I seriously think something like this could only happen to me. Husband and I went to a black tie affair which had a bunch of silent auctions. There were all of these golf vacations, spa holidays (the South Africa trip went for $17,000)...stuff the currently unemployed Pink couldn't even consider. All of a sudden, I noticed this group of people murmuring "Ewwww" as they collected around a table. Well, it was like the Blythe God had descended among the LEAST likely crowd to appreciate Ms. Blythe. NOBODY knew who she was, WHAT she was and why ANYONE would pay anything for something so strange. One woman told me they looked like a bunch of little cadavers.
So, I sneaked out and put my name on one of the silent auctions and broke it gently to husband that I'd just bid on a bunch of...DOLLS. I bid the minimum bids - $250 for one batch and I went back at the last minute and signed up for the batch that was $350 - I just knew they were worth a lot more and if they'd gone unpurchased I would have kicked myself because you cannot just walk into a store and get a Blythe - they are difficult to come by - Ebay being the usual option.
Well, he pretty much freaked out but eventually calmed to my, "Trust me, I've got an instinct on this one."
The people at our table thought I was completely bizarre (of course, one drives a Hummer and one was dead set on inviting us to her country club so I guess I wasn't too bothered when they thought I was strange...to each her own, right?)
Husband immediately calmed down and looked sort of sheepish when I showed him the above freakish doll which was being offered on Ebay for $799. Then he read the included sheets from the auction and saw one batch valued at $2200 and the other at $1400! Excuse me, hubs...I can't HEAR you. Ok, apology accepted. I know you wish it had been a pool table with a beer light to hang over it but this is the next best thing.
Now, the problem is that Juniorette has started sobbing at the idea of selling any of them.
So, what would you do - sell or keep in hiding? These could possibly be our kids' education in 18 years!
I swear I feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone. Oh, it turns out Hasbro was the main sponsor of the event, hence the donation of Blythes.
This attractive soul was a limited edition of 1000 and ours is marked (on the heart ID tag) 0/1000.
A lot of them I couldn't even find for sale on the internet - they were unavailable and limited editions.
I'm trying to think if there is an attractive way to display them all in the boxes but I doubt it.
There were lots of little ones as well.
It was such a brilliant moment when we got to haul two boxes full of Blythes out of the venue. Everyone (even the organizers) thought we were crazy but I felt on cloud nine - and knew only my bloggy friends and readers could even begin to understand. Thanks for letting me share. I posted about Blythe dolls ages ago - they can be soooo cute - this is a difficult decision. This almost makes up for the time in Albuquerque when husband wouldn't let me buy the life sized metal donkey sculpture for $250.
Woo! Well, keep a couple less rares for the kiddo, and sell the rares for dough. And then show her this blog entry when she's 18 and you buy her a trip to Europe. ;-)
Posted by: Miss Mabel | March 16, 2008 at 06:04 PM
You can color me totally jealous!, but in a good way.
There is no way I'd part with those, not even one. Keep them packed up very safely where nothing can happen to them and wait until you really need the money. Fantasic!!!
Posted by: jacksonista | March 16, 2008 at 06:07 PM
Wow! You did hit the jackpot! I might sell some of them now, and then hold onto others for later. You never know when the craze will end (think Beanie Babies), so you might want to strike while the iron is hot.
But, I would totally keep a few favorites just because they are fun.
Posted by: Aimee | March 16, 2008 at 06:18 PM
oh, my God. I have no words. I literally have no words. You are the only human in existence who could stumble unknowingly onto the largest known cache of Blythe dolls in history.
Posted by: kiwi | March 16, 2008 at 08:48 PM
Hey Pink!
I love your blog!
I just saw an exhibit by artist Spencer Finch at Mass MoCA and one of the installations reminded me of you. It's called Trying to Remember the Color of Jackie Kennedy's Pillbox Hat and you can see some images here-
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Trying+to+Remember+the+Color+of+Jackie+Kennedy%27s+Pillbox+Hat+
Posted by: Buttercup | March 16, 2008 at 09:25 PM
Sell Sell Sell now....think beanie babies, cabbage patch dolls, pet rocks (ok maybe not the last one). Great score!
Christine
Posted by: christine | March 17, 2008 at 04:23 AM
Buttercup - thanks a lot! I will absolutely have to take a sojourn up there - it looks fantastic. You guys are right about Cabbage Patch and Beanie Babies - I need to really think about this.
Posted by: casapinka | March 17, 2008 at 05:45 AM
I'm so happy to come across your blog. It makes me happy to read it!
