Author Archives: admin

Pick of the Week: Animation Cel from “The Simpsons”

This past weekend, I set up at the Punk Rock Flea Market in Philadelphia to unload some of my vintage toy collection. Of course, part of the fun of being a dealer is being able to look around and buy … Continue reading

Posted in 1990's, Ben, Comic Characters, Humor, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

A Good Day at the Flea Market

Ah the flea market! Is there a better place to be early in the morning? All the treasures of popular culture seem to find their way there sooner or later. Armed with a few bucks in your wallet, a little … Continue reading

Posted in 1910's, 1940's, 1950's, 1960's, Americana, Comic Characters, Humor, Jim, Toys, Weird | 3 Comments

In Living Color Homey D. Clown Plush Doll

Homey don’t play dat…but apparently, you can play with Homey! In the early 1990s, the sketch comedy show In Living Color was enormously popular. It was the first truly well-received sketch show alternative to “Saturday Night Live” in a long … Continue reading

Posted in 1990's, Ben, Dolls, Humor, Toys, Uncategorized, Weird | 1 Comment

Uncle Sam – He Collects From Us So Why Not Collect Him?

It might be more appropriate to talk about Uncle Sam around the Fourth of July, when symbols of patriotism abound. He dresses in red, white, and blue, after all, and sometimes has stars on the brim of his hat and … Continue reading

Posted in 1900's, 1910's, 1920's, 1930's, 1940's, Americana, Dolls, Ephemera, Historical, Jim, Political, Toys, WWII | 3 Comments

The Dick Clark Doll – An Amazing Likeness

Legendary television performer Dick Clark died a year ago on April 18, 2012 at the age of 82. Virtually every American over 18 alive today has some memory or association with him whether it be as the host of “American … Continue reading

Posted in 1950's, Americana, Carol, Dolls, Toys | 8 Comments

Happy 1 Year Anniversary to The Collector Gene!

One year ago today our first article about Hagen Renaker Little Horribles went up! Happy anniversary to us!

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Davy Crockett Coonskin Cap – “Born on a Mountaintop in Tennessee” – In the 1950’s Davy Sent Little Boomers on a Spending Spree!

1955 was a great year for Walt Disney. Disneyland opened that summer. The TV show “Mickey Mouse Club” premiered and Davy Crockett became a phenomenon that has rarely been rivaled since. “Davy Crockett”, starring Fess Parker in the title role … Continue reading

Posted in 1950's, Americana, Costumes, Disney, Jim, Toys, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Mattel’s Food Fighters Variations – Now in Four Exciting New Flavors!

Were you ever scolded as a kid for playing with your food? Well, I was lucky enough to grow up in an era where there was one time that it was absolutely okay to get your hands all over donuts … Continue reading

Posted in 1980's, Action Figures, Ben, Food, Humor, Monsters, Toys, Weird | 2 Comments

The Le Macabre Skull

It seems like ages since I have written an article for The Collector Gene, so I wanted to come back with one of my favorite pieces from my collection.  I have been waiting to write about this one for a … Continue reading

Posted in 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, Advertising, Amy, English, Foreign, Halloween, Historical, Humor, Monsters, Signs, Weird | 11 Comments

Manglor Mountain: A Tale of When Lightning Strikes Twice

Not surprisingly, I’ve made quite a few friends over the years in the collecting community. Since I’m out and about constantly hunting for vintage toys, I often ask my friends if there are any specific items they’d like me to … Continue reading

Posted in 1980's, Action Figures, Ben, Monsters | 5 Comments