Vintage Professional Wrestling Collectibles

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Professional Wrestling: A Piece of Americana

America's love for professional wrestling dates back many years before Wrestlemania, Hulk Hogan and Vince McMahon. In 1916, fans actually paid to see Joe Stecher and Ed "Strangler" Lewis wrestle to a five hour draw and the finish was preplanned just like Vince McMahon's shows are today. A Masked Marvel was performing in this country as far back as 1915. Wrestling, in this country anyway, has never been a true test of skill. It's all about the show and keeping the engine running. Always has been, and there's no reason to think that it won't always be. Attempts have been made to market legit pro wrestling, but they've all failed miserably for the simple reason that real wrestling doesn't excite the paying customer.

Just as Hulk Hogan and The Rock are household names today, so once were Jim Londos and Antonino Rocca. Gorgeous George probably sold as many TV sets as Milton Berle. Jerry Lawler at one time was the second most recognized name in Memphis - behind Elvis.

The merchandising of professional wrestling had to be as exciting as the show itself because it sold the tickets.

Professional Wrestling Autographs 

Check Out My "Collecting Professional Wrestling Autographs" Page here.
Collecting Professional Wrestling Autographs
Wrestling autographs have been avidly collected since the turn of the last century when wrestling stars were major celebrities. Those old autographs are very hard to find today.

Maurice Tillet (The French Angel) Signed Photo

Games 

Several wrestling board games have been produced. Probably the most well known and most collected is the Von Erich Family Championship Wrestling Game. Produced in the mid-1980's, it can usually be found on eBay for around $25.



In 1983, Bernie Lopez Productions put a Mil Mascaras game on the market. It can be found on eBay for around $25, in nice condition.



The toughest wrestling game to find in nice, intact condition is the Verne Gagne Wrestling Game, produced in the 1950's. Two versions of the Gagne game was produced: One was produced as a separate game, and the other was a part of a six game package. Both are equally hard to find, but the "six game package" gets the most collector attention, primarily because of the Mickey Mantle association. Both versions will bring in excess of $100 - the "six game" version, much more in mint condition.

Records 

Many wrestlers have recorded singles and record albums. Most were better in the ring than they were in the studio.

Some record albums to add to your collection are "In This Corner ... The Musical World of Antonino Rocca"(MGM E4183 mono, SE4183 stereo). This one can be picked up on eBay for around $10.00. Only opera fans are going to want the album for anything except the photo of Rocca on the cover in the ring, in mid-air.

While a wrestler, Sweet Daddy Siki had a side career as a performing country singer. After he retired, he spent more time performing his own music, and he also worked as a DJ. Siki recorded three albums. The most collectible Siki cover for wrestling collectors is "Sweet Daddy Siki Squares Off With Country Music." Siki's three albums can be found for between $10 and $25 each.



Jackie Fargo and Len Rossi boths recorded singles while working for Nick Gulas in the 1960's. Jackie recorded "I Just Dropped In To Say Goodbye / Little Rosa (Western Records) under the name Jack Fargo. Rossi's sole record was the self-penned" Wrestlers' Prayer" with "Mary Stay Away from My Grave" (Miracle Records). These records had very limited distribution, but surprisingly neither are difficult to find. I have seen them on eBay for less than $10.

The Exotic Adrian Street recorded an album, Shake Wrestle 'N. Roll" in the mid-1980's. The album was self-distributed by Adrian and Linda. It can still be ordered directly from Adrian and several other sites on the net.



By the end of the 1980's, it was common for wrestlers to dip their toes in the music business. The WWF released a hit record album featuring their superstars. Jerry Lawler, the Rock and Roll Express, Freddie Blassie, Jesse Ventura, Michael Hayes, Dusty Rhodes and Austin Idol were just a few wrestlers who recorded 45's and albums. Most of these were sold only at shows or through wrestling related venues. Some have become very hard to find collector's items.

Wrestling Cards 

The earliest professional wrestling cards were produced in the late 1800's as tobacco cards. Like all tobacco cards, these are very hard to find in nice condition.

The first complete set of professional wrestling cards was produced by Parkhurst of Canada in 1954 and 1955. It was a 196 card set picturing most of the day's top stars. These can be picked up fairly cheap on eBay as singles, but assembling an entire set one at a time is challenging. The entire set in nice condition could bring more than $500.

Wrestling cards are crossover collectibles, collected by trading card generalists, so they attract attention beyond what can be expected for most wrestling collectibles.

More Wrestling Collectibles 

Superman No. 155 Featuring Antonino Rocca



Antonino Rocca: Self Defense and Physical Fitness



The Swedish Angel vs. Wembley Ties, 1941 Magazine Ad


Danny Hodge Cook Book



Verne Gagne's Dyna Power



Don Eagle Fan Club Card & Photo







Wrestling Stars Calendar - 1954





Wrestling Stars Calendar - 1955



Link to "Collecting Wrestling Posters and Programs" at Squidoo 

Collecting Professional Wrestling Posters and Programs
Most wrestling memorabilia collectors are always looking for posters and programs.





Minneapolis Sept 1963



Link To "Collecting Wrestling Magazines" at Squidoo 

Collecting Vintage Wrestling Magazines
Magazines are very popular among wrestling fans. For some, it is the only wrestling memorabilia they collect.

Link to "Collecting Vintage Wrestling Photos" at Squidoo 

Collecting Vintage Professional Wrestling Photos
Most wrestling memorabilia collectors include photos in their collection. For some, photos are the only memorabilia they collect. Photos capture a moment in time, bringing back memories to those that were there and historical perspective for those who weren't.

Put This Book On Your Shelf 

Professional Wrestling Collectibles

Amazon Price: $17.12 (as of 11/27/2009)Buy Now

The best book dedicated to pro wrestling collectibles, both vintage and modern. Videos, action figures, cards, books, magazines, programs, posters, records, autographs - it's all here. Also a look inside the wrestling museum in Newton, Iowa and interviews with noted wrestling memorabilia collectors. Wonderfully illustrated.

Great for research or pricing.

Featured Wrestling Lenses at Squidoo 

More Wrestling Memorabilia 

Official Site for Andre the Giant
At 7'4" and 500 pounds, Andre the Giant could have been famous for his size alone. His drive, talent and ambition, however, proved to be as big as Andre himself, and the wrestler became legendary for his achievements in and out of the ring.
Professional Wrestling Online Museum
Great source for wrestling news, photos, and bios.
Official Website of Rowdy Roddy Piper
Welcome! Come on in folks! This site is ever-evolving. We have photos and videos in the works, with spontaneity only Rowdy Roddy Piper can bring! Enjoy the fun
Bruno Sammartino Talks
Interesting interview with Bruno. He talks about his disgust for today's wrestling.
Nice Collection of Vintage Wrestling Memorabilia
Extensive collection of posters, programs, and pennants.

Wrestling Books at Amazon 

Wrestling on eBay 

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Qassia

America's love for professional wrestling dates back many years before Wrestlemania, Hulk Hogan and Vince McMahon. The merchandising of professional wrestling had to be as exciting as the show itself because it sold the tickets.

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