Hello readers!

We’ve finally hit the big ten episodes of our ‘collector snapshot’ segment and what better way to celebrate than by welcoming Thomas Quinn onto the blog! I know I always say our participants are great guys and girls but seriously do collectors get any friendlier and easygoing than Thomas? I first met Thomas last year, when I sold him a Luke Farmboy cardback. I couldn’t believe how appreciative he was for selling him the cardback when I myself was happy to move it on from my collection (I don’t collect cardbacks). True reflection of the kind of collector he is. Since then I’ve got to know him better and I love seeing the effort he, along with Jason Thomas and Mike Boniface, puts into heading up the Empire State Star Wars Collectors Club. For the most part, their meetings are located in upstate New York, but they continue to recruit members from as far away as Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Western New York.The goal of their Star Wars collecting group is to both educate and create a community for their members. Thomas tells me that they embrace new and old collectors alike and that he is always fascinated to see what other people collect, and how they collect it.     

Ok to the questions!

I have been collecting Star Wars since 1977, but that really doesn’t tell the story. I saw Star Wars as a seven year old and in 1977 I made my parents go to see it over and over again in the theaters. Of course, being that age, I couldn’t wait for Star Wars toys to come out. My father cut out an article about Kenner making Star Wars toys, but they weren’t going to be ready for Christmas of 1977. I finally got my first Star Wars toys for Easter 1978. I was hooked. Although I stopped collecting in 1981, I saved my toys in the basement. In the mid 90s when interest was renewed for Star Wars, I pulled them out of the basement. I began to research them on the new technology known as the ‘Internet’. Once eBay came along, I bought my first new figure: Hoth Princess Leia. I was hooked…again.

2. What do you collect?

I primarily collect loose figures in great condition, but I also keep quite a few beaters lying around to play around with. There’s something special about a well-loved toy.  I also collect cardbacks and vehicles complete with their boxes. I have some carded figures but don’t consider myself a carded collector.

VSCW: Check out these pics of Thomas’ fantastic collection. Really is a great mix of loose, MIB, MOC and other vintage goodies. 

3. What’s your grail?

Being a loose collector, I’ve been fortunate to be able to find most of what I look for at a reasonably affordable cost. However, the item I am looking for right now is a Palitoy Death Star. It is one of those things that I never knew it existed until I became an adult collector. When you’re a collector I guess you never truly stop looking for items.

4. What collectors inspire you?

The two collections that have blown me away are the ones owned by Mike Boniface and Yehuda. Mike is a loose collector like me. He has the patience of Job in searching eBay and finding great deals on unique items. Yehuda’s collection just blew me away when I got to recently see it. I love how he displays it, what he collects, and his willingness to open his home to show it off. You meet some pretty terrific guys in our hobby and we have some great guys in the Empire State Club.

5. What is your most embarrassing moment as a collector?

My dumb, naive, young collector moment was when someone asked me to do a trade and I got ripped off because I never got the items that were promised me. So, the “trade” turned into a one-way ticket.  I blame it on my youth and lack of knowledge.  Live and learn.

6. What is your favourite Star Wars film?

I would have to say my favorite Star Wars film is the first one, not because it is superior to the Empire Strikes Back, but because it drew me in to both the world of science fiction and collecting.

7. What would you change about the collecting community?

The one thing I think is over-emphasized in our collecting community is the grading process. I don’t get my toys graded. If I think they’re beautiful, that’s all that really counts.

8. Forums or Facebook groups? 

When I began collecting, I was on Rebelscum every day.  Now, I find myself on the Facebook pages. Facebook has become important to me for the Empire State Club, as it offers another way for me to connect with other people in our area interested in the hobby. I do think that both are great methods to communicate with other collectors.

9. What Star Wars character do you most resemble? 

These days, I probably look more like Uncle Owen, but in my heart I will always be the farm boy looking to the stars.

10. Is there one thing that collectors may not know about you?

Most people have no idea, that in addition to my passion for Star Wars, I have an equal passion for Major League Baseball. I have been to 36 major league ballparks, and most of the spring training complexes. On my upcoming trip to Celebration Anaheim, I am able to visit three major league ballparks. Strangely enough, I bought game tickets, then later found out that 2 of the 3 games fall on the one Star Wars Night at the ballparks! I’m excited to combine my two passions into one trip.

VSCW: Thanks for coming on Thomas and see you in Anaheim!