Meet Lucky Meisenheimer: Inside the Collection

1. Mickey Mouse Club Yo-Yos

Fun fact: Lisa Whelchel was a Mouseketeer on The Mickey Mouse Club in the 1970s, so this is an item she recognized.

These are Mickey Mouse Club yo-yos, made around 1958. They are very rare because few survive, and the decal seals often came off.

Lucky got both of these on eBay for a great deal—guess you could say he was literally lucky!

According to our expert, these are water-transfer decals, which use water like a postage stamp and are very fragile.

Our expert has only seen one other yo-yo like this in his lifetime. They would be worth around $800 for the pair—a truly rare pair!

2. 1890s Bandalore

This yo-yo, or Bandalore we should say, was made before yo-yos were called yo-yos in 1890.

It had a small handle that did only one thing: it just went up and down, so no yo-yo tricks with this one! But in 1890, when there weren’t many things to do, it was considered cutting-edge technology for the time.

These are like individual pieces of artwork—they were handmade and often carved out of wood. He got this on eBay, and it’s in mint condition for its age.

According to our expert, this piece is worth at least $1,500 because of its condition and age. It's a small string in yo-yo history.

3. Ice Cream Making Yo-Yo

This is an ice cream–making yo-yo from Japan. These are very rare and were not released in the United States.

On one side, you put the ice cream mix and on the other side is the freezer. You yo-yo it for about 20 minutes, and it produces a cute little ice cream cup.

This is one yo-yo diet everyone would love—20 minutes of work for a tiny scoop of ice cream. Maybe you can burn the calories before you eat!

He got this through a friend who visited her parents in Japan, and she was able to find three of them. According to our expert, the uniqueness and conversation-piece quality of these yo-yos might be even better than the ice cream itself.

Lisa Whelchel tried some home-spun ice cream and said it was delicious! Today, all three would be worth around $1,083.

4. Yo-Yo Robot

This is a mechanical robot automation—you crank it, and it yo-yos as you do!

Lucky collects all kinds of yo-yo memorabilia. From photographs and yo-yo contest posters to pottery with yo-yo images... even a robot.

This one is originally from England and is considered a piece of art.

According to our expert, only 30 pieces were released, and each is handmade. It’s also great for both yo-yo collectors like Lucky and robot collectors, so it hits two markets at once!

Today, it would be worth around $3,000.

5. Goody Display Box

These are called Goody Rainbow yo-yos, and they are from the 1950s.

They are considered the holy grail of Goody yo-yos because they have multicolored rhinestones. One yo-yo once sold for $2,000.

These are very rare and still hold value, but for Lucky, it’s all about the graphics because they are so eye-catching.

Our expert valued the box at $3,000. Eventually, they will be worth more down the road. In the meantime, they remain a special part of Lucky’s collection.

6. Laser Yo-Yo

This yo-yo lights up Lucky’s world — literally. It even comes with a danger label because of the laser it contains.

It’s one of the prototypes that was waiting for approval but never made it to stores, since it was considered too dangerous for kids.

You can play it on the go, at home or in the dark. Lucky has never seen another one exist — and neither has our expert!

Our expert valued it at $2,000, but for Lucky it’s priceless. It’s one of his highlights and a literal light in his collection.

7. The total value of Lucky's yo-yo collection: