HOLY ****!!

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Posted By: <b>skydash55</b><p>I just found 3 WAGNER,1 THORPE and 1JACKSON Tin Toppers!! What do I do now!!

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Posted By: <b>John</b><p>Post images, would be what i would do....or sell them to me for $300 with free shipping.<br /><br />Great do I make the check payable to skydash55? Gald we could do business. LOL<br /><br />All kidding aside if you did find them congrats would love to hear the story.

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Posted By: <b>skydash55</b><p>OK....my hands are shaking!! Give me about 15 minutes!!

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Posted By: <b>jay behrens</b><p>Seriously, call Robert Edwards Auctions immediately. You will be in good hands with Rob Lifson and get the personal and respectful attention that you deserve.<br /><br />Here is a link to his website<br /><br /><a href="http://www.robertedwardauctions.com/rea_consign.html" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.robertedwardauctions.com/rea_consign.html</a><br /><br />Jay<br><br>The richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least.

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Posted By: <b>Dave F</b><p>Sky...I'll meet you on the border of South Carolina and Georgia at I-85 and take whatever amount of the entire group off your hands....I wouldn't want all this to be too much for you <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

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Posted By: <b>John</b><p>Jay, you SOB how dare you kill my deal!

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Posted By: <b>jay behrens</b><p>I just want the 10 Tin Top cards I need for my sage advice <img src="/images/wink.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />Jay<br><br>The richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least.

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Posted By: <b>T206Collector</b><p>...but I would also:<br /><br />a) contact Collectibles Insurance Agency and start a policy immediately:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.collectinsure.com/" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.collectinsure.com/</a><br /><br />b) after protecting those cards in penny sleeves inside toploaders, bring the best cards to the bank and open a safety deposit box.<br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>skydash55</b><p>OK!! HERE THEY ARE!!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://s183.photobucket.com/albums/x291/skydash55/" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://s183.photobucket.com/albums/x291/skydash55/</a>

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Posted By: <b>David Davis</b><p>If you decide to sell them, make sure the commision to the auction house is close to 0% as possible. Although I am not the best judge, you have what sounds like close to a 7 figure collection, if the grades are decent. The auction house will make 6 figures on the buyer's premium alone. The Thorpe, Jackson, T-206 Plank, etc. would be the highlight of most card auctions. A generous cash advance also seems plausible. Keep in mind that Robert Edwards only has one auction a year; it is in April.<br />

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Posted By: <b>Richard</b><p>HOLY ****!!

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Posted By: <b>John</b><p>Curious to where you found them and why they were already in sheets???<br /><br />There's a Plank T206 as well...huh?

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Posted By: <b>Hal Lewis</b><p>THORPE TIN TOP!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />

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Posted By: <b>skydash55</b><p>"Curious to where you found them and why they were already in sheets???"<br /><br />Read my first thread"how to find an honest appraiser"<br />

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Posted By: <b>Anthony</b><p>sure looks like Thorpe!<br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/griffins/distribution/icons/ThorpeTT.jpg">

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Posted By: <b>John</b><p>Skydash, congrats whoever you are, the hobby will be better for it if the find sees the light of day and not lost or worse yet a trash can. <br /><br />Once again, congrats on the find. Chat with Barry Sloate or Rob ASAP. <br /><br />I wish you the best keep us posted!<br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />John

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Posted By: <b>bigfish</b><p>He is one of the most honest guys in the buisness. He will guide you in the right direction.

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Posted By: <b>skydash55</b><p>I'm sorry they are so fuzzy,but I'm scared to take them out of the plastic!!

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Posted By: <b>T206Collector</b><p>...take them out of the plastic. Keep them in toploaders. Keep them from banging or sliding around.<br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>jay behrens</b><p>If you need to make money fast on the cards (the REA auction wouldn't be until April 2008), Barry Sloate would a great choice. He is a long time dealer with a great reputation and is on the East Coast. Given the scope and value, he'd probably be willing to travel to see it.<br /><br />Jay<br><br>The richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least.

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Posted By: <b>Anthony</b><p>It's not the plastic that is making them fuzzy. You're either too close for the lens to focus, or more likely the light level is so low it's necessitating a slow shutter speed, and you're getting blur from movement. But they are certainly sharp enough to tell what you've got, just not the condition. <br />

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Posted By: <b>peter ullman</b><p>wow...this is exciting...I've been missing all of the action/fun!!! 2 thorpe tt's in 1 week...wow...and a jackson to boot! Congrats flyboy!<br /><br />pete ullman in mn

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Posted By: <b>skydash55</b><p>Alright guys...I just took som more pictures of these cards and also the back of the Jackson card that will hopefully be in better focus.....give me 10 minutes...

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Posted By: <b>Dan Bretta</b><p>Holy **** is right!!!<br /><br />The White Whale has been sighted!!!!

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Posted By: <b>Jim Dale</b><p>Barry Sloate's auction services were very responsive to me as a potential buyer in their last auction - I would go to them in a heart beat if I had what I saw in the scans.

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Posted By: <b>Dan Bretta</b><p>Peter, where has the other Thorpe been sighted???

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Posted By: <b>skydash55</b><p>Ok...try these..<br /><br /><a href="http://s183.photobucket.com/albums/x291/skydash55/" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://s183.photobucket.com/albums/x291/skydash55/</a>

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Posted By: <b>jay behrens</b><p>someone posted a scan of picture of the one Fritsch owns<br /><br />Jay<br><br>The richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least.

