Craig,
I absolutely agree with you on Mantle being a larger story vs say an Ernie banks as a rookie. Therefore, the existence of a greater number of DIFFERENT images. I am just referring to the need to print multiple copies of each in 1951 -53. No need IMO.. as the hype was primarily in NY and there was no real "National" story worthy of sending hard copies to different media outlets. Especially with the wire capabilities. I also noticed that this particular example has date stamps through the late 70s. Which tells me it was the ONE used in house for all/or most of the published stories. I know for a fact that INTERNATIONAL NEWS was the agency who took this original shot and owned the negative(where this originated). If they used this image in house all those decades, what would be the need to print more?? If they did, why not use cleaner examples??? I wouldn’t be shocked if we NEVER see another or less than 3 pop up EVER. BUT… you never know… Mantle was one of teh most photographed athletes EVER so I am not surprised that there are 3-5 inch think folder full of images. BUT..that in NO WAY makes be believe that this one exists in ANY of them. Just some observations on my end. Ben

PS: I think I might have just talked myself into cashing out some retirement and making a run at this. Anyone out there have thoughts other than "It's just a photo" or "You're an idiot for talking a pre-penalty" that can talk me out of this..PLEASE! HAHA :)

Ben, if you cash out a portion of your IRA to pay for this you have 60 days in which to roll a portion or all of those funds back into the IRA to avoid all penalties and tax. Keep in mind that you can only take advantage of this once a year.

Ben,

I think you have made a number of very good points and as far as I can see, we are in complete agreement on this issue.

One last observation, most of the Rookie Type 1 Mantle photos that I referred to in the previous response were all from INP.

PS: If you can do it without stressing the finances too much, then I for one say YES, go for it. If you do, I wish you all the luck in the world!!!!!!!

PSS: However, if you do win and then have second thoughts (which you absolutely should not) please don't blame me.

Best of luck.

Cheers,

Craig

If I spent 100K on a photo I would be divorced. Great photo though!!!

Great thread!
 

I've got to say that I have found this thread to be one of the most interesting and controversial that I have ever read on net54.

All of the points and perspectives that have been expressed by the different members have been very educational. Thanks for opening up my eyes...

Even though I do not collect Mantle, I'm really curious as hell to see the final auction result.... :cool:

I agree with Scott. Even though the topic is clearly dear to my heart and collection focus, I must say that I also have learned a lot about newspaper archives, the ways photos may be treated and the ranges of probabilities for specific Type 1 prints surviving and coming to the market.

So, a big thank you to Jimmy for the insight to start this thread as well as to all those who have enriched it by participating.

Thanks again.

Craig

PS Now if I can only come up with something to trade for this photo. Lets see: wife, kids, house, car ------- Got it, mother-in-law and a free trip to Disney World!!!!!

It used to be that divorce meant arguing over who got the house. Now it would be more like "you take the house, I'll take the Mantle".:)

I was thinking the same thing luckily I would get away with just giving her the house. Just kidding I actually love my wife very much. As an auctioneer I am very lucky I get to enjoy others things for awhile without the expense of owning them myself.

final
 

So it went for 50k as the hammer, plus the 19.5% = $59,750 for the final sticker. With the steam it had earlier I am a bit surprised it didn't get a few more bids. Still, I am sure it's some kind of record number for what type of collectible it is. (post war type 1 baseball photo) congrats to the winner and congrats to the seller

Record for stupidity.

Just kidding, just kidding. Lighten up people.

Ben,
Hope you didn't win this photo... I'll just sell you mine!:D

I second that. NOW, WHO WON IT?

How many times do I have to tell you, WHO IS ON FIRST!

:D

what?

Again Jimmy was ahead of his time. this thread is "great " in so many ways. You have Jimmy and I defending photos against a guy who bought a Babe Ruth Red Sox Type 1 photo for like 6k.... and then ended up selling to me.
Also.. a SECOND Mantle did come up for sale and sold privately this year. The sale price? about 6X what this one went for.