Here are a couple of signed Yount pins.

Oriole Pins
 

Posted for Clint (ksfarmboy)

Attachment 381555

Brooklyn pins
 

Here's my case of (mostly) Brooklyn pins and trinkets.

http://www.collectingbrooklyn.com/ne...ooklynPins.jpg

Impressive collection! Thanks for sharing this :)

Awesome collection and presentation!

I just went back to the first few pages of this thread. Turns out, we are discussing the 1969 MLBPA and “black box” pins for (at least) the second time. This time, though, we are going into more depth. :p

Early pinback design or modern reproduction?
 

Recently saw this pinback back design which was described as 1890 on a position pin with advertising. Is this actually a period pinback design or is it a reproduction design?

Thanks in advance!

Patrick

This same type of Pinback is on my 1906 Cubs pin. As far as I know, these were only used on very early pins.

Thanks Mike!
 

Thanks Mike!

I found several other examples as well online.

Patrick

This thread needed a bump. I'd been looking for the 2002 Muni pin for.....18 years! Duh. I believe there are only these three years.

I ran across this one on Google, a 1972 Bill Melton White Sox nickname pin that goes along with the five known 1972 Cubs nickname pins. There are more than likely other White Sox in the set, I just wonder what nicknames they used for Wilbur Wood, Carlos May, or Dick Allen?

Regarding the white pin with walking bum to the left of the large blue one in the middle. I think that might be a Continental Football League pin. That guy was widely used by the football Dodgers of the mid 1960s.

Did the baseball Dodgers use this bum as well?

Attachment 386734

The baseball Dodgers used him first. An apt nickname. ;)

Yep...But did they use this particular rendering of him. The football Dodgers used him on programs, tickets and pennants. I'd think it would be odd for a football team to use a pre-existing mascot from an unrelated baseball team.

Attachment 386744

I would think the FB team just added the ball, but what do I know?

This is probably only of interest to me but no one in my social circle would really give a damn. They are certain I'm a loon for loving this stuff so much. Nonetheless, bear with me. I picked up this pin a few years ago. I have never seen another example. There was no way I could be certain it was related to the 1971 team. I actually suspected it was a 1979 pin because the color scheme was so different than other pins attributed to the 1971 team. Today I was flipping through a 1970 Pittsburgh Post Gazette newspaper supplement celebrating the opening of Three Rivers and there was a picture of this pin. It's the little things in life that serve to make loons like me happy

^^^^ For sure, Mike! It’s all about unraveling the mysteries. Was that an ad for the bank or an offer for the pin?

Edit: but, crap, wouldn’t that make it a 1970 pin with a World Series just wishful thinking?

Hi Rob, it was an ad for a mall and a wish for a 1970 World Series.

Good for you Mike, glad it turned out to be from 1971. Have never seen it before.

Great work Mike I have had that pin also for a long time and always wondered about it! Nice Job.. Here is mine

Don't be so hard on yourself. It makes me happy and I don't even own one. Haha.

Thanks Al. Your pin is only the second I have ever seen. Then again it might be an issue of location rather than rarity as i am in the Northwest.

In another thread, perezfan (Mark) asked for opinions on the "legitimacy" of a Jim Brown pin he had recently purchased. The pin basically had never been seen before, except when it was sold previously in another auction. The consensus was the pin was questionable. I personally think the pin is probably vintage but was home made.

It got me to thinking about how we decide if a pin is or is not "real." One strike against Mark's pin was that no one had seen another. OK...but I have been searching 25 years for a PM-10 I have seen exactly once. It is a Billy Pierce SF PM-10. Almost never seen, but everyone agrees it's "real." Another pin I've seen once yet is unquestionably real is a Hoyt Wilhelm HOF pin. There is another SF Giant PM-10 my buddy swears he saw on a lady's hat, even though no other Giants collector ever knew of it's existence. I believe Al has a few PM-10's (e.g. Wes Westrum), where his are the only ones known to exist yet are unquestionably real.

So, scarcity does not necessarily = fake. Even with the super-plentiful PM-10's (e.g. many variations of Willie Mays) we, in most cases, do not know who actually made the pin. Between the early 1900's paper back labels and the 1970's maker's name on the curl, most "real" pinbacks have no manufacturer's name. For all we know, they were made in somebody's basement. And, what if a guy working in a pin factory decided to quickly make 10 pins of his favorite player, while he was cranking out Mays pins. Are his 10 real or fake?

For the past 45 years, you could buy badge making machines from this company:

https://www.badgeaminit.com/

I would assume there were other pin making machines, prior to that. And even if you couldn't make pins at home, I would imagine a person could have a limited number of custom pins made in the 40s. 50's and 60's. Things like "Happy Retirement Bob!." Attached are a couple of Mays pins I have seen once and are not part of a particular "series". I think the color one is in andypcl's collection. Are these real or fake? If I had a chance to buy either, I probably would. My point is, licensing was different back in those days and I would doubt all, if any, of our known, "real" pins were licensed. So, if a guy decides to make 50 pins to sell outside a stadium in 1965 are those "real" or "fake"? Maybe some guy sold some Jim Browns outside of Cleveland Municipal Stadium? How do we, in the hobby, classify those pins? I'm not expressing myself all that well...I've been up since my dog threw up an hour ago....but hopefully you guys understand what I'm saying and will maybe chime in.

Mays
 

Hi Rob,
That Mays isn't mine. But I can assure you the Pierce is very real. You never told me what player your friend saw on the lady's hat. I'm curious...
-A

And then you’ll be searching too? :eek:

Sorry; not telling. :cool:

I would say the Brown pin is not fake, but is a fantasy. I doubt it was made and sold when Brown was active, but later. There is a Stan Musial pin that is often for sale as vintage, but actually was distributed years after his retirement. BTW Rob, hope your dog is better.

Rob,
I had to think long and hard about the question you are asking what is real and what is fake. Lets try and clear some points up all pins are REAL! Now the real question is are all pins ERA real! I have collected pins for over 45 years and have a collection very large so I have been able to see many styles,,, It takes years sometimes to gain the knowledge and sometimes even an expert gets burned . Your first point is the Brown pin real yes, is it Era Real ( in my opinion ) NO. To many red flags keep it from being good. Second " one of a kind pins" yes do exist and are era real. Lets take Pierce ( We all know your a Giants collector) As was just pointed out to you Andy (andypcl) Hi Andy now owns that Pierce pin I have he has one. So now there are 2. Is it real Absolutely! Era real Absolutely! (I post Pics) It is black backed and union stamped. ( hard to see) I will have to ask Andy if his is also. Now comes years of collecting knowledge Wes Westrum so far I think Im the only one who has one and that will and can change size 2 1/8 union stamp No. Is it era real Absolutely! Why, other known 2 1/8 pins made in the same style just like this one.. Another Don Muller 1 3/4 inch in size union stamp No. Era real Absolutely! Why, others made in a similar style and also the back of the pin in construction is very consistent with era pins. Now here is era correct and not era correct( Pics) Roger Maris Salute pin. Home run chase in 1961 Both pins are real But only one is era correct.. The pin known as the "Pink box" version is rare but is era correct. The #1 is in pink. The second one Is it real? Yes .. Is it era correct No. Made 20 + years later. There are differences no pink number in the box, Different photo of Maris on the front. all the rest is the same... Pin is 3 1/4 inch in both cases BUT other than the front its the back that is the give away.. Real looks like a bottom of a coffee can the other is usually bright and shiny ( unless its been aged by other means) If you ebay that pin the much later version can be found for upwards of 300+ dollars. Worth about 50... Now fakes real fakes! Here is a Mickey Mantle Theresa brewer pin. Made in the 50s.. I have never seen a real one without the union logo on the back. Size 1 3/4 inch. Is the pin real Absolutely, has the pin been faked absolutely . There are good fakes and bad fakes ( bad fakes all red letters on front) then there are good fakes.. BUT no union logo on back and the small piece of the bat doesnt go around the curl of the pin to the back! (Pics) . Styles also change as to pin back construction. Here are some phillies pins are they era correct Absolutely. Are the backs made differently Absolutely. Same fronts but different style pins used. 2 have straight pins or spring pins the other 2 have what is known as Bayonette style pins. Bottom line is you really have to have collected these pins for a long time to gain knowledge as to what is really out there. I could keep going but will stop here for now!:D

Thanks for your thoughts, Al. I now actually know of three people with the Pierce pin. :p

Back to the Brown....I think you’re dismissing it because of the 3” (on the money) size? I don’t disagree with you that it’s probably a fantasy piece but what if my “some guy made a few and sold them outside Cleveland Municipal in 1963” theory were true? I would assume it would then be “real.”

I also considered a counter argument to that - if someone was having success selling their home made pins, why would they stop?

P.S. if you need details to put me in your Will for the Pierce pin, PM me! :p

I recently picked up this pin in a lot and was wondering if it was a reproduction or not. It's 1 3/4 inches with a black back and no union label. I haven't been able to find another one like it. I'd appreciate any input from those who are more knowledgeable about pins than I am. Thanks in advance!
EDIT: Thank you for your response!! Here's another picture of the back,hopefully better than the first.

Pic is a little blurry could use a better pic of the back but from what I see looks good.. Size? 1 3/4 ? That was Baltimores first spring training in Yuma... Town really rolled out the red carpet for them so a pin like that would have really fit the time period...

Attachment 389213

Added another 1960’s Detroit Tigers pin for my collection.

Jim ,
I believe that pin is for the Clemson Tigers Baseball team, not the Detroit Tigers... I have seen it before..

Ugh! Glad I only spent a couple of bucks on it.

Thats good!;);)

Hey Al -

In this case, all but the bottom left 3 are what I call "parking lot pins"...i.e. sold, without licensing outside of Candlestick Park. They are hard to find, but not exceptionally so. There is only one more player pin I know of, but there could be more. I was wondering, do you consider these "real"? They are definitely period correct (1990-93). Will they have value in 50 years as "real" pins?

Rob,
First let me say Yes the pins are real. Like I stated before all pins are real. Now in this case are they period correct (I would say yes) But the value here would be (in my opinion) really to a specific collector. I myself try and stay away from all pins made after and around 1969 give or take a few years. Most pins but not all made after that date really have small value but have more of a collector value. The value really lies in your heart as a true collector. If you are collecting them as a purist and for the love of your team they are priceless, BUT if your collecting them as an investment for later years my thought would be they wont be worth much more that you paid for them now... Now as to your last question in 50 years we will both be dead! So we will have to let history play it self out!;);)

I think your take is spot on, Al.

I wish you would've been able to tell that to the person who outbid me on all three of these in the past six months on eBay for a collective total of around $700 :(.

Cliff,
Like I said MOST but not All pins ... These (2 sets) see to be the not all... And if it makes you feel better I dont collect either of these sets! So it wasnt me!:D:D

Wow! This thread was buried.

Over in the pennant thread, Greg figured out an easy way to show a whole collection...Google photos. Here's basically my whole SF Giants pin collection, save for a few 6 inchers. The good, the bad and the ugly. If you have any I'm missing and are willing to sell, let me know!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/dyeDbkonCnkVv4y89

[attach]401561[/attac


David SB sent me these Tigers over the weekend.

Denver Bears / Grizzlies
 

I just picked up two incredible pins relating to the Denver Bears / Grizzlies. The Denver Bears (aka Grizzlies, Mountaineers & Mountain Lions) was a minor league team that played from 1884 through 1954. The 1911 Grizzlies were the Western League Champions and are considered one of the top 100 minor league teams of all-time.
One of the pins I just got is related to that 1911 team. It has a team photo but more amazing is the ribbon attachment. The pin is shown in the Muchinsky book (without ribbon).
The other pin is a homecoming pin for the 1923 Denver Bears. It pictures many of their players in individual cameos.
Any thoughts on their value would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Lou

Hi Lou,
Great Pins! Not sure about value but I'm pretty sure the 1923 button is actually the Northern Colorado Bears Football team coached by George Cooper.

Rob- I enjoyed seeing all of those Giants pins. I think my favorite was the anti-Dodger Boo-ribe.

Attached is recent pickup for me, a Chester Charge button from earlier days of the Astros. Apparently the Astrodome scoreboard was a big deal back in the day and Chester was a graphic that would "run" across the board when good things happened.

Hi!

i think you're right about it being a football pin.

Thanks for the info.
Lou

I picked up the second pose of the large PM-10 for Hank Bauer. Still missing Richardson, Boyer and Slaughter.

Thanks Cliff Bowman for sending me these Tiger pins!
Attachment 402541

No one is sending meanthing! :mad:

;)

If I had that Billy Pierce or Mike Krukow pin they would be on their way :D. The few Giants pins that I have are the easily found ones.

