Hakes highlight-packed March 19 and 20 auction of pop-culture rarities closed the books at $2.5 million and sent a resounding signal about the strength of the current market for high-grade, market-fresh memorabilia. The abundance of record-setting and estimate-defying prices attested to the growing demand for superhero toys of the 1960s and elusive figures from the Star Wars galaxy. Like-new model kits with provenance from the Janusey Brothers collection ran the table, commanding prices that were nothing short of astonishing. A boxed and factory-sealed Aurora model kit duo consisting of a copyright 1963 NPP Inc. Superman (second version) kit No. 462-100 and copyright 1966 Marvel Comics Group Spider-Man kit No. 477-100 topped the two-day event. Sixty years ago, the kits would have retailed for $1 each, but combined in a promotional package for WT Grant variety stores, they were factory-labeled with the pennywise price of $1.58. The superhero combo teamed up to achieve $54,516 against a pre-sale estimate of $2,000-$5,000. A monstrous price was paid for another boxed and unused Aurora model kit with Janusey Brothers provenance. Copyrighted in 1966, Godzillas Go Kart was produced in low numbers and distributed to a mere handful of stores near Auroras Long Island (N.Y.) headquarters, making it a rare item from the get-go. The auction entry, the only boxed example Hakes has handled in its 57 years of operation, raced across the finish line to a world-record $36,344 against an estimate of $10,000-$20,000. Star Wars fans were in the fight for a 1984 Palitoy Star Wars: Return of the Jedi Tri-Logo 70 Back-B blister card containing a 3.75-inch action figure of General Madine. One of the rarest of all production Star Wars figures, its packaging includes text in four languages: English, Spanish, French and Italian. AFA-graded 60 Y-Ex and the first of its type to be offered by Hakes in any condition, it sold for a record-setting $42,242 against an estimate of $10,000-$20,000. There was also interest in a 1978 Kenner Star Wars early bird mail-away kit, the trailblazing mini-collection that marked the beginning of action-figure production for the storied franchise. The kit includes a sealed baggie containing figures of R2-D2, Chewbacca, Princess Leia, and Luke Skywalker with a Double-Telescoping Saber. AFA-graded 85 NM+, it clinched a world-record price of $25,960. In addition to action figures, Hakes sale featured coveted pre-production one-offs, such as Kenners mock-up concept proof card for the 1982 Star Wars: Revenge of the Jedi (later renamed Star Wars: Return of the Jedi) toyline. It is a completely unique piece that was made by repurposing an Empire Strikes Back Bespin Security Guard 45 back blister card and adding a completely hand-done mixed-media design and logo. Accompanied by a CIB LOA, it sold above its high estimate for $22,066. Weeks before the auction, a quiet buzz started to build in sports circles about a 1910 Baltimore News baseball card depicting Orioles manager Jack Dunn (1872-1928). Hakes experts could find no evidence of any other card like it, deeming it to be the only extant example. CGC-graded 1 Poor, it rounded the bases to slide home at $28,556 against an estimate of $10,000-$20,000. Duncan Eagleson was commissioned to create the 1983 original art for a pre-release one-sheet movie poster promoting the slasher classic A Nightmare on Elm Street. His original acrylic and airbrush artwork, artist-initialed and dated 83, is a unique depiction with three overhead blades as opposed to four, as seen in subsequent iterations by other noted artists. Eaglesons original sold for $15,340. Perhaps buoyed by the fact that 2024 is a presidential election year, early campaign collectibles were hot sellers. An 1860 glazed cotton parade flag emblazoned For President Abram Lincoln For Vice President Hannibal Hamlin is considered a classic design and comes from the legendary 1980s quilt find, a long-hidden trove of two dozen campaign flags from the 1860-68 elections. In excellent condition due to its having been sheltered from light for so long, the beguiling banner was chased to $42,185 against a pre-sale estimate of $20,000-$35,000. A Theodore Roosevelt/Charles E. Hughes/William H. Taft Security Harmony Justice 1916 campaign button with images of all three men came to auction with a historical footnote in tow. Along with any others like it that may have been produced, the button was supposed to be distributed at an Oct. 3, 1916, event in Hughes honor, but it was vehemently rejected by Roosevelt, who did not approve of Tafts image being included. The buttons extremely fine condition makes it the nicer of two known survivors of its type. It sold for $25,960 against an estimate of $10,000-$20,000. Provenance from the John Grossman collection speaks volumes and no doubt added a golden touch to a complete 1932 U.S. Caramel set of 30 portrait/bio cards depicting American presidents and retaining its American Heroes Caramel wax-paper wrapper. Against an estimate of $1,000-$2,000, the set easily claimed victory at $12,338. Collectors of vintage concert signage said, Please, please, please, when a window poster promoting James Brown and the Famous Flames March 8, 1962, appearance at WC Taylor High School in Warrenton, Va., came up for bid. Its exciting graphics feature Mr Dynamite against a DayGlo orange background, together with several opening acts in a yellow vignette. The only example of its type known to Hakes experts, it landed on the good foot at $8,697 against an estimate of $2,000-$5,000. All prices quoted in this report are inclusive of buyers premium as stated in Hakes Terms of Sale (www.hakes.com). To learn more, call 866-404-9800 (toll-free) or 717-434-1600 or email hakes@hakes.com. All images courtesy of Hakes Auctions.