Betty Boop Figures – Beautiful Art and Valuable Investment
Collectibles have long been a popular activity for fans of television shows, cartoons, movies, and comic strips. Collecting memorabilia from these forms of entertainment is a fun, exciting, and often profitable hobby for many fans.
Even once the obsession or fascination with a particular show or character wears off, a collection can often be sold to fund the latest intrigue or to provide some much-needed extra cash. In this article we will explore this phenomenon with a stocking-clad sex symbol that has been with us since the 1930s.
Sensual singer background
Ever since she first appeared on movie screens on August 9, 1930, diminutive Betty has stole the hearts of fans around the world. Created by animator Myron “Grim” Natwick, her popularity has been sustained for over 80 years, and it’s clear that she has become and will remain an enduring sex icon and symbol for a long time to come.
Combining the best qualities of two 1920s icons, screen siren Clara Bow and sultry singer Helen Kane, Betty won fans through her rare combination of outrageous sex appeal and a sincerely huge heart.
Her popularity spilled from the silver screen into the homes and hearts of collectors around the world as fans clamored for the opportunity to take Betty home with them in the form of a wide range of Betty Boop merchandise.
One of the most collectible categories of these products is Betty Boop Figurines.
Why are Betty Boop figures so popular?
While many forms of Betty Boop memorabilia have proven worthy of collecting, including plates, mouse pads, signs, music boxes, and cookie jars, one of the most enduring incarnations is the Betty Boop figurine.
We assume that the figurines have gained so much popularity and collectability because they present Betty in all her three-dimensional splendor.
The rare figures date back to the 1930s, when Betty was at the height of her popularity. Committed collectors search high and low for these rarities which can be very difficult to find.
While these nearly century-old figurines can fetch a hefty price for those who find and trade them, collectors of much more modest means can enjoy Betty Boop statues, making Betty well within the reach of the any collector’s budget.
This affordability combined with Betty’s natural appeal have made her one of the most popular collectibles with a rabid and avid fan base.
Where can you find Betty Boop figures?
It is not difficult to find these figures. They abound online, on Amazon, eBay, and in countless specialty stores. You can also usually find these collectibles at vintage and curio shops.
They are usually affordably priced, often ranging from $15 on the low end to $40 or more on the high end.
There are also some “special edition” collectibles available, such as the “Calendar Girl” series. Special editions are usually hand-brush painted, with certificates of authenticity.
A statement of caution for beginners, there are a lot of inferior Betty Boop figures out there. As always, be careful, check certificates of authenticity, receipts (if available), and gather as much information as you can from collector forums.
Determining the value of your Betty Boop figures: how much are they worth?
While value is in the eye of the buyer, and ultimately any collectible is worth what a willing buyer pays a willing seller in a remote transaction, emotion inevitably comes into play when it comes to passionate collectors.
To get a miniature idea of what your figures are worth, the easiest and fastest way is to log into your eBay account and do a “whole item” search for Betty Boop figures.
This will show you what real people have paid in real life transactions buying and selling these collectibles. Be sure to check the listings, though, because authentic vintage Betty figurines will cost a lot more if she sells them through a collector’s channel rather than an eBay auction.
So use eBay’s search results as a guide, not a bible of values. Remember, all you have to do is find someone who is looking for the figure you have and you will get a much better price.
80’s revival
Betty enjoyed a resurgence of popularity in the 1980s, becoming ubiquitous on bags, belts, T-shirts, belts, towels, key chains, blankets, and especially art prints.
This resurgence was likely the result of Betty appearing in three films from that decade, including the hit “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” (1988), as well as “The Romance of Betty Boop” (1984) and “The Betty Boop Movie”. Boop.” Mystery” (1989).
Cheerful collectibles to brighten your days
If you enjoy Betty Boop, and why not, check out her figurines and other memorabilia and capture some of the innocent mischief and nostalgia she represents.