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Posted By: <b>Ed Ivey</b><p>Will this become a screenplay?

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Posted By: <b>jay behrens</b><p>They appear to be in great shape. The TT Jackson recently sold was only a SGC20. This looks like should grade much higher.<br /><br />What I wouldn't give to make a find of Tin Tops like that (drool)<br /><br />Jay<br><br>The richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least.

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Posted By: <b>skydash55</b><p>I agree...they look as though they have never been handled!

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Posted By: <b>John</b><p>Nice cards, much better shots. How about the T206's Plank etc? Love to see those if you're in the picture mood.

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Posted By: <b>peter ullman</b><p>those are gorgeous...yeah...let's see a plank...and some rare backs!!!<br /><br />pete ullman<br />

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Posted By: <b>Dan Bretta</b><p>Skydash's Thorpe has the same exact print flaw inside the "H" as Fritsch's card.

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Posted By: <b>skydash55</b><p>"Nice cards, much better shots. How about the T206's Plank etc? Love to see those if your in the picture mood."<br /><br />I am...just not in the digging mood...I've got to go put on a diaper before I go any further!

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Posted By: <b>doug</b><p>show great detail....looks like they were printed yesterday!!! amazing find

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>Skydash- you're sitting on a gold mine and I'd be honored to help you if I could. Regards, Barry

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Posted By: <b>Joann</b><p>Sky - I'm with Paul (T206 Collector) on this one. First things first - get them insured and get them in a safe deposit box. Now.<br /><br />Also, I wouldn't give out any personal info to anyone unless you initiated the contact. If legit, this is a lot of money and it's all playing out on a public internet site - who knows who could be reading it. There have been plenty of links posted in the two threads - enough so that you can contact those you need to.<br /><br />If you do want to sell them, REA is a good choice as a major house with an annual auction. They are quite large, and always have top-shelf items in auctions. That may be either a good or a bad thing.<br /><br />I don't know if I've ever known of anyone in any walk of life that is so unanimously respected for honesty and fair dealing as Barry Sloate. He could probably be more flexible in terms of scheduling and auction, and it's foreseeable that your items could be in an auction of their own. <br /><br />Good luck whatever you do. And where, again, was that landfill where they dumped the Ruth jerseys? lol<br /><br />J<br /><br />Edited to sound like less of a grammatical moron

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Posted By: <b>John</b><p>"I am...just not in the digging mood...I've got to go put on a diaper before I go any further!"<br /><br />If I found this it would take years to get me out of the "digging mood", shame we cant see the others good luck at auction...............

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Posted By: <b>Jon Canfield</b><p>Please excuse my ignorance and I do not doubt the find... but I'm confused about the two posts above referencing Fritsch tin tops. Are we saying that these scans are ripped off from Larry?

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Posted By: <b>peter ullman</b><p>eek gads!...someone posted a scan of larry fritsch's supposed thorpe tin type...this is the scan i was referring to!<br /><br />pete ullman

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Posted By: <b>jay behrens</b><p>In another thread, someone posted a scan of a picture in a book of the Fritsch Thorpe. Then someone noted that the card in this find has the same print flaw that the Fritsch card has.<br /><br />Jay<br><br>The richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least.

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Posted By: <b>skydash55</b><p>"If I found this it would take years to get me out of the "digging mood", shame we cant see the others good luck at auction..............."<br /><br />I promise you I will dig for those cards this eve. I have seen them on the list,but there are about 1200 cards here,in no order whatsoever,so it will take some time.<br />

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Posted By: <b>Dave York</b><p>I normally just enjoy reading posts on here but I felt compelled to respond to this thread. i just want to say this is one of the most amazing collections I have ever seen. I would suggest hanging on to the collection and learning more about what you actually have. In learning about the history of the ballplayers, you may find that you will want to hang on to this unique collection just as your wife's family has for decades. In time you will realize that this collection is worth more than most individuals IRA and 401K accounts combined.<br /><br />Best of Luck in what ever decision You make.<br /><br />Dave

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Posted By: <b>Dan Bretta</b><p>I am not insinuating anything....just noting that they have the same printing flaw. Perhaps the Thorpe was discontinued very early in the run because of this flaw and it was just never corrected?

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Posted By: <b>dstudeba</b><p><img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1186526712.JPG"><br /><br />Sorry Joann<br />

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Posted By: <b>John</b><p>Sky, no hurry but as collector In would have been through all 1200 three times already, passed out then gone through them again. LOL<br /><br />First get your affairs in order and call this man below. <br /><br />Barry Sloate (718).855.7513<br /><br />That's the most important thing you can do right now, showing us pics is the last thing needed to be done. <br /><br />Best regards,<br /><br />John<br /><br />P.S. If you mention my name and the forum you get a free t-shirt and a discount oil change coupon, or did that expire already Barry? (joke)

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Posted By: <b>Ricky Y</b><p>Nice finds! Can't add more to what others have advised..a good picture of front and back and a list of the cards with the backs...is a good place to start. I can't wait to see the condition of the cards..if they are as good as the colgan's chips..wow! It's always great to see finds come out of the woodwork like this. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />Ricky Y

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Posted By: <b>Justin</b><p>Wow, this is totally my dream. Good for you, and good luck. I look forward to seeing more pictures

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>Skydash- everyone has been very kind with their support, and if the day comes when you want to sell these treasures, I will guarantee you will be in good hands.<br /><br />I don't want to say any more since this is a chatboard and not really a marketplace. But obviously this is big news. The Jackson and Thorpe alone would put your kids through college. This is really special.

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Posted By: <b>skydash55</b><p>Guys...I don't know any of you from Adam,but I really appreciate the help. We are discovering these things together. My Father-in-law mentioned this collection only a few times and I never thought much of it...So when I read all of your enthusiastic responses...it's just a hoot. I will post more when I find more....Skydash

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Posted By: <b>David Davis</b><p>If there was ever proof that there are great collections out there that fly under the radar, then this is it. Clearly, from the few labels that can be seen in the scans, and the fact that the cards are in sheets and toploaders, Sky's father-in-law knew what he was doing.

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Posted By: <b>Jeff D.</b><p>Not knowing much about this set, and the rarity of the Thorpe, could someone explain why it looks so different from the others? The background, font and font color, detailing in the face (cheeks and lips for instance) all look much different in the Thorpe. Not to mention the others look like photos and the Thorpe looks like a (pardon, but rather crude) drawing. <br /><br />Again, I know very little about this set and so I was just wondering about the apparent drastic differences to my untrained eye.<br /><br /><img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e109/JeffD27177/ttpictures.jpg">

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Posted By: <b>John</b><p><br />Kind of cool that it came from my home state of SC, and not to far from where I found much of my collection. Good ol’ South Carolina. Congrats Sky.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Barry, I can only assume that your silence means the oil change coupon and t-shirt promo have expired… <img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/piojohn3/smileys/143.gif">

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Posted By: <b>Joann</b><p>dstubea or leon<br /><br />Could you please resize the scan of the Thorpe tt so we don't have to scroll over to the right to read the thread?<br /><br />Thx<br /><br />J<br /><br />Thanks d.

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>Not silent John...I'm in awe just like everyone else.<br /><br />The Thorpe looks different and appears to be either hand drawn or a retouched photo. Perhaps they were unable to secure a photograph of him. Just a guess.<br /><br />And the condition is just superb. They look brand new.

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Posted By: <b>Kyle</b><p>Catalog all the cards you have, take a day off and do it. Go buy a scanner and scan four cards at a time. <br /><br />Take cards to bank, put in safety deposit box and leave them there.<br /><br />Then....<br /><br />Sell cards for lord knows how much.<br /><br />Pay off the mortgage, send the kids to school. Take a year off. Retire even... who knows.<br /><br />Congrats and good luck.<br /><br /> <br />Edited to add: Be careful who you contact. <br /><br /><br />PS - Go with Barry or REA.

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Posted By: <b>Frank Wakefield</b><p>Skydash,<br /><br />1- be VERY careful, gentle with the cards. If you sell, condition will be a significant factor in what they'll bring.<br /><br />2- move these cards to a safe place, a safety deposit box. Tomorrow, if you haven't done it today.<br /><br />3- with patience, and clean hands, figure out what you have. Tin Tops are different from other Colgans. Folks on here know the difference, someone will help identify scans if you email them to us.<br /><br />4- you could sell all, none, some, some now some later... lots of possibilities. The auction folks look at it as if they own part of your cards. Some folks on here would like to get a bargain dealing with you. I'd suggest you communicate with 2 or 3 auction folks, and maybe 2 or 3 of the guys on here, and then put together your own plan of action. Patience... the quick dollar will be the small dollar. And then you'll be bitter about it.<br /><br />5- I do wish you well, and congratulations. It might be neat to keep a few cards to pass on down, keeping them in the family.<br /><br />FW

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Posted By: <b>boxingcardman</b><p>Just had to ask.

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Posted By: <b>skydash55</b><p>Skydash,<br /><br />1- be VERY careful, gentle with the cards. If you sell, condition will be a significant factor in what they'll bring.<br /><br />2- move these cards to a safe place, a safety deposit box. Tomorrow, if you haven't done it today.<br /><br />3- with patience, and clean hands, figure out what you have. Tin Tops are different from other Colgans. Folks on here know the difference, someone will help identify scans if you email them to us.<br /><br />4- you could sell all, none, some, some now some later... lots of possibilities. The auction folks look at it as if they own part of your cards. Some folks on here would like to get a bargain dealing with you. I'd suggest you communicate with 2 or 3 auction folks, and maybe 2 or 3 of the guys on here, and then put together your own plan of action. Patience... the quick dollar will be the small dollar. And then you'll be bitter about it.<br /><br />5- I do wish you well, and congratulations. It might be neat to keep a few cards to pass on down, keeping them in the family.<br /><br />That's the best advice I've gotten yet....Thank you.

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Posted By: <b>Paul K.</b><p>Go with Rob Lifson (REA)... it's a no brainer

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Posted By: <b>Eric</b><p>Just out of curiosity, what would a Thorpe in that condition bring at auction? Any thoughts?<br /><br />How about the Jackson and Wagner?<br /><br />If an SGC 20 Jackson (correct me if I'm wrong) brought 40K plus, what would one like this possibly bring?<br /><br />Amazing collection you have. Congrats bro.

