Hi, up for auction here is a pretty rare and mostly unknown KISS related item for collectors outside of Germany. This is a small sticker, measuring 1¾” x (just under) 2¼”. (4.5cm x 5.5cm) including the backing paper.
It’s from the “Super Stars” series that came “free” as a promotion inside the wrappers of the Ferrero brand “Duplo” chocolate/candy bars. They were released in West Germany around 1983.
*If you have the excellent and highly recommended fan created book: The Demons Of Rock “Promo Open At Once" (the “Again” edition), this sticker is pictured on page 69.
(*Please note, the photos used are of the actual KISS sticker for sale).
This KISS sticker is number 14 - *this is the only KISS sticker that was in the entire ‘set, there wasn’t 13 before, or any numbers ’after’. Other bands/artists in the series are The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Queen, Barclay James Harvest, Cliff Richard, etc, etc.
As you can see, this sticker is an uncommon outtake of the band in their Elder costumes from the infamous 1981 session with photographer, Barry Levine. It’s printed on semi gloss stock and still has its printed paper backing paper fully intact.
The front has the stylised Super Stars logo in the bottom right corner with “KISS” in very small lettering beneath. The back has the duplo logo and some brief German language info regarding the band & instructions. Translated it reads: “Remove protective paper at the corner”. “Series Picture No: 14”. The most successful Hits. 1. 'Oath' 2. 'I Sure Know Something' 3. 'I Was Made For Loving You Baby' 4.' I'. (Someone wasn’t much of a fan judging by the song title’s and 2 two of those “hits”?!)
As for the condition, I’m a collector myself and pretty critical when rating items. Having said that, this is in superb shape for a nigh on 41 year old ‘novelty’ item. It does have a couple of minor issues; there seems to be a small sticker/adhesive ‘stain’ on the right side in the elbow area of Ace’s left arm. A tiny amount of ink loss is also evident as a result, but luckily it’s on the background. There’s also a similar ‘stain on Gene in the same area; right elbow & lower chest. *It’s definitely less easy to spot on him. Please examine the photos carefully and remember, these are very or “extreme close up(s)” *See what I did there?
I don’t know what’s caused these stains. My best guess is that they’re from the chocolate bar wrapper itself? Maybe adhesive was used to keep the sticker(s) in place inside? There’s no sticky residue, etc, and as these were exclusive to West Germany, over 4 decades ago, it’s hard to give a definite answer.
The backing paper has some minor signs of ink loss on the duplo logo and in the centre. Other than the mentioned, overall the sticker is great. Colours are very strong; NO fading and it is completely intact on the backing paper. NO signs of lifting or peeling, etc. Overall, I’d rate it at a strong 7.5 out of 10.
There you have it, an usual, superb and scarce vintage Elder era KISS sticker.
I will post/ship this sticker in VERY strong packaging worldwide! After the auction, the item and packaging will be weighed at the post office and the winner will be notified of the EXACT postage cost, purely depending on their location.
*NO hidden extras, I do NOT charge for ANY packing materials, etc. Please check my feedback and bid with confidence - thanks for looking and good luck!
Payment Details: I’m happy to accept - U.K. winner; PayPal or cheque.
U.S.A. & ‘Rest Of World’ winner: PayPal.
- If these methods aren’t suitable, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH FOR FURTHER PAYMENT OPTIONS and we can work something out. Swift payment ensures item will be sent the same or very next day payment is received. Or in the case of a cheque, the day it clears. Thank you.