Seeking advice on buying a small GA collection

[Snake Eyes]

 

 

 

Apologies for the graininess of the pics...best my iPhone could do

 

The young couple that sold the comics are pregnant, and indicated that they had originally sought to secure some funds for the new addition to the family (thus selling the comics directly instead of consigning or waiting for auction results).

 

When thinking of ways to get some additional money, Ms. X remembered that her grandfather's house had been abandoned for a number of years. He passed away approximately a decade ago, and to the best of her recollection the house had never been cleaned out. She was concerned, however, that the tornado of April 2011 (the big one that hit Tuscaloosa/Central Alabama Dale Roberts did a fundraiser for) may have harmed the house.

 

In truth, she had not been there in years and honestly had no idea of what to expect. Nonetheless, she fondly remembered days in her youth where her grandfather took her to comic book and science fiction conventions...igniting what appears to be a lifelong love of pop culture and comics

 

As she was relating this (over a number of brief conversations), I found it somewhat unusual that it would be a grandfather filling that role in her life (given the relative youth of the sci-fi and comics hobby).

[Snake Eyes]

 

 

She was determined to check out her grandfather's old home and with her fiance/friends, a path was cleared.

 

Apparently, the dirt road was completely grown over and a path was bush-hogged to the house itself which at this point could only be seen at close approach.

 

Ms. X and Mr. Y enjoy comics, but did not really know what was collectible and what may not be. However, according to their report the house was in worse repair than they could imagine. They told us they salvaged what they safely could and what appeared to be intact.

 

Apparently, the home had sustained significant damage over the years. Almost all of the windows were broken. Multiple holes in the roof as well had allowed animals and inclement weather to enter the structure.

 

Nonetheless, they spent the better part of a day trying to save what comics they could. This formed the basis of the small EC collection they sold, along with a couple of longboxes of late Silver through early Copper Age books that were in similarly poor shape.

 

What an odd combination we thought. Why only EC? What else may have survived?? The couple were curious if they missed anything. We tried to explain that the ECs were really the only items of significant value they brought in. However, that even in rough shape similar 10 centers (and to a lesser extent 12 centers) would also hold value.

 

This elicited the story of seeing a Superman 2 floating in a puddle of water in the basement that I mentioned earlier in the thread. Needless to say our collector radar got dialed to eleven

[Snake Eyes]

(path carved to basement entrance of lake home...pic taken entering this door)

 

So we arranged with the family to visit the house. The smell of the comics alone let us know that this may not be the safest place. Further examination also revealed mold on a number of issues that then had to be destroyed.

 

So with the assistance of a friend employed at a local steel mill we obtained some protective gear and obtained permission from the family to go exploring and see if any other salvagable items remained.

 

As we entered the home, it was worse than I would have expected even given the couple's description of the damage brought about by neglect, time, and the elements.

 

 

[Snake Eyes]

(a picture of one part of a two-set volume of the family geneology found on-site in a sealed box...the other volume could not be located)

 

As I mentioned, we had a number of conversations with the couple. I also noted my interest in the fact that it was her grandfather that brought about her interest in the hobby. Apparently, he was quite the pioneer in fandom (both comics and science-fiction). A published author, keeper of the family geneology, organizer of people/fans, respected attorney, collector, and beloved grandfather

 

No more than a quick google search revealed the following...

 

 

 

In Memoriam: Meade H. Frierson, III

 

 

 

This page pays tribute to the man who built and preserved the Southern Fandom Confederation, who dedicated the organization to its mission, and who devoted so much of his time, energy, and money to the organization's well-being.

 

Meade's death came as a shock since there was no general awareness of his condition. Sixty-one seems like such an early age to go in our long-lived era of organ transplants and CaT scans and miracle medicines. But the situation reminds us that even in our world of tomorrow we are all mortal. Some diseases resist all of our spells and potions; aggressive cancer tops the list.