You’re THE MAN, Cliff!

I got so hard up, I actually sent a letter to Krukow about a month ago. :D

On a good note, I got something cheap on ebay today that I’ve been looking for for 20 years! (not a pin).

Well, don't lave us hanging.... post it already, Rob!

No one will care....but I will post upon receipt.

Jerry Grote Pin
 

Hi Guys:

I don't collect Mets pins but can anyone tell me what set this 3 1/2" pin came from?

If anyone has a nice copy of the 1986 Baseball Star button of Dave Kingman and is willing to part with it let me know.

These are from WorthPoint. I would have figured they were a 1969 issue but the odd inclusion of Marshall puts them at 1970 or less likely 1971. No idea who made them.

I can tell you that I'm near 100% sure that a Nolan Ryan does not exist to this set. I've never heard/seen one in 48 years of collecting Nolan.
But, that being said, if anyone has ever come across one, I would love to know if one is out there.

I know that the late 70's-early 80's numbered Sports Photo Pins are not at all popular and have virtually no mention here, but I have some mysterious ones that I was wondering if anyone else has any or if they know something about them. On the main series the highest number that I am aware of is #400, but I have seven Cubs pins that are from late 1984-early 1985, the format is different, and the numbers jump to high 700's-low 800's. Other than one of the Sandberg's they are high quality made. I have only seen Cubs. Does anyone know anything about these or have one from a different team? There is also a Ron Cey and a Bob Dernier but I don't have those. A board member graciously sold me the Durham.

These are a little different but came out in 1978 from Sports Pin Assoc.

Another mystery! I have never seen these with the white autographs.

Apparently, they made the "black box" pins for football, too. News to me.

This is a phenomenal collection!

When I searched for these on WorthPoint I ran across Plunkett several times, I think there was one of a soccer player but I can't remember his name.

I don't think they made many of them.

That Pats jersey is great!

#1 of 3x shadow boxes - took about 2-months to get the 'right' mix/fit. :)

Thought I would share!

Very nice Aaron! Would love to see a bigger Pic!

Great job! I’m with Al, my old eyes need a larger photo.

My apologies; original post edited with better image

Much better. Thank you Aaron. Very nice array of pins including some very tough to find ones.

Very nice Aaron ... some very nice pieces in there! Glad to see someone else that collects!:D:D

Holy smokes :eek:! The second image is from WorthPoint just for clarity.

Great pins Aaron -- now let's see boxes 2 and 3!


Greg

+1:D

There is a Al Kaline 1968-69 Detroit Tigers Iron-On Transfer promo pin that matches my Ron Santo 1969 Chicago Cubs Iron-On Transfer promo pin in the upper left corner, I didn't know the Kaline existed.

Funny Cliff I knew there was a Kaline transfer pin but never knew there was a Ron Santo transfer until you posted that pin awhile ago, I think in this thread somewhere. By the way the Kaline is listed in Pauls book....

Love it!

Thanks for the compliments, Gents.

Give me a month or 2 on the other 2x - I've been staring at an office floor of pinbacks for the better part of quarantine :)

The hobby is about people.

I was lucky to have a couple of really kind & helpful collectors show me the ropes when I first started collecting pins 15-or-so years ago. I remember seeing Mike Hoevet's glass coffee table of pins/celluloids and thinking "THAT is what I want in my office". I was lucky enough to be able to tell him that prior to his passing (RIP). Collections inspire; thus - why I shared a meager photo of mine.

I've frequented this board (inc pre-net54) for close to 20-years. Thanks All for sharing your stuff. A lot of my drive to keep searching was fueled by many of the pieces/conversations/etc. you all have enriched me with.

Thanks + cheers!

PS. Al, that Haddix of yours would look awfully nice hidden amongst there, no? If you ever sell, FYI - I should've kept it ;)

Wow Aaron I forgot all about that! That was a long time ago! By the way I still have it in the collection! If I remember I think it cost me a pretty penny! But hay its only money!:):)

I miss Mike...

The Memorabilia forum has never been quite the same since he left us. :(

Mark I totally agree! Was a very good man...

Mark just for you a little tribute to our friend Mike, and a little push for the pin section. Mike was a big Cubs fan and always loved this piece I have! Enjoy Mike!