1940s Superman Wallet Collection (5) Including Rare Variety in Original Box

Sold For:

$480

Year:

1940

Auction:

2016 Fall

Lot #:

2164

Category:

Historical/Political/Pop Culture/Americana

Collection of five vintage 1940s brown-leather Superman wallets (4.5 x 3.5 inches), each complete with its respective Superman identification card (3.5 x 2.5 inches), including one rare variety in its original box. 1) Superman wallet in original box. Manufactured by Hidecraft, the front of the wallet features an illustration of Superman landing from flight, with the city of Metropolis pictured in the background. Each corner of the reverse features a different image of Superman in flight and a large "S" in the center. This is the first example of this Superman wallet we have seen. Accompanied by its original box (5 x 4.25 x 1 inches). The lid of the box features the same illustration of Superman used on the front of the wallet and bears a 1947 copyright date. The wallet is missing its zipper pull and displays moderate exterior wear. The interior displays heavy wear. Vg overall. The box displays light handling wear, including a few small abrasions and a few vintage pencil notations on the base. Ex overall. 2-3) Two identical Hidecraft Superman wallets featuring a color image of Superman landing in flight on the cover. Both display moderate handling wear and are in Very Good to Excellent condition overall. 4-5) Two near-identical wallets, both of which picture an image of Superman in flight (different than that seen on the other three wallets in this collection) on the cover. One of the wallets, manufactured by Hidecraft, features a color image of Superman and includes an additional Superman identification card that is different from the standard ID card. Ex-Mt. The other wallet features the same image of Superman in flight, but it is white (it is not clear if it was issued in this manner or if the color has either faded or been removed from the image). This particular example features a different Superman ID card (it pictures Superman breaking free of chains and bears a "Pioneer" manufacturing name). "Pioneer Genuine Leather" is also stamped along the interior. Vg, with moderate handling wear. Total: five wallets (one with original box). Reserve $400. Estimate (open).