 

Let us concentrate on his achievements. Meade raised a family of three sons in a comfortable suburban setting of “over the mountain” Birmingham. He practiced corporate law for many years, focusing on behind-the-scenes work that prevented problems for his clients. This would be a full life for many people.

 

But wait—there's more. When Meade was starting his career in science fiction fandom, the few fans living in the Southern states were quite isolated from each other. Meade saw the need for a data base of Southern fandom. In 1971, he published the second issue of the SFC Bulletin. For 12 years Meade collected information, typed it using a non-correcting typewriter, pasted the articles into large zines with small margins and smaller type, and mailed it to science fiction fans throughout Dixie. He accepted donations, but the zines went out even if the donations and dues did not cover the cost, which they rarely did.

 

Any Southern SF fan of the 70's and 80's remembers those SFC Bulletins. The reduced type and so-so reproduction might have been difficult to read at times, but the information rewarded the struggle. The Bulletin covered everything—conventions, fanzines, apa's, and clubs in all the Southern states were listed in its pages. Meade never slighted a group and covered the occasional dispute with scrupulous fairness.

 

As if all of this were not enough, Meade also researched and published a major reference project on the ouevre of H. P. Lovecraft titled HPL. He published a regular apazine in the Southern Fandom Press Alliance for many years and started at least two other apa's. Over the years he amassed a staggeringly large collection of videotapes from science fiction, horror, and fantasy productions. Meade also played a major role in the Deep South Con of 1977 held in Birmingham at a hotel which did not want to honor its agreements once the convention started. They probably never dreamed that a local attorney would be part of the group they intended to debone.

 

Meade finally tired of the Herculean task of running the Confederation and passed it to other hands. He was not much active in science fiction fandom in his later years. But he had earned his burnout and gafia more than most folks. He had carried Southern fandom on his shoulders. It would not be the same today without his efforts. We all owe him an enormous debt of thanks.

 

The Editor did not know Meade very well on a personal basis. We met at a few conventions and visits to the Frierson house during the planning for ConFederation. When Meade wore his long black hair and moustache along with his denim jacket with the SFC embroidery covering the back, you could easily imagine him as a dashing Confederate officer ready to battle the mundanes.

 

Despite his imperfections, Meade Frierson left his mark on the world. No one can take that away from him. During the memorial party at ConStellation in Huntsville, his widow Penny said that living with Meade had never been dull. There are far worse ways to be remembered. Requiescat in pace, Meade Frierson.

 

 

 

 

[Snake Eyes]

 

With the information above in mind (along with the knowledge that I am in my mid 30's and really do not need to fall through a floor or be bitten by a poisonous snake), I entered the home with a mix of apprehension and nervous energy. Quickly, a sense of sadness also rushed through me. It was a beautiful home in its day with the remnants of obvious love and care still noticeable. Uncertain of why it was left to be reclaimed by the woods, I continued on...

[Snake Eyes]

 

The smell was almost overwhelming (even through the masks). We were confronted at the entrance by boxes upon boxes of books, comics, manuscripts, and furniture. It was complete chaos. And as told by those who came before, there certainly was water everywhere. Also as you can see, animals had also taken such paper products for food, nest building supplies, etc.

 

As I mentioned comics were seen almost immediately (look just above the blue garbage can and you can see a bit of four color remnants), but they were clearly unsalvageable...floating in water, covered in mold, shredded, and otherwise destroyed by time.

[Point Five]

(thumbs u I'm enjoying the narrative (but feel like I should go wash my hands) ...

 

 

[Scrooge]

+1

[Snake Eyes]

 

 

It was not far into the house when ambient light failed to offer a helping hand. The house itself was built quite solidly (apparently the plans are to demolish it and sell off the wood according to Ms. X). So despite holes in the roof, no more sulight filtered down to the basement than that seen in the previous post's pictures. Here, we have moved on to the area of the basement that contained the hot water heater and an number of filing cabinets/shelving areas.

