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Yo-Yo's
"If you are looking to yo-yos
as a serious investment for the future, you probably should try something else.
It's unlikely anyone has ever sold an entire yo-yo collection for profit. Still,
a collection of yo-yos that you have carefully assembled and taken care of over
the years, may later be valuable." - From the
Museum of Yo-Yo
History (Much of the technical data on this page comes
from that excellent website or from the book, Lucky's Collectors Guide To
20th Century Yo-yos by Lucky J. Meisenheimer printed in 1999.)
Pristine, unused Yo-yo's are of
little interest to me. My collection consists of many that date back to the 50's
and they were used as they were intended, as toys.
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Duncan Jeweled Yo-Yo
Made from genuine Hard Rock
Maple, the "jeweled" tournament, among serious collectors, is one of the
most popular yo-yos in the world. The jewels are from the Austrian crystal
factory used by Duncan in the 1950s.
This particular Yo-yo was
purchased in 1953 for Catherine Horne. It is the best known and easiest to
find of the wood Duncan jeweled Tournament models.
Original Duncan Jeweled Tournaments have sold for over $400 and a full
display box of them sold for $4,100! Duncan has re-introduced a "vintage"
version of this model but there is nothing like owning an original.
|
Type |
Production |
|
Shape |
Standard (-) |
|
Axle |
Fixed |
|
Finish |
Painted |
|
Color |
Blue |
|
Packaging |
None |
|
Construction |
One piece wood |
|
Response |
None |
|
Gap |
Fixed |
|
Size |
2.25" Dia |
|
Estimated Value |
$ 50 |
|
Condition |
Good - some
nicks |
|
Date |
1953 |
|
Owner |
Catherine Horne |
|
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Duncan Whistling Yo-Yo's
Duncan made quite a few different Tin
Whistlers over the years, up until around 1955.
Tin whistlers were metal yo-yos. An inner and outer tin shell made up each
half, and halves were attached with a metal axle. Large holes, almost 1/4
inch in diameter were placed on the outer edges of the yo-yo halves. As the
yo-yo spins, air rushes thru the holes creating a whistling/humming sound.
Generally, two holes were placed on one half of the yo-yo and four on the
other side. This created two different frequencies, so as the yo-yo slowed
it's spin, the sound would switch from one tone to the other.
Logos were lithographed on the tin, usually with patterns like this one.
Many of these were made for Duncan by the Cayo company, which also had it's
own line of whistling tin yo-yos.
These are difficult to find in good shape. They were much loved by their
owners and passed down the generations. Rust is common, and the tin dented
easily on impact. Values on these models can be up to $400.
| Type |
Production |
| Shape |
Standard (-) |
| Axle |
Fixed |
| Finish |
Painted |
| Color |
Red, Black, White |
| Construction |
Multi-piece metal |
| Response |
None |
| Gap |
Fixed |
| Size |
2.5" Dia |
| Estimated Value |
$40 |
| Condition |
It's old !! |
| Date |
1932 to 1955 era |
| Owner |
Rob Horne |
|
Propeller Whistler, Part of
Duncan's Litho Whistler "Second Series"
This one dates from 1935 when
they were retailed out of a counter display box. They were packaged 12 to a
box and sold for 15 cents each. The stocking number was 88.
Photo
Duncan O-Boy, Whistling
Series
This has a dime size
lithograph seal first released in 1932. It was the first of the Duncan
musical yo-yo's and is smaller at 1-3/4". Valued at $50. |
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Photo |
Duncan Butterfly
The wooden concave was one of
the most popular models towards the end of the old Duncan period before
1965. The ones pictured here are the first standard line Butterfly. In 1965
Duncan lost the patent to the name Yo-Yo and went into bankruptcy. They did
retain the rights to the name "Butterfly" and are still producing a plastic
model today.
In 1968 the Flambeau Products
Corporation bought Duncan and being a plastics company, ended the golden age
of the wooden Yo-Yo.
Most Butterfly concaves were
painted with a glitter paint like these. These were retailed both on display
cards and loose out of counter boxes. The original price was 69 cents.
Display cards we marked Stock No. 707 or Stock No 707B.
| Type |
Production |
| Shape |
Concave )-( |
| Axle |
Fixed |
| Finish |
Painted |
| Color |
Mint Glitter |
| Packaging |
None |
| Construction |
One piece wood |
| Response |
None |
| Gap |
Fixed |
| Size |
2.25" Dia |
| Weight |
52 g |
| Estimated Value |
$ 4 each |
| Condition |
Used |
| Date |
1958 |
| Owner |
Rob Horne |
|
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Duncan Satellite
In the 1958, Russia launched Sputnik, the first satellites
to be placed into orbit. In Norman Oklahoma, I stood on my front lawn with
my brother and sister and watched it move over our heads.
Duncan capitalized on that event and this
became one of their most popular models after it was introduced in 1960 at
the New York Toy Fair. The end of the Satellite series came in 1965
with the closing of the Duncan plant. There were several variations of the
original Duncan Satellite. Pictured here is the round sided version of the
satellite though some were made flat on the sides. The lettering on the
round models rub off more easily than the flat sided models.
Satellites retailed for 69 cents loose, on
display cards and in polybags with saddle header cards.
Duncan has released a retrospective
version of this model but the ones pictured here are original.
| Type |
Production |
| Shape |
Specialty |
| Axle |
Fixed |
| Finish |
Painted |
| Color |
Pink |
| Packaging |
None |
| Construction |
One piece wood |
| Response |
None |
| Gap |
Fixed |
| Size |
2.25" Dia |
| Weight |
51.5 g |
| Estimated Value |
$ 5 each |
| Condition |
Used |
| Date |
1958 |
| Owner |
Rob Horne |
|
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Duncan Mosquito
The Mosquito is a small and light bearing
concave model. Made to break the $10 price point in the Duncan line, while
still providing high performance.
Interesting construction. Outer body is opaque, while the inner body is
translucent. While it was shipped with friction stickers, under the stickers
was a starburst response. So this one could be played with friction sticker
response, starburst, or a combination.
| Type |
Production |
| Shape |
Concave )-( |
| Axle |
Bearing |
| Color |
Red |
|
Packaging |
Bubble Carded |
|
Construction |
Multi-piece
plastic |
|
Response |
Friction Sticker |
| Gap |
Fixed |
| Size |
2" Dia |
|
Weight |
50 g |
|
Estimated Value |
$9 |
|
Condition |
Mint |
| Date |
2005 |
| Owner |
Rob Horne |
|
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Yomega Bandai Firestorm
An atypical model made in China during 1998.
| Type |
Production |
| Shape |
Standard |
| Axle |
|
| Finish |
Plastic |
| Color |
Red |
| Packaging |
Bubble Carded |
| Construction |
|
| Response |
|
| Gap |
|
| Size |
|
| Weight |
|
| Estimated Value |
$ 8 |
| Condition |
New |
| Date |
1998 |
| Owner |
Rob Horne |
|
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Hummingbird Yo-Yo Man - Magnavox
Promotion
The Hummingbird company is out of business
| Type |
Production |
| Shape |
Standard |
| Axle |
Fixed |
| Finish |
Paint |
| Color |
Red |
| Packaging |
None |
| Construction |
Wood |
| Response |
None |
| Gap |
Fixed |
| Size |
2.25" Dia |
| Weight |
57 g |
| Estimated Value |
$ 5 |
| Condition |
Good |
| Date |
1987 |
| Owner |
Rob Horne |
|
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Duncan Speed Beetle
| Type |
Production |
| Shape |
|
| Axle |
|
| Finish |
|
| Color |
|
| Packaging |
|
| Construction |
|
| Response |
|
| Gap |
|
| Size |
|
| Weight |
|
| Estimated Value |
$ 9 |
| Condition |
New |
| Date |
|
| Owner |
Rob Horne |
|
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Yomega Maverick
Released in 2009, this is
yo-yo is engineered for the advanced player. This high grade, all aluminum yo-yo has a weighted perimeter, a
stainless steel abec 5 bearing (size SMR126ZZA5), a new super smooth rubber
return system, laser etched print, and a adjustable gap spacer system.
