Collector Spotlight

Jordan Smith collects vintage cardboard ephemera. He talked to Toy Tales about the impetus behind his collection and the inherent challenge of collecting such a wide variety of objects.

Walter Krueger owns what could be the largest private Wizard of Oz collection in the world. Walter talks about his lifelong admiration of the classic tale and his plans for sharing his collection with other enthusiasts.

Bob Bretall holds the Guinness World Record for the largest comic collection. Bob talks about his introduction to comic books and explains while he will never disclose the monetary value of his massive collection.

Neil Scallan holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of Monopoly boards. Neil shares highlights of his collection with Toy Tales and explains why he started collecting the iconic game.

Peter Trott was fascinated by Doctor Who the first time he watched Tom Baker, the fourth Doctor, on the BBC science fiction series. Peter talks about his adventures in collecting and gives insight into what Tom Baker is like in person.

Nick Prueher’s fondness for obscure VHS videotapes led him to co-found VCR Party Live! and the Found Footage Festival with his childhood friend and fellow videotape collector Joe Pickett. Nick talks about his collection and reveals the story behind one of their most treasured acquisitions.

Brian Washington collects vinyl recordings of some of pop culture’s most beloved and memorable childhood stories.

Doc Lucky Meisenheimer collects yo-yos and is just as famous for his displays as he is for his collection.

Ellen G. K. Rubin (aka the Popuplady) is a pop-up book collector and historian. We talk with her about her extensive personal collection and the history of pop-up books.

Jim Blaine is a Pez collector. We asked him about his collection and why Pez is more than a simple plastic toy.

Phil Chapman collects vintage tinplate toys. In this first installment of Collector Spotlight, Phil shares his collecting philosophy and explains why human connection is the key to a strong vintage toy collection.