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Posted By: <b>Jimmy</b><p>I think we can say this could be the best find this year if there is still more to come. This is why so many of us stay connected to the hobby, I enjoy it so much even if I cannot afford evrything. Selling and buying and collecting is one of the most rewarding and makes the hobby fun with this much interest WoW! This type of find makes me think about how much more I want to do in the hobby as a part-time dealer and collector.<br /><br />Jimmy<br />

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Posted By: <b>John S</b><p>So many emotions, happy, envy, utter shock...I just posted the Fritsch's scan yesterday thinking that it would be nice if someone could confirm the existence of Thorpe's card. I guess now we know for sure. Those cards are immaculate...Lionel Carter condition. Great find.

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Posted By: <b>David Davis</b><p>Since Skydash started a new thread for his find, I don't feel so bad trying to hijack this topic. Is anyone else surprised that not one person mentioned that he should contact Mastro? How about Goodwin, Mile High, Memory Lane (had to say it), Leland's, Lew Lipset, or any other well-known auction house?<br /><br />Is it because of the quality/quantity of the cards, or some other reason? If all who chimed in felt that REA/Barry Sloate were the best choices, then who exactly would consign cards to the others?

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Posted By: <b>jay behrens</b><p>Given Mastro's questionable recent past and REA's impeccable reputation, there really is no reason to send a new comer to Mastro, especially given how they treated the family with the Ruth ball. I'm sure part of the reason Mastro gets business is because they have fostered good relationships with major collectors. I'm sure Leon will defend Mastro til his dying breath. They also offer more than one auction a year. That is REA's only drawback, but is also a strength. They only need to focus on one auction per year allowing them to take the best care possible of any and all clients.<br /><br />Barry probably gets a lot mention because he is active here, is well liked and has a great reputation.<br /><br />Jay<br><br>The richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least.

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Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>I can't say much but I do feel that Mastro and every one of the banner advertisers would be great choices. All the poster has to do is refresh the screen and click on the banners....every company is good.....Good luck with your cards....btw, Mastro recently got over $42,000 for a lesser looking Thorpe...

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Posted By: <b>jay behrens</b><p>When did mastro have a TT Thorpe, or did you mean Jackson?<br /><br />Jay<br /><br />The richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least.

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Posted By: <b>Bobby Binder</b><p>It was the Jackson not the Thorpe<br />

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Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>I meant Jackson, in this last Mastro Live Auction.

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Posted By: <b>Bill Stone</b><p>My friend, Bob Sacamano, just called and said he thinks he might have seen Mr. Mint at the breakfast bar at the Holiday Inn in Greenville, South Carolina this morning.

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Posted By: <b>Tom Boblitt</b><p>RAT HAT? Very appropriate............<br /><br />Or maybe he was eating broccoli at Kenny Roger's Roasters.......<br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>We never actually see Bob Sacamano, he exists only in our imagination. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>And it was a bad rat hat, even as rat hats go! <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

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Posted By: <b>Steve f</b><p>This is incredible. Luckily, someone had the foresight to care of these over a few generations!<br /><br />Congrats Skyguy. <br /><br />*Didn't Jerry become good friends with Sacamano, while staying at Kramer's chicken soupernove?

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Posted By: <b>shane leonard</b><p>Skydash-<br />Here is what I would do knowing how much this could possibly be worth. <br />1. Call SGC and schedule an appointment to have the cards graded on site in one day.<br />2. Take off for that week, heck even the month if you want to.<br />3. Get a plane ticket to fly first class to SGC's hometown and have them all graded.<br />4. Place every card in a safety deposit box (graded). <br />5. Call the auction house of your choice. <br /> a. Barry Sloath<br /> b. Mastro<br /> c. Lelands<br /> d. Mile High<br />It really won't matter to the buyer as they will find them and bid. I would negotiate the sellers fee as 0% commission and 3% of the buyers premium. One of these guys will do this....believe me. <br />6. Keep some of the cards just for the memories.<br /><br />What a great story!!!<br /><br />Shane<br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Tom Boblitt</b><p>stock or something as they have prices on most, if not all, of them. Obviously, the prices at least on the Thorpe and Jackson are WOEFULLY incorrect. Neat stuff.......<br />

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>Thanks Shane, but it's spelled "Sloate."<br /><br />I agree that Skydash should take his time and do this right, and that he should get the best commission rates possible. No problem there.<br /><br />And Steve- yes, Jerry spoke to Sacamano when he called at 3:00 in the morning.

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Posted By: <b>shane leonard</b><p>You are the man! Skydash, I meant him not Barry Slothe the car dealer in Mississippi.<br /><br />Ha

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Posted By: <b>Jason L</b><p>and they are also all in penny-sleeve and top loader combinations...a far cry from rubber-banded and lying naked in a cigar box.<br /><br />They look rather pristine, to be honest

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Posted By: <b>Mark F.</b><p>It may have been mentioned, but I find it interesting that Greenville, SC was also the hometown of the aforementioned Shoeless Joe.<br /><br />On another note, wouldn't the location of the cards lead one to believe there should be more SL'ers than normal?

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Posted By: <b>JimB</b><p>Shane,<br />No auction house in the world will do it for 0% commission and a 3% buyers premium. Aside from the fact that they all have standard BPs at 15-20%, they would all take a loss at that rate. What about costs of advertising, printing catalogs, webstite maintainance, keeping the lights on, paying rent, etc?<br />JimB

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Posted By: <b>MVSNYC</b><p>Jim- i know for a fact several of the big auction houses will do 0% sellers commission on desirable items...and "negative commission" on VERY desirable pieces.

