I have a confession to make.
I am a packrat.
It's not like when I die they are going to find stacks of National Geographic magazines in my house, but I do have a tendency to hold on to stuff that I think is cool.
My old software collection always blows away people who visit my home. Perhaps I'll make a video of that someday.
Today I was sitting in my home office and happened to notice two very rare and collectible items that I will share with you now.
The first one is related to the classic computer game Myst, originally released in 1993. (Yes, Myst is that old!)
When I launched WorldVillage.com, the makers of Myst were getting ready to release the sequel, Riven. I spoke with them about doing a promotion on my site. It was called The Myst Trivia Challenge.
One of the prizes provided by Broderbund, the software company that was releasing the title, was a very cool item. It was a Myst Puzzle in a Bottle.
It's just as it sounds. It's a plastic bottle with a Myst label on it. Inside the bottle are puzzle pieces. Simply open the bottom of the bottle and have fun with the puzzle.
As it turns out, there weren't very many of these made and I was keen enough to keep one for myself.
I track this on eBay in case anyone ever auctions one off, but I've yet to see one in more than a decade. I have a hunch it would sell for several hundred dollars to a true Myst memorabilia collector.
The second item is so rare that most people don't even know it EXISTS!
What if I told you I had a Jim Henson Muppet creation so unknown that not even the Muppet collector sites list it?
It's true!
When I was growing up in the Chicago suburbs, Continental Bank ("It's the big bank with the little bank inside") offered a premium for people opening a new savings account.
It was a Kangaroo hand puppet designed by none othen than Jim Henson himself!
I absolutely loved this puppet... so much that it went with me on all my travels (I was a kid, ok?), and it became very... well... shall we say worn?
About seven years ago I found one on eBay that had barely been touched. It was in near mint condition. Needless to say, I snapped it up right away.
Need proof that this is really a Jim Henson creation? Check out the tag stitched to the bottom of the Muppet.
I have looked all over the web and only found one other discussion where someone mentioned this Muppet. I find it amusing that people don't even know this creation exists.
And I'm pleased to own it. :-)
Hey Joel,
I think this must be an entrepreneurial trait or something ... as you may, or may not know, I'm a Transformers collector. ( the originals, from the early 80's )
I have several very rare items, including a few that are the only ones known to exist worldwide, and until I found them, many collectors didn't even know they'd ever been produced ... the transformers community is very active, they even have a yearly conference. ;)
And as I'm typing this, I have four Coke bottles on my desk from a trip to the World of Coke in Atlanta. I have no idea why I'm keeping them, or where I'm going to put them, but I can't seem to find a reason to throw them away ( even though I'm a pepsi guy ). The same goes for some change from Costa Rica that our guy Nico gave me ... no idea what I'm going to do with it, but I just can't get rid of it.
It's tough keeping an office organized with all this junk floating around ...
Gary Ambrose
I think it is an entrepreneurial trait too. I am also a packrat.
I collect fabric and doll clothes patterns. I have the first doll clothes pattern I bought at the age of ten with my 50 cent allowance. I have vintage fabric that I just take out and feel once in awhile. Its such beautiful fabric I can't bear to cut it up.
I think we keep things that spark a sense of imagination in us. One of my favorite doll designers is Robert Tonner. The slogan for his company, The Tonner Doll Co, is "Believe in the Power of Play"
That about sums it up.
Shirley
I have the original box from the first Myst game. The artwork was so amazing that I just could not throw it away. I am also a pack rat but I am trying to reform. Rehab maybe? Anyway nothing has worked so far and I am into my second fifty years.
I do have some unique collections, I collect great "movies". Btw, the Muppet puppet is cool. Wish I could get that one.
That Myst Puzzle in a bottle would be a great addition to my collection!
Hope to get one some day. :)
My collection:
http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p41/ravingspawn/?start=all
how much were you going to put it on for?
I'm not sure. You can give me a price if you want.
Well, it depends. Is it worth more like $30 (something i'm just willing to spend) or $250 (Not willing)?
I'm not sure about its real price since I can't find anyone else selling it. Would 65 be fine?
Hey Joel,
You should sell me yours...LOL
eh, 65 is a little high. Thanks though! If you're willing to go down some i'll watch this page.
Hey, kqarlos, are you still looking to sell the Myst puzzle bottle? I know a couple people are interested, but I'd be interested in buying it as well. You can email me at germanshepherd@gmail.com if you like. I'll check back here, too, at times. Thanks!
Hey, GermanShephard!Recognize you from MystCommunity.
Foopy-Doo?!?!?! Is this Foopy Doo?!?!?!? OMG Joel. I remember Foop...Gosh, was he worn out (even back then when we hung together). Glad to see you were able to get another. ;)