| Type |
Production |
| Shape |
Standard |
| Axle |
Stainless steel abec 5 bearing |
|
Finish |
|
| Color |
Black |
|
Packaging |
|
|
Construction |
Aluminum |
|
Response |
|
| Gap |
|
| Size |
|
|
Weight |
|
|
Estimated Value |
$ 29.95 |
|
Condition |
New |
| Date |
Nov 2009 |
| Owner |
Rob Horne |
|
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BC Rainbow - Brad
Countryman
Made in limited quantities. Considered by
some to be the finest wooden Yo-Yo made. Made of laminated and glued strips
of multi-colored wood. The laminated wood is denser and heavier than the
standard maple releases, resulting in a very smooth and solid spin.
| Type |
Production |
| Shape |
Standard |
| Axle |
Fixed |
|
Finish |
Clear Coat |
| Color |
Rainbow |
|
Packaging |
Boxed |
|
Construction |
Laminated Wood |
|
Response |
|
| Gap |
|
| Size |
|
|
Weight |
|
|
Estimated Value |
$ 10 |
|
Condition |
Mint in Package |
| Date |
Nov 2009 |
| Owner |
Rob Horne |
|
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BC/What's Next
Apollo Pro #28
The Apollo
Pro is one of the most popular of BC's wooden yo-yos. Laminated wood in a
concave shape, for long spins. The model has been in production since
nearly the beginning of BC. Many laminated woods have been used to make
the Apollo, and BC changes the logos frequently as well.
Note the model number, number
28.
|
Type |
Production |
|
Shape |
Concave )-( |
|
Axle |
Fixed |
|
Finish |
Clear Coat |
|
Color |
Orange/Black Laminated Wood |
|
Packaging |
Boxed |
|
Construction |
Three piece wood |
|
Response |
None |
|
Gap |
Fixed |
|
Size |
2.25" Dia |
|
Weight |
57 g |
|
Estimated Value |
$20 |
|
Condition |
Good |
|
Date |
1994 |
|
Owner |
Rob Horne |
|
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BC/What's Next
Lightning
The Lightning is one
of the primary models from BC. It's been around since the late 90s. Logos
are frequently changed, and sometimes the type of laminated wood. A
distant cousin of the Hummingbird Trickster. The Rainbow limited the
colors that could be used, so the Lighting was created to add to the
selection of laminated woods.
The small print on the logo
view reads "No. 504 Made in USA".
|
Type |
Production |
|
Shape |
Standard (-) |
|
Axle |
Fixed |
|
Finish |
Clear Coat |
|
Color |
Blue, Grey, Teal Laminate |
|
Packaging |
Boxed |
|
Construction |
Three piece wood |
|
Response |
None |
|
Gap |
Fixed |
|
Size |
2.25" |
|
Weight |
58 g |
|
Estimated Value |
$12 |
|
Condition |
Good |
|
Date |
2004 |
|
Owner |
Rob Horne |
|
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Tom Kuhn Roller
Woody
Apricot Stripe
The Classic
Roller Woody ball-bearing yo-yo with slightly heavier laminated maple.
Reflective holo-foil logo stamp.
This was
originally designed without response which required double looping the
string on the axle. Turbo disks are now supplied and a single string
loop is recommended.
I consider
this the best wooden Yo-yo made today.
|
Type |
Production |
|
Shape |
Standard (-) |
|
Axle |
Bearing |
|
Finish |
Clear Coat |
|
Color |
Blue, Grey, Teal Laminate |
|
Packaging |
Boxed |
|
Construction |
Laminated Wood |
|
Response |
Turbo Disk Stick On |
|
Gap |
Adjustable |
|
Size |
2.25" |
|
Weight |
58 g |
|
Estimated Value |
$50 |
|
Condition |
Good |
|
Date |
2009 |
|
Owner |
Rob Horne |
|
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DUB
This Yo-Yo is currently
(2009)
doing the rounds on EBay and Quickie Mart checkout lines. The package says $
4.95 but you can pick them up almost for free on eBay, not counting
shipping.
