 hours still to go its at $375.46 that is to me mind boggling. With more and more collectors worldwide discovering First Legion is this a sign of the future with retired figures ? Here I thought I was the only one interested in these types of Napoleonic figures^&confuse. I see all the time sellers asking CRAZY prices for figures on there but its rare to see one single figure actually being bid up this high. I think its just a reflection of the rarity of this figure with so few being made.. regards Gebhard

 

[Warrior]

I don't want to pass along wrong information, but it's my understanding a lot of the earlier figures First Legion produced where not made in big numbers, therefore they are now rare so to speak.

Since the dealer network has been established a few years ago, production numbers went up to ensure dealers had sufficient stock.

As First Legion grows in popularity, you're going to see more and more of this on earlier figures. As a dealer I notice that when a figure sells out, I get emails from numerous people looking to get that figure, some of whom no doubt are looking to buy at retail and then flip on Ebay.

The same thing happened with K & C; as their brand became more popular with collectors, there was a lot of speculating going on, it's the nature of the beast I'm afraid.

Again, when as a companies offerings become more and more popular, the Ebay speculators come out of the woodwork looking to make a fast buck.

Don't let Vezzolf see this, he's liable to have a stroke now that his favorite companies offerings (FIRST LEGION RULES!!!!!!!!!!) are now fetching big bucks on Ebay.

 

[Mike97]

You'll see early Romans and Crusaders listed at $200-$300 at times as well. What surprises me is so far FL's awesome tanks aren't even fetching full retail when guys try to re-sell 'em on eBay -at least not yet. Pricey vehicles yes, but they sure are well detailed.

 

[Mitch]

I looked at this earlier today and saw it was making decent money. How old is the figure and what was the retail at the time?

I suppose if someone wants a piece they will pay. At least its not the age old ''I am selling this for a mate'' or, ''I managed to accidently buy ten and now have decided they don't actually, really, fit with my cabinet'' we hear from some of these speculators. sound off like you have a pair and say you bought them to hopefully make some money later!!!!!

Don't think this means that we will see a big secondary market for FL most of what goes on sells for less than retail (at least in the UK) I would think that is down to FL's more sensible approach to selling and the shelf life of their products.
Mitch

 

[tsukaiban]

Mitch,

First Legion formed in 2007 and I do believe NAP001 - NAP018 (Bavarian Infantry) were the first products being release in 2008.
First Legion Bavarian Standard Bearer either the NAP002 4th Saschen-Hildburghausen Line or NAP012 5th Preysing Line were priced at $ 49.95 each.:smile2::smile2:

 

[Gebhard]

Winning bid for the Bavarian Standard Bearer was a whooping US $570.70 {eek3}{eek3}. It's good to see George confirming what was my understanding about this and some of the early releases, maybe we got that information from the same guy :wink2:. I do feel sorry for the guy who really wanted that figure and had to pay almost 600 bucks to get it.

Mitch it was released by First Legion in 2007 and sold for $49.95 and was part of their first release, to be honest it's the figure that got me into collecting First Legion. I was blown away that someone was actually producing Bavarian Napoleonic figures at a level I have a collecting interest in. I hope in the future they will produce many more, Just for the record this seller is located in the UK. Regards Gebhard

 

[Warrior]

Wow, that is insane.

Have to love Ebay, I guess that collector really, really wanted that figure.

It's his money, he can do what he wants with it, that's for sure..............

 

[Jack]

If you acquire an item legally and choose to sell it legally, it is essentially a non issue in a 'is it right' sense. I agree, however, that it is fascinating that a product could have increased in value to such an extent in a Hobby that attracts a lot of doom and gloom prophecies, or that someone wanted a figure so badly, but people sell shares and houses at a profit every day so TS are no different. I wish I had ten of them and at that price I would sell nine, then I would wait twelve months, and then I would sell the tenth.

 

[spartan71]

I am not saying, buy every single standard bearer, but another lesson. If you are remotely interested, in a particular Legion pieces. Start with the standard bearer. Remember the Prussian Standard Bearer?. That too, went $$$. And as much as I hate to say it, if you have a single piece that fetches that price. Will you not be tempted to sell it?.

 

[Warrior]

I am not saying, buy every single standard bearer, but another lesson. If you are remotely interested, in a particular Legion pieces. Start with the standard bearer. Remember the Prussian Standard Bearer?. That too, went $$$.

Couldn't agree more; when in doubt, grab the standard bearers.

I have wish lists from numerous customers and First Legion Napoleonic standard bearers are high on that list.

I also have several customers who collect standard bearers, so it's a point well taken.

 

[Mitch]

Gebhard/Tsukabian...

Thanks for the reply. A nice mark up for the person involved and I am sure that the collector will be happy even at that price!

