NON-DECK EBAY INVESTMENTS PART 2
More Things You Can Buy Now... or Not
I had a feeling a newsletter on skate-centric eBay listings would do well because the idea itself was kind of obvious.
Skate & Annoy had an eBay watch, Skull and Bones Skateboards’ message boards have had auctions, etc. for years and there are other Substacks devoted to this kind of stuff, so I thought borrowing the idea would be worthwhile. Hollywood does this all the time—everything is a reboot or a rip-off, right?
Well, my first foray into eBay investing was well received and I truly appreciate the positive feedback, so here is Part 2.
I thought about pruning my bookmarks or maybe saving some gems for a future newsletter but since many of these live auctions are ticking away, I decided to be ambitious, but wanted to give y’all fair warning.
I intended to schedule this one for Friday but as I checked the links, one of the auctions already ended, so here we go.
Abd Collectibles Paul Rodriguez 1/200 Uncut Auto Sheet Included
BUY IT NOW US $69,420.00
For almost 70K this is a fairly vague listing. There’s a reason why I’m leading off with this one though. You may know that ABD Collectibles was co-founded by Mike Mo Capaldi but you might not know that you can buy some fresh P-Rod packs on their site for way cheaper.
I guess you can own a digitized version of some of his most iconic tricks but this isn’t that.
This is: “Abd Collectibles Paul Rodriguez 1/200 Uncut Auto Sheet Included. Nft not included, card and framed uncut auto sheet only.”
If you invest 70K you’ll definitely get a piece of one of Paul’s shoes—a real ass piece of shoe. You don’t get the NFT which is probably OK. I mean, and NFT of Jack Dorsey’s Tweet or Xeet that once sold for 2.9 million is now worth nothing, so not getting it is fine and you get this thing in some plastic and then some other thing with a bunch of holes in it without the thing.
Without being super versed in this collectible lane, I can tell you that this is probably not a good investment. In fact, you can get some other P-Rod rarity for $1,500-ish dollars instead.
But…
Ryan Sheckler Tech Deck Relic Piece of Used Skateboard Collectible /2500 Made
BUY IT NOW $39.99
Sure, this collectible piece of actual Sheckler board is 1249 of 2500 and P-Rod’s piece of shoe is 1 of 200, so the rare factor disparity is obvious. And yeah, Sheck’s memorabilia piece was released in a larger edition a bunch of years ago and is only valued at roughly 40 bucks, but hear me out:
Ryan Sheckler has a potentially career-defining part around the corner. They made a documentary about it. I think Red Bull paid for it.
Maybe he’ll finally have footage rolling away from the backside flip at El Toro he once claimed, bum intact, along with some other really impressive things.
Let’s think about this: there’s a trailer for this new video project on his personal website.
DETAILS BELOW (Typo isn’t mine btw) This summer marks the release of Ryan Sheckler’s first feature-length film, “Rolling Away”, and full-length solo video part. The film follow’s Ryan’s three-year, injury-fought journey of filming “Lifer”, the action sport icon’s most monumental video part to date. “I’ve been skating for almost 31 years and now I’m 33 years old. It’s crazy to think about it that way, but that’s what “Rolling Away” and “Lifer” is all about. It’s the culmination of my journey with skateboarding and proof that it's unlike any other sport.” – Ryan Sheckler Catch the action for free and on-demand starting July 28th on Red Bull TV.
Now think about betting $39.99 on Shecks. That’s less than a new Sandlot Times Sheckler Pro model.
If this part lives up to the hype, there’s a chance that the scrap of skateboard at least… doubles.
Larry Clark - Skater Original 5 x 7 color print - stamp/signed
BUY IT NOW $300.00
OK, I know this isn’t exactly cheap but if you’re looking for a unique piece of skate history from an artist with a “name,” it might be worth making a lowball offer on this one and rolling the dice.
Back in 2015, Larry Clark was selling off his photos for $100 a pop. I forgot this was happening and when I showed up to the gallery the only flicks left were kind of dogshit so I didn’t make a purchase.
Similar pics from this era are up for auction for a lot more but also, several were being sold for $125.00 and not getting any bids.
This one, for example, is extremely awesome and I thought about buying it but the auction ended. Hopefully, it will get relisted. But back to the Larry Clark 5x7 photo market. I’d say this is “it’s worth what you’d pay for it territory,” and while $300 is steep, I’m going to explain why it might be a cool thing to own for maybe… $200-ish dollars, aside from it being shot by Mr. Clark.
