Peanuts Collectibles

Boxes, Blister Cards, Tags, Packaging and Instructions all add to the value of a piece. Completeness is often a factor when buying a collectible. Original packaging can make all the difference to the price a collector is willing to pay!

PACKAGING

Different packaging adds different values to a piece. Bold graphic packaging with the Peanuts characters on it will add value, but a basic, brown box or clear, plastic bag for transportation will not. The packaging is an essential part to the value of the piece with some collectibles such as board games and puzzles. Any item that was meant to be kept in the original box or is a generic product that came in a Peanuts graphic box loses all or most of its value when the box is missing.

Collectibles with essential boxes. Snoopy’s harp, Hallmark Cards, View-master Reels, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, Snoopy Soaper Refill, and Applause Woodstock Doll.

INSTRUCTIONS & CARDS

Many collectibles originally came with instructions, warranty cards, catalogs, or certificates of authenticity. Determining the value of these relates to how essential to the piece they are. Instructions add more value the more the piece needs them. If you don’t know to work the toy or play the game, some of the novelty of the item is lost. Instructions, warranty cards and catalogs that have Peanuts graphics will also add value. Certificates of authenticity can help add to the exclusivity of an item, especially if it’s a limited edition piece.

Collectibles with packaging condition issues. Snoopy Fire Alarm with missing cellophane and damaged box, View-master Theater with broken cover, Snoopy Phone with damaged box, Snoopy gum soother in packaging so bad that I’ve thrown it away, Snoopy weight-lifter with ear discolored by packaging, and Snoopy walker in slightly damaged blister pack.

CONDITION

Once you determine if the packaging adds value to the piece, it’s time to factor in the condition of the packaging.

Most packaging items tend to be made of paper, cardboard and glue, so they are vulnerable to the test of time. Discoloration, tearing, marking, taping, bending, mildew and moisture damage are generally unfixable problems. Unglued blister packs and some smells can sometimes be restored on packaging. Though it hasn’t affected the Peanuts market yet, there is a rise in reproduction packaging with the aid of high quality scanning and printing. Always thoroughly inspect your items when possible.

Cellophane, plastic film, and blister packs are also popular packaging materials. Over the years, it can dry out and become brittle to the touch. It can also easily get holes and tears. Watch out for items that have been repackaged with new plastic. Sometimes the repacking is just to make sure pieces stay together, but don’t mistake it for a brand new item.

Filler materials such as styrofoam, tissue paper, bubble wrap and foam are used to make sure delicate pieces get to their new home in one piece. They usually don’t add any value, but can keep your items safe during moving and storage.

Finally, make sure your packaging isn’t harming the value of your piece. 99% of the time, this won’t be a problem. Watch out for discoloration because of acid or dyes in cardboard and plastics. If you see problems, keep the items separate.

AVON PRODUCTS

It’s a rule with Avon collectors to only buy when the item has its original box. Avon collectibles lose a lot of their value without the box since their mass production and collectable factor over the years has made them plentiful. Don’t shy away from buying something mint condition without its box! Sometimes buying pieces separately is the key to having a great collectible. View Avon Collectibles…

HALLMARK ORNAMENTS

Another collectible that should generally be bought in its original box are Hallmark Ornaments. To Hallmark Ornament collectors, completeness is key. All original pieces, ornament, filler, instructions and cards, should be included. The box should also still have its original price tag. The price tag is a tear-off tab on the side of the box for easy gifting. Sometimes the smallest thing can mean a lot! View Hallmark Ornaments…

Can you find the two Hallmark ornaments without their price tags? The first one should be in the lower right of the window on the Snoopy & Woodstock tree ornament. The other is the bottom middle gold box on the right.

NEGOTIATION

The real value of this information is getting a fair price. If you don’t need an item with all the packaging, use that to your financial gain! If someone is asking mint-in-the-box prices for an item without a box, it’s a good talking point. Point out the instructions are missing, ask why there’s new wrapping, anything to get the price down! Dealers are generally not experts, so sharing your knowledge can help. Getting a good bargain is all about knowing what you’re buying.

TO SAVE OR NOT TO SAVE?

