March pick-ups!!
 

Hey all,

I can't believe I'm actually starting this thread!!! I guess I was just so excited by my most recent reference purchase that I had to pull the trigger.

I won this baby off of a Legendary eBay auction a day or two ago:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ler/s01055.jpg

The image is of Hank Greenberg before the top of the 4th inning during the 5th game of the 1940 World Series. He had hit a three-run homer into deep left field about ten minutes prior.

This was actually the original 4"x5" negative of a photo I fell in love with a while back. I think the first time I saw it was in Ken Burns' documentary, but I had never been able to track down a copy of any sorts. The image of any ballplayer tipping his cap to the crowd is just too Rockwellian for me to pass up!

Now, I'm hoping that the actual negative isn't as over-exposed as the scan, as I've seen the following Type 1 in one of Henry Yee's auctions:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...rg1940nice.jpg

I guess we'll see when it arrives! And 'yes', this will be a painting for darn sure.

Now, let's see yours!!

Graig

I was lucky enough to get to a few games at Tiger Stadium. Pictures like that really make me miss it. There was nothing like hearing the crack of the bat in that place when the stands were near-empty.

Here's one of my latest acquisitions, a souvenir knife from the 1914 World Series. The Braves are on the other side. I've always thought it was neat and it doesn't turn up too often, and lawdy it'd better not be a fake, I pray.

Not exactly a March pickup as I found this interesting plaque from Yankee Stadium on EBAY about a month ago...anyone ever seen something like this before?

Those markers were, I believe, set in the sidewalk around the Stadium.
If you ever decide to sell, please let me know!

Thanks very much for the info, David. I really appreciate it.

Frank

Graig...
That Greenberg image is a stunner. Cannot wait to see ther impending masterpiece!

Joseph...
No worries on the A's/Braves Knife (it's real). I was watching that one for a long time, and had my finger on the trigger a couple of times. Never quite pulled it, so I am glad it went to a good home!


I was able to acquire this epic statue from Hunt's over the weekend.... it a genuine Muller Batter from 1868. One of the first baseball statues ever created, and a super rare piece. Being a collector of this figural stuff (and as rarely as these come along) I was praying to land either this one or the Pitcher, which I believe to be even more scarce. Apparently the participating bidders thought so too!

Some interesting prices realized at Hunts... some were very high, but lots of great deals as well. I know the dreadful weather probably kept some potential live bidders away. Any other Hunt winners- please post!

Picked up this original cartoon from the February 10, 1911 Philadelphia Inquirer

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2752/...44ec39cd_o.jpg

from the ebay description

PRINT SIZE APPROX. 13" BY 17 1/4" DONE ON A HEAVY CARDBOARD. OVERALL WITH FRAME 15 1/4" BY 20"
Players and others featured include: CHIEF BENDER- HALL OF FAME PITCHER, AMOS STRUNK-OUTFIELDER, EDDIE GLENNON-MANAGER, PAT CLEARY & BILLY KLINK. Central Personage is CHARLES "CHARLIE" KAIER, founder of Kaier's Brewery in MAHANOY CITY, PA. Leading sponser of reception for Connie Mack. Signed by H. A. NASIUM, MAHANOY CITY.

Nice shootin on the Muller statue Mark! It doesn't get much better than that.

Here is an early postcard from the Hall of Fame which shows the statues prominently displayed on the fireplace mantle.

Very cool photo Brock. Interesting to see them on display "back in the day".
I wonder what they cost "new"
Thanks for posting!

1961 Photo Pennant
 

Picked this up...not sure if I overpaid at $140 or not, but I love the content and the condition.
Ben

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/a...KSPENNANT1.jpg
http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/a...KSPENNANT2.jpg
http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/a...KSPENNANT3.jpg
http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/a...KSPENNANT4.jpg
http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/a...KSPENNANT5.jpg

Hi Graig...

I have this photo of a young Willie Mays tipping his cap at a spring training game before the 1954 season. I thought you might enjoy seeing it.

Robert >>

Ben, That is a very nice piece for obvious reasons. The condition appears exceptional and that was a solid purchase at that price point. You did well...congrats.

Just received this and it looks great on the wall.

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...BLfeefvunw.jpg

Good thing I don't smoke...
 

A splendid trio of high-grade glass ashtrays circa 1950's.

Attachment 15121Attachment 15122Attachment 15123

You're right, Robbie - I definitely want to see it!!

I just really love those kinds of shots. I feel like curtain calls are a dime a dozen these days, and for whatever reason, it just takes some of the poignancy away from the gesture.

