I am a picky MFer... so all of those are deal-killers for me (except for cracking/puckering graphics on the older ones). This actually adds a cool vintage look/patina and is just as common as tack holes (which also don't bother me at all). But if the painted graphics are actually flaking off, that's where I draw the line.

A blunt tip is not a big deal either. Many were made that way, but if it's missing 1/2" or more, then it gives me pause. A dangling or "fishtailed" tip is a non-starter.

Excellent list, and I would add that a rip or tear anywhere on the pennant (not just the tip) kills it for me.

Yeah...Definitely should've included rips in general. This was obviously tongue in cheek. Smells like ass is actually a pretty easy problem to solve. I bought a camping clothesline on Amazon and I find if I hit the back of the pennant with a light cloud of Febreze, then leave it out overnight...problem solved by morning. And no...it's doesn't smell like Febreze either. Of course, I'm not referring to that incredible "old pennant" smell...but must, smoke, etc. This works really well for smoke.

And moth holes don't bother me too much as long as we're not talking about swiss cheese.

I am amazed at the number of people who reach out to me to ask if a 70-80 year old pennant has pin holes. Who would care? That's never even entered into my decision process when considering a pennant and it certainly has zero impact on value in my opinion.

To each his own. Some people are hung up on thread.

Condition
 

Mark -
I am pleased to see that your condition standards are great as always.
That is one of the reasons that your collection is fantastic.
I enjoyed that common bond we had.
Jerry

Good to know about the Febreze. Only problem is if you hang the clothesline in Seattle, the pennant will be soaking wet before you know it. :rolleyes:

Regarding the part in bold... It is indeed mind-boggling. I have had a couple of sales fall through because the prospective buyer asked about pinholes. Who the hell possibly cares? You'd rule out 90% of all vintage pennants if this was your criteria.

This misguided thinking has to emanate from the "Sportscard Culture", where pinholes are highly frowned upon. A great-condition card (that would otherwise grade NRMT) is automatically graded "1" by the know-nothing TPGs if it has a microscopic pin hole. And the collecting sheeple fall right in line.

So if/when you encounter this mindset, you are probably dealing with a TPG-addicted card collector. Thankfully, serious pennant collectors know it's a non-issue.

I enjoyed it too, Jerry. We miss seeing you around here...

Really loved our interactions, and boy did we make some great deals back in the day!

Thanks for the kind words and hope all is going well,
Mark

I with you Rob. I like to get the best condition that I can but if I find a pretty scarce pennant for a good price, I'll put up with a missing tassel or spine issues until I can upgrade it.

As I've gained experience with pennants, I'm able to figure out which stains can be removed with a gentle soak. Badly faded or large holes are where I normally draw the line.

I've not had the occasion to buy a pennant that smells like ass yet. Wonder what ebay sellers would reply, if I asked "does it smell like ass?" :D

LOL…Maybe I can petition eBay to add a “smells like ass” check box to their seller listing template.

Mark
Yes we did. I think our first transaction was with your Willie Mays Pennant.
That was the start of our realization that we were condition "freaks"

Cool player pennants, Jerry. I keep mine together, too, although I don’t have as many.

Hi-

Here is something unusual. It is a Philadelphia Phillies pennant from Mike Ryan Motor Sales. It is signed by multiple members of the mid 60s Red Sox including Tony C (but no Yaz unless I missed seeing his signature).

Mike Ryan Motor Sales was in Haverhill MA so I am not sure why they made a Phillies pennant but I am guessing it was made when Ryan was traded to the Phillies (the dealership was run by his uncle but he worked there). Has anyone seen an unsigned version of this pennant? Did the motor sales company make any other pennants?

Alan