First of all, look at the background here. There’s plenty of graffiti on the Brooklyn Banks, you have a crowd of cool looking humans in the background, there’s shit all over the ground… well, trash, not actual shit, and a bare tree poking out of the small patch of dirt. There is some clever metaphor based on the tree or like, “a tree grows in Brooklyn, but really Manhattan”… I dunno, I’m just writing about fuckin’ eBay auctions.
Then we get into the meat of this pic. Justin Pierce (RIP) and Peter Bici are starting off towards the action and in the foreground is Ben Liversedge. Judging by Peter’s wheel size and knowing that Banks gatherings/contests happened in the early ‘90s, Ben was most likely riding for 777 at the time, a company started by Dave Andrecht, a former pro skater who has a handplant named after him.
All of this is very cool to me. You probably know about his involvement with Infamous but did you know Ben Liversedge had a clip in Jason Dill’s 101 “Snuff” part? I didn’t for a very long time. It’s also worth mentioning that Ben is wearing a coach’s jacket here. When I think of coach jackets, I don’t think of them as a common object that every brand makes or has made, I think of Ben Fucking Liversedge because he wore them all the time, he looked really cool in them, and his name was Ben Liversedge.
Did you ever notice the best athletes have names you never hear in your civilian life?
1970s Retro Skateboard Postcard by Hugh Holland, Skate Park Locals Only Valleys
BUY IT NOW $8.05
If you aren’t familiar with Hugh Holland’s work that’s cool. I bet most of the readership of AI® aren’t but if you’re curious, this is a nice primer. There’s also a good chance you’ve never sent a postcard either, so for a small investment you can truly experience what the analog world was like, and also, this is a badass photograph.
It’s summer and you might be traveling, so why not surprise a friend with a terse message and this photographic card? Also, maybe the postage you’ll have to use to mail this will someday be worth something too. That’s pretty cool to think about.
Speaking of valleys, let’s get into the next piece of rare ephemera…
MIKE VALLELY SIGNED Assemble A Skateboard Personal Note Street Plant Brand 2017
STARTING BID $20.00
I was going to include this one in my first eBay piece but it was pulled down. Also, I know his name is Mike Vallely, not Mike Valley and yes, I trained myself to pronounce his name correctly.
Anyway, I have to be honest, this is an odd thing to sell. I guess having a Mike V autograph has some value and shoot… if you or someone you know is named John, that’s a neat coincidence/potential gift. If not, you’re investing in a Mike V autograph for relatively cheap.
Above is a picture of the back of the note. Listen, I’m trying my best not to be an asshole here, especially since I have to assume that a young person drew this board assembly how-to but this is not how you put a board together.
For starters, they completely skip putting bearings in the wheels. They also omit using hardware to secure the trucks and wheels to the board. Thankfully they suggest wearing a helmet because if you follow these steps, you’re probably going to get fucked up.
You have to wonder if this impacted Street Plant’s bottom line.
Dave Vanderspeks Curb Dogs 1987 Allright Productions vintage VHS Skateboarding
BUY IT NOW $25.00
Dave Vanderspeck (RIP) was a BMX freestyle pioneer and who also skated (dual Is cool). Curb Dogs is a BMX and skate video that’s very “of its time,” and by that I mean it’s a sprawling montage of tricks, often slow-mo’ed, set to a bass-heavy, synthy ‘80s soundtrack. Don’t let these tropes dissuade you though, this is a fun time capsule of the late-’80s that also features some of the earliest footage filmed at Embarcadero/Justin Herman Plaza.
Yes, you can watch a version for free on YouTube but who the fuck knows how many copies of Curb Dogs still exist? There isn’t an official museum archiving all this shit, so it’s up to the folks that care to preserve it and regardless of the popularity or notoriety it may have now, Curb Dogs deserves to be protected and enjoyed for decades to come.
Vintage VHS Finger Board Finger Freaks Mini Skateboarding Trick of Fingerboard
BUY IT NOW $17.50
This video, however…
I’ve never seen Finger Freaks and the cover is absolutely revolting—seriously, look at this shit—but it’s not on YouTube and I really want to see the “history of the sport” section.
Do I $17.50 want to see it? Nah, but maybe you do or maybe you want some cool archival footage for your next edit.
