Craigslist Finds - 8, 9, 10 and 11 of 52

I have been quite busy as late and neglected updating this post. That was the reason for me making this once a week post otherwise I would have put it off and never completed all my figures. So this week I have something very special for weeks 8, 9, 10 and 11 of 52.

I've heard many recounts here of tremendous Craigslist finds. During our local club meeting that I hosted last May one of our members displayed a trove of pristine Craigslist finds. All this left me envious, as I have never found anything on Craigslist beyond a bicycle and a treadmill. Some days after our club meeting something told me I should try Craigslist again and for some reason I searched in the Maine region. My cousin lives in Maine and it struck my as a place were pickers go to. I was startled to find a one picture Vermont listing for (4) four GI Joe figures. I thought they must be sold already. The picture was not great I but could see something worthwhile. I phoned the number and reached the women that posted the items for sale. No price was listed but I was surprised to hear the figures were still available and that she was taking best offers. I made my offer based just above the assumption that these figures were crap. So glad I didn't bid more because she took it! On top of that she was going to travel to my area on business and offered to deliver them to my house in two days. Hours before she arrived I prepared my speech for how bad these figures looked compared to the posting picture. When the Vermont plated car finally pulled up to the front of my house I saw a woman was carrying a plain plastic shopping bag. That further increased my urge to talk the price down. I greeted her at the door and she proceeded to unload the bag she held to my dining room table. HOLY SHEETS! I could not believe how good these GI Joes appeared in person. I asked my visitor why there was dried grass amongst the uniformed figures. The women told me these belong to her brother and they had been stored in a barn for quite a few years. A freaking BARN FIND! But I kept my cool. "So we agreed on $xxx for the figures?" I asked. She said well I've traveled all this way and I did use my gas. Sensing this might get ugly quickly I questioned if $10 would do for a reimbursement? She agreed, I pulled out the cash and took the figures.

Here is what I purchased:







First is a Japan labeled Sailor with crisp pleats and a supple hat.
The figure is in a Gummy Head R R Pat. Figure has no eyebrow or head rubs.







Next a Japan labeled Combat Marine with a minty No pockets shirt, carbine, backpack and helmet.
The figure is a TM with beefy hands and limbs only identified as "L" or "R". no eyebrow or head rubs.
Has the sheen of an old figure oozing Plasticine.







Next up, a lovely SOTW German Storm trooper uniform. The corner of the backpack looks like it was chewed on by a rat.
Otherwise no damage(thank God).







Lastly the piece that initially peaked my interest in the whole lot. A pristine SOTW Japanese Soldier.
No eyebrow or head rubs. There was no helmet but I added for these pictures.

Superb stuff patch! top work indeed

what a haul great stuff (have you come down yet)

What a cool back story and fantastic looking figures...

I noticed some of the pics are fuzzy and I guess that's because you were shaking so much with excitement when you took them...

Amazing finds! Having gone to school in Vermont I know that there are a plethora of barns, but most wouldn't have treasures like this in them! Please bring them to the next meeting so we can drool over them in person!

Amazing finds again!

-Nate

An exciting catch, and what a great Joe tale!  

I'm especially liking your new 'Gummy Head' & 'SOTW' Joes. I'm glad it turned out well for you, those Joes have now found a loving and caring home