Superman Saves the Day in Hake’s Auction

In 1938 Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster laid the foundation for all of superhero comic books when they created Superman. Imbued with extraordinary abilities, the Man of Steel became a nearly unbeatable superhero and a symbol for hope, honor, and determination. The pillar of strength and justice, Superman has inspired several generations through his comic book adventures and into every other form of media.

Superman is also a favorite among many types of collectors, and now they have many opportunities to add to their collections in Hake’s Auction #242. They have comic books, rings, ad signs, toys, art, and more.

They are selling multiple Superman rings from the Robert M. Overstreet Ring Collection, including the “Supermen of America – Member” first Superman ring and 1940 contest prize. The first Superman contest invited kids to write a letter answering the question, “What I would do if I had the powers of Superman” then 2,000 prizes were given out. Only two prizes were Superman related – a sweatshirt and a ring showing the Man of Steel breaking a chain.

The 1941 Superman secret chamber ring with an interior image and initial “R” variety. It is one of two designs that were used by dairies participating in the Superman Defense Club milk program. The removable top has a Superman paper sticker on the underside and this variety featured various milk company initials on the top with this one baring an “R.”

Hake’s also has the other 1941 Superman secret chamber ring that has a raised image of Superman instead of a sticker. He is shown from the waist up, breaking chains with a diagonal lightning bold above his image and “S” on the upper left side. Both of these rings also come from the Overstreet collection.

The Danny Fuchs Collection is well represented in this auction, led by an Adventures of Superman George Reeves signed photo. It shows Reeves in the classic hands on hips pose and is inscribed, “To Rodger – thanks for watching – your friend – George Reeves – 10/14/55.” Due to his surprising death at age 45, Reeves’ signature is hard to find and highly desirable to collectors.

The 1940 Marx Superman Roll Over Plane wind-up multi-color variety is a tin litho toy with a built-in key. With a Superman figure attached to the tail by a metal rod, the toy was designed to travel forward a short distance before Superman flips the plane over and repeats the cycle. This hails from the Fuchs collection.

The 1939 Superman – Action Comics newsstand promotional flyer is a single sided sheet with art of a boy running to a newsstand asking for a Superman comic. The lower left has a Joe Shuster-inspired image of Superman and the lower right has the Action Comics title logo. This piece is also from the Fuchs collection.

A rare 1940s Superman beanie, Fleischer Studios/Paramount Pictures 1942 advertising sign, and the Superman and Supergirl push button puppets rare 1968 boxed Kohner set are also among the Superman auction highlights.

Hake’s Auction #242 is closing next week on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 19-20, 2024, so get bids in soon at hakes.com.