Posted By:
DJTed,
I can kind of relate to you as I dabble in the GU stuff (I own 30+ jerseys) and I love significant pieces that were used in memorable games.
I don't dabble much anymore because I don't like the "Steiner-fication" of the hobby and all the fraud.
a) What would you feel is a reasonable price for this piece?
If it was simply a Millar glove, the value would be around $500...less if he stayed a Marlin. But since it was used in a significant year and comes signed and has documentation, I would probably price this item out at $1,200 and maybe a tad more if it shows some nice wear. I think there would be more demand for his counterparts: Ortiz, Man, Schill, Damon, Foulke, Varitek...
b) How many different auto gloves from the WS are in existence?
Who knows. That's the beauty of the "new collecting world". I started a post in the GU Forum asking that question and it varies with teams. With something like the World Series, could you put it past Steiner to have several?
c) Do you feel an item like this would retain it's value?
The World Series was rather significant only in the point that it broke a long curse. The Series was rather forgettable, four and out. The playoffs were memorable though. Millar played little in the World Series if I remember. I think he started the first game and pinch hit for the rest.
A few months ago, Bill Buckner's 1986 game Seven glove appeared on eBay (not his sixth which Charlies Sheen auctioned off through Lelands) at a starting price of $1,995 and I think that glove is more significant than the Millar's and there were no takers at that starting price. I think as we get away from the year and perhaps the Red Sox win another, the value won't go down much, but perhaps the interest will in the general public.
Hope that helps a little...maybe the GU Forum will have more to say soon.
DJ