And of course, back in the day, you'd see people like Ruth and Gehrig cross the plate after a home run, and tip their caps and smile to the crowd on the way back to the dugout. It's almost like they relished in the applause, and that they were so appreciative of the fans. I feel like you just don't see that kind of interaction nowadays. Then again, most ballparks are blasting music and fireworks after a home run, so I wouldn't be surprised if all of the screaming and cheering becomes inaudible.

I guess I just long for the days when these ballplayers seemed human and accessible. I just hope I'm not alone...

Picked up this Phillies pennant.

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/t...otos/fi104.jpg

Nice pickup, Chris. That is a tough variation, and looks to be in fine condition.

March Pickups
 

Picked up this beautiful fringed Yankees pennant from fellow board member Mike H. off of the B/S/T. Friendly negotiations and flawless transaction. Not sure whether this is from the 1930's or 1955. In his pennant book, Mike Egner pictures a very similar fringed pennant with a 1955 date. There is also a similar 1930's pennant listed, but without the fringe. In either case, it is a great pennant.

That pennant is a real beauty Joe. Congrats.

Graig...

You are definitely not alone. Much of the sincere human touch has left the game.

Robert >>

The Yankees Champs Pennant is a 1950s issue. It's a beauty... the only other pennant (I am aware of) with a fringe like that is the fantastic 1955 World Series Pennant.

Congrats on a great acquisition... just another example of how the B/S/T cannot be beat!

This pickup could also be posted in the "my most prized possesion" thread...
 

I love this March pickup! My wife and I went on our very 1st date on August 18, 1989. Even though I'm originally from So Cal, I met my wife in the midwest. When we first got to know each other, it turned out that we both had a great love of baseball. Knowing that she was a die-hard Tigers fan, I thought that flying out to take her to a Tigers game was a great way to begin things when I first asked her out. On August 18th the home town Tigers stomped the visiting Yanks, and needless to say we had a great time. My biggest regret was that I never saved the tickets to this game. For years I have been searching for a replacement ticket stub. Through pure seredipity I stumbled on to the actual Tigers dugout card to this game (in HOF Sparky Anderson's hand) about a week ago. The cost- $17 delivered; the value-priceless! I plan on framing this with a plaque that is inscribed "Baby, this is where it all began..." I will be on giving this to her as one of her presents for our 20th wedding anniversary in May of this year.
Corny, but I love it!

What an incredible story Scott! Can't wait to hear her reaction. I would imagine tears will be involved...

Jimmy,
I'll keep you posted.........

Corny yes, but Priceless YES even more. Great idea Scott and I'm sure she will appreciate it. Best Wishes on many more years of happiness in your marriage.

Thanks Scott! I can't believe how fast the 1st 20 years went...

Scott, that's a great story and a great pickup. That's also one of the weakest Yankees lineups I've ever seen with Mel Hall batting cleanup ...

Chris,
You are right, that was a pretty weak Yankees lineup. I remember that the Tigers went off on Yanks pitching, homering 5 times in the game. I looked it up and Lemon, Schu, ward, K. Williams and Bergman all homered for the Tigs. We were sitting in row 1 on the railing on the first base line right next to the Yankees bullpen. I still remember Goose Gossage coming in to eat up some innnings in relief. He was great to watch up close. It seemed to me that he was really bringing it. The sound of his fastball hitting the catchers mitt sounded like a gunshot. Whack!! Whack!! Good times!

1974 McDonalds Fotoball
 

Got this fotorrific fotoball from forum member bobbvc. Many thanks and glad to own one!

Don't have it in hand yet, but it seems interesting:

Rob I am wondering if the Cleveland City Council had a regular game each year with the Detroit Police and Cleveland Police. Check out the ball below and you will see why I think this is possible. Sept. 5, 1889 is there anything on the back? Thanks! D.

Picked up this Vander Meer photo/auto from a friend, fits nicely with my Reds collection.
RC
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...VanderMeer.jpg

cleveland city counsil pin
 

these are solid steel printers blocks from the turn of the century. the one all the way on the left is the block of the baseball scene on the pin.

1913 cravat
 

Won this last week but have not received it yet.

I'll give you a better description after I have the pin in hand.

Significant 1954 Letter Regarding Roberto Clemente
 

At the age of 18, Clemente attended a tryout camp conducted by Brooklyn Dodgers scout and future general manager Al Campanis. Among 70 players, Clemente stood out. "He was the best free-agent athlete I have ever seen," Campanis recalled.

