Hake's Pick-Ups

[bcbgcbrcb]

Congratulations to Hake's Auctions on another outstanding effort last night. Once again, some incredible prices realized for Negro League items.

This time I was fortunate enough to pick up one lot, the 1937 Ray Dandridge pair of photos (not sure what I am going to do with the one showing just his legs though). I was also the underbidder on two other lots, the '39 Santurce postcard and '35 Monarchs photo, which was my biggest want in the auction. Just couldn't pull the trigger to go one increment higher. Based on the prices of the premier team photos, I doubt that one more bid on my part would have made a difference anyway.

An astronomical price on the Punch Pete Hill card, seems that these cards may now be the hottest thing in the entire pre-war BB card market.

[joeadcock]

Phil
Why do you think that particular Cuban card is so in demand? Do you think because too few of these and several collectors that really want them as part of their collection?

[barrysloate]

65K for the Pete Hill must be a record for a Cuban card. Richard would have been astonished by that price. He knew his card collection was valuable but never was one to spend much time thinking about it. He often told me he had these amazing cards in his safe deposit box, but what exactly was in it was always a mystery. I'm sorry he is not around to see this.

[bcbgcbrcb]

Yes, only one or two of the Hill and Mendez cards are known to exist (as well as many of the others players in that set, a Bruce Petway just went for over $20K) and the Negro League market has become a new hotbed for some big time collectors with lots of capital at their disposal.

[Runscott]

Fun auction. First time I was the underbidder (1st loser ) in every single lot I bid on. More money for Heritage.

[aljurgela]

There are only three known Pete Hill cards if you are a HOF collector. One Cabanas, and two punches. You could still make a case that this is a low price if you went off the "market cap" discussion that I posted a few months ago.

Regardless, it was too rich for me for sure and it appears that I will need to be happy with the punches that I have as it is unlikely for me to procure others - at least now and at these prices. I may even consider selling some here.

I picked up the Santa Clara photo and the Billiken Mendez and a few odds and ends including the boxing red sun cards and the mexican uniforms.

I was shocked that I did not get the DiHigo award (1286) where I was the underbidder and the Petway Cabanas.

I am just shocked at the prices though. Factors higher than I would have guessed on a number of items.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by aljurgela

There are only three known Pete Hill cards if you are a HOF collector. One Cabanas, and two punches. You could still make a case that this is a low price if you went off the "market cap" discussion that I posted a few months ago.

Regardless, it was too rich for me for sure and it appears that I will need to be happy with the punches that I have as it is unlikely for me to procure others - at least now and at these prices. I may even consider selling some here.

I picked up the Santa Clara photo and the Billiken Mendez and a few odds and ends including the boxing red sun cards and the mexican uniforms.

I was shocked that I did not get the DiHigo award (1286) where I was the underbidder and the Petway Cabanas.

I am just shocked at the prices though. Factors higher than I would have guessed on a number of items.

Congrats - I almost went after those uniforms as well - very nice items.

[triwak]

Originally Posted by bcbgcbrcb

I was also the underbidder on two other lots, the '39 Santurce postcard

Thanks for throwin' me a bone, Phil!!

[bcbgcbrcb]

Sorry to bid up the price on you, Ken. It wasn't really a fit for my collection but I understand the value of a Josh Gibson career contemporary postcard and knew that it was a steal at the $3,300 level that it sat it for most of the auction.

Congrats on the pick-up, glad you got it!

[bcbgcbrcb]

As Al mentioned, for what it's worth, the Punch Pete Hill is not a Rookie Card as the Cabanas pre-dates it by one year. That being said, there is no doubt that it is a phenomenal card and I would have loved to win it.

[Runscott]

My son was watching me bid last night and asked if card collectors are only multi-millionaires.

Funny. Not me. But I do feel sort of honored that you guys will rub elbows with middle-class America

[triwak]

Originally Posted by bcbgcbrcb

Sorry to bid up the price on you, Ken. It wasn't really a fit for my collection but I understand the value of a Josh Gibson career contemporary postcard and knew that it was a steal at the $3,300 level that it sat it for most of the auction.

Congrats on the pick-up, glad you got it!

Thanks, Phil! Yeah, I'm pretty excited to nab Gibson, especially something during his playing years. And for MUCH less than his Toleteros. Actually, I'm fairly pleased with the price, though this sets a new personal high for me. But what the hell... it's Josh Gibson!!!

[bcbgcbrcb]

Ken:

At the current going rates for Negro League material, I would say that the price was more than fair, you should do well with that one if/when the time comes to sell.

[ElCabron]

There were actually some deals to be had in this auction. Not by me, of course. But some things went for less than I was expecting. The Billiken Mendez went for about half of what I thought it would.

There are 3 examples of the Punch Hill, by the way.

Congrats to everyone who won.

-Ryan

[Hake's Auctions]

Hake's would like to thank all that were involved. We have another great batch of items ready for our next major auction, currently set for March. We may also have a mini-Merkin online-only auction in Dec. Details to follow.

[Bicem]

I am continually amazed by the collection that Merkin put together.

[Exhibitman]

I just love the Hake's catalog. Most of the items are things I'd never even dream of collecting, which is what makes it so interesting. I picked up a couple of items, but nothing approaching the NL stuff. I am envious, fellas, of those Cuban NL cards. At least they're in the "family". Enjoy!