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Posted By: <b>Zinn</b><p>I think he meant to negotiate 3% of what the buyer is paying as a premium. e.g. if the BP is 20% the consignor wants 3% leaving the house 17%.

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Posted By: <b>MVSNYC</b><p>exactly Zinn.

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Posted By: <b>shane leonard</b><p>Jim,<br />I realize that it cost money to do the advertising, cost of shipping, overhead, and cost to make the catalogs. However, is there additional costs to list a 1976 Topps unopened box vs a T206 Wagner? <br />You are probably right that most auction houses would not do it. I bet one would though. Mastro would probably laugh at the thought of it, until they found out that someone offered it or there were others competing for the business. <br />I know of a situation where Mastro, REA and Lelands were all trying to get the collection of a friend of mine. The collection was pretty close to 2M. The offers became pretty creative by some of those guys. <br />I would much rather see our friend here with the huge collection know what his options are, than to be given a 10% consignor fee by some auction house. <br /><br />SL<br /><br />What value is it to the auction house to have a collection like this? <br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>shane leonard</b><p>Zinn- This is exactly what I meant to say. I know of one that would do it right now because I just got off the phone with him. <br /><br />SL

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Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>I was contacted by one of our banner advertisers yesterday about having "Sky" contact them.....Since I need to remain impartial I would say call several/all and do the best you can. I can help with phone numbers and contact info to any of the banner advertisers if that will help. I am sure they all would love to have the collection to auction....I am sure all would be willing to give some cash advance and favorable fees too.....Hopefully this helps....

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Posted By: <b>Tom Boblitt</b><p>it has to cost more to list a T206 Wagner than a 1976 Topps box because of the promotion that you'd do with the Wagner versus the Topps box. The Topps box wouldn't be on page 1 like a Wagner would be. But......20% of the selling price of the Wagner would be MUCH more than the Topps box, so.....<br /><br />I'm sure you could get 0% on the sell side and you might be able to get some on the buy side. Negotiate the best deal possible. It looks like tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of dollars of cards given the condition and rarity of them...........<br />

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Posted By: <b>Tom Boblitt</b><p>Can you give us some details about the collection. They're obviously not from a cigar box find recently. From a former dealer's collection? Old stock put back and forgotten? It's in the details......<br /><br />Thanks for jazzing us all up though.......<br />

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Posted By: <b>Bob</b><p> Mastro has been mentioned as a possible consignee. Considering Mastro just sold a Tin Top Jackson for almost $40,000 I feel Mastro would be a good source to sell those cards. I know for a fact<br /> they will travel to view them and offer a cash advance if you need one. The guy to contact at Mastro is Pete Calderon. I know Peter Calderon of Mastro quite well (he was "petecld" on this board) and I'm sure he would like the chance to discuss the collection. He is well known for his honesty and straight forwardness. His email is pcalderon@mastroauctions.com or call him at 630-472-1200.<br />P.S. I have no ties to Mastro whatsoever, I just know Pete through the hobby as a buyer, seller, and also as someone who is reliable and honest.<br />

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Posted By: <b>skydash55</b><p>Can you give us some details about the collection. They're obviously not from a cigar box find recently. From a former dealer's collection? Old stock put back and forgotten? It's in the details......<br /><br />Thanks for jazzing us all up though.......<br /><br /><br /><br />Check over on the "how to find an honest appraiser" thread...I can't believe what a stir I've caused with one little post.....

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Posted By: <b>Tom Boblitt</b><p>somone rushing your 737 cockpit door if I could compare it for you..........<br />

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Posted By: <b>Steve f</b><p>Skydash,<br /><br />Lots of good advice here. <br /><br />Unless you're in dire straits... I wouldn't sell any rare stuff.<br /><br />An example, I bought a tough card last year for $1000. My Everything wanted to strangle me. Recently recieved an offer for $7000. Now, she's glad I bought the thing.<br /><br />True, small potatoes to what you have, but your $50K Joe Jax will do likewise.<br /><br />My $.02, Stuff 'em in a safe deposit box. If you have to, rent a trailer, work at Walmart eat franks & beans, Kraft mac & cheese etc. In a few short years, you'll be living high. But, if you truly must sell, You know by now Whom to consign with.<br /><br /><br /><br />Keep your eyes on the prize<br /><img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1186690359.JPG">

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Posted By: <b>Trevor Hocking</b><p>Well I will have to say I have been working on the Colgan and Tin Top sets for longer than I am old as I am a theird generation collector and my Grandfather started this set many years before I was born. We have never been able to buy a Jackson or Thorpe and had only seen 1 Thorpe and 2 Jacksons before yours just arrived back into the hobby. This is not a small deal to our hobby. Finds like this is what makes this hobby still exciting. Remember you just found a item of a very impotant baseball player (Thorpe) that does not have many items he is on and there was only one other Tin Top known before yours to my knowleadge. Plus the Jackson is just so rare. Now what is getting everyone so excited is that you have 1200 other cards that could have anything in there. These kind of finds are so rare these days with the internet and TV programes like Antique Road Show, plus to show up here of all places. Just keep the scans coming they are fun to see. This board has many great contacts and some sharks so please be careful with what you do with these cards. From the other posts you have recived great advise this far. I would personally go with Mastro with these items as they already have a great track record with the Tin Top Jackson.<br /><br />Good luck and thanks for bring them back into the hobby!<br />Trevor Hocking