After playing with Santurce in the Puerto Rican winter league, Clemente signed with the Dodgers for a $10,000 bonus and a $5,000 salary. He played in 1954 with the Dodgers' Montreal farm club. But when Brooklyn didn't protect him on its roster, the Pirates selected Clemente as the first selection of the rookie draft that took place on November 22, 1954.

On November 23, 1954 Mr. Harold G. Roettger, assistant to the President of the Pirates sent this letter to Mr. Phillip Piton, Ass't to Pres. on the NAPBL.


Attachment 15333

The response from the NAPBL...

Attachment 15334

Being a huge lifetime Clemente fan, I consider this one of the most important finds I've made

GREAT find Jimmy, Id kill for that one..haha. One of the three guys IMO who really changed Baseball, along w Babe and of course Jackie.

Jimmy,

Sweet pick up. I just love this sight, I learn something new everyday. I never knew Clemente played for the '54 Dodger's farm team. Congratulations!

Clemente letter
 

Great find there Jimmy! Congrats on your pickup!

dude
 

---------------------
Now this is sweet! Good show!

HR Baker photo
 

A Type Something or Someother
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s...Bakerphoto.jpg

19th Century Items
 

Picked up a couple of a interesting late 1800's paper items - 1893 issue of "The Reliable Book of Outdoor Games" by Henry Chadwick and an 1899 hanging Base Ball ticket from an unknown (town?) game.

Thanks goes out to Scott, Anthony, Scott G. and Ben for their nice comments regarding the 1954 Clemente Letter. Much appreciated.

Best, Jimmy

Nice photo Jeff!

Thanks. Wouldn't you love to have one of those sweaters?

Very happy with this find. Branch Rickey Official League ball signed by 12 members of the 1932 Cardinals. Frisch, Watkins, Wares, Street, Hallahan, Flowers, Stout, Bottomley, Collins, Gelbert, Gonzalez and Holm. My first Rickey Ball - would love to find out more about the ball itself.

How do they enforce the 36 Inning guarantee?:p

Seriously, great ball. Once again, this hobby is the greatest, and its so cool seeing all the different things people collect/desire.

I'm not a Cardinals fan, just loved this when I saw it on the bay. Dont have it yet, but heres a picture:

I am a Cardinals fan and I wouls say so was the person who had this attached to their vehicle. Nice piece!

Yeah, story I got was the guys Grandfather had it nailed to his shed for years, thus the wear and small hole in center. I have no reason to doubt that story. Cant wait to get this!

A first for the collection...
 

a batting pose of my cousin...nice wire photo from 1938.

That's a beautiful photo Jason!
 

Congrats on finding it. Which one is he?

Best, Jimmy

Jimmy,
 

My cousin is the one holding the bat in that photo.:D
His name is Lee Handley
I was very excited to find this one, as it is the first one I've ever seen where he's depicted in game action!

I had that one figured out Jason :rolleyes:

I had remembered that there were two cousins and the reason I asked was this...

Attachment 15437

I found this one a few days ago while going through a 1993 set of Charles Conlon cards and wanted to make sure it was your cousin.

So if you don't already have it, and would like it, just PM me your address and I will send it along.

Best, Jimmy

March Pickups
 

Picked up this Cubs memorabilia at an antique show this weekend. 1932 program vs Giants along with two ticket stubs. Also included was this very nice 1933 Cubs Picture Pack along with the mailing envelope. The set is complete and includes 23 players and 7 non-playing personnel along with Rogers Hornsby, even though he had been released by the Cubs the year before. His picture is similar in format to the other non-playing members of the club that were included in the issue. Hornsby was not included in the checklist in the 2004 Standard Catalog for the 1932 or 33 Cubs Picture Pack. I don't know if he has since been added.

Reverse of Lee Handley photo...
 

What can the reverse of my recently acquired photo tell you about it?
any thoughts? thanks in advance!

Sometimes you're pleasantly surprised with an eBay purchase.

Last week I posted the first photo below, which was from the seller's listing. For whatever reason, I assumed the diameter of the pinback would be 1 1/4 inch or so (the seller didn't mention the size). I didn't even bother to ask for a scan of the reverse. The pin, even though it's Cleveland related, didn't wow me, so I wasn't all that agggressive with my bid and didn't care much about the details.

The pin arrived today, and surprise No. 1 was the size, just more than 2 inches in diameter. So that was nice. But then I flipped it over and was thrilled to see that the reverse features a photo of Louis Sockalexis! OK, so the photo actually is more likely of some Cleveland city councilman. But it still adds something -- not necessarily value, but maybe a little character -- to the pin.

