What is your best memorabilia pickup you added to your collection in 2013?

[scooter729]

I started a similar thread on the card side yesterday and it has been popular - I'd love to see the top item or items folks have added to their collections in 2013!

I'll start off with three:
- 1935 scroll signed by 180+ players - basically the whole American League!
- 1933 Yankees ball
- 1915 Red Sox leather

[mjkm90]

Great question and I'm glad you went with three. I'm going to do the same and pick one each from my top areas of collecting interest.

Display piece =1906 White Sox Championship mirror


Pennant=Oversized circa 1910 Cubs


Figural=1940s-1950s Tigers Bank


Pinbacks=1929 Cubs


Trophies

[Bugsy]

Tommy Gibbons fight worn gloves

[Bugsy]

1. Fan-Taz advertising sign
2. 1910 All Star fan
3. 1919 White Sox program and stub
4. 1940s St. Paul Saints game worn jersey

[CarltonHendricks]

Originally Posted by Bugsy

Tommy Gibbons fight worn gloves

Wow...I wonder if he wore those in the Dempsey fight...he went the full 15 rounds but lost by decision...

I can make out T.G...does it say "KO 6" also?...

Great P/U....how'd you land um?

[CarltonHendricks]

Originally Posted by Bugsy

1. Fan-Taz advertising sign
2. 1910 All Star fan
3. 1919 White Sox program and stub
4. 1940s St. Paul Saints game worn jersey

I've never seen that Fan Taz sign....looks like reverse painted glass....great piece...what are the dimensions?

[bobfreedman]

Cy Young Bain Photo
1916 Red Sox bain Photo
1910 Christy Mathewson 17" x 12" Presentation Photo

[perezfan]

Bob:
Great photos... More like Incredible!

Chris:
The Green All Stars Fan is so rare/so cool. Where did you track that one down? I've been looking for a decade or so, but this one just never turns up!

Congrats to all on some wonderful acquisitions!

[Scott Garner]

My congrats as well. Lots of terrific pick ups, guys!

Here are my 5 favorite memorabilia pickups in 2013:

1) Johnny Vander Meer circa 1938 pennant- Many thanks to net54's Chris Gamble

2) HOF Nolan Ryan major league debut full, unused ticket 9/11/66
This game marked the beginning of the amazing 27 year career of "The Ryan Express".
In his debut Nolan struck out his first 3 batters of 5,714K's, a record that is undoubtedly a "master lock" due to the specialized pitching of today.
For the record, Atlanta Braves pitcher Pat Jarvis was Nolan's 1st career K.

Tickets to Nolan's debut game are very scarce; full tickets are impossible to find.
This one is actually one of two known to exist and, IMHO, it's condition is the best of the two. It took me 40 years of collecting to find mine. Mission accomplished!

3) A terrific original photo of Vander Meer from his storied 1938 season with Crosley Field as the backdrop. Many thanks to net54's Rhys Yeakley for finding this one for me.

4) An original 1938 All Star print of Vander Meer and Feller.
Beyond scarce and it's condition is unbelievable for being 75 years old. A "picker" discovered two of these in an office building in OH that had been untouched for 35 years. The photo that immediately follows is the note that came with the prints that were sent to the former mayor of Defiance, OH.

5) 4 original snapshots from Johnny Vander Meer's historic 2nd consecutive no-hitter in 1938- The first Night Game at Ebbetts Field!
Definitely a holy grail for my collection!

[slidekellyslide]

Made some significant pickups this year in my Lincoln Chiefs collection...An away jersey, a slug of game used bats...and not pictured, but I also picked up 6 or 7 team signed Chiefs baseballs.

[matty39]

1. buffalo federal league program
2. alexander bf2 premium
3. red infield b18
4. ainsmith cravat 1913

[slidekellyslide]

Originally Posted by Bugsy

1. Fan-Taz advertising sign
2. 1910 All Star fan
3. 1919 White Sox program and stub
4. 1940s St. Paul Saints game worn jersey

Chris, that Fan-Taz sign is very cool...now you need to add the pinback and the syrup dispenser!

[3-2-count]

I have two:

1. Original Sweet Caporal large wooden shipping crate.





2. Circa 1907-09 original 1st generation 8 x 10 photograph showing a contest between the Tigers and Red Sox at Huntington Ave Grounds.
(The way a game should be viewed when attending)

[slidekellyslide]

Could you imagine a screaming foul ball in a game like that??

[3-2-count]

Originally Posted by slidekellyslide

Could you imagine a screaming foul ball in a game like that??

YIKES!!!! Look out!!!!

[khkco4bls]

Green bay cigar box, clarkson cigar box, and cochrane 12A Reach top of the line catchers glove.

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by 3-2-count

I have two:

1. Original Sweet Caporal large wooden shipping crate.





2. Circa 1907-09 original 1st generation 8 x 10 photograph showing a contest between the Tigers and Red Sox at Huntington Ave Grounds.
(The way a game should be viewed when attending)

Tony,

Awesome pickups. I especially love the photo. Wow!

[bcbgcbrcb]

Here are mine, including a complete 1923-24 Tomas Gutierrrez MLB album, much rarer than its Cuban League counterpart...........

[3-2-count]

Thank you Scott. Much appreciated.

[bobfreedman]

Chris, great pieces, I love the Fan Taz and the fan
Scott, great looking Cubs pennant
Phil, I have been the under bidder on that pin at different times several time.

[kdixon]

Here are a few of mine.

[h2oya311]

a couple of photo pick-ups this year...here are my favorites:

F. Lindstrom - 1924 Original Paul Thompson Photo (autographed):




S. Musial - 1942 Type I Press Photo - News Service:




R. Ashburn - 1944 Type I Press Photo - "Tilden, Nebr., catcher":




S. Paige - 1941 Original Photo - KC Monarch's Uniform (inscribed):

[aquarius31]

Cool thread with some reallly nice stuff! These are a few of my favorites of the year although a few others are up there as well.

[parker1b2]

Originally Posted by kdixon

Here are a few of mine.

Love the Zack Wheat piece!!!

[kdixon]

Thanks Jonathan.

[slidekellyslide]

Sweet Ashburn photo! There's a guy in town here who went to high school with him, he told me he would sell me his yearbook, but I haven't heard from him.

[h2oya311]

Originally Posted by slidekellyslide

Sweet Ashburn photo! There's a guy in town here who went to high school with him, he told me he would sell me his yearbook, but I haven't heard from him.

Thanks Dan! I picked it up w/ a huge lot of Philadelphia baseball player photos. Sometimes a little extra effort in reading the item descriptions at AHs pays off. Definitely one of my best "finds" of the year.

[packs]

My favorite pick up was this invitation with original envelope to the Una Base Ball Club's Calico Party held on February 6, 1868.




I also love this Lefty O'Doul signed line up card from a game between the Seals and Oaks on April 20, 1950:

[docpatlv]

Happy to add these two supplements in 2013.

[Bugsy]

Originally Posted by CarltonHendricks

Wow...I wonder if he wore those in the Dempsey fight...he went the full 15 rounds but lost by decision...

I can make out T.G...does it say "KO 6" also?...

Great P/U....how'd you land um?

Thanks Carlton! They came from a guy who had them in the family a few generations. His grandfather was a boxing promoter and was given the gloves from Gibbons himself. A story of provenance like that is always nice, but it is hard just buying a story, so they were also authenticated by Craig Hamilton.

It looks like they were used for a fight against Dan O'Dowd in 1921.

[Bugsy]

Originally Posted by perezfan

Bob:
Great photos... More like Incredible!

Chris:
The Green All Stars Fan is so rare/so cool. Where did you track that one down? I've been looking for a decade or so, but this one just never turns up!

Congrats to all on some wonderful acquisitions!

Thanks! Yeah, the green fan is a really tough one. This one came via Love of the Game, but I know there are a few out there. Legendary sold one several years ago and I saw one at the National in Baltimore (I can't remember the asking price, but it seem well over market price).

[Bugsy]

Originally Posted by slidekellyslide

Chris, that Fan-Taz sign is very cool...now you need to add the pinback and the syrup dispenser!

Thanks Dan! The Fan-Taz dispenser is probably my grail item. One day...

And great score on the Lincoln jersey. I collect St. Paul Saints stuff, so I know how extremely tough it can be locating old minor league jerseys. That stuff just wasn't saved. That was a huge find!

[slidekellyslide]

Originally Posted by Bugsy

And great score on the Lincoln jersey. I collect St. Paul Saints stuff, so I know how extremely tough it can be locating old minor league jerseys. That stuff just wasn't saved. That was a huge find!

Yeah...I didn't think I'd ever find one...I was a little worried that this might not be Lincoln Chiefs when I first got it because I had never seen an away jersey, but thanks to Dick Stuart saving his clipping out of newspapers on the road in 1956 (And thanks to Mark and Andy Bowers for giving Dick Stuart's scrapbook to me many years ago) I was able to match it up and breathe a huge sigh of relief.