 

We also made our first find...several more EC comics missed in the first sweep by the granddaughter and her fiance. Pictures of these are pending, as we quarantined them to make sure mold does not bloom upon removal from the house. Of course, for every one comic found by flashlight that looked like it had a chance of being saved, we found about 50 that were beyond any sort of hope

[Snake Eyes]

(thumbs u I'm enjoying the narrative (but feel like I should go wash my hands) ...

 

 

I still find myself washing with a bit more scrubbing (we were there Sunday and needless to say the clothes are in the garbage and I showered several times that evening)

[Snake Eyes]

 

 

 

 

 

 

As we continued to search the basement area, one of the group found a garbage bag full of what looked to be manilla envelopes and glossy magazine pages...a quick examination revealed some intricate and scary art. Most of these were duplicates and held together by some sort of perforation. I flashed back to my readings on Mr. Frierson as we looked and let the guys know that he was very much into Lovecraftian fandom as well...on the small pile to examine later they went (thumbs u

 

[Snake Eyes]

 

 

 

 

A little reseach revealed that Mr. Frierson published 1000 copies of HPL in the early 1970's. Seems to be some value there to the complete book. However, what we have are a number of unseperated pages. Most are identical and the sheet that contains all artwork (as opposed to the one posted here with the title page).

 

Any ideas what these may be fellow boardies? I am guessing they were excess copies left after binding his 1000 copies? :shrug: Any info on what they may be or if we landed something of value would be most appreciated. If it helps, the pages are glossy and almost magazine like in quality (minus the perforation thing)

 

 

[Snake Eyes]

Also to keep the help seeking to one area if anyone has had dealings with or knowledge of...

 

Meade H. Frierson, III

 

Please let me know!

 

I would love to be able to share some stories with the granddaughter who was only limited memories from her early childhood of her grandfather.

 

[Snake Eyes]

 

With that I have to do some work...will try to return to the story this evening where we will explore the upstairs (thumbs u

 

In the meantime, if anyone knows anything about Mr. Frierson or the prints above contributions are absolutely welcome

 

 

[Dale Roberts]

 

Looks like I may have stumbled across my first basement find ( as you will see in a minute ). I thought that if I provide most of the details I have already, some folks may be in the position to offer a spot of advice (thumbs u

 

First off, it my be useful to let you know my goal would be to break even or make a little money on the deal. I am not necessarily looking to flip the whole collection and just be cash positive. Ideally, I keep a few books and remain cash neutral. Also, I have bought a couple of small SA collections and my fair share of drek long-boxes, so I am familiar with negotiating and the basics, but this would be my first bulk lot of GA books.

 

Here is the information I have at present. I was not kidding when I mentioned a basement find, as it sounds like all the books have water damage to some degree (sounds like a number of books are completely destroyed, whereas a significant portion are in better shape. Overall with descriptions I got,I will most likely be looking at Fr to G/VG books with the primary problems being water damage, some tape on more worn books, and rusted staples.

 

As for the books themselves, it appears to be pretty much solely ECs. Multiple issues of Vault of Horror, Tales From the Crypt, Shock SuspenStories, Crime SuspenStories, and Mad...even a few post implosion/code books like MD, Panic, and one other I cannot recall.

 

Any advice from the experts and those with experience in this arena is greatly appreciated.

 

Price them out at Guide. Cut it in half. Go outside for a walk. Come back. Cut in in half again. Go watch Auction Hunters. Cut it in half again. That's where you should be. Those books are EVERYWHERE in that grade. They're very solid books, but will be dogs in that kind of grade.

 

 

Not bad, Dan.

 

Many of these will sell for 1/3 - 1/2 of Overstreet Good. That means buy at 1/6 of Good to make sure you can make a few bucks.

 

 

really guys? I have no trouble whatsoever selling low grade(if complete) copies of ECs. I would buy them by the boat load, provided they were graded properly. I would love to find some to purchase at 50% of graded guide.