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Posted By: <b>Chris Nerat</b><p>I would like to do a story on this collection for Sports Collectors Digest.<br />Thank you... You have some great treasures.<br /><br />Chris Nerat<br />Associate Editor <br />Sports Collectors Digest<br /><br />chris.nerat@fwpubs.com<br /><br />(800)726-9966 ext. 452

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Posted By: <b>David Smith</b><p>I am still having questions about the collection but THAT is not what this post is about.<br /><br />All I want to say is, if you are NOT a collector then sell this group as fast as you can. You could have a fire, flood or someone could steal these things and then you would be left with nothing. Putting them in a safe deposit box would help but it is not a sure thing. Insuring them would involve cataloging each card and, at least for the more valuable ones, getting a good picture or scan of the front and back. This takes time and then there is the expense of insurance. Plus, how much would you insure a Thorpe or Jackson Tin Top for if there are so few in existence, especially if they are in REALLY good condition??<br /><br />No, sell them and if they bring what most here say they will, then get a good tax advisor and financial planner. If you are not a collector and these are just "things", it is better to spread the cards (and risk of something happening to them) around the hobby than it is to hold onto them in hopes they will increase in value. To use a couple of cliches, "it is better to have a bird in hand than two in the bush" and "you never know what tomorrow will bring". I mean, all you have to do is read your OWN description of how you acquired them; they were THROWN AWAY and you went to the dump and retrieved them. <br /><br />Just my two cents.<br /><br />David

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Posted By: <b>Bill Stone</b><p>Sky --you indicated in an earlier post that you recently inherited these cards ---I am just curious --how did the Probate Court value the cards ? Was there an Estate or Inheritance tax issue ? Maybe the Judge or one of the attorneys could jump in here with an explanation of how an inheritance of this size could pass without some tax consequences or considerations. In any event get a good lawyer and good luck !!!!!

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Posted By: <b>James Feagin</b><p>I encourage you to evaluate all of your options on an auction house before committing to the popular choices stated here. Nevertheless, since you don't have an e-mail address handy, we encourage you to go to www.hugginsandscott.com, call us, and we would like to discuss your items for our upcoming October 17-18th auction. Since REA and Sloate (two very good auction houses, btw) have been mentioned so often here, we would like to offer a further option if you so choose.<br /><br />James

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Posted By: <b>skydash55</b><p>Sky --you indicated in an earlier post that you recently inherited these cards ---I am just curious --how did the Probate Court value the cards ? Was there an Estate or Inheritance tax issue ? Maybe the Judge or one of the attorneys could jump in here with an explanation of how an inheritance of this size could pass without some tax consequences or considerations. In any event get a good lawyer and good luck !!!!!<br /><br />I will neither confirm nor deny that I inherited these cards....<img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

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Posted By: <b>Bill Stone</b><p>Ha ha --by that response I see you have already talked to a lawyer !! Be sure and tell her/him that in the the earlier thread( how to find an honest appraiser) on August 7 you wrote " I just inherited approx. 1200 206..." <br />Seriously, congratulations on the cards and enjoy them as much as we are vicariously sharing the thrill.

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Posted By: <b>Pcelli60</b><p>Relics, holy grails, and nothing this poor boy can afford.. I hope you do a little good with all that money thats about to come your way.

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Posted By: <b>skydash55</b><p>Relics, holy grails, and nothing this poor boy can afford.. I hope you do a little good with all that money thats about to come your way.<br /><br /> I never said I was going to sell them.......just wanted to get some info on what they may be worth....

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Posted By: <b>skydash55</b><p>"somone rushing your 737 cockpit door if I could compare it for you.........."<br /><br />Oh....I've got a little something for anyone who does that...Google "FFDO"<br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Andy Broome</b><p><br />We would love to tell your story and show your pictures in Beckett Baseball Monthly and on our site. <br /><br />Please contact me at: abroome@beckett.com<br />We will keep your name and info confidential if you like.<br /><br />Andy Broome<br />Beckett Media<br />www.beckett.com<br />

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Posted By: <b>Eric</b><p>Federal Flight Deck Officers<br /><br />Nice! I had to look it up <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

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Posted By: <b>JimB</b><p>I may have mis-read Shane's statement (or it was not too clear). Sure some auction house would probably take this for 0% and <i>maybe</i> -3% out of a 20% Buyers Premium. I have gotten 0% myself and offered even better for cards I decided not to sell. By the way, it is not exactly true that the cost for auctioning a T206 Wagner is the same as an unopened 1976 Topps box. If the Wagner gets 2pages in the auction, and the wax packs get 1/8 page, then it is not the same cost.<br />JimB

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Posted By: <b>Jeremy W.</b><p>Just curious, are you a basebal fan?

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Posted By: <b>Jim VB</b><p>"I will neither confirm nor deny that I inherited these cards...."<br /><br /><br />I think what he meant to say was that his father-in-law has been "gifting" about $10,000 worth of cards annually, to each Sky and his wife, for... let's say... each of the last 50 years. <br /><br />That, plus the current Estate Tax Exemption, should cover them just fine. <br />

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Posted By: <b>skydash55</b><p>Just curious, are you a basebal fan? <br /><br />Grew up watching the Cubs...Saw Ron Santo hit a homerun at Wrigley,moved to SC,became a long suffering Braves Fan(saw Bob Horner,Dale Murphy play at FCS) Played LLBB...So,yea....pretty much all my life.I don't think I'd have had the kahunnas to make my origional post if I was not a Baseball fan.

