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Where are the Nine MPWF #1 copies Today?
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Started by esquirecomics,

235 posts in this topic

esquirecomics

esquirecomics

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I also find this book's history interesting. I remember what a big deal it was when they were discovered, and then I noticed over the years how the number of copies cited in the Guide slowly and mysteriously increased. Did more turn up, or did the original finder neglect to count how many there were? Whatever became of the one that's missing six pages?

By the way, I have the coverless copy. Does that mean there are ten with an eleventh suspected?

 

Thanks for adding to the history! Where and when did you obtain the coverless copy? It just seems to have magically appeared one year in the guide? Can you also indicate, if you would, the cost?

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Forbush-Man

Forbush-Man

Posted
Posted

Updated once again....

 

So, here's some updated information combining this thread's information, Heritage Auction House archives & the CGC census & from known owners:

 

Motion Picture Funnies Weekly #1

 

CGC Graded Universal Label Unrestored.........................................Sold for on:

1..........9.0 Cream to off-white pages "Pay Copy"......$43,125.00 10/15/2005

1..........7.0 Light tan to off-white pages........................$20,700.00 7/7/2002

1..........5.5 (esquirecomics) Slightly brittle pages.......$20,315.00 2/27/2009

1..........5.0 Slightly brittle pages.................................????..........?/?/????

 

CGC Graded Restored Label

1..........7.5

1..........4.0 (MP) Brittle pages......................................$11,352.50 5/23/2008

 

Raw that we know of:

1..........7.5 (FUELMAN's) (MP) Light tan pages...........$12,000.00* 9-10/2000

.......................* included covers 2-4

1..........8.0 (jbcomicbox) tanning halo, 3/4" spine split .......$10,000.00 9/1993

.....................possible restoration above top staple.

 

Coverless Copy

1..........NG (thecollectron) page quality???.............sell price??? 2001

 

9th, Raw Unknown Issue (now 10th issue)

1...........raw...........................???.....................................???

 

 

Covers to 2-4 average over 4 sales shown on Hertiage $924.18

Esquire Comics has sold 2 sets since 2008 for $1,200.00 each

This would bring the average price realized for 6 sets to $1,016.12 per set

Estimated between 20-30 sets exist(?)

 

 

History of The 9th Suspected (Now the 10th Suspected?):

 

I have heard this came about due to a former movie theater owner in the Boston area claiming to remember seeing a Motion Picture Funnies Weekly, so it became suspected, "possible distribution"(?), but has not turned up to date.

 

Overstreet #38, 2008 Edition

 

"Note: Eight copies (plus one coverless) were discovered in 1974 in the estate of the deceased publisher. Covers only to issues No.2-4 were also found which evidently were printed in advance along with #1.#1 was to be distributed only through motion picture movie houses. However, it is believed that only advanced copies were sent out and the motion picture houses not going for the idea. Possible distribution at local theaters in Boston suspected. The "Pay Copy" (graded at 9.0) was discovered after 1974, bringing the total known to nine. The last panel of Sub-Mariner contains a rectangular box with "Continued next week" printed in it. When reprinted in Marvel Mystery, the box was left in with lettering omitted. "

 

Additional information from Artifact.com Lot 211 from 1999.

 

"Description:

 

1939, Publisher Unlisted, the first and only number, with the covers to Nos. 2-4, original and first appearance of Sub-Mariner by Bill Everett, later reprinted in Marvel Comics No. 1, interior pages are black and white, OWL paper is 7.5 to 8; with very limited restoration to spine by William Sarill, encased within a "Fortress" system; A.C.G. apparent fine plus - 72. (4 pieces) Bob Overstreet notes in his Price Guide that this comic is (rare) with only 8 known copies, and only one near mint with white pages. This copy must be the higher grade copy that Overstreet refers to because the consignor is the original discoverer of this rare find, and saved his final copy to sell(the copy offered here) as the highest ranked condition copy. It should be noted that William Sarill did very slight touch up work to all eight copies from this discovery, therefore they are all slightly restored copies."

