Thanks all! This is definitely one of the highlights of my collection. For me, it goes up there with the '51 Bowman and the '60 Post. I don't have a '52 Topps or '59 Bazooka, otherwise they'd be there too. Maybe one of these days.

Ray, that's the same image used on '56 Jay Publishing photos and the photo that came in the late 50s Mantle Big League Baseball Game. It was probably used for other premiums also. But the colorized version on the baseball card does stand out from the rest. I agree, he does look great in the Stahl-Meyer image.

"Moss Photo,N.Y."...no airbrushed pinstripes....
 

http://imagehost.vendio.com/a/204295...BIGPIC_NEW.JPG

...curious wobbly printing of his name...compare this writing to yours...

..

Mike, what a once "free prize"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From the gorgeous scan you provided us, your Stahl-Meyer Franks Mickey Mantle looks even better than it did on Mile High's web site during the auction. The rich tinted colors, the appearance, the peaceful happy portrait of Mickey, that Mantle is one mesmerizing gem!

Well done, mate.

The creasing you referenced is not visible to my eyes, as on many of the frankfurter package Stahlies, where the creasing is sometimes severe enough to break open the top layer of the picture.

Interesting. You and Dave made reference to your gem as a highlight of one's collection. I will always remember an old SCD Mr. Mint Alan Rosen phone auction back in 1988. He was offering a world class Stahl-Meyer Mickey Mantle, and he wrote, "A super Mantle collectible and to be the highlight of any Mantle collection." And this coming from the dealer who had purchased a couple years beforehand the monumental 1952 Topps high number and semi-high number case. The phrasing struck a chord with me, as it did not strike me as typical dealer spiel, though the write-up was succinct. By the late 80s, I was well aware of the vaunted Stahl-Meyers, but had no idea someone as esteemed as Mr. Mint regarded them so highly. True, the Mint Man had his legions of enemies, but the guy knew his cardborad very well. From the mid-80s on, I used to look at every page of those half-inch thick issues of SCD for the tougher regionals. Mostly crumb bums that were much worse than your respectable gem, Mike. This was a time when finds were happening frequently; STILL few Stahl-Meyer Franks came into the hobby!

In essence, there are lots and lots of different Mickey Mantles. Then, we have the Stahl-Meyer Franks.

So Mike, what were your thoughts when you got to hold it in your hand and stare at it for the first time?

Thanks for sharing your joy with us.:D

---Brian Powell

I feel I got this at a good price, i'm pleased. Here's hoping the New Year brings a lot of contributions to this thread from the Net54s
Attachment 253901

don't get much better than that for eye appeal.....congrats

Hey Brian, sorry to take so long to respond.

I agree with you, it is amazing that something that was once a free prize is now so cherished. But, I suppose because they were free and basically "worthless" at the time, many did not survive. Which makes them so cherished today. The fact that it is a beautiful card simply enhances its allure.

When I opened the package and saw the card for the first time, my initial reaction was surprise. I should have known better, but for some reason I expected it to be the size of today's cards. I should have figured it would be the size of '52 Topps, but I didn't. So the size was very surprising. Then the colors really grabbed me. Around then I noticed that it is the same picture of Mick used in several Yankee photo packs, but the one on the card, because it is colorized, really stands out. It's kind of hard to describe what it's like to be holding something so cherished and something that you never thought you would ever own. Although, I must admit, not near as thrilling as holding my kids for the first time. :)

As far as sharing my joy here, where else am I going to share it? Just about everyone I know would think I'm crazy for spending that much money for a card that was once a free prize. :D A big thank-you to Leon and everyone here for letting me share my joy here.

Mike, I think Bestdj777 has that picture as well. I seem to recall his having "Moss Photo" in the lower right corner. I don't have that version.

In regards to your comment ""Moss Photo,N.Y."...no airbrushed pinstripes....", are there copies, with or without "Moss Photo," with airbrushed pinstripes? If so, I don't remember ever seeing those.