Rob, I'd ask Ryan about that photo before you just dismiss it as some Cleveland City Councilman....it's very likely that that is Joe Jackson. :D

Posted on the Red Sox thread with nary a murmur, so reposting here

The irony of Ted Williams, sportswriter, should not be lost upon us

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2723/...82bd66bd_o.jpg

x

Super rare High-top Umpire's Cleats from the teens... with rigid protective flaps and steel enforced toes, to protect against foul balls :eek:

Umpire Cleats
 

Those are very interesting Mark - Never seen that reinforced style before. Nice pick up. Curious, what indictaes they are from the teens? Those spike cleats look more recent and different than the typical cleat or shoe plates I've seen from that era (but I'm not really very familair with shoes/cleats).

Nice pick-up, Mark. You don't see wardrobe from The Munsters turn up very often.

Joe:
The 'teens assumption is based on the style of shoe, and the fact that they were acquired along with other very specific equipment of this time frame. In this grouping was a Spalding Catchers Mask, D&M Apron-style Chest Protector, and Goldsmith Reeded Shin Guards... all very specific to the teens.

The equipment was all stuff that's pictured in Sporting Catalogies form the 1910s. Mostly Catchers' stuff, but I believe these to be Umpires Shoes, due to the style of cleat... different than the players' spikes of the era. If anyone else can provide further insight, please chime in...


Rob:
Herman Munster game-used stuff is off the charts. The episode with Leo Durocher is still my favorite. But due to the age and small size (around a size 9), I only believe these to be Herman's Little League shoes. I'm obtaining an LOA from Lou Lampson, to that effect. If they come back as "not authentic", Darn Darn Darn Darn Darn!

1923 Goudey Gum Co. Stock Owned by EG Goudey
 

Here are some photos of the 1923 Goudey Gum Co. Stock Certificate (owned by EG Goudey himself!) that I picked up from forum member jross2. Features multiple signatures (including EG Goudey & Harold DeLong) on the front and back of the stock certificate and transfer sheet. Really love this one!

This finally arrived. 14" tall with D&M stamping. I am really impressed with the detail on such a small figural!

Great acquisition, Ricky...

I was watching that one closely, and am happy that you got it!

That detailed little Catcher is rare, but he does get around. I have an early Ashtray with the same figural Catcher. I was lucky enough to obtain it from Glenn Davis before he passed away. He said it was always one of his favorites. I'll post it later when I'm actually awake...

In the mean time, below are two previous Hunt Auctions to feature your Catcher Figural. Two different types of Inkwells... both quite valuable. I would say you did quite well ;)

http://www.huntauctions.com/LIVE/ima...=949&lot_qual=

http://www.huntauctions.com/LIVE/ima...=188&lot_qual=

1940s "Coloroto" clippings
 

Here's my latest acquisition in the category of "It looks really cool but isn't worth much." These colorful images were clipped from issues of the Sunday News in the 1940s. They beautifully capture baseball in the WWII era. I've posted a link if you'd like to see more ...

http://imageevent.com/ccmcnutt/1940s...ndaynewsphotos

My blog: http://minnieminoso.blogspot.com/

These are two of the finest pieces of china I've seen and certainly the most detailed and scarcest I own. I love the detail. They are Villeroy and Boch circa 1880s. I just love em!

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q304/mjkm90/002.jpg

Those are so beautiful, Mike...

If Hunts would have given them that kind of close-up photo, they might have sold for double what they did. That detail is just amazing.

Congrats on a terrific acquisition of some extremely scarce and gorgeous items. It will be a very long time before any other examples show up!

Ricky...

Here's the Ashtray I mentioned earlier with the same figural Catcher...

Get your smokes!
 

Nice Mark. Here's mine.

George Gibson photo with autograph
 

Here is a scan of my George Gibson photo that I had framed with his autograph. The autograph is on a Sporting News letter giving that publication permission to use his signature in the Baseball Register.


Patrick

A Bunch of 19th century pickups
 

Great pickups guys. I have had a great couple of weeks at picking up some 19th century pieces, mostly football related.