 

Link to ArtiFact.com web page

 

 

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Forbush-Man

Forbush-Man

Posted
Posted
I also find this book's history interesting. I remember what a big deal it was when they were discovered, and then I noticed over the years how the number of copies cited in the Guide slowly and mysteriously increased. Did more turn up, or did the original finder neglect to count how many there were? Whatever became of the one that's missing six pages?

By the way, I have the coverless copy. Does that mean there are ten with an eleventh suspected?

 

Please tell us about the page quality, when you bought the book, sell price, and any additional information about the book (if you don't mind, we're keeping a running total). (thumbs u

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thecollectron

thecollectron

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Posted (edited)
I also find this book's history interesting. I remember what a big deal it was when they were discovered, and then I noticed over the years how the number of copies cited in the Guide slowly and mysteriously increased. Did more turn up, or did the original finder neglect to count how many there were? Whatever became of the one that's missing six pages?

By the way, I have the coverless copy. Does that mean there are ten with an eleventh suspected?

 

Thanks for adding to the history! Where and when did you obtain the coverless copy? It just seems to have magically appeared one year in the guide? Can you also indicate, if you would, the cost?

 

The coverless copy was auctioned by Sotheby's New York in 1991, in a lot that included a Marvel Comics #1 front cover. If you have the catalog from the 12/18/91 auction, it's lot #48. I saw this copy in person a few years later at WonderCon, maybe 1996 or 1997. I don't remember who had it, or even if it was truly for sale or just window bait, but at the time I didn't really have the cash to make an offer. It's had at least two owners since 1991 until I bought it around 2001. Being coverless makes it the least desirable copy, but I was delighted to finally own one.

Edited by thecollectron
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esquirecomics

esquirecomics

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I also find this book's history interesting. I remember what a big deal it was when they were discovered, and then I noticed over the years how the number of copies cited in the Guide slowly and mysteriously increased. Did more turn up, or did the original finder neglect to count how many there were? Whatever became of the one that's missing six pages?

By the way, I have the coverless copy. Does that mean there are ten with an eleventh suspected?

 

Thanks for adding to the history! Where and when did you obtain the coverless copy? It just seems to have magically appeared one year in the guide? Can you also indicate, if you would, the cost?

 

The coverless copy was auctioned by Sotheby's New York in 1991, in a lot that included a Marvel Comics #1 front cover. If you have the catalog from the 12/18/91 auction, it's lot #48. I saw this copy in person a few years later at WonderCon, maybe 1996 or 1997. I don't remember who had it, or even if it was truly for sale or just window bait, but at the time I didn't really have the cash to make an offer. Since then, I was told Dr. Dave Anderson had owned it, who sold it to another collector who eventually sold it to me, around 2001 I think. Being coverless makes it the least desirable copy, but I was delighted to finally own one.

 

Very helpful provenance, thanks!!!

 

We really should check our old auction catalogues! doh!

 

Lot #48: Marvels Comics #1 Cover, with October date intact. Together with interior of Motion Picture Funnies Weekly No. 1 with ink crossovers to First Funnies, on all three locations at bottom of copyright paragraph on first page of comic indicates that they are from the Estate of Lloyd Jacquet; condition very good. $1,000 - $4,000

 

And there was also a complete copy that was offered:

 

Lot #46: Motion Picture Funnies Weekly No. 1, with cover for Nos. 2, 3, 4. April 1939, origin and first printed appearance of Sub-Mariner by Bill Everett, reprinted in Marvel Mystery No. 1 with color added; only seven known copies with minor restoration to interior spine, paper quality on this copy is slight tanning (it should be noted that most copies have severe yellowing of paper), most likely best interior paper found on any copy, condition fine. $2,000 - $4,000

 

Lot #46 sold on 12/18/91 for $4,950.

Lot #48 sold on 12/18/91 for $2,200.

 

How are people interpreting what is written in Lot #46; is it saying this copy alone has restoration or that all seven known copies have minor restoration? I think it is simply confusing grammar and that it is just this copy that is being referenced.

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markseifert

markseifert

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I'd also be highly curious as to the interpretation on the Marvel 1 Oct Estate copy cover-only. The implication is that it is an unbound/uncut cover, similar to the mpfw 2-4 covers?

 

Wasn't someone on ebay selling a file copy on which the cover didn't have staple holes awhile back? or something like that?

 

 

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Crowzilla

Crowzilla

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I'd also be highly curious as to the interpretation on the Marvel 1 Oct Estate copy cover-only. The implication is that it is an unbound/uncut cover, similar to the mpfw 2-4 covers?

 

No, it was definitely a cover pulled from a copy of the comic, and was in about VG shape.

Not an uncut cover or a proof.

 

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esquirecomics

esquirecomics

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Ok, let's add to the confusion of how many copies exist. I was correct in my recollection that Geppi's Museum had a copy on display. Apparently it is no longer on display although a set of the three covers are still there.

 

I had thought the #1 copy was the CGC 9.0 Pay Copy. I was just informed that this is incorrect. The copy that was on display was a raw copy! :o

 

I don't know whether it was restored or unrestored but I am pretty confident to say it was above a 6.0 and I would likely say it was higher than that. Unfortunately none of my GEM photos seem to have captured the copy on display. Perhaps someone else can chime in with more information.

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kryptonitecomics

kryptonitecomics

Posted
Posted
I also find this book's history interesting. I remember what a big deal it was when they were discovered, and then I noticed over the years how the number of copies cited in the Guide slowly and mysteriously increased. Did more turn up, or did the original finder neglect to count how many there were? Whatever became of the one that's missing six pages?

By the way, I have the coverless copy. Does that mean there are ten with an eleventh suspected?

 

Thanks for adding to the history! Where and when did you obtain the coverless copy? It just seems to have magically appeared one year in the guide? Can you also indicate, if you would, the cost?

 

The coverless copy was auctioned by Sotheby's New York in 1991, in a lot that included a Marvel Comics #1 front cover. If you have the catalog from the 12/18/91 auction, it's lot #48. I saw this copy in person a few years later at WonderCon, maybe 1996 or 1997. I don't remember who had it, or even if it was truly for sale or just window bait, but at the time I didn't really have the cash to make an offer. Since then, I was told Dr. Dave Anderson had owned it, who sold it to another collector who eventually sold it to me, around 2001 I think. Being coverless makes it the least desirable copy, but I was delighted to finally own one.

 

Very helpful provenance, thanks!!!

 

We really should check our old auction catalogues! doh!

 

Lot #48: Marvels Comics #1 Cover, with October date intact. Together with interior of Motion Picture Funnies Weekly No. 1 with ink crossovers to First Funnies, on all three locations at bottom of copyright paragraph on first page of comic indicates that they are from the Estate of Lloyd Jacquet; condition very good. $1,000 - $4,000

 

And there was also a complete copy that was offered:

 

Lot #46: Motion Picture Funnies Weekly No. 1, with cover for Nos. 2, 3, 4. April 1939, origin and first printed appearance of Sub-Mariner by Bill Everett, reprinted in Marvel Mystery No. 1 with color added; only seven known copies with minor restoration to interior spine, paper quality on this copy is slight tanning (it should be noted that most copies have severe yellowing of paper), most likely best interior paper found on any copy, condition fine. $2,000 - $4,000

 

Lot #46 sold on 12/18/91 for $4,950.

Lot #48 sold on 12/18/91 for $2,200.

 

How are people interpreting what is written in Lot #46; is it saying this copy alone has restoration or that all seven known copies have minor restoration? I think it is simply confusing grammar and that it is just this copy that is being referenced.

 

It sounds like to me they are referring to the copy that is being sold but missed a comma or it would have read something like:

 

Lot #46: Motion Picture Funnies Weekly No. 1, with cover for Nos. 2, 3, 4. April 1939, origin and first printed appearance of Sub-Mariner by Bill Everett, reprinted in Marvel Mystery No. 1 with color added; only seven known copies, this one with minor restoration to interior spine, paper quality on this copy is slight tanning (it should be noted that most copies have severe yellowing of paper), most likely best interior paper found on any copy, condition fine. $2,000 - $4,000 (shrug)

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esquirecomics

esquirecomics

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Ok, let's add to the confusion of how many copies exist. I was correct in my recollection that Geppi's Museum had a copy on display. Apparently it is no longer on display although a set of the three covers are still there.

