Rick Goldschmidt: Rankin/Bass Historian & All Things Pop-Culture Collector

Designer, author and artist Rick Goldschmidt is a kid at heart. “It’s true when they say you want to hang on to your childhood and memories of growing up,” he shares. “All the stuff I had as a kid, I wanted to get again. I think that drives a lot of the collectors.” The now famous collector has appeared on numerous TV specials showcasing his expertise in toy collectibles and all things Rankin/Bass (he’s the official historian and biographer for the beloved creators who brought us Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town and so many other TV specials). Today he’s stockpiled about 10,000 pieces in his collection of 1960s cartoons (think The Banana Splits, The Alvin Show, The Flintstones) and TV shows (think The Munsters, Bewitched, Get Smart).

His collection includes Rankin/Bass relics (the Mad Monster Party salad set given to him by Arthur Rankin is his favorite), Mego action dolls, lunchboxes, action figures and more. While Mego dolls cost only $1.98 back in the ’70s, Goldschmidt tells us that a first issue Batman, Robin or Superman (the ones where the mask comes off) are rare and hold a high value: “I’ve seen them go for $5,000 and $6,000.”

As for lunchboxes, Goldschmidt says vinyl boxes (he just picked up an original Alvin and the Chipmunks) are more valuable than metal, and lunchboxes with domes are even more in demand. Collector’s Call host and former Facts of Life star Lisa Whelchel sent Goldschmidt a 1970s Mickey Mouse Club lunchbox signed by the cast of the 1970s Mickey Mouse club cast after he appeared on the MeTV series.