Collector Spotlight

Gerda Scheuers holds the Guinness World Record for her collection of Smurf merchandise. In this edition of Collector Spotlight, she shares how her mischievous brother instigated her collecting, and which Smurf figure she’d most like to add to her collection.

Union Jack Ranger collects Power Rangers merchandise. In this edition of Collector Spotlight, the UK-based collector shares details of his possibly one-of-a-kind collection of autographed Funko POP! figures and how his work in money management plays into how he approaches collecting.

Jenny Serfecz collects My Little Pony figures and accessories. Here, she shares the role her grandmother played in establishing her collection and how the “need it now” mindset can work against collectors.

Soupie collects keshigomu, mono-coloured plastic figurines also known as keshi. Here, he details the role collecting has played in his life, and the importance of establishing a trusted network of fellow collectors.

Jenny Crowther collects Crayola crayons and other art supplies. In this edition of Collector Spotlight, she explains the experience that got her started as a collector at the age of eight and shares a word of warning about a harmful crayon ingredient.

Kerchie collects vintage Polly Pocket compacts from the 1990s. In this edition of Collector Spotlight, she explains how growing up in the Philippines shaped her interest in Polly Pocket and why she’s unafraid to repaint and restore items in her collection. 

Mary Wernke collects dolls from Mattel’s Barbie brand, including Barbie’s long line of family and friends. In this edition of Collector Spotlight, Wernke shares her early start as a collector and why she focuses on Skipper, Barbie’s younger sister.

Mark Bergin evolved from punk musician to toy collector then dealer of rare tin toy collectables. In this edition of Collector Spotlight, Bergin explains how he became a trusted dealer and shares his tips for collecting.

Paul Scardino holds the Guinness World Record for his collection of Funko Pop! figures. In this edition of Collector Spotlight, Scardino shares details about some of his most highly prized figures and explains why it’s important to have family buy-in when it comes to establishing a large collection.

Larry Franks is renowned for his Dukes of Hazzard collection of memorabilia. Here, he shares his early fascination with the television show and explains how his relationships with the cast of the show have cemented his reputation as an authority on all things Dukes.

Fred Weichmann collects vehicles and has celebrities autograph them for a one-of-a-kind collection. Here, he shares details about how his passion led him to meet Adam West, Frank Gorshin, Van Williams, Larry Dixon, and other well-known personalities.

Clark Risley has amassed an impressive collection of Mr. Potato Head objects since he began collecting twelve years ago. Here, he explains how he got his start with the toy spud and shares a resource that no one else has mentioned in all our years of talking with collectors.

Bruce Pascal has curated the rarest Hot Wheels collection in the world and wrote the book on Hot Wheels prototypes. Here, he dishes on details about his massive collection and shares his dying wish related to the hobby.

Ben Meier shares details about his Transformers collection, his role at the Transformerland website, and highlights the similarities between Generation 1 collectibles and early Star Wars toys.

Mike Pingel shares with Toy Tales how his enthusiasm for Charlie’s Angels led to collecting that caught the eyes of the Angels themselves.

David Przybyla shares with Toy Tales the origins of his passion for board games and explains his philosophy of gameplay.

Mardi Timm and her husband Stan collect novelties. Here, Mardi provides insight into their vast collection and explains the historical significance of collecting.

Tim Smith collects Micro Machines. Here, he tells Toy Tales about his collection and how it served as a catalyst to his new book, Micro But Many.