Betty Boop Vintage Tea Set Bimbo koko The Clown

[Plasmachine]

I have a Vintage Betty Boop tea set from i think the 1930's. It is almost a full set. I might be able to acquire the missing pieces within a few days to a week. I was just wondering if anyone has heard of a price or knows of a price for this item. All the pieces are in very good condition. They do need buffed up a little bit, But i will not touch them. I will leave it to the buyer. I also have part of the original box. it's condition is bad. Possibly can be restored from the right person.I am attaching a photo with only a few pieces of the tea set in it.If you would like to see more photo's email me at (Plasmachinist@yahoo.com)

The tea set is very rare as i heard from a collector. I even had trouble searching the internet for it. I have had a few offers on it, But i am looking for the correct price. I will eventually sell the tea set, But only to the right person. But as i said if anyone knows a price for it, Let me know.

Thank you in advance

[boopman]

Hello,
A complete set with a box can sell upwards of $2500, but it is vry rare to have such. The box alone can be over $500, in good condition. Individual pieces sell for anywhere from $50 to $250. Since the complete set is so rare, there is not a real history of sales, so if you sell it, you can set the price.
Where did you get this one?

-Leonard

[boopman]

p.s.
the set is documented in my book.
-Leonard

[Plasmachine]

Thank you for being honest with a very rare piece. I am very interested in reading the documentation.

[Plasmachine]

p.s.
the set is documented in my book.
-Leonard

Where is it that i can find your book? Thanks in advance!

[boopman]

easiest is to look at Amazon.com, in the used book section . . can be very pricy!

[Plasmachine]

After about a month of research i finally came up with a price of $625 starting bid. That is for 21 pieces and the original box. As i said before the box fell apart and needs repaired. "Kovels" has on file a Betty Boop tea set of 10 pieces sold for $810. Also a set of 5 sold for $220. I think i priced my 21 piece set fairly at $625 starting bid. I have a buy out on it for $800. The set i have is in very good condition. Message me if you are interested and for pics. I was wondering if you personally had a tea set like this in your collection? I am on my way to amazon right now. Your words of "pretty pricey" scare me lol!

Take care and thank you for the information,
Plasma

[boopman]

Here's the text from the original manuscript:

TEA SETS:

2.50 1930s Lusterware TEA SET, 23 piece. This set is unusual in that Betty's hair is sometimes blond, orange or black. Although the pieces are marked with the Fleischer Studios copyright, it is unlikely that any authorization was granted. Still, these make great collectible pieces. This set has a teapot with lid, a sugar bowl with lid, creamer, six 2¾-inch cups and six 3¾-inch saucers, and six 4⅜-inch plates. The teapot is 3 inches tall, as are the sugar and creamer. Although there are color variations, most pieces are white painted with a tan or purple trim, and an action scene with Betty, typical lusterware process. This set came in a box with tiny red rose graphics, or red and green rectangles and triangles, and if you can find one complete, what a find. Label on box "BETTY BOOP TOY TEA SETS Des. & Copr by Fleischer Studios GEO. BORGFELDT Corporation. N. Y. Made in Japan".
Geo. Borgfeldt Corp, NY manufacturer, Japan. Individual pieces uncommon (C-D); complete set rare (E); set in box very rare (F).

2.51 1930s Lusterware TEA SET, 13 piece. Although pieces are marked with the Fleischer Studios copyright, it is unlikely that any authorization was granted. Betty is shown in various scenes with Koko and Bimbo. Betty has blond hair, some scenes with red dress, others with blue dress. This set has a teapot with lid, a sugar bowl with lid, creamer, four 2¾-inch cups, and four 3¾-inch saucers. The teapot is 3-inches tall, as are the sugar and creamer. Although there are color variations, most pieces are white painted with a purple trim, typical Lusterware process. Originally in a box with graphics. Unknown manufacturer, Japan. Individual pieces uncommon (C-D); complete set rare (E); set in box very rare (F).

[Plasmachine]

I must say this is the best description i have seen on the whole internet. Also even in libraries. This is the only one that has given the exact piece count. It makes me sad that i have 21 pieces and i am missing 2 pieces! Although on the box i do have the original label from Nifty Toy Tea Sets. I've been all over the net and haven't been able to find many that have the actual label still attached. I was going to keep this set and display it, But my car was nice enough to break down on me. So i need the money. The day i sell it ill have a tug of war match with the buyer. I wont want to give it up.

Thanks again for your help. I don't think you get enough credit on here. Your dedication is amazing and your brain is like a never ending file cabinet.

Take care,
Plasma

PS. I am taking offers on the Betty boop tea set. Serious offers only!

[boopman]

I'd sure like to see the box of your tea set . .. I've attached some pics of the Borgfeldt box .. .

[Plasmachine]

Sure, I will post them in a few hours. I have noticed that there are 2 different types of this tea set. One is copper luster color and the other is blueish in color. What is the difference between the two? Obviously they are different colors, But it might be age difference. My brain hurts from over a month of constant investigation on this set. Now here is something else to investigate!

[Plasmachine]

Ah ok i see the main difference between the two sets. The hair color is different. On this set Betty's hair is the normal black. On the set i own Betty's hair is Blond. Also Some of the pictures on the pieces are different.

[boopman]

Since these were done without a lot of standard practices and production standards, I'm guessing that whatever color paint they had is what they used. Probably made in small runs, not like today's production. I don't have much info on Borgfeldt, perhaps I'll do a bit more research in my "spare time".

[Plasmachine]

That is a good guess actually. I am going to raid the public library in my town and see what i can come up with. This item has practically no documentation. I am sure there is some, But it is hard to find. I have researched hundreds of items and this is at the top 10 of hardest info to find. If i do find something i will post it here first.

