Can someone school me on why this Ultraseven necklace pendant toy went for $1,219 dollars on YJA the other day? I wasn't bidding or anything but was curious because it seemed excessive for a mini:

http://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/158429251

I looked in CT and could not find an exact match, is it Bullmark or some rare Marusan version?

Its a Marusan. The seller is known to get some pretty rare items and his auctions usually generate a lot of interest. Here he is in the display case at the store

This didn't really come as a surprise to me, as it seems like there are always these quirky items that the Japanese collectors go ape for, and in light of their acquisition power, this wasn't so far-fetched. I am no expert, but I was just guessing it was because this sculpt was rare, whereas the other more common pendant version has a noticeably different pose. That, and it is in very decent shape, which is everything in Japan. If you are really interested though, I can pass on the word to some Japanese collectors, and I am sure we could get to the bottom of this specific piece.

Ahhh so it is Marusan. I didn't even know they made minis. Noted. I previously thought it was just Bullmark that made minis after they took over. Yeah I'm an avid auction watcher more or less. I do notice with japanese collectors the better the condition the higher price ends up.

Can't say I know all that much about Marusan minis, but I can tell you all those great Nostalgic Heroes Ultraseries minis are actually Marusan repros from the old PlayModel kits...

...or so says Mark K from a post of his back in '08.

Every time I see a post with NH minis, I think I melt a little inside. I command anyone in possesion of said toys to send them to me stat. NO excuses.

Some of those NH minis are always on yja. I've seen some of them go cheap too, just have to keep an eye out

Umm.. Why don't you just buy them from their store...
They have a few in stock.

Yep. And very cheap.

Well, as far as I know, ordering from NH was only available from within Japan, and furthermore, payment is only possible via bank transfer (also within Japan), but I would welcome any advice or info from someone who has gotten this to work successfully for international orders.

get an agent to buy it for you like the rest of us?

I think the pendant is super rare, and it is the only toy version of him wearing the glasses, which makes people go after it even more. Mark is your expert on all things Ultra though, and would know the answer "officially".

Here are some more detailed images of that U7 pendant Chris.

Cool thanks Ralph, but I was asking about the one on the right in the photo. I believe that is a pendant also?

I don't want to derail you getting the answers your looking for, Chris, but that Dan/Sebben pendant is just amazing! I'm no fan of the modern SD but that toy's stubby proportions are just so perfectly pleasing; and it's certainly the smallest masked toy that I've yet seen. Stellar photos, Onibaba!

Ahhh...sorry Chris.
I know nothing about that masked, standing Ultraseven figure on right.
The removable mask pendant I have seen go for huge bucks, close to what you posted and more so I assumed it was that one.

@ toothaction; Thanks but those pics aren't mine.
Those are just images I pulled from a site or auction kept in my archives of toy photos.
I'm with ya though on that masked figure, so perfect in every way!

That 'other' pendant went for slightly less at $1,111 dollars:

http://page4.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/d127422314

Wow what a pricey small set.