These are actually pretty good
Yo-Yo's. The ball bearing axel and heavy weight make it an excellent
spinner. But being made in China, it is not part of the "made in
America" Yo-Yo click and is
not taken seriously. I bought a dozen of these things to give away to
friends.
| Type |
Production |
| Shape |
Standard |
| Axle |
Ball Bearing |
|
Finish |
Metal |
| Color |
|
|
Packaging |
Blister Pack |
|
Construction |
Metal |
|
Response |
|
| Gap |
|
| Size |
|
|
Weight |
Heavy |
|
Estimated Value |
$ 4.95 |
|
Condition |
Used/Good |
| Date |
2009 |
| Owner |
Rob Horne |
|
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Tom Kuhn Flying
Camel
"No-Jive"
|
Type |
Production |
|
Shape |
|
|
Axle |
Fixed |
|
Finish |
Clear Coat |
|
Color |
Natural Maple |
|
Packaging |
Boxed |
|
Construction |
Three Piece Wood |
|
Response |
None |
|
Gap |
Fixed |
|
Size |
2.25" |
|
Weight |
53 g |
|
Estimated Value |
$35 |
|
Condition |
Good |
|
Date |
2009 |
|
Owner |
Rob Horne |
|
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Duncan Super
This was the
original "Super" produced until 1956
|
Production |
|
Shape |
Standard |
|
Axle |
Fixed |
|
Finish |
Painted |
|
Color |
Turquoise |
|
Packaging |
|
|
Construction |
One Piece |
|
Response |
None |
|
Gap |
Fixed |
|
Size |
2.25" |
|
Weight |
|
|
Estimated Value |
$22 |
|
Condition |
Used/Good |
|
Date |
1958 |
|
Owner |
Rob Horne |
|
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Duncan (Broken Y
Pedestal)
It is called the "Broken Y"
because there is a space half way down on both Y's in the word "Yo-yo". This
is the harder to find version where Mr. Yo-yo is standing on a pedestal.
|
Type |
Production |
|
Shape |
|
|
Axle |
Fixed |
|
Finish |
Natural Maple |
|
Color |
Natural |
|
Packaging |
|
|
Construction |
One Piece |
|
Response |
None |
|
Gap |
Fixed |
|
Size |
2.25" |
|
Weight |
|
|
Estimated Value |
$20 |
|
Condition |
Fair |
|
Date |
1950's |
|
Owner |
Rob Horne |
|
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BC Black Bird & Spitfire
|
Production |
|
Shape |
Standard |
|
Axle |
Fixed |
|
Finish |
Painted |
|
Color |
|
|
Packaging |
|
|
Construction |
One Piece |
|
Response |
None |
|
Gap |
Fixed |
|
Size |
2.25" |
|
Weight |
|
|
Estimated Value |
|
|
Condition |
Mint |
|
Date |
|
|
Owner |
Rob Horne |
|
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|
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BC Graffiti
|
Type |
Production |
|
Shape |
|
|
Axle |
Fixed |
|
Finish |
|
|
Color |
|
|
Packaging |
|
|
Construction |
One Piece |
|
Response |
None |
|
Gap |
Fixed |
|
Size |
2.25" |
|
Weight |
|
|
Estimated Value |
|
|
Condition |
Un-opened |
|
Date |
|
|
Owner |
Rob Horne |
|
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Duncan Genuine
Tournament (Little G)
Gold leaf
stamped, the little G refers to the small G in Genuine. This was the classic
standard line tournament sold during the late 40's and early 50's.
Collectors refer to this as the "Classic Little G".
|
Type |
Production |
|
Shape |
Standard (-) |
|
Axle |
Fixed |
|
Finish |
Painted |
|
Color |
Blue |
|
Packaging |
None |
|
Construction |
One piece wood |
|
Response |
None |
|
Gap |
Fixed |
|
Size |
2.25" Dia |
|
Estimated Value |
$
40 |
|
Condition |
Good - Near Mint |
|
Date |
1953 |
|
Owner |
Catherine Horne |
|
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Useful
Resources
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Authentic
Artifact
Collectors
Association
______
Overstreetid.com
The Official Overstreet Indian
Arrowhead Identification Online Database
______
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