First off, I picked up a Victor patent 1891 Batwing Noseguard. While Batwing noseguards are rare in their own right, I believe this one is even rarer than the standard batwing noseguards. The regular bat wing noseguard has the general shape of a regular noseguard with the cheek protector jutting out at each side. The one I picked up has the neckband at bottom, and has no forehead piece. I wasn't sure what to make of this, until I was perusing the Antique Sports Uniforms and Equipment book (which is an awesome book by the way and highly recommend it) --> In the football section, they show a page from a circa 1900 Victor sports catalog. In the page, they show a Victor Bat wing nosemask No. 535, which looks like the regular shaped batwing, then below it the list: Victor Face Mask No 535B, and list the following description:
"Similar to shape of the No 535, but has longer chin piece and no forehead rest. This mask is more intended for the end's use, having band around neck instead of head, it may be dropped away by simply relaxing pressure of the teeth, when it will hang until required for use again. Victor Quality Throughout"
This exactly matched the nosemask I just picked up, and I can't imagine this was a very popular item, given that the only thing that kept it on your face was by clenching it with your teeth! The noseguard came from an estate in Alliance Ohio area along with a photograph of a player shown with it around his neck.

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/p...ithregular.jpg
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/p...n/Batwing4.jpg
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/p...tWingPhoto.jpg

Neck, I picked up a group of 11 1890's silk college flags. I have bid on a couple of these in the past, but have never seen a large group like this. Included in the group are: Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth, Cornell, Columbia, Vassar, NYU, Minnesota, a red flag with yellow O which I believe is Oberlin, a yellow flag with white T which I haven't identified yet, and an odd flag with a unicorn on it. If anyone has any ideas on the T flag and uniform flag, I would love to hear them.
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/p...Flaggroup2.jpg
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/p.../FlagGroup.jpg

I also picked up this awesome victorian scrapbook, that is packed with ephemera from Yale from about 1893 to 1896. It includes ticketstubs, tintypes, clipped scorecards, and much more. The scrapbook is filled with envelopes that contain little notes, clippings about the Yale footbal team, etc, and I haven't went through it in detail yet. One of the scorecards is of an 1893 game between Yale and the Brooklyn Grooms which featured Dan Brouthers, Hardy Richardson, etc.
My favorite items in the scrapbook is three tintypes of 3 ladies, 2 holding tennis rackets, with the other wearing a Yale Football sweater and toting a large melon shaped football. These were very loosely attached in the book, and these were the only thing I have removed at this point. One was actually loose when I received it.

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/p...skin/scr10.jpg
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/p...gskin/scr4.jpg
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/p...sbbaseball.jpg
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/p...FBTintypes.jpg

The last 19th century piece I picked up is a very large poster from Ogdensburg NY for an 1890 Horse Racing event. It is framed and measures 44 by 28 inches.

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/p...cingPoster.jpg

1865 Leslie's Illustrated Woodcut
 

Picked this one up in the recent B & L Auction. Since it was produced in 1865 and pictures Henry Chadwick on the far right at center, it marks one of the earliest possible Chadwick collectibles.

WOW Keith...

Those are some jaw-dropping pieces you picked up recently. I can't even imagine where you found those things, but they're truly stunning. That Batwing Noseguard is especially incredible.

Your posts always make me want to foray into football, but my wallet tells me to stay far away (and so far I've had the sense to listen and obey it).

Collecting one sport is more than damaging enough. But your posts are like the old cartoons, where the aroma of a fresh baked pie coaxes you over (in the form of an inviting finger) to try a bite. Irresistable stuff!

Keith - Fantastic pick ups. Love the noseguard and the wealth of various items in that scrapbook is incredbile. If you're ever looking to part with one of those tintypes, I'd be interested :). Where do you find all these items? You always seem to dig up an array of very interesting items.

pickups
 

Thanks guys,
All but the poster, were ebay pickups. The poster was acquired at an estate auction. I will send you an email about the tintypes later today.

Cubs Plate
 

<a href="http://s213.photobucket.com/albums/cc120/CarltonHendricks/?action=view&current=CubsPlate.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc120/CarltonHendricks/CubsPlate.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

9 1/2" diam.
Great stuff Keith...you're really cleaning up, good job. Above my little pick up I better hoist before March ends..Got on eBay, seller said it dates to 1949....but I dunno..can anyone here date it? I recently posted a Heisman dinner plate as my Sports Antique of the Week you can see here

<a href="http://s213.photobucket.com/albums/cc120/CarltonHendricks/?action=view&current=CubsLogo.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc120/CarltonHendricks/CubsLogo.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s213.photobucket.com/albums/cc120/CarltonHendricks/?action=view&current=Marking-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc120/CarltonHendricks/Marking-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Carlton - the cubs logo really did not take that form until 1979, and certainly did not look like that in the 1940's. The logo on the plate was used by the now defunct Chicago Athletic Club for quite a long time.

-----1949------------------------1979--