My father, who passed away in 1992, owned the magazine and book distribution agency for Northern California starting in the mid-1950’s.  Publishers would send their products to his warehouse, and his drivers would distribute them to the retail channel (grocery stores, book stores, airport stores, etc.) and bring back the unsold “returns” (magazines are, after all, “perishable” items from a retail perspective).  

Dad would often bring home various magazines and books from work. He would bring home a couple bundles of comic books for us to give out at Halloween (we were a popular house).  He would often bring home several copies of “memorable” issues (e.g., first issue of a new magazine, Life Magazine JFK and moon landing issues).  And in the early 70’s, he started bringing home the monthly Playboy issue, often multiple copies or even bundles (of 10 magazines) still tied from the publisher.  At one point, he went back and purchased issues from the 50’s and 60’s that he didn’t already have to fill in the collection.

Now I’m ready to sell them… all 17 boxes of nearly 700 items.  The collection includes some unique items.  Like the never opened bundle of 10 of the December 1978 (Farrah Fawcett) and January 1979 (25th Anniversary) issues, and a special commemorative box containing the October 1985 issue (the first without a staple) and a letter from Playboy to the distribution firms encouraging them to ensure prominent display on retail shelves.  

In addition to the 593 Monthly Issues, the collection also includes a large number of Calendars (both desk and wall) and Special Editions.  And a few non-Playboy items (e.g., Penthouse, a Hefner book, Playboy Club News, etc.).  

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Prices currently shown are for single items and are based on an approximate average of recently SOLD copies of the item on eBay.  My preference is to sell the collection in bulk to a Northern California purchaser.  The bulk purchase price will be significantly lower than the total of the single item prices.  If you’re interested, please contact me directly at mike@mpnelson.com.