Just picked up this Mantle
 

I just picked this one up and could not be happier with it. Shelly thanks for the good advise on Mantles you have given me over the years!!! My wife for some reason wasnt as thrilled about the purchase:confused::p.. She wasnt as geeked up about me buying this as I was for sure...haha Pretty sure she will get over it:D Her comment was "Why would anyone care about that style of signature as opposed to the styles you have already?" Who is Vivian? LOL

Awesome pick up Michael! What would you date it to? I figure mid-50's, but not as good on pinpointing in that frame...

Im not the greatest either at dating, but Shelly told me he thought it was a 51 or 52. I always liked that era Mantle auto!!

This is my favorite Mantle style - 1953-54, leaning toward 1954. I hate disagreeing with Shelly, but that loop on the 'Mickey' 'M' pushes it past those earlier dates.

And thats fine I have just always wanted a vintage rookie era Mantle. I really enjoy this one!! The Ball is in great shape for being almost 70 years old and is just a shade off of new ball white. What about the Flair at the top of the Mantle M? It is faded liked the pen skipped does that help any with dating it?

I think this one will be hard (but fun ) to try to pinpoint. Here is a 51 Mantle m I have seen many others like it so I will do my research like you taught me years ago Scott and by the way thanks for that!!!

Another 51/52 autograph so Im sure he signed this way for a few years

There are some subtle differences. I have some good exemplars I will send you at some point, but I don't want to go over all the details here - it will just invite a battle.

please send sometime..looking forward to it.

Mike, I only collect Mantles from before 1956, aiming for as early as possible. I've bought a few 1955-ish ones that I thought were older, but then when they arrived and I looked closely I realized that they were just great examples of late 1950's that had a bit of the early 1950's appeal.

Your ball is fabulous - just hope it's a place-holder for an equally nice "to Mike" one.

I have this one so I am happy!!!

I forgot!

But your new nickname is 'Vivian'

Michael Vivian...hmmmhas a good ring to it!!! Thanks Scott!!!!