I have no idea how you actually have spare time. My brain would explode if i had to moderate this website.

[boopman]

spare time . . . yes, but only after my regular job (electrical engineer at Texas Instruments) and my civic work (President of the Board of the Dallas Peace Center; President of the Board of Unity Church of Arlington!) . .
okay, I just found this posting of yours:
http://secure.adpay.com/clicknbuy.aspx?p=2087&itemid=4701666&networkview=False&catid=0235&pcatid=300DOL&procid=1745cb95-7cc0-45c5-8cd3-a4c92bea575d&region=2087

great pics!

Here is some info on Borgfeldt:
George Borgfeldt & Company
aka Geo. Borgfeldt Corporation
aka Nifty Trade Mark Toys
New York City, New York
1881-1962
George Borgfeldt & Company were the distributors of very unique products. During their years of business, they held several sole licensees to difference characters, including Walt Disney’s Mickey and Minnie Mouse from 1928 -1935, and Felix the Cat.
George Borgfeldt & Company spent a lot of time in the courts enforcing these licensees. One of their most pursued toy lines was called “Nifty”. These toys included several versions of Felix, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Jiggs and Maggie, Toonerville and Buttercup. Until the late 1920’s these toys were imported. At that time, the line was moved to different manufactories in the U.S., including J. Chein and Company. In 1933, the firm was liquidated and they were taken over by Messes, George and Fred Kola, under the name Geo. Borgfeldt Corporation.

[Plasmachine]

Wow, I must say i am impressed! You have a lot on your hands and it seems you handle it very well.

I have no idea how my pictures got on that website. Also i am not asking $1600 for it anymore. I am selling it for $750, I need a new transmission for my car so i need to sell it as quickly as possible. I was going to keep the set and display it in my so called "Collection Room". But my car had other ideas. I have always kept my eye out for deals like this, If someone would buy it they could re sell it at double my asking price. I have had 3 offers so far, But they were international offers. I was going to ship these over seas, But seeing they are so old and fragile i am not taking the chance. I know i can get insurance and if a piece broke i would be safe, But in no way do i want this set missing one more piece. I have searched the whole internet and i am yet to see a documented sale greater than 15 pieces. I would love to see this sell and be the only documented 21 piece set on the whole net. It is technically 21 pieces once you include the lid for a missing piece. But i am yet to see the piece that the lid is for. It is yet another part of this piece that is in the "unknown" category. When i get a chance i will take a picture of the lid and show you. Hopefully you might have an idea. I should be able to have it uploaded within 3 hours. Have a good day buddy and get some sleep!

[boopman]

suggestion, and yes, it will take longer, but you might want to have Hakes Americana, or some other large auction house that does a lot of toys and characters, sell them.
Yes, they'll take a commission, but you might get a much larger audience, and folks who would appreciate what you have.
I would certainly consider buying them, but the finances not quite there.

-Leonard

[Plasmachine]

I might actually take your advice. I have had it on Ebay, But it is a shot in the dark that a collector will see it. As i said before i have had really nice offers on it, But shipping internationally gives me the chills. I have see way too many nice pieces break from idiots not doing their job correctly. If you really want it maybe we could work something out. I will personally message you with a suggestion. I would rather sell it to someone that is going to keep it and display it and knows the history of it, Other than someone that will resell it to someone that has no idea the history behind it. You have been here with me since the beginning. I would love to see you add it to your collection. I am going to take new updated pictures of the set today. If you would email me with your personal email i will send you the new pictures. I do not want to put them on here for one reason. Because they will be taken from here and put on another site, Just like the link you showed me the other day. Just send me an email identifying yourself and i will reply with the new pictures. I sad yesterday that i was going to upload some pictures but i changed my mind seeing how they spread everywhere. I can even show you the whole box with all the pieces. I would repair it myself, But i have noticed a lot of collectors like doing it their selves. It makes them feel more connected with the item i presume. Also i want to show you the picture of the lid for the "Unknown piece". I am yet to find the piece that matched the lid. Yet another subject to investigate. I should call the FBI and put them on the case. It feels strange owning an item that is barely documented and even the internet knows little of it. You know you have a rare item when the internet fails you. And with that i am off to Barns & Noble to look for more information. You have been my best source for information so far. I do not think i will find anyone better. Thank you.:)

[boopman]

check out this one at the Barker Museum:

http://www.barkermuseum.com/MuseumList.asp?CID=65-2-0,70-8-0&IID=394&PG=1&SRT=0&SRWD=boop
20 Betty Boop China Dinnerware Pieces
acquired:October 2005
circa:1930's
featured: Rare Recent Acquisitions
Betty Boop turned blonde on these 20 pieces of child's china dinnerware produced during the 1930s. The set includes: Four dinner plates (4-3/8" wide)Four salad plates (3-3/4")Two large cups (2-3/4")One small cup (2-1/4")Three saucers (3-1/4")One large sugar with lid (3-1/4" high)One small sugar and lid (2-3/4")One large creamer (2-5/8")One small creamer (2-1/4") There are no cracks, chips or repairs. There are a few small factory defects. The words "Made in Japan" are printed on the bottom of 17 pieces.

write to me direct at boopman2@tx.rr.com

-Leonard

[Plasmachine]

20 pieces! Finally a documented case. I did not see a price though unless i missed it. The first pics i uploaded was at the time the pieces were still dirty. I shined them up today and they look absolutely stunning!

[Plasmachine]

I just noticed that it was an acquisition. I doubt they would release the price the bought it for.