"Salesman Sample" novelty dumbbell
1-6 & 15-50
7-12
I purchased my first York Roundheads from a fellow about 45 minutes away for $2/pound. I was then the proud owner of 20-20-25 pound dumbbells. I was also bit by the vintage iron bug. This was January 4, 2022. That year I was fortunate to find a number of dumbbells locally and bought and traded on the Vintage Weightlifting Swap group page.
In 2023, I liquidated my heavies. It was difficult to pair them up. I was not using them and was tired of moving them around the gym. The handle diameter leaves something to be desired as well. I got a fair price and they found good homes.
In 2024, I took a break, but still managed to find some ROC-MO plates and also purchased some Nebula Dumbbells from the new Vintage Weights & Physical Culture group.
In 2025, I finally completed the 1-50 collection (hat tip Riker Johnson) and even added a "Salesman Sample" for $150. I did not track this with equipment as it is not really equipment. My 1-50 set is a mix of USA stamped and pre-USA stamped dumbbells. The 15s and 30s are blues.
Between buying and selling the "net" cost of the set ended up at $182. I also have $78 in extras (1-9-15-15-15). Further, I have $282 in other vintage dumbbells (buns, globes, Nebula, Healthways; total 153 pounds). Finally, I bought some smalls to use as awards $75 for 1-1-2-2-3-3.
I could still be tempted to buy some globes or unique dumbbells, but aside from flipping, my roundhead journey is completed.