SHORTYS Vtg 90s Y2K Loose Green Camo Skateboard Cargo Skate Pants Mens 36 x 26
BUY IT NOW $87.99
SOLD
I’ve had an eBay account since the late ‘90s. I would buy things back then from listings that didn’t even have photos, hoping whatever showed up was close to what I thought I was purchasing. That was kind of cool but then you get burned and that’s not fun. Before you get excited about these pants, it’s important to pay attention.
Yup, they are 36” x 26”—that’s not a typo. The seller was kind enough to note this though:
Size 36, pants run short at 25-26”
FWIW I’m six feet tall and these would hit around the soleus muscle of my calf. That’s “capri territory” but that could be your thing.
I have a #lifehack for you though. If you want to get really sly, you could put two holes on the inside hem of the legs, string a shoelace into said hem, and then slightly tie them up so you look like someone who would skate Love Park.
Rare Vintage Ghetto Child Skateboard Shortys Track Pants Koston Muska Skate T
BUY IT NOW $999.95
The Shorty’s Camos are looking like a much better investment, right? I don’t even think you get the Mu$ka autograph for 5 cents short of a rack.
VTG Alphanumeric A# Track Pants Mens Med M 90s 2000s Rare Supreme Forum Snow
BUY IT NOW $29.99
I know medium is a cursed size but I’d rather roll the dice on these Alphanumeric Track Pants for 30 bux than the previous two pant options. They’re probably made well and actual vintage clothing is supposed to be some shit that lasts long enough to come back around.
Maybe these aren’t to your liking but if you search around for other Alpha Pants you might find some styles/sizes that are more to your liking, so consider this more “pants inspo” than a rock-solid investment, unless medium is your preferred size, then you’re stoked.
Vintage Think Skateboards T-Shirt Size L Single Stitch 90s Skate Graffiti
BUY IT NOW $140.00
The price may seem steep at first but this is a 30-year-old T-Shirt and also, look at this shit. Look at it.
A Carpet or Cash Only shirt with a similar graphic is going to run you around $40.00 but you run the risk of showing up to the spot and looking like some other person who has good taste.
That being said, Carpet and Cash Only are companies that you should feel good supporting, buy from both of them and then cop this vintage Think T-shirt. Everyone wins including you, just be warned that Oneita Power-Ts are thick… and scratchy.. but durable.
Crailtap ICP Insane Crail Posse Faded Shirt XL Funny Juggalo Clown Chocolate Vtg
BUY IT NOW $49.95
If you don’t read the New York Times then you might not know that they recently reported that nu-metal is resonating with Gen Z and a renaissance is coming. This means it’s time to buy up all things Nü, including this Insane Crail Posse shirt. There’s a medium on eBay for half the price but XL feels more Juggalo to me.
Vintage Skateboard Banners - DNA skateboards Unit Trucks
STARTING BID $38.00
I’m not going to pretend that dNA was known for their graphics or logo—they weren’t. They had the bLind thing going with the lowercase “d” which was clever but image-wise, it didn’t work and that sucks.
Also, just so we’re clear, this isn’t the brand we’re talking about.
But dNA was awesome because it gave us this:
and also this:
dNA’s demise also kind of led to Hopps so again, wins all around.
You can also “win” this auction the cheap and own this banner. Maybe you want to decorate your dorm room or perhaps you could start traveling around the skate events across the US or wherever and plant this banner in plain sight. Do it. Start an IG and I’ll follow your exploits. Other people probably will too.
Rare Vintage 90's Skateboarding T-Shirt American Dream Inc Deluxe Size Large
BUY IT NOW $125.00
When I think about brands that should have had a full-length, American Dream Inc., ADI, AD, AD UNIT… whatever name of the former DLX brand founded by Ron Allen is high on the want list. Jahmal also rode for this brand along with Jimmy “The Mantis” Chung, Spencer Fujimoto, Jesse McMillan, Harold Hunter, and the Hitman.
Like Alphanumeric, the person behind the design was visionary artist Alyasha Owekra-Moore. If you want to get nerdy, start searching around about the brand and Alyasha’s work but I recommend starting with the interview below.
As much as I like getting into the weeds about old graphics and such, sometimes a free-flowing conversation about whatever pops up can be inspiring and this one definitely is that.
180 Jpy Shorties Shorty Skateboard Deck Screw Bolt Plus Sticker Decal Vintage
BUY IT NOW $134.48
Yeah, they’re Phillips and sure, they’re 1 1/4” but you get 180 little baggies of these Shorty’s nuts for less than a buck a pack.