 

I had thought the #1 copy was the CGC 9.0 Pay Copy. I was just informed that this is incorrect. The copy that was on display was a raw copy! :o

 

I don't know whether it was restored or unrestored but I am pretty confident to say it was above a 6.0 and I would likely say it was higher than that. Unfortunately none of my GEM photos seem to have captured the copy on display. Perhaps someone else can chime in with more information.

 

Actually this might not be a mystery after all. A fellow board member and I have been conversing and I think he may be right, although this acknowledgment will adversely reflect upon my memory even further!!!!

 

There is a good chance that the raw copy I saw on display in GEM is, in fact, the CGC'd copy I just bought in the last Heritage auction. It would make a great deal of sense.

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MrBedrock

MrBedrock

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Posted
I don't know if anyone knows how many, but I would think there are 20-30 sets out there. (shrug)

 

That's accurate.

 

I have an extra set if anyone is interested. I have sold two sets for $1,200.00 each in the last year.

 

So, here's some updated information combining this thread's information, Heritage Auction House archives & the CGC census:

 

Here's the CGC census for MPFW #1

 

Universal label Unrestored...................Sold for on:

1..........9.0 Cream to off-white pages...............$43,125.00 10/15/2005

1..........7.0 Light tan to off-white pages............$20,700.00 7/7/2002

1..........5.5 (esquirecomics) Slightly brittle pages.....$20,315.00 2/27/2009

1..........5.0

 

Restored label

1..........7.5

1..........4.0 (MP) Brittle pages.............................$11,352.50 5/23/2008

 

Raw that we know of:

1..........7.5 (FUELMAN's) (MP) Light tan pages......$12,000.00* ?/?/2000

.............................................................* included covers 2-4

1..........??? (jbcomicbox)

 

Ninth issue

1...........???...........................???............................???

 

 

 

 

Ah....that has to be me. Guys, if truth be known, I have never had a book slabbed......Had my copy since 1993. my grade is VF or so with okay pages but tending to the "dry"side jon

 

A little further history on Jon's copy. It originally belonged to Burrel Rowe. His son put it on consignment with another store here in Houston in 1992 and the store owner asked me to help him sell it. I sold it to Dave Anderson. At that time it was a vf unrestored with cream edged pages.

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jbcomicbox

jbcomicbox

Posted
Posted
I don't know if anyone knows how many, but I would think there are 20-30 sets out there. (shrug)

 

That's accurate.

 

I have an extra set if anyone is interested. I have sold two sets for $1,200.00 each in the last year.

 

So, here's some updated information combining this thread's information, Heritage Auction House archives & the CGC census:

 

Here's the CGC census for MPFW #1

 

Universal label Unrestored...................Sold for on:

1..........9.0 Cream to off-white pages...............$43,125.00 10/15/2005

1..........7.0 Light tan to off-white pages............$20,700.00 7/7/2002

1..........5.5 (esquirecomics) Slightly brittle pages.....$20,315.00 2/27/2009

1..........5.0

 

Restored label

1..........7.5

1..........4.0 (MP) Brittle pages.............................$11,352.50 5/23/2008

 

Raw that we know of:

1..........7.5 (FUELMAN's) (MP) Light tan pages......$12,000.00* ?/?/2000

.............................................................* included covers 2-4

1..........??? (jbcomicbox)

 

Ninth issue

1...........???...........................???............................???

 

 

 

 

Ah....that has to be me. Guys, if truth be known, I have never had a book slabbed......Had my copy since 1993. my grade is VF or so with okay pages but tending to the "dry"side jon

 

A little further history on Jon's copy. It originally belonged to Burrel Rowe. His son put it on consignment with another store here in Houston in 1992 and the store owner asked me to help him sell it. I sold it to Dave Anderson. At that time it was a vf unrestored with cream edged pages.

 

Thanks, Richard. Along with the drooling, I cannot see either. Sixteen years. My, where does the time go. Jon

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