OT - Highlights of the Mutilated 1955 Topps set

[frankbmd]

Eat your heart out OBC, I have completed my admittedly low grade '55 Topps set with the collaboration of many Net54ers. I feel compelled to display the highlights of this accomplishment for your viewing pleasure. I have carefully selected 18 cards from the set to post at this time and as they say in California restaurants when serving "Enjoy":D

#1 - The Williams Panel

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/frankbmd/55-mutants/43052/williams-panel

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/frankbmd/55-mutants/43053/williams-panel

Ted was the first card purchased for the set at a BST Auction over a year ago.
The original card was trimmed a bit and a new border was hijacked from a Preston Ward card, which was determined by the collective effort of the Board.

#2 - The Aaron Panel

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/frankbmd/55-mutants/43063/aaron-panel

Paul, Dale & Julie are responsible for these three cards, all display beautifully. Aaron almost displays in two pieces.:D

#3 - The Koufax Panel

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/frankbmd/55-mutants/43061/koufax-panel

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/frankbmd/55-mutants/43060/koufax-panel

"Groucho" Koufax came to the set from Garrett and was the last card obtained
Except for the problem with his upper lip (He needs a plastic surgeon), this is arguably one of the strongest in the set. With NM Koufax RCs selling for $5000 of late, I like to think that this card has a $2500 back, although the centering might detract a bit from that.

#4 - The Clemente Panel

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/frankbmd/55-mutants/43059/clemente-panel

The Killer and Roberto (both from Ebay) got clipped along the way, but Tanner's paper loss is almost more disturbing.

#5 - The Mays Panel
http://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/frankbmd/55-mutants/43057/mays-panel

This one is a little tougher. I think the trim must have occurred after 1958 by a collector who wanted to erase the memory of Willie in New York at the expense of eliminating a portion of his stats on the reverse. Willie was an Ebay find.

#6 - The Berra Panel

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/frankbmd/55-mutants/43055/berra-panel

Four corners are a luxury. Some of trimmed cards have no original corners, but Yogi and the Duke have three. Duke was also a BST Auction pick up.

Will this set appreciate in value as a result of the current strong 50s and 60s market? Perhaps. I tried to be patient not to get too carried away with these purchases. If you want to opine about the cost of this set, feel free to post a guess. I probably will not reveal the answer, but if you are the closest, I will send you the two remaining duplicates that I have. What a deal!:eek:

[vthobby]

Very cool set Frank, thanks for sharing! My "guesstimate" for total spent is.............$823.41! :cool:

Peace, Mike

[brianp-beme]

Congrats Frank on the set and the cool star cards...it is liberating to collect the weather-beaten. Oh sure, I went through a phase of wanting cards to be in the Vg or Vg-Ex range (which is fairly high grade for me), but I settled in long ago happily acquiring cards that flat out had 'character'. When it comes down to it, in my opinion they are just more interesting, and you don't have to get all uptight about finding perfect centering, sharp corners etc.

I think I am just about to coin a new hobby term: Welcome to the world of Relaxed Collecting.

Brian

[LuckyLarry]

Beautiful cards Frank and congrats on completing your mutilated set! A couple of my favorites would be the "re-bordered" Williams, and the "Groucho" Koufax.

Will you continue to downgrade?

Larry

[h2oya311]

Awesome set! Congrats on the completion. I've owned a few cards that could have been downgrades for you, but I have no '55s any more other than a decent Killer and a PSA 1 (MK) Clemente - too nice compared to your beauty. Given the recent rise in Koufax prices, and even with the 'stache, I'd say you have $997 into the set. I think you were able to stay under $1k, but just barely.

[HercDriver]

Frank is pretty savvy...I'll go with $662. That's without the cost to grade them...

Take Care,
Geno