1870's Baseball Silk....

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Posted By: E, Daniel

Now that I've teased you, I have to own up and say there's no scan and I don't own the piece...BUT..

I have the opportunity to buy such a piece and was hoping for some sage words, advice, and idea of value before I pony up what might be a silly amount for it.

The Silk is 9 inches long and undoubtedly authentic to the period - no later than the early 1880's and I believe somewhere from the middle 1870's. It has the club name on it as well as a generic baseball image, although I'm hesitant to name it as I don't want to out the item and ruin the opportunity I might have to buy it. The club was an early major player in the leagues, well known to the public of the times and likely most collectors from this site. The condition is above average.

That's where I run out of puff, and ask for any assistance or knowledge anyone could add.
Is the item scarce?
Does it have great value, any guess would be appreciated.

Again, I'm sorry not to give the exact specifics or provide a scan, though if I choose after getting some opinion here to not pursue it - I'll try and get some pics from the sellers to post.


Appreciate the help.


Daniel

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Posted By: barrysloate

You haven't really provided much information, but there is a silk I am picturing that's not too scarce and not too valuable. It shows up with some frequency.

And while I understand you want to keep it under wraps, this is tough to appraise.

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Posted By: Pat Nester

If it is the Brooklyn Excelsior one that shows up from time to time, it is probably worth about $1,000 to $1,500 in nice condition.

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Posted By: E, Daniel

Is it believed to be authentic, and are many known?


Daniel

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Posted By: Dan Bretta

There can't be too many of them out there. Baseball silks are generally rare/scarce items as is.

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Posted By: Pat Nester

I have seen it several times over the years offered by major auction houses. Not sure how many there are. Could be only one or two and it just keeps getting recycled through the major auction houses. I have also seen other examples for early east coast teams.

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Posted By: Mike H

I know of one owned by a poster on this board and have seen a few others. Pat's price range is good in my oppinion. These are all valuable, but condition is a significant factor.

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Posted By: barrysloate

I've seen the Excelsior ribbon many times over the years, nowhere on it does it say "Brooklyn" and there were many teams that used that name; and the Brooklyn team was only famous for a few years in the early 1860's. That ribbon looks far more recent than that, and in my opinion overpriced in the $1000-1500 range. It just has too many question marks regarding exactly what it is and when it was made.

Just one of those overpriced pieces of memorabilia, IMO.