Mickey Mantle Signed Plastic Statue PLEASE HELP!!

[stoogeco]

Does anybody out there have any info on this statue? It is a plastic statue, stands just ofer 6 inches to the tip of the bat. It is a NY player, number 7, in a RIGHT HANDED batting pose. I was thinking it was Hartland, but can't find a right handed one. It looks like it was hand painted The auto has been authenticated (just this past weekend) by PSA/DNA. Any help in identifying it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks to all for your help.

[stoogeco]

I guess it's ultra rare!

[perezfan]

Well it isn't something you routinely see, if that's what you mean.

Hard to tell (from the provided pics) if it's a manufactured or a home-made piece. It looks a bit too polished to be home-made, but the way it's attached to the base looks "make-shift" at best. It would be great to see some better/blown-up photos.

I follow these figural pieces closely, and while similar to the Hartland, it really isn't even close. Not Salvino, not Gartlan, or Danbury Mint, either. So what is it? I don't know... not likely a mass-produced statue. It's even difficult to tell what era it's from. 1950s, '60s, '70s, '80s, or '90s is my educated guess (how's that for pinning it down?)

The fact that Mantle signed it makes it pre-1995. How about some higher-res pics? Also look for any manufacturers markings, probably on the back or bottom.

Keep in mind that rarity doesn't always translate to value, either. I've seen the Salvino signed nameplates sell for more than the complete statues. So I'm just guessing the value here is most attibuted to the autograph itself.

[stoogeco]

Thanks for the reply. I can't find anything on it as far as manufacturers, date, etc. I have attached some closer photos for your review. Thank you for your expertise in these.

[stoogeco]

I decided to unscrew the top from the bottom of the piece. This is what I found underneath. No manufacture name, metal bottom with the numbers 603 and letters RDU stamped into it. The mystery grows...
[IMG][/IMG]

[perezfan]

OK- that helps a lot... thanks. It is simply a generic chrome Trophy Topper, that someone painted to look like Mantle. The close-up photos leave no doubt about it. Really a clean and detailed paint job by the "artist". I'm kind of surprised that the paint "took" so well to the smooth glossy surface.

They attached the figural Trophy Top to the base, and created a one-of-a-kind piece. So the value indeed lies primarily within the autograph, and not so much with the figural portion.

Still a neat (and truly unique) display piece

[stoogeco]

Thanks for the help. It is an interesting piece indeed. Unfortunately, I don't think anyone is interested in a 4" diameter piece of wood signed by Mantle, so its value lies in the piece. Thanks again for the help, it's great to get the info. I knew someone here would be able to help me.

[Bestdj777]

Originally Posted by stoogeco

Thanks for the help. It is an interesting piece indeed. Unfortunately, I don't think anyone is interested in a 4" diameter piece of wood signed by Mantle, so its value lies in the piece. Thanks again for the help, it's great to get the info. I knew someone here would be able to help me.

For what it's worth, if I were buying I'd pay a premium for that over a cut auto or signed book. Although homemade, that would definitely look better on a shelf than a book or cut.

[perezfan]

Originally Posted by stoogeco

Thanks for the help. It is an interesting piece indeed. Unfortunately, I don't think anyone is interested in a 4" diameter piece of wood signed by Mantle, so its value lies in the piece. Thanks again for the help, it's great to get the info. I knew someone here would be able to help me.

What I meant was that the statue on it's own would have very little monetary value. But having it autographed makes for a great Mantle display piece. The auto is what makes it valuable...

[martindl]

Originally Posted by perezfan

OK- that helps a lot... thanks. It is simply a generic chrome Trophy Topper, that someone painted to look like Mantle. The close-up photos leave no doubt about it. Really a clean and detailed paint job by the "artist". I'm kind of surprised that the paint "took" so well to the smooth glossy surface.

They attached the figural Trophy Top to the base, and created a one-of-a-kind piece. So the value indeed lies primarily within the autograph, and not so much with the figural portion.

Still a neat (and truly unique) display piece

Save for the number and the cap and shirt logos, which really are quite amateur, it really is a masterful paint job, very 60's Japanese'esque. Cool piece.

[stoogeco]

Thanks everyone for the help. I have placed it on the bay for sale. Now we'll see what he's worth! Thanks again.

[perezfan]

Here's an assist... ebay link below. It will be interesting to see what it goes for, being a unique piece.

Best of luck on your sale...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MICKEY-MANTL...#ht_721wt_1178