So what will you do with these? Buy riser pads? Let the bolts dangle and wear down when you slide shit? That happened a lot in the ‘90s.
I have a different perspective on this box of bolts though. Do you have a wedding planned this fall?
You might want to give everyone coming—especially if it’s a destination wedding—a nice keepsake.
Maybe 180 people are coming.
These could be affordable and also cool/niché favors for all your guests.
Has anyone given out hardware at a wedding? I dunno, I’m spitballing here but the name “Shorty’s” suddenly feels kind of sweet in this context.
Now that I think of it, there’s no fucking way 180 packs of bolts fit in this box—it’s really small. I’m thinking it’s 180 individual bolts not sets. Shit. Ignore this one I guess.
See, you gotta pay attention to these descriptions. eBay can be deceptive.
Back To The Future Marty McFly Jersey Men Small Authentic Headgear Classics
AS LOW AS $49.46 EACH… MAYBE CHEAPER
Yo, the DeLorean had to go 88MPH to time travel. I just wanted to clear that up for anyone concerned about the numerology on this jersey, because the number 88 can not be very uncool.
A lot of old people started skating because of the original Back To the Future and freestyle skaters Per Welinder and Bob Schmelzer choreographed the skating in the film. You probably know Per but Bob is a deep cut for most. He started Circle-A skateboards and sponsored Ed Templeton and didn’t put his name on an ad of him doing a very notable 50-50 on a handrail.
With a bulk discount, you can buy these for your entire crew and…. film a bunch of lines I guess.
Back To The Future signed photo Johnny Green Skateboard Kid
BUY IT NOW $44.99
And you can also buy an autographed photo of the kid who inspired skateboarding.
Olivelawn 4 is Greater Than 2 45 7” Record Alternative Rock 90s
BUY IT NOW $11.77
Why am I suggesting that you buy a 45 RPM 7” single, especially when it’s not even the Olivelawn record that has the song from Plan B Questionable? Well to start, this stuff isn’t on streaming but also…
Otis “O” Barthoulameu (I’m not going to tell you who he is)
O designed one of the earliest World Industries logos and probably named the brand. (a few people have corroborated this assertion) O also had a record label called Insaneindutries that started around 1984.
Neil Blender plays on this 7”
It’s a cool record and all, but I wanted to feature this one because it’s a cheap pick-up and to remind everyone that Neil Blender basically made up being a “creative” skater as much as anyone else in the history of skating. He shot photos, made his own graphics, gave tricks weird names, filmed when he wanted to, made strange cartoons, didn’t take interviews seriously, played music, did weird shit, inspired brands, started brands, did art and design for Dinosaur Jr, brought Dino Jr into skating along with Mike V, inspired the name of one of the best skateboarding blogs ever, and of course, he fucking rips and has The Heated Wheel and did/does a bunch of other stuff I’m forgetting right now.
A lot of folks move to a place such as New York City to do their version of Neil Blender and they probably don’t know that.
This is neither a diss to anyone nor is it up for debate, I’m just stating how influential Mr. Blender has been in skateboarding and recommending that you buy this 7” because finding a copy of the Worked World 7” he played on is virtually impossible.
LOVE CHILD OST LP Pink Vinyl NOS SKATEBOARD SOUNDTRACK World Industries Rocco
BUY IT NOW $24.99
Skate-related music is a fun lane, so let’s hang out here for a while. This bootleg 12” o the World Industries Love Child soundtrack is a headscratcher for many reasons, starting with it not really being an awesome collection of songs which I think was the entire point back then. In the early ‘90s, there was a push to skate to the least “skate punk rock” kind of tunes and unless I’m forgetting a Human video where someone skated to Merzbow, this was a pretty fucking random collection of music.
It’s also puzzling how this album was made, considering most pressing plants aren’t going to authorize a bootleg, let alone one with two Supremes songs. If “Rocco’s World Records” can pull this off, you have to wonder why more bootleg soundtracks are in the wild or at least in the works.
I’ve seen this in the wild on a few different colors of vinyl but one has to assume it was a one-and-done pressing, so spending less than what most new LPs cost to put this in your crates seems like a solid idea, even if you don’t have a turntable.
Search eBay and you’ll find a bunch of these.
Rick deserved better.