1955 Dodgers Schaefer Beer Question

[laughlinfan]

Thought I would tap the collective wealth of knowledge on this board and ask about one of my favorite display items. The 1955 World Champion Dodgers advertising piece is pretty popular among Brooklyn collectors, but I have often wondered about how it was issued. I initially thought these were probably sent to bars (or maybe beer distributors) in the vicinity of Brooklyn, but if that were the case, it seems very few would have survived, and those that did would have been pretty yellow from smoke stains, one would think. And it seems that an item this elaborate/unique (and probably tough to manufacture and assemble) would not have been created for such a limited distribution. Any chance that maybe this was some sort of redemption or premium item that could be sent away for? Adding to the mystery a bit - when I got mine many years ago, I was surprised to find that I also got a sheet that I believe came with it originally that shows who each player is on the display - if this were to be displayed in a bar, what would you do with the sheet? Again it seems to perhaps be something that was targeted more towards fans than as a point of sale advertising display. Anyone have any good info on this. (Or simply want to speculate with me?)

[sayhey24]

Very good questions Marty -- I never considered that it was anything but a point-of-sale item -- I thought bars and stores. While it's not incrediby rare, I don't think it's that common either.
I think it's probably one of the most beautiful of all post-war baseball advertising items. I'm especially fond of mine because it's one of the very first pieces in my collection -- I've had it since my parents got it for me as a kid somewhere around 1970.

Greg

[Westsiders]

Took my son to Cooperstown this past summer, as he was playing in the Cooperstown Dream's tournament. First free moment I had, I took him down to check out the HOF.

Naturally, after leaving the HOF, we checked out the all (of the many) memorabilia shops that lined the street. Most of the shops offered the same exact items....got pretty monotonous. But one of the shops did have the '55 Dodgers Schaefer sign, and I must say, the sign is amazing in person (pictures really don't do it justice).

When I asked the shop owner for the price, he hit me with a price tag of $4K. Obviously, I balked at the price, but when I tried to negotiate, he wouldn't budge. Said it was one of his favorite pieces from his personal collection, and really didn't want to let it go. I don't blame him.

Great piece Marty.

[khkco4bls]

Usually a 1000 to upward 1500.

[bigfanNY]

I have owned 3 or 4 of these over the years living near NYC and They are very nice when all the heads are not bent. I have seen the displayed in a shadowbox and that seems the best way to display. All of the ones I got my hands on were very nice and were either taken right home from a bar when given to Bar owner or given to someone from a Schaffer employee. I am sure when they came out EVERY Dodger fan in Dodger Nation went after them explaining why they are not that uncommon.

[JayZim13]

The 1955 Schaeffer sign should be the backbone of any Brooklyn Dodger collector. Although they are not super rare, they are still tough to obtain, especially with all the heads intact. I believe they were distributed in bars but could have been sent to other retail stores in Brooklyn.

There is an additional piece to the sign. There is a paper diagram listing each of the players in their row.

I have one and have only seen one other. I will attach a scan.

[btcarfagno]

Originally Posted by khkco4bls

Usually a 1000 to upward 1500.

Holy cow. I sold one here on the bst last year for around $400.

Was NOT easy to ship. Lots of delicate stuff sticking out all over the place.

Tom C

[perezfan]

Yes... I've seen them go for lots less, too. Often in the $400 - $600 range. But in pristine condition, I could see it going for over $1K...

[MK]

What an excellent question! I have always considered this one of the great collectibles commemorating Brooklyn's greatest moment. This is only speculation, but since Schaefer Beer was brewed in Brooklyn and a huge advertiser, you could probably find one of these in every window front right after the World Series and throughout 1956. Given the number of retailers in Brooklyn alone, this might explain why they are not as rare as some other pieces.