Keep up the great work!
Congrats on the dolls!
Posted by: Amy Gee | March 17, 2008 at 07:49 AM
SELL NOW! I agree with whoever mentioned Beanie Babies...people hung onto those and now they're worthless. Sell now!
Posted by: Tara | March 17, 2008 at 07:54 AM
Good haul!
Posted by: Jessy | March 17, 2008 at 08:15 AM
Sell now!!!!!
Posted by: scrappy girl | March 17, 2008 at 10:06 AM
I love the Blythe doll with green eyes who looks a bit hippyish. So cute. What a score.
Posted by: Clare | March 17, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Sell now! They're hideous anyway (and I don't even drive a Hummer).
Posted by: paola | March 17, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Pick one for yourself and let the kid pick one or two, then sell NOW!
Think beanie babies, and also think the longer you have them, the more difficult it is to part with them.
Posted by: Anita | March 17, 2008 at 11:20 AM
WOW how lucky are you? SELL THEM!!!! You must be the only person in the US today that has made a good investment?
Posted by: Di Overton | March 17, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Why doesn't my URL come up with my name any more?
Posted by: paola | March 17, 2008 at 01:30 PM
I would decide which ones you want for YOU, as your personal collection (not for money, but for the enjoyment of displaying and having) and sell the rest...
OR
I would keep them all forever and NOT sell any of them! :)
No in between.
Posted by: Jennifer | March 17, 2008 at 01:50 PM
SELL! Remember the beanies. You're not going to let juniorette play with them, and how are you going to display all of them. Keep your faves and ebay the rest. and then do something really fun with the money!
Posted by: FAIRFAX | March 17, 2008 at 03:07 PM
I am completely jealous and happy for you at the same time :) Amazing!!!
Posted by: Kate | March 17, 2008 at 04:32 PM
WOWOWO!!!
I'd sneak/sell a couple to cover the outlay costs.
Posted by: iloveupstate | March 17, 2008 at 06:00 PM
What an amazing find! You are SO lucky! I love Blythe and am finding out that people everywhere think I'm a freak! HAHA. That was funny about the Hummer person and the country club lady.....sounds familiar. Hummers say a LOT about a person, much more than Blythe dolls do! LOL
Posted by: Annechovie | March 17, 2008 at 07:08 PM
Oh my goodness, I can just imagine how giddy you felt that no one there knew what the heck they were! What fun. Please post if you are going to sell any, I really, really want a Blythe!
Posted by: Kate | March 17, 2008 at 07:27 PM
oh wow. that's like walking away with the Holy Grail (ok maybe not but comes close!). i reckon (if husband will remain calm) you should display it in a row in your office or something!
geez i didn't know Blythe dolls were so expensive!
Posted by: drey | March 17, 2008 at 10:21 PM
what a great find! I'd agree with most people here and pick 1 or 2 of your favorites to keep and sell the rest. The profits will be a nice addition to the kids' college funds, a nice vacation, more time off work without worrying, etc. How many blythe dolls can one person need anyway?! They are adorable though...
Posted by: be the change | March 18, 2008 at 06:14 AM
congrats :-D some good karma had to be sent out for that to come back...
Posted by: Sarah | March 18, 2008 at 03:00 PM
I hope you enjoy them! That is a lovely collection of Blythes you've got there! I have an Aztec, and she's amongst my faves :-)
Posted by: nxtdrgrrl | March 18, 2008 at 05:00 PM
Holy smokes, what a lucky haul! For what it's worth, and to help you with selling any, the 12" dolls are (from top of entry to bottom)
Dottie Dot
White Magic Morning
Samedi Marche (blonde)
Rouge Noir (flaming redhead)
Strawberry Millefeuille
All Gold in One (aka "Goldie)
Black Berry Bush
Sunday's Best
Cute and Curious
Bohemian Beats
Aztec Arrival
Skate Date
Rendez-vous Chou Chou
ALL are either limited or super-rare.
You are the luckiest person ever.
Posted by: bgo | March 18, 2008 at 05:04 PM
gasp! What an amazing haul! Congrats and good on you for being the only enlightened one in the room! LOL
Posted by: emmcee | March 18, 2008 at 06:46 PM
Perhaps my judgment is fogged as a Blythe lover and collector, and part of a Blythe community...but the "beanie baby" comments (I once collected those little money-suckers as well and can assure you Blythe is no where near the same thing) and idea of turning a fast profit is truly sad to me.
Why not take this rare and wonderful opportunity that has fallen into your lap and share the good fortune with those who will truly love them? Not necessarily the "highest bidder" (aka anyone who is rich beyond mine or most collector's imaginations) but someone who might not be able to afford some of these girls otherwise. "Pay it forward" of sorts. Even selling them at reasonable prices you can double, triple, or quadruple your money.
As for me I will be first in line for the Rouge Noir, Goldie, Aztec, Mondrain, Black Berry Bush, Strawberry M., Cute and Curious...........
Posted by: Courtney | March 18, 2008 at 08:49 PM
Oh my... *__*
You lucky lucky lucky person! If you ever think of selling either the Skate Date (the blonde with the snow flakes in the second last picture) or the Sunday's Best (blonde with the stripes on the box), send me a message ;) I've been DYING to get my hands on one or the either XD
Posted by: jellyfish | March 18, 2008 at 11:27 PM
WOW! What a lucky, amazing day!!!! I can't even imagine the wonder and glory of it!!!! You have to keep a few, of course...so many of them are limited edition and coveted ones, you will make a bomb selling them! What a lucky, fabulous thing!!! Congratulations!
Posted by: Zoe | March 19, 2008 at 07:43 AM
Congrats! This story was posted on TIB (This is Blythe) and I'm soooo green. ...If you sell, go to TIB to avoid ebay fees...and share the love!!
Congrats again!
Posted by: cara | March 19, 2008 at 03:44 PM
OMG! You are sooooo LUCKY!!!
I'm pea-green with envy!!
:)
Posted by: Lizzie | March 20, 2008 at 12:11 PM
i collect blythes, and i would keep goldie because she is one of the ones i love and can't afford, but i'd sell most of them. if your kiddo is wanting to keep some, buy her one of the currently available, less expensive ones as a consolation prize! also, check out www.thisisblythe.com to find out more about your finds!
Posted by: Amanda | March 20, 2008 at 09:00 PM
beanie baby.
Posted by: Joni Webb | March 21, 2008 at 09:00 PM
beanie baby.
Posted by: Joni Webb | March 21, 2008 at 09:00 PM
OH MY DAYS!!! Jackpot!!! That's an event that you will always remember and even your grandkids will talk about it...well, if you get any (grandkids, that is :o).
If I were you (which I'm not unfortunately), I would sell the most valuable RIGHT NOW while the price are crazy, and keep the "less" valuable for now (their value could go up). And, I would keep one or two just for my own enjoyment... but that's just me...lol.
Have a wonderful day.
Posted by: bijou*doll | March 22, 2008 at 05:40 PM
http://www.thing-of-beauty.com/blythe-fashion-belgianwafel-etsy
Posted by: FAIRFAX | March 24, 2008 at 04:12 PM
if you want to sell white magic morning (the pink haired one) let me know!!
Posted by: memeeps | March 24, 2008 at 05:28 PM
That is soooo crazy...please show us more about the unfamiliar special editions and tell us what you decide to do!!
Posted by: Gina | March 28, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Congrats! They could not have gone to a better home....and I know you will take extra good care of them. That is a really weird coincidence. :)
Posted by: katiedid | March 28, 2008 at 05:11 PM
I have just come home from a very long day! This story has put the biggest smile on my face......Love it.
xo
Posted by: Jordan Cappella | March 28, 2008 at 11:28 PM
I think this must be a sign that you are in the right place at the right time.
Posted by: peggy | March 30, 2008 at 06:44 PM
Agree with those saying SELL. You never know how long a fad will last. I admire your restraint, actually--if I knew that they were worth something and won them at an auction, I would have run around screaming to everyone "you looooosssers, these are worth TONS." :)
Posted by: Christine | March 31, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Congrats!!!! my gosh pink you are some lucky lady!!!I love them all.I can not tell you to sell or keep them,personally I would keep the ones I really love for myself and let go of the others but it is entirely up to you to decide!But that is one hell of a story!wow!
Posted by: Dees | April 01, 2008 at 11:20 AM
i'm soooo jealous, my eyes are >click!< green with envy...
Posted by: philo | April 02, 2008 at 01:47 AM
omg! you are so smart + lucky!!!
Posted by: mod*mom | September 15, 2008 at 11:55 AM
oh my goodness. i want to faint. i am so so so so so insanely green with envy.
Posted by: melissa moore | October 07, 2008 at 03:33 PM
OMG ! you hit the royal jackpot!
Posted by: Judy | October 28, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Lucky girl! I would keep the ones you like, no matter what they are worth. Congrats :)
Posted by: Anna | November 23, 2008 at 07:20 PM