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Posted By: <b>Rob Fouch</b><p>Hi, skydash. Congratulations on this tremendous find. I've been pestering everyone I work with -- none of whom have much interest in baseball cards -- telling your story and even they found it exciting. <br />Anyway, I hope if and when you decide to sell, and the cards are in safe hands, and you feel it's OK to share information, that you'll give us a breakdown of what your wife's great-grandfather had. (Great-grandfather, right?)<br /><br />I just find it fascinating that someone could put together such a remarkable collection sort of under the radar. I guess it was a different time when he was assembling his collection. No ebay, or big-time auctions, etc. Probably a much lonelier pursuit than it is today.<br /><br />By the way, you're a pilot? My wife's 23-year-old son just finished up flight school and is now a first officer for ExpressJet, a division of Continental. He flies the mid-size jets. You fly the big boys, right? Very cool. <br /><br />Good luck with whatever you decide to do with the collection. It's been a blast reading about the cards. Keep us updated on what's happening.<br /><br />Rob Fouch<br />

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Posted By: <b>skydash55</b><p>By the way, you're a pilot? My wife's 23-year-old son just finished up flight school and is now a first officer for ExpressJet, a division of Continental. He flies the mid-size jets. You fly the big boys, right? Very cool. <br />Yea Rob.....737's.Beats working for a living,which is what your wife's son is now doing...alot. Yes......all things will come out one of these days,and it truly is amazing how all of this came together.

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Posted By: <b>Rob Fouch</b><p>Yeah, he's been working his tail off. But he absolutely loves it, so he's certainly lucky in that regard. I never knew how much went in to becoming a commercial pilot. They really weed out the idiots. Thank God, I suppose. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

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Posted By: <b>skydash55</b><p>Yeah, he's been working his tail off. But he absolutely loves it, so he's certainly lucky in that regard. I never knew how much went in to becoming a commercial pilot. They really weed out the idiots. Thank God, I suppose. <br /><br />They really weed out the idiots huh?? You ain't met me pal. I'm dumber than a bucket of hair. Every time I pass a checkride I say "HA!! fooled 'em again"!!

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Posted By: <b>Dave F</b><p>Ha ha skydash.....as long as your not flying in or out of Hartsfield International! <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

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Posted By: <b>Jeremy W.</b><p>I'd advise you to pick out atleast one card to keep as a family heirloom. Auction the rest..or keep them. With all the great advice you've gotten here, I'm sure you'll be alright.

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Posted By: <b>Bob</b><p>There's going to be some major tax implications here. My first suggestion is to consult is a good probate attorney in your area. I just read that the guy who caught Bonds' 756th is facing huge tax liability even if he hangs on to the ball. I know the two situations are different but the frigging tax guys get you coming and going.

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Posted By: <b>Marc</b><p>Speaking of taxes, that is why I would have NEVER made this collection public. That way uncle sam would never know about it. As soon as Skydash gets these cards graded, he will probably be forced to sell them. And honestly, that is a crime in my book by the government. If I were Skydash, I would only get them graded if I was going to sell them. Otherwise, I would buy the best fireproof safe I could find, quit posting on this board about them and just disappear.

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Posted By: <b>Dave F</b><p>Guys, I think Skydash has plenty of time to decide what he wants to do with these cards if anything. I know I've seen mention of "if your needing the money" type deal...but, if he is flying 737's he's not hurting for money to begin with.

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Posted By: <b>Joann</b><p>OK - not sure if I have this right on taxes, but here goes.<br /><br />Assume that the personal estate tax exemption - $2mm in 2007 - will cover all or most of the value of the cards, so estate tax is minimal.<br /><br />Sky now takes these on the stepped-up basis - meaning that it is as if he bought them this year and paid current value. So if he sells them this year, or within a reasonably short time, he would only pay taxes on the increase in value from the time he came into possession until the time he sold/sell them (if he does). So taxes on a sale would be far lower than if he had to pay taxes on the face value of a sale.<br /><br />Am I missing something here? If the estate tax is minimal because of the personal exemption (I know - big assumption there), and he takes on stepped-up basis, it seems to me that there may not be huge tax implications. The only X factor is the South Carolina estate tax law.<br /><br />At any rate sky - see a tax lawyer, but it might not be all that bad. <br /><br />OK guys. Go ahead and ring in with any and all holes in the analysis above.<br /><br />J

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Posted By: <b>PAS</b><p>Not my specialty either but I would think for an estate tax exemption to be applicable, there would need to be a specific bequest. Do we know there was one here?

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Posted By: <b>Frank Wakefield</b><p>I think that the sale of a ball card results in plain old ordinary income. <br /><br />That would not be true if it is a business, that keeps inventory, and buys and sells stock (as in cards, not shares). <br /><br />For individuals, basis applies to real estate, stocks.... a baseball card is not an investment, notwithstanding folks who want it to be one.

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Posted By: <b>Peter Spaeth</b><p>Whether capital gains or ordinary income (and on that front I believe in certain circumstances sales of collectibles are treated as capital gains), if I buy a card for $100 and sell it for $110, I can't see how the calculation of my "income" would not take into account my cost basis. Otherwise, I could sell a card at a huge loss and still have income if my basis were irrelevant.

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Posted By: <b>Frank Wakefield</b><p>And I agree with your thinking. That is how it should be.<br /><br />But my understanding of the IRC is that the IRS looks at proceeds from the sale of a baseball card differently.