That is one beautiful card, the 1953 Stahl Meyer Mantle. I bought mine 1-2 years ago, and mine is also PSA 2 MK, although I think the stamping on mine is more pronounced.

I have the 1951 Bowman, the 1959 Bazooka, the 1960 Post Cereal, etc. All things considered, I think I like the Stahl Meyer as well or better than the others. It is truly a centerpiece for any Mantle collection. David

Bestdj777
 

..no , his has printing on the lower left border...there is a thread about this photo , in all its varieties , over in the "memorabilia'' forum , about three years ago.....I'm at a loss to understand how to 'search' in these threads , but I'm pretty sure it's 2013 over in memorabilia section....good hunting...


..

1966 Mantle
 

Haven't purchased a Mantle in quite awhile, but couldn't pass up this '66 at a great price.

That specific example of the Stahl-Meyer is a thing of beauty, congratulations; throw the tech grade out the window on that one.

Fantastic 66 Mantle, Joe. No white PD in the red band is a plus on that card.

Gem of a 57 there, freak centering.

Just added this mid-grade Mick to my slowly growing mid-low grade Mantle run. Some great Mick's being posted. Love following this thread.

http://i.imgur.com/dMZW2yv.jpg?1

Great pick-up JB. Nice card.

I got this one last month. Obviously not a premier Mantle card, but I like the fact it showcases how great of a hitter he was.

Does anyone know if this feat has ever been beaten?

You have a great memory--I couldn't even recall which ones I have. I dug out my two photos. One has Mantle written in the same position as yours but with no Moss label and one has Mantle written in a different position with a Moss label on the left. There seems to be a number of variations.

Mike, posting a piece of that bat box that I received from a good pal as a wedding present--neither of us knew what it was at the time, but Kelly was able to point me in the right direction. It's an awesome bat box. Congrats! And, gorgeous Stahl!

http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/...psa46e7c7a.jpg

http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4bdbce51.jpg

http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/...s8f5a03c4.jpeg

Gorgeous. That Mick card is my favorite from the 60s and always tilty.

Mike, I went back and looked at the old threads and saw that the Mantle photo in question with pinstripes are the "1953 Wheaties" photos. (Sorry Chris, I just had to throw the 1953 in there.)

Chris, that cut out came from a bat box? Any idea what kind of bat box it was - who made the bat, was it for little league, etc.? That is very nice. Congrats on it and I hope you took whoever gave it to you for your wedding on your honeymoon. :eek:

Another addition to my collection. It's missing three plastic bags but still looks pretty nice.

Hey Mike,

It's part of the same packaging you just posted from your bat pickup I believe. And, nope, my wife got to go on the honeymoon :) I was very please my buddy sent this though as I love oddball stuff.

Chris

Yes, we were also talking about these among with the 51 Wheaties Premium. When we were basically pinpointing the date on it to 52, not 51. And the images/photo of the Moss was added into the discussion as well
http://www.net54baseball.com/showthr...ht=51+wheaties
http://www.net54baseball.com/showthr...ht=moss+Mantle

Lies. All lies.



ps. Hope all is well buddy!

Yeah, sure enough, there it is. :o I guess that's an example of why I've never claimed to be the most observant person around.

Heritage pick-ups
 

Attachment 254440

Attachment 254441

[QUOTE=clydepepper;1611236
[/QUOTE]

Nice!

Raymond, Great looking Dandee Mick. Congrats on landing two very nice looking Mantles.

Just picked it up today! Merry Christmas to me...http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...1e1b45b05e.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I guess so.

That card is in ex/mt shape!

Yeah, really happy with it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sweet card - what did it grade out per PSA?

Stoked to be adding this trio to my Mantle run!

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images...-1957-topps-95

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images...1963-topps-200

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images...1965-topps-350

Nice pick ups Mike, and the image and clarity on the 57 Mantle is outstanding. Working some deals for a few Mantles as we speak - fingers crossed.

Thanks KC! Best of luck to you on acquiring the ones you are after. Would love to see the new adds when you finalize the deal.

http://photos.imageevent.com/tedzan7...ardPanelMM.jpg


TED Z
.

That is super cool Ted. I am going to have to borrow that image and make a refractor panel out of that.:)

Very nice!

Wonder how Cracker Jack was able to hijack the 53 Topps Feller image and the 58 Topps Doby image?

Ted that's a awesome sheet !! I have that same sheet signed by all the players !!

I think that's the 64 Topps stand up image of Brooks too

QUOTE OF AUSTINMIKE FROM 12/14/2016 / POST #486:
Hey Brian, sorry to take so long to respond.

I agree with you, it is amazing that something that was once a free prize is now so cherished. But, I suppose because they were free and basically "worthless" at the time, many did not survive. Which makes them so cherished today. The fact that it is a beautiful card simply enhances its allure.

When I opened the package and saw the card for the first time, my initial reaction was surprise. I should have known better, but for some reason I expected it to be the size of today's cards. I should have figured it would be the size of '52 Topps, but I didn't. So the size was very surprising. Then the colors really grabbed me. Around then I noticed that it is the same picture of Mick used in several Yankee photo packs, but the one on the card, because it is colorized, really stands out. It's kind of hard to describe what it's like to be holding something so cherished and something that you never thought you would ever own. Although, I must admit, not near as thrilling as holding my kids for the first time. :)

As far as sharing my joy here, where else am I going to share it? Just about everyone I know would think I'm crazy for spending that much money for a card that was once a free prize. :D A big thank-you to Leon and everyone here for letting me share my joy here.[/QUOTE]


Hey AustinMike! Sorry it took me so long to response to your wonderful re-telling of seeing your beautiful 1953 Stahl-Meyer Franks for the first time. I relished your reflections on the card. I would have loved to have quoted you for the book. Your well-expressed thoughts are just the sort of colorful thing I tried to add to NEVER CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN.

Anyways, I'm glad you love your Stahl-Meyer. From the sound of things, you were in the middle of a decent dog fight for the card. I know you really didn't want to go that high, but as you reflect upon the circumstances that won you this key Mantle piece, it's no doubt reassuring you obviously were among a small group all trying hard to win it.

Merry Christmas! ----Brian Powell

Brooks Robinson
 

Close Scott, but he's wearing a "Baltimore" away jersey in the '64 stand up.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...d8b927d0b0.jpg

Picked up this wonderful 58T from a stand up member on net54
Thanks Mike


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1967 Topps
 

I needed this for my set, and took advantage of the EBay $15 off $75 offer a couple weeks ago. I'm going to crack it out to go in the binder, but it was the nicest 4 I could find.

Wow, that's a great 4...congrats!

A couple of "first graded" examples I recently got back from PSA. Always on the lookout for more Country Cookin's!

Old Photo
 

From the '51 Season. No. 7 is Bill Cerv. Tough scan, and couldn't get all in picture, nor get size down to allowed very easy.
Attachment 257575

Great pic!

As you likely haven't seen this pic, being new here, here is a pic of my Great Uncle Same with Mickey Mantle and Dizzy Trout taken at the 1958 World Series.

My Uncle's Sams friend, Norm is closest to Mick and Dizzy Trout is the second guy.

Welcome to the site. Best one around, imo. :)

Dale, that's a marvelous treasure, bro. So happy for you to have that. I remember when you first posted it, and definitely am glad to see it again.

In 1971, a dear family friend gave me a black 'n white photo he received from his friend, Leo Best, who was a guest with his wife at the dinner table, where Yankees' owner Dan Topping, and some of his players, were dining. With the presence of Mr. Topping, I would surmise it was taken at the swanky hotel the Yanks stayed at during spring training.

