DALLAS
MERCHANDISE
Among the Dallas collectibles produced
were jigsaw puzzles, games, trading cards and paperback books.
Perhaps the most striking example of the popularity of the
show and its tremendous appeal was the marketing of a unique
collectible – Dallas dirt. Advertised as genuine dirt
from Southfork Ranch, it was packaged in a 3 x 2-inch acrylic
box and labeled as the “Dirtiest Dirt in the World.”
In true Ewing style, purchasers were warned that “this
is the dirt that men fought for and women lied for”
and not to “let anyone swindle you out of your land.”
Another unusual collectible was J.R.
Ewing Premium Beer. Distributed by Pearl Brewing Company in
San Antonio, Texas, J.R. beer was sold from “J.R.’s
private stock,” with the personal message, “If
you have to ask how much my beer costs, you probably can’t
afford it – J.R. Ewing” printed on each can. Most
collectors can afford the current $10-$15 price tag, however.
But most of the Dallas collectibles
aren’t as unusual. Pioneer Communications Network obtained
approval to issue a series of paperback books based on the
saga of Southfork. Widely successful, more than a dozen were
created, as well as a single novel about the Ewing family
by Dell Publishing. Dell’s effort produced two best-selling
versions – one with a cast photo cover and color photo
stills on the back, and the other with a more simplistic color
illustration. Dallas books are easily accessible and are valued
at about $5 each.
Some of the most valuable artifacts
are those that were made in other countries. They’re
more difficult to find, and therefore command a higher price.
Inventive, a Holland-based company, distributed a Dallas Dollars
board game in 1982. Complete with J.R. money and a fold-out
board full of color photos, the game invites each player to
become a character from the show. With the throw of the die,
for example, Miss Ellie may have to pay $10 million to save
Southfork. For the game aficionado, Inventive also produced
a three-in-one game set with dominoes, memory, and “Bluff”
game pieces. These are valued in the $30-$40 range.
Sets of 24 cigar bands were distributed
in Europe. Each band contains a color depiction from the TV
series and are much in demand by collectors. Difficult to
find, they’re valued at $75-$100 for the set.
Maruca Industries created a “Southfork
Collection” of jigsaw puzzles in 1985. Each box contains
more than 550 pieces and features Dallas characters. Warren
Paper Products also issued a series of picture puzzles, including
a cast and two J.R. versions. If found complete, they are
worth $15-$20.