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Posted By: <b>Steve Murray</b><p>If I inherit a chair that my Dad bought in 1960 for $100.00 and at the time of his death is worth $500.00 do I get a stepped up basis so when I sell the chair for $500.00 a month later I have no realizable gain and no income to report? Or does it even matter what Dad paid? Do I just have $500.00 in ordinary income?

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Posted By: <b>Frank Wakefield</b><p>Laws of each state are different.<br /><br />I think the thing to do would be to have the estate sell the chair, if you want it sold.

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Posted By: <b>dstudeba</b><p>I am assuming that Skydash inherited these cards from his Father in Law's estate. That being the case the only problem he has is that I think his Father in Law passed a while ago. He will owe takes on the increase in value since the death. His cost basis is the value at the date of death, since as Joann mentioned he will get the stepped up basis and it is more than likely that the whole Estate came under the exemption (currently 2MM). (even if the estate was larger, it would be the Estate's responsibility to pay the taxes, not skydash's) When/if he does sell the cards, he will be on the hook for collectibles tax which is a higher rate then normal capital gains.<br /><br />Skydash - If I were you I would spend some time getting 2-3 appraisals of what the cards were at the time of your father in law's death. These should be from reputable people in the industry. You will take the highest valuation, and make sure that you are comfortable with that person in case the IRS comes knocking.<br /><br />disclaimer : I am not an attorney and this should not be taken as professional legal advice, please check with your attorney before doing anything.

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Posted By: <b>dstudeba</b><p>Steve - For federal tax purposes you have no gain.<br /><br />Frank - do you know of any States where there would be a gain?

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Posted By: <b>Frank Wakefield</b><p>Some states have inheritance taxes. The feds tax the estate, states tax the inheritance.<br /><br />Basis is not automatically the value at the time of death, as stated above. IF the cards were included in the estate at that value, then you'd have that basis. IF the cards weren't scheduled in the estate at that value, then you wouldn't. <br /><br />And with that I'm done with any attempt to explain it. Folks keep wanting to say what makes sense or what they think is fair... and common sense really didn't permeate the Internal Revenue Code, so an expectation of fairness and common sense leads to disappointment.

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Posted By: <b>dstudeba</b><p>Thanks for the clarification Frank. I completely agree that it would have had to go through the estate, that is why I mentioned in my first sentence that I was assuming that the cards were part of the inheritance, as opposed to a gift. I should have also mentioned I was only refferring to Federal Taxes.

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Posted By: <b>boxingcardman</b><p>To add the cards at FMV as of date of death. Then you get a stepped up basis. If the estate doesn't tip over the personal exemption level with the addition, the estate has no tax and the heir has a stepped up basis that will soak up most of the gross on sale.

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Posted By: <b>skydash55</b><p>"stock or something as they have prices on most, if not all, of them. Obviously, the prices at least on the Thorpe and Jackson are WOEFULLY incorrect. Neat stuff......."<br /><br />Actually,my Father in law put these prices on the cards about 10 yrs. ago. I guess he got the figures from some price reference guide at the time....<br />

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Posted By: <b>Brian</b><p>Sorry for the bump, but the search feature here stinks.

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Posted By: <b>Chad</b><p>My great, great uncle was a collector and my family was lucky enough to find an album with several Colgan Mint Chips E270 included in my granparents attic. Anyway, we have about 50 of the circular cards, most in prestine condition. We have a Jackson (excellent condition but with a very small amount of tape on the back), Cobb, Thorpe, Baker, Speaker, Evers, Wagner, etc., etc. Would you recommend having them graded by PSA or another professional grader? Also, what about an auction source? I can take a digital photo of the Jackson if you would like to see it. Thanks in advance for any advice you may have.

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Posted By: <b>Frank Wakefield</b><p>Chad, post your email, please sir, or email me.<br /><br />Thanks.

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Posted By: <b>Chad</b><p>Wow! I guess then that I have really hit the jackpot, because I have about 50 of the Tin Top E270 cards, including a Jackson, Thorpe, Cobb, Wagner, Evers, Wheat, Baker, Speaker, etc., etc. Most are loosely taped to a scrapbook (except for the Jackson, Baker and about five commons, which came loose) but are in otherwise prestine condition. Any advice in terms of how we should go about removing them from the book? Also, who would you use to have them professionally graded?

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Posted By: <b>Gilbert Maines</b><p>Chad,<br />If what you have posted here is true, you are in the danger zone - what you do next can have a very significant effect on the value of the Colgans. If this is a joke, thank you. It was hilarious?<br /><br />If you actually have the Colgans in the situation which you describe, I recommend that you do nothing until you obtain and understand the advice which will be offered.

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>If you really do have these cards and they are taped in an album, you need a professional paper conservator to remove them. If you try it yourself you will damage them.

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Posted By: <b>BcD</b><p>on the same card by chance!<br /><br /><br><br>BcD <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

[FUBAR]

What ever became of this collection??

[jeffmohler]

The Skydash collection was auctioned off by Mastro a couple of years ago. As I recall, the prices, while good, were not off the charts. The opinion of the board at that time seemed to be that the rarity of the items hurt the value - not that many people collect Tin Tops because of the difficulty of finding them.

BTW, SGC slabbed the cards with the name "Skydash Collection". Once in a while you will see one pop up on Ebay.

Jeff

[Rob D.]

There were two Lajoie Tin Tops in the find (I think). Here's the lesser-condition example: