I am unpacking some stored vintage pieces as I am setting up a case and wondered if there's anything I need to do about the small holes in the vinyl. I had not noticed it before but admittedly it's underneath the head and was previously on display for a long time untouched. I cannot recall if this existed on the figure when I got it (has been a while now!) Just hoping for some wisdom from a more experienced collector than me
To my understanding air bubbles are quite a common thing for vintage vinyl, some of the bubbles you have there closest to the joint look big compared to most I've seen. I think the only thing you can really do is give the toy a good clean, which might dislodge any dirt that is in some of the holes.
Super common and part of the individuality of each pour. I enjoy finding them on my toys, it’s a type of fingerprint of sorts
Yeah, just echoing what everyone has already said here. Don't worry about, and anyone who is going to start collecting vintage toys but is looking for perfection... should probably look elsewhere. All these little details, wear, markings, etc., (even the writing to me) are a part of a toy's history and fully in line with what your expectations should be. If they didn't have it, I would be more worried actually. It's all part of the wabi sabi appreciation of these things. So my advice is to just go with it, but hey, I get completely that it can bug some people - just should focus on other toys then. And there is always someone willing to give a nice Bullmark Kanegon a home I am sure.
Thanks ! I was more concerned about the chance of further degradation if it was left unchecked but everyone has been so great with the info - thank you so much
What you may be recalling is a discussion we had many years ago on a supposed condition called 'kabi'. There was an established vintage vinyl collector on the board, who insisted that the black holes/spots (kabi) on vintage vinyls were the kiss of death for the toy, and worse yet, could be spread from toy to toy by contact. I am still waiting for someone to provide evidence of his claims. In the end, I think the general consensus was what everyone has stated above- that the holes/spots are part of the production process and sometimes become filled with grime over the years (making them appear to be black).