[Runscott]

Impossible to decide on just one. Looking at all the great stuff you guys have procured, I'll just sit back and watch.

[gnaz01]

Nvm

[Runscott]

Most of these were picked up in 2013

[horzverti]

Originally Posted by Runscott

Most of these were picked up in 2013

Awesome...the dog too!

[71buc]

My collection and I obviously reside in a much different neighborhood than Runscott. These are my favorite pieces of memorabilia added to my collection in 2013. The 1949 Type 1 photo that called into question the dating of the Jackie Robinson Bond Bread set was likely the highlight of my collecting year. It was also very cool to work with Shaun (CharlieBrown) on this and then see our efforts mentioned in the last REA catalog. Congratulations again on the new lady in your life Shaun. The other Type 1 photos are as follows: 1949 Iconic Stengel image, 1954 Willie Mays in Puerto Rico, Tom Seaver in the minors 1966, Hank Aaron being carried off the field following his 1957 pennant clinching homer, and Oscar Charleston with the Clowns in 1954. The nine foot pennant behind Lamont flew over the holy land of Three Rivers Stadium in 1970. I wanted that Roogie’s Bump movie poster for years. It was nice to land one. I finally picked up a Teddy Ballgame single signed ball. My oddest purchase of the year was Bob Moose’s Iron City Beer tie commemorating my beloved 1971 Bucs and their World Series Championship. I love baseball and it's history. Most of all I love the people it has introduced me to and the numerous moments in my life linked to it. 2013 was great for that. I gave a vital organ to my best friend in baseball and survived to see Cutch and the Bucs right the ship. The Pirates finally sailed into to Safeco. One of the games was played on my Dad’s 73th birthday and I got to treat him to Diamond Club seats. It was fitting that we saw the game together as he is the one who started this mess all those years ago. I hope your year was as memorable. Happy Holidays to you and yours.

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by 71buc

My collection and I obviously reside in a much different neighborhood than Runscott. These are my favorite pieces of memorabilia added to my collection in 2013. The 1949 Type 1 photo that called into question the dating of the Jackie Robinson Bond Bread set was likely the highlight of my collecting year. It was also very cool to work with Shaun (CharlieBrown) on this and then see our efforts mentioned in the last REA catalog. Congratulations again on the new lady in your life Shaun. The other Type 1 photos are as follows: 1949 Iconic Stengel image, 1954 Willie Mays in Puerto Rico, Tom Seaver in the minors 1966, Hank Aaron being carried off the field following his 1957 pennant clinching homer, and Oscar Charleston with the Clowns in 1954. The nine foot pennant behind Lamont flew over the holy land of Three Rivers Stadium in 1970. I wanted that Roogie’s Bump movie poster for years. It was nice to land one. I finally picked up a Teddy Ballgame single signed ball. My oddest purchase of the year was Bob Moose’s Iron City Beer tie commemorating my beloved 1971 Bucs and their World Series Championship. I love baseball and it's history. Most of all I love the people it has introduced me to and the numerous moments in my life linked to it. 2013 was great for that. I gave a vital organ to my best friend in baseball and survived to see Cutch and the Bucs right the ship. The Pirates finally sailed into to Safeco. One of the games was played on my Dad’s 73th birthday and I got to treat him to Diamond Club seats. It was fitting that we saw the game together as he is the one who started this mess all those years ago. I hope your year was as memorable. Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Mike,
You've had an amazing year all the way 'round.
Definitely one beyond compare when you include all of the things that occurred in 2013.

Happy holidays to you as well, Mike!

[benjulmag]

This is George Bird's 1871 contract with the Forest City of Rockford. 1871 was the inaugural season of the National Association, baseball's first professional league. Professional baseball did not formally begin until 1869 with the Cincinnati Red Stockings, so as far as baseball contracts go, this one represents professional baseball at its infancy.

[sicollector1954]

Corey--I am soooo jealous of your letter....an awesome piece....I collect vintage baseball memorabilia as well but what makes it worse is that I am and currently live in Rockford.....If you ever want to.........never mind!

[GKreindler]

Mike,

I LOVE that shot of Willie in Puerto Rico. The shadows meandering across the field make it soooo beautiful. I remember seeing it on eBay a few years back, b never pulled the trigger. I'm glad to see it in the collection of someone who will really appreciate it.

Well done!

Graig

[Lordstan]

2013 has been a pretty good year for me personally, professionally, and collecting wise. It seems many of us here have had good years as well. Congrats to everyone for so many greats pickups.

I hope 2014 is just as good for all of us.

Some of my favorites from this year

March 1924 Lou Gehrig. One of the earliest Gehrig photos as part of the Yankees.



April 1925 Gehrig. Another early one.



1934 Burke negative



Ty Cobb check




Honus Wagner check

[CarltonHendricks]

19 inches tall, Sculptor, Demetre Chiparus 1886-1947



I'm not exactly sure this is my favorite for the year but I’ll take a stab at this statue of a Hurdler I got in April. Antique sports sculpture is one of my favorite areas of collecting. I’m always fascinated to learn about it. I prefer American works but even if they’re European like this Hurdler, if it’s good quality I’m interested.



Speaking of which, not that it has anything to do with this post…just a few days ago I came across a photo of the full version of the “First Baseman” bronze by Oronzo Cosentino. Until I saw the photo above I only knew of the first baseman by himself….this photo I uncovered shows the whole work with the runner sliding into base…..found the photo on an Italian website…even though Cosentino lived and worked in NYC…

Anyway enough of my excitment about that…back to this hurdler pick up…It was once owned by former baseball commissioner Peter Ueberroth…The story I got is that at one point it was sold at a garage sale in Southern California…I could imagine Ueberroth’s wife telling him “I want that gone”…

The sculptor Demetre Chiparus 1886-1947 is a big name in Art Deco antiques…he did a slew of art deco style sculpture, mostly of woman dancers and so on…He was Romanian but his career all happened in Paris…off the top my head I don’t know of any other sports pieces he did. You can read more about the whole acquisition in a story I did which still languishes on my home page…for the time being…until I can get the whole page straightened up that is….which will have to wait till I finish the 2013 National story…which is coming along…

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by 71buc

My collection and I obviously reside in a much different neighborhood than Runscott. These are my favorite pieces of memorabilia added to my collection in 2013.

....

It was fitting that we saw the game together as he is the one who started this mess all those years ago. I hope your year was as memorable. Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Mike, that is a great collage. Glad to hear your story and hope someday I can report a similar one. I still have the program from the first game he took me to, and a vivid image of McCovey and Mays leaning on their bats chatting before the game, right in front of us.

[tony]

Just got the clock.

[Rob D.]

Only one I've ever seen, for what that's worth.

[CarltonHendricks]

Originally Posted by tony

Just got the clock.

Wow that's great...look at the condition....congrats on that. I think I've seen that clock before with a different radio station...about twenty years ago at a street fair in San Juan Bautista Ca...by flash light as I recall....seems like it was black and orange though.

[bobfreedman]

Originally Posted by tony

Just got the clock.

Congrats! I consigned the clock. It is a fantastic piece

[witster]

Originally Posted by 71buc

My collection and I obviously reside in a much different neighborhood than Runscott. These are my favorite pieces of memorabilia added to my collection in 2013. The 1949 Type 1 photo that called into question the dating of the Jackie Robinson Bond Bread set was likely the highlight of my collecting year. It was also very cool to work with Shaun (CharlieBrown) on this and then see our efforts mentioned in the last REA catalog. Congratulations again on the new lady in your life Shaun. The other Type 1 photos are as follows: 1949 Iconic Stengel image, 1954 Willie Mays in Puerto Rico, Tom Seaver in the minors 1966, Hank Aaron being carried off the field following his 1957 pennant clinching homer, and Oscar Charleston with the Clowns in 1954. The nine foot pennant behind Lamont flew over the holy land of Three Rivers Stadium in 1970. I wanted that Roogie’s Bump movie poster for years. It was nice to land one. I finally picked up a Teddy Ballgame single signed ball. My oddest purchase of the year was Bob Moose’s Iron City Beer tie commemorating my beloved 1971 Bucs and their World Series Championship. I love baseball and it's history. Most of all I love the people it has introduced me to and the numerous moments in my life linked to it. 2013 was great for that. I gave a vital organ to my best friend in baseball and survived to see Cutch and the Bucs right the ship. The Pirates finally sailed into to Safeco. One of the games was played on my Dad’s 73th birthday and I got to treat him to Diamond Club seats. It was fitting that we saw the game together as he is the one who started this mess all those years ago. I hope your year was as memorable. Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Awesome pickups, everybody. Beautiful story 71buc. That sounds priceless. Witster