Maybe I can try to load it up one day. Most people don't care for shots of players in their civilian clothes, but it's such a great conversation piece. I mean, there the guy is, seated at the table with his wife, conversing with Dan Topping. Around the table, smiling at the camera are:

Yogi Berra, Billy Martin, and Mickey Mantle. Billy is really smirking; no surprise there. There's another player I cannot identify. My friend was having trouble too; perhaps he was a reserve player. Which then makes for a good reason to load 'er up on Net54. We got some mid-50s Yankee fans who are great "EAGLE EYES". One or more of them could identify the man. We really have a lot of guys who truly enjoy being helpful.

Take care, Dale, have a happy new year, and some time please tell me about your 1952 Topps set building.

All the best, bro. ---Brian Powell

Happy New Year to you as well, Brian.

That would be a great pic to see, Brian. If you get the chance someday, please it up as I am sure I am not the only one who would enjoy seeing it. :)

This one just arrived a couple of days ago. A centered one to replace a card purchased earlier for my run. Matches the rest much better.

Congrats on that beauty!

Thanks Dave, it looks great in hand.

My Mantle
 

Just picked this up, very happy with the centering and price

Attachment 260563

Nice looking card!

Congrats on the P/U.

Always loved the artwork on the 1954 Red Heart. Maybe it's the blue background that is reminiscent of the 52T...

I'm really happy with this card. A couple creases, which in hand are hard to see unless angled. The scan really lit them up- but that's ok
Attachment 262113

Not an easy card to get in any condition and this one looks great for the grade. Congrats.

Nice Stahl Meyer! I love that card. Great in any grade.

Gorgeous card and terrific condition for the issue. My Stahl Meyers are all rags. Great pickup!

Congratulations, Dave. That's one very important pick-up. At least the stains are barely noticeable, which are so prevalent with the Stahl-Meyer Franks package cards.

I've got a fascinating story. A couple years ago, I vividly remember a buddy telling me about his '53 Stahl-Meyer. The original owner, a young boy no doubt, actually filled out his name and address on the backside of the '53, ostensibly to enter Stahl-Meyers' contest. However, as some of us know, to enter the contest would require giving up his free prize Mantle card, plus another card. Seems to me the youngster thought better of the idea, or wasn't able to get another Stahl-Meyer baseball card, BUT STILL decided to hang on to his Mickey Mantle. Maybe it was smashed to smithereens while entombed inside the package, or more probable, was also given lots of admiration handling for a few years. Be that as it may, the kid didn't throw his Mantle away! With that mesmerizing portrait, who could blame the boy?;) The addition of the kid's name and address adds special period charm to that '53, and helps make it a terrific conversation piece.

Thanks again Dave for sharing your good fortune.

---Brian Powell

Stahl-Meyer
 

Dave great looking "53" Meyer, awesome addition to any collection sir. Enjoy it for years to come.

I really like the last two pickups posted. I was between those two cards, and this one. Wanted to add an early non Topps or Bowman Mantle. Hopefully someday I will pick up the other two, but for now this one will do.

Love the 53 Stahl Meyer. I saw one graded PSA 7 on display at the National in Chicago a couple of years ago, but the only other ones I've seen are PSA 1 or 2 with the MK qualifier. Just getting this card in any condition is nearly impossible. I'm not sure, but I think Brian also has a PSA 7.

The 1954 Dan Dee is great as well. That one is next on my list.

judgebuck (David)

Hi, David. No, my friend, I'm not the fortunate owner of the unique 1953 Stahl-Meyer Franks PSA 7 Near Mint. That is a major honey. I tried to talk it up on the PSA message forum when Mile High offered the world class set, and auctioned the cards individually, among them the PSA 7 Mantle. I guess I was rather spritely in my verbiage, but I assure you it was not bloviating. Everyone seemed to think I was pumping my own card. However, I knew for a fact ultra-high grade Stahl-Meyers are very seldom auctioned. The only matter nearly everyone cared to comment on was its morbid centering. Still within the confines of a PSA 7, it is breathtaking notwithstanding. A genuine dream card.