There are two schools of collectors: those who save the boxes, and those that don’t. Not everyone has the space to save everything and not all collectibles are displayable in their original packaging, but that’s why it adds value. You can also flatten the boxes and store them that way. If you’re not a box saver, you’re not a box saver. But for my sanity, please don’t throw away those vintage boxes! Just send them to me!

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For a beginning collector, it can be very tempting to pick up everything Peanuts you see to grow your collection. My advice – resist the temptation! There are a lot of common collectibles you should wait to pick up at a cheap price. Today’s example: Camp Snoopy Glasses.

The Basics

Back in 1983, the Camp Snoopy theme park was just about to open its doors. To commemorate this event, McDonald’s released a set of promotional drinking glasses in their restaurants featuring the Peanuts Gang camping. Customers would receive a glass with the purchase of a drink. One glass was brought out each week over five weeks. Two kinds were released, glass and plastic versions with the same designs. The designs included Charlie Brown “Hard Work”, Linus “Struggle for Security”, Snoopy “Morning People”, Lucy “Properly Prepared” and Snoopy “Civilization.” View the original commercial…

The glass versions are very, very, VERY common. Only buy the glass versions around $5 or less per glass and in absolute mint condition, no fading, cracking, scratching or dishwasher etching. The plastic cup versions are much harder to find. In collectible condition, expect to pay between $5-10. The cups are prone to a lot more wear and can be difficult to find in pristine condition. View the cups & glasses…

More to Collect

The McDonald’s Camp Snoopy memorabilia doesn’t stop there! McDonald’s also had other items, such as tray liners and in-store displays, that have collectible value. The glasses might be easy to find, but the supporting advertising isn’t! The most elusive item is the sixth Camp Snoopy glass. The glass was never released to the public because it was meant to be a teaser to the upcoming glasses and encourage store owners and managers to purchase the glasses. Because of its rarity, it has sold for over $100 on auction websites. If you’re lucky enough to find one, you might want to pick it up!
View our collection of Peanuts McDonald’s memorabilia…

For more about collecting promotional glasses, check out the Promotional Glass Collectors Association at pgcaglassclub.com. They have a great database including a lot of Peanuts glasses I’ve never seen.

McDonald’s in 1983

McDonald’s had 7,778 restaurants in 34 countries by the end of 1983 compared to over 33,000 in 119 countries today. One of my favorite treats, Chicken McNuggets, first debuted on the menu in 1983. Also, the Hamburger University opened in Oak Brook, Illinois. Now, who’s hungry?

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Collectors use a lot of terminology and abbreviations. When discussing an item between collectors, these terms help communicate quickly what condition an item is in. Knowing what they mean is important, especially when buying sight unseen.

Understanding these terms is especially important between buyers and sellers. Remember “good” condition to non-collectors means something completely different to collectors. A good condition item means a middle of the road condition to collectors, usually with a lot of visible flaws. A non-collector may see a “good” condition item as having very few flaws. Knowing who you’re dealing with is key to good communication. If you ever have any doubt as to the true condition of an item, don’t be afraid to ask!

Condition examples above – The Yellow lunchbox is mint condition, the Orange lunchbox is excellent condition because of the slight rust at the top right edge, and the Red lunchbox is Fair condition because of the wear, scratches and dents.

Here are some common condition terms:

NWT – New with Tags – Product is in new condition and has original tags

MIB – Mint in Box – Product is in Mint condition and includes original box

IB – In Box – Product is not in Mint condition, but includes original box

MIP – Mint in Package – Product is in original packaging.

MOC – Mint on Card – Product is on its original card.

MINT – Product is in new condition. May show some minor handling signs, but nothing to detract from value

EXCELLENT – has some wear or signs of use, but nothing major

VERY GOOD – shows evidence of wear clearly, but still a nice looking piece

GOOD – obvious wear from time and handling. Good as a filler piece, or the less picky collector

FAIR – cracks, chips, folds or bends detract from the value and the display quality

POOR – good for spare parts, restoration, or everyday usage. A noncollectable piece

In addition to the CollectPeanuts.com FAQ, every item for sale using these terms can be hovered over with a mouse cursor and a pop-up with the definition will appear.

In Part 2, we’ll take a look at some of the item specific condition issues you’ll encounter.

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