Impressed with the detail and painting for a figure that hit the hobby that many years back
Mitch

 

[Vezzolf]

Wow, that is insane.

Have to love Ebay, I guess that collector really, really wanted that figure.

It's his money, he can do what he wants with it, that's for sure..............

Yep it WAS his money......I think he may have slightly over-paid for that flag-bearer^&grin^&grin^&grin....May be he will be able to re-sell it for more money in a few years.:wink2:......I am going to buy multiple flag-bearers from now on so I can get in on some of this EZ money.{eek3}

 

[Warrior]

I am going to buy multiple flag-bearers from now on so I can get in on some of this EZ money.{eek3}

I approve of this strategy, I say go for it..................

 

[Vezzolf]

I figured that you would approve of this strategy:wink2:......and......It would work even better if I was an TS dealer and I was buying products at wholesale prices.{sm4}

 

[bradleyl30]

Gebhard,
Years ago I began referring to Amazon.com as Scamazon, and it has stuck for me although I am not sure I can justify it as I use it so much and really have only had good experiences with it.

Is Evilbay rooted in some experience, or is it similar to my use of Scamazon and just fun to poke fun at the 800 lb gorillas?

Just wondering.

Larry

 

[spartan71]

.. If I buy multiples. I have to really like the piece. Just because there are just too many wants.. Its almost been a year since the First Legion Red Lancers came out, I want every single piece. But, been stuck at 4 pieces including General Colbert, for almost 6 months now. Again, there just been too many.....lol

 

[Mitch]

Perhaps contacting FL they may offer you a sub dealership!!!!
Mitch

I figured that you would approve of this strategy:wink2:......and......It would work even better if I was an TS dealer and I was buying products at wholesale prices.{sm4}

 

[Gebhard]

Gebhard,
Years ago I began referring to Amazon.com as Scamazon, and it has stuck for me although I am not sure I can justify it as I use it so much and really have only had good experiences with it.

Is Evilbay rooted in some experience, or is it similar to my use of Scamazon and just fun to poke fun at the 800 lb gorillas?

Just wondering.

Larry

Hi Larry,
You mean to tell me the E in ebay doesn't stand for EVIL {eek3}.

Seriously I'm just having a little fun and like everyone else have good and bad stories about Evilbay. For the most part there are nice folks to deal with, my strategy has always been when I find something I'm interested in I decide what I'd like to pay for it and enter that as my bid. If I win hey that's great if not the winner isn't getting too good of a deal I can tell ya:wink2: and It's no trouble everything comes around again sooner or later, I don't get caught up in a bidding war.
I like your Scamazon moniker :salute::, I say have fun and don't just be another sheep in the crowd, by all means poke that 800 pound Gorilla in the eye.... I know I do.. regards Gebhard

 

[Rutledge]

Oh my g-d, you mean this hobby had speculators who try and make (evil) profits by buying and selling - while adding liquidity and taking on risk of loss? Who would ever come up with such an diabolical scheme??? :rolleyes2:

Oh that's right. It was our founding fathers who favored free will, the supremacy of the individual and, of course, capitalism. But maybe the FF were clueless? :rolleyes2::rolleyes2::rolleyes2:

Speculation is present in every (free) market. Ever checked out the greatest symbol of American wealth known around the world!? The NYSE and Nasdaq are riddled with profit seeking transaction makers. I really have no idea why the toy soldier market would be any different. Those who believe there ought to be some sort of overriding control group that prevents such "abuses" should educate themselves - perhaps take an Econ 101 class?

My only issue is with those who falsely present themselves as devoted collectors but who are really speculators. Lying or disguising activities to take advantage is bad behavior.

 

[Fitzgibbon]

Oh my g-d, you mean this hobby had speculators who try and make (evil) profits by buying and selling - while adding liquidity and taking on risk of loss? Who would ever come up with such an diabolical scheme??? :rolleyes2:

Oh that's right. It was our founding fathers who favored free will, the supremacy of the individual and, of course, capitalism. But maybe the FF were clueless? :rolleyes2::rolleyes2::rolleyes2:

Speculation is present in every (free) market. Ever checked out the greatest symbol of American wealth known around the world!? The NYSE and Nasdaq are riddled with profit seeking transaction makers. I really have no idea why the toy soldier market would be any different. Those who believe there ought to be some sort of overriding control group that prevents such "abuses" should educate themselves - perhaps take an Econ 101 class?

My only issue is with those who falsely present themselves as devoted collectors but who are really speculators. Lying or disguising activities to take advantage is bad behavior.

Good points indeed; as if there was ever a choice. It's a long time since the opening of Pandora's box and not too many of Adam Smith's pin makers around these days. Greed is now an accepted part of the game as are delusion and hypocracy. Love it or hate it, the collector must accept the investment facet or risk devaluation of his/her collection. Not good or evil; just fact.