On my home from work, I decided to stop at the Salvation Army in Independence, MO. I found a complete copy of Broadsides and Boarding Parties. As I knelt and began check out the contents, a fellow thriftier "Mike" stood over me and waited for me to finish, asking if it was complete. I answered “yes” as he went down the isle looking at the remaining games and loudly sighing. After paying $1.98, he was waiting outside the store. I quickly walked to my car as I wanted to check out the Fantasy Flight LOTR trivia game that I left behind. While I was online, I saw him drive away. My next stop was the DAV just down the road.
As I parked at the DAV, I noticed "Mike's" car. Upon entering the store, I went straight for the game isle and saw him in the men’s clothes section. I quickly spied a copy of Carrier Strike for $1.98. As I picked it up, underneath was a copy of.... Dark Tower.
I grabbed both copies, stood up, and there was "Mike" my fellow thriftier (quickly becoming a CREEPER) standing next to me. As I made my way to the check out, he followed me explaining that he is a antique toy dealer and game collector. I asked him where his shop was & he said he travels from show to show 9 months of the year. I asked if he had a card, and he said he was “fresh out.” He introduced himself as “Mike.” I mentioned the Board Game Geek .com and he denied knowing about the site. Before I could even pay for both games, he offered to buy Dark Tower for $100 and told me how Carrier Strike was a “dud.” I politely said no thank you, and he followed me outside the store. As I walked away he yelled at me about how great some bicycle was. He asked me how old I was, as he was 40 something. I made a bee line for the car while calling my good friend Paul to tell him about the Dark Tower he was going to get. Mike made an additional offer of $200 as I was getting into my car.
Dark Tower was $2.98 and complete including the flags, buildings, tokens, figs, and tower that was nestled in it’s original packing material. After getting in my car, I called Paul (on the left) to share with him the story. He was stunned and was quick to think I was teasing him. 15 minutes later he was in possession of his long time grail. The photo on the right is of me holding both finds!
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That's such an awesome find - and such a creepy story. I know it goes for quite a bit on Ebay. But, it's not about the money. great read.
ReplyDeleteTotally rad to pass your find on to a friend!
ReplyDeleteBTW I love the Gilligan and Skipper in your banner - I had that set as a kid!
ReplyDeleteWow, great story (and, yeah, creepy, too.) Dark Tower- I have not played that game in 20+ years. I remember looking for it online about 10-12 years ago, finding it, but even then not being sure if I wanted to pay something like $30 for it. It's not so much a "holy grail" for me, though, I'd love to just play it once again.
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