My forum thread responses must have made some impression, because while Google searching "Stahl-Meyer Mickey Mantle" recently, there was the PSA thread with my long, developed responses.

David, you've never bought my E-book on a CD. Perchance if you wish to know more about Stahl-Meyers, you would be well-rewarded by purchasing the book. Google searching the title, Never Cheaper By the Dozen, and the press release, written by my editor, Tom Bartsch, should appear. I'm not trying to come off as a hobby telemarketer, honest. However, if you love regionals as I do, honestly, you should act on this tip. If I was not the author, I would want to know about the book, for sure. There's also a chapter on the Dan-Dees, too. The Mantle card is not mentioned; the basic scope concerns a mid-70s major find of 13 of the 14 Dan-Dee Cleveland Indians, all in virtually Gem Mint condition. Brilliant find. Unbelievable condition.

I wish you the very best in your pursuit of a Dan-Dee Mickey Mantle; a beautiful card, to be sure.

---Brian Powell

Hi, Brian. I knew you didn't own the PSA 7 Stahl Meyer Mantle that I spotted at the National because I think you told me at the time that you knew who owned it. I have it in my head that you have a chapter in your e-book about this card and that you said you bought one years ago and had it graded and it came back at a high grade. Hope I'm not dreaming.

Speaking of your e-book, you are correct. I need to get this. In addition to the wonderful Stahl Meyer and Dan Dee Mantle cards, I love the 1960 Post as well. I believe this card is under appreciated. David

Looks more like a 6.5 to me. Lower left corner is the culprit on this well centered beauty...





http://i1248.photobucket.com/albums/...psnq8pt8oz.jpg


https://flic.kr/p/RUGq3W

David, I did a chapter on the majestic 1960 Post Cereal. You are correct in your assessment; it's under-appreciated. Really, nobody has written about them to the extent I have. A couple collectors who got them as youngsters or teens granted me some short, but beautiful interviews.

As I wrote, the Dan-Dees are covered, but the find of the mint Cleveland Indians is what I zero in on. I also put the spotlight on hobby pioneer Buck Barker in the Dan-Dee chapter.

Maybe I better give you my email address if you should have further questions on getting the book. I'm at:

bfpowell2003@yahoo.com

Take care, David.

A new addition added to the PC


http://i1248.photobucket.com/albums/...psjpii8pxd.jpg

1951 Bowman Mantle
 

Picked up the Bowman last week. I love it!

Nice cards!

Incredible cards Tom

Thanks Dave. I have some really cool pre-war cards, the 1914 CJ set to be specific, but I love these Mantles more than anything.

Very nice!

Jeez Sniffy, that display is incredible. The CJ advertisement on the top left shelf is icing on the cake.

Since this is a Mantle thread I will share his RC and 2nd year card. :D

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps9ck0ttot.png

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/s...pspbazs0hx.png

Beautiful cards and collection, Dave!

Whoa!!!! Dave, That '51 Bowman is really beautiful! (And worth a fuck ton of $$). Awesome cards, both! Splendid....

First post here and although it's not vintage,it's the only Mantle card I own:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/432/32...31504449_b.jpgscan0006 by Brett Blair, on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/758/32...8f1a5df8_b.jpgscan0007 by Brett Blair, on Flickr

Nice card!

Welcome to the site. :)

Just notice. Is that the Bruce McNall we all know (Gretzky/Wagner card) or is it someone else?

Thanks.

I'd imagine it's the same Bruce McNall.

Another LCS pick up today.

Presents well for a mid grade imo.


http://i1248.photobucket.com/albums/...psuhw9eval.jpg

NICE, David!

1953 Stahl Meyer
 

Was extremely happy to add this one recently.

I knew I could not get one as nice as Michael's Mantle card he won from
Mile High back in November. I was just hoping for one that was clean.
This was the one for me!


http://photos.imageevent.com/aconte/...le/img277a.jpg http://photos.imageevent.com/aconte/...le/img278d.jpg