Helmar Discussion and Debate Here

[oldjudge]

I think they are nicely done for what they are. They are not pieces of art. Perhaps the original paintings that were used to generate these pieces are art, but these are more akin to the posters of paintings. I would think if someone wants nice images of great ball players they can buy a nice photographic book and have real images, which are preferable to me, at a lot cheaper price. I would never buy them and I think that somewhere on the piece there should be a disclaimer that they are not period pieces. Otherwise, some novice will be fooled.

[glynparson]

Originally Posted by oldjudge

I think they are nicely done for what they are. They are not pieces of art. Perhaps the original paintings that were used to generate these pieces are art, but these are more akin to the posters of paintings. I would think if someone wants nice images of great ball players they can buy a nice photographic book and have real images, which are preferable to me, at a lot cheaper price. I would never buy them and I think that somewhere on the piece there should be a disclaimer that they are not period pieces. Otherwise, some novice will be fooled.

This seems to represent my views on the subject perfectly.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

certainly am appropriate copyright date at the very least

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by SAllen2556

I've always been curious what the licensing rules are for cards like these. Would the estates of these players have any legal claim? And what about the photos they use for the cards? Can anyone just create a vintage looking Babe Ruth card and sell it on eBay....legally?

I do the business for the Walter Johnson estate, and I'd say it's a good bet that these have all been done with no licensing from players, the estates of deceased players, or MLB. If so, it would say so somewhere on the cards. As someone else speculated, it's probably just too small a fish for anyone to go after. The legality of it is another matter altogether, and I can't see how they aren't in violation of trademark and copyright laws. As for the aesthetics, I've always liked the artwork and considered them attractive and nicely done. I have the two Johnson bottlecaps and was hoping they would actually do the beer bottles and six-packs for him as they did with the Babe. And they should definitely have the dates of production on them. We all know, and especially with the ones made to look worn and aged, that many of these will be sold, or attempted to be sold, as vintage cards forever down the road.