Hake's Auctions

About Hake's Auctions

Hake's Auctions was the first pop culture auction house in the United States, connecting collectors with rare toys, comics, political memorabilia, and entertainment artifacts since 1967. Based in York, Pennsylvania, Hake's has built a reputation over more than five decades as the definitive marketplace for American popular culture collectibles, from pre-war Disney items and Golden Age comic books to modern action figures and sports cards.

History

The firm was founded by Ted Hake, a collector and dealer who recognized that objects of American popular culture, often considered ephemeral, possessed genuine historical and monetary value. Starting with political campaign buttons and pins, Hake built a catalog business that expanded to encompass every facet of pop culture collecting, and his reference books on political buttons and pinback collectibles became standard works in the field.

In 2004, Hake's was acquired by Steve Geppi, founder and owner of Diamond Comic Distributors, the largest distributor of English-language comic books in the world. Under Geppi's ownership, Hake's has continued to grow, expanding its categories and achieving record-breaking prices.

Specialist departments

Every auction features a carefully curated selection spanning comic books and original comic art, political Americana, Disneyana, toys and action figures, sports memorabilia, movie posters, entertainment memorabilia, autographs, concert posters, and virtually every other facet of popular culture collecting. This comprehensive approach sets Hake's apart from more narrowly focused competitors and attracts a diverse buyer base with wide-ranging interests.

• Comic books and original comic art
• Toys and action figures, including prototypes
• Political memorabilia, campaign buttons, posters, and banners
• Disneyana and character collectibles
• Movie posters, entertainment memorabilia, and sports memorabilia

Notable sales

Comic books and original comic art have become increasingly important categories for the firm, which has handled significant Golden Age, Silver Age, and Modern Age comics as well as original artwork by legendary artists. Curt Swan's Action Comics #309 Superman cover original art achieved $112,015, with numerous other pieces of original comic art commanding five- and six-figure prices.

The toy and action figure department is another powerhouse, regularly handling rare and prototype toys from every era, including early tinplate and cast iron toys, 1960s and 1970s action figures, Star Wars prototypes, and modern collectible figures. A Star Wars Boba Fett Rocket-Firing L-Slot Prototype sold for $236,000, while a Captain America Avengers Endgame Screen Used Hero Prop achieved $259,539; Aurora monster model kits, vintage board games, and Japanese tin toys are additional areas of strength.

Political memorabilia remains close to the firm's heart, reflecting founder Ted Hake's original specialty, with significant campaign buttons, posters, banners, and ephemera from every era of American political history. A Cox and Roosevelt 1920 jugate presidential campaign button sold for $185,850, and an 1860 Lincoln/Hamlin flag realized $42,185. Disneyana and character collectibles represent another core category, with museum-quality Disney items from the earliest days of the Mouse, including rare celluloids, early merchandise, and prototype toys: a pair of Mickey and Minnie Mouse Charlotte Clark display dolls realized $151,534.

Buying and selling

Hake's conducts auctions approximately every two months, with each sale typically spanning two days and featuring 2,000 to 3,000 lots, all conducted online through the firm's website. Registration is free, and bidding uses a proxy system that lets bidders set maximum bids and bid incrementally on their behalf. The firm ships worldwide with secure packaging. Sellers benefit from Hake's established reputation and dedicated collector base, with free appraisals for potential consignors and guidance on timing and presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Hake's grade comics in-house or require third-party grading?

Significant comics are typically offered with CGC or CBCS grading.

Does Hake's handle large collections?

Yes, including estate-sized lots.

Must political memorabilia be American?

Primarily, though international political material of exceptional quality is occasionally accepted.