December pick ups
 

Just won this awesome Dummy Hoy in the SCP auction!

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m...s/DummyHoy.jpg

I got these TTM

Packs, that autograph almost makes me want to be a 'cuts' collector. But I still don't have that much faith.

Very cool piece.

I owned that Hoy once (before it was slabbed) and it is a REAL beauty. Very bold fountain pen ink and a cool notation of his career. Congrats on a great pickup!

Rhys

I'm really excited about it. I felt like it was one lot that slipped through the cracks. I'm not a cuts collector either but I felt confident in it since it's actually a trimmed down GPC.

Picked up this signed 1922 E120 American Caramel card of Joe Hauser. So far its my oldest signed card, hope to get a signed T206 someday.

Attachment 80014

Was looking to get that (whom a fellow board member owns with some other great signed cards), but I got this instead (from a different fellow board member).

I had a pretty quiet November and was planning the same for December when I found the following.
For my signed magazines with Yankees on the cover collection, I picked up this very nice Dave Righetti no-hit magazine signed by several including Righetti and Zimmer.
For my famous/infamous events collection, I picked a 1976 game 5 ALCS ticket signed by Chris Chambliss. This will be matted along with a signed photo of him hitting the walkoff series winning HR.
And the most important pickup (Thank You, Thank You Jim Stinson), a Complete Karl Wingler questionairre dated 1960 of 1919 White Sox player Eddie Murphy. Eddie was a clean sox and got up 3 times during the 1919 series. Did I mention Thank You, Thank You Jim Stinson? :)

I actually got that card signed. Back in about 1989 I was looking all over for one and that was the only one I had any luck getting. I really didn't want a trimmed one but beggars Cant be choosers. Joe was a great signer and always wrote a little letter with the autograph. Glad to see it's still around :)

Ruth Auto
 

Got my Holy Grail yesterday at the Philly Show... Compliments of Kevin Keating.

Babe Ruth 1920's Cut... I woke my framer up this morning to see if he could put it together for me today...

Congrats, Dave! That is a beauty!

ruth auto
 

Thanks Jim...

Foxx & Wagner to Go!!!

Dave Niehaus
 

http://www.net54baseball.com/picture...pictureid=8611

I just picked up this team issued post card of Hall of Famer Dave Niehaus from 1983. The Mariners used to issue these for every player and coach for autograph requests and player appearances. According to the Earliest Collectibles of Baseball Hall of Famers thread, they list the earliest known Niehaus item was from 1995 so this pre-dates it by 12 years.

Around 12 years ago, a card shop that specialized in odd ball Seattle Mariners memorabilia showed me an example of this postcard (unsigned) and said that he had never seen one before in all his years of collecting. Since then this is the only other one I have seen (always in the market for Mariner postcards that I don't have). I wish that it was not personalized to James and by looking at it close I don’t see any way of removing the personalization.

Ok. So here are my latest additions.
Pretty pumped.
Also a very good lesson in patience.

In May, during Henry Yee's last ayction, many of you may remember that I bid and lost out on both the Dolph Camilli and KiKi Cuyler signed 1934 Goudeys. The Kuyler went for >$1900 and the Camilli for >$200.

Now I was really pissed about losing the Cuyler, as I had never seen one prior and was sure there couldn't be too many of these around. The Camilli made me mad because, really, who spends over $200 on a Dolph Camilli auto?

One of the most valuable lessons my father taught me about collecting is to be patient. He would point out that very few things are truly one of a kind. If you've seen one, another will come up in the future.

He is correct again and as it turned out I didn't have to wait another 20yrs to find them. Plus I saved about $400 combined as compared to the prices of the ones in May.

Last month I picked up Camilli.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2.../91Camilli.jpg


A couple of weeks ago I won this Cuyler in the Collect Auction auction.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...0Cuyler002.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...Cuyler2002.jpg

BTW, I have to send a huuuuge thank you to the wife for allowing me to get the Kuyler as a combined Birthday/Christmas present. Did I mention that I really love her?:D

With these 2, I am now at 75 out of 96. Not too bad for an 80yr old set.

Very nice! :)

Way to go Mark! Very nice way to end the year...but I think your wife is going to get suspicious if you keep having these "rare" items come up around Christmas every year :)
Your Dad's wisdom should be used by all of us in our everyday collecting.

My Oh My!

Courtesy of Huggins & Scott. Would love to expand the theme to an even 100 HOFers. Still mulling over who makes the cut for the final 18.

http://www.freewebs.com/cjedmonton/hof.jpg

quite a pickup.. congrats

Picked up my first signed Goudey card. It is not in great shape but I think I got it for a great price.

Watch out Mark, I am coming for you lol

AWESOME!

Mark, I didn't realize you had that many... what a tough collection to put together. Very cool.

Way to go Mark!
That Camilli is nice. i got one signed back in the day but you got a period autograph on it and I doubt there are very many like that.

Ben,
Yea, I do have a lot, but I have been working on this set for approx 30yrs or so.
It's been a labor of love.

Sean and Scott,
Thanks a lot for the kind words.

Mike,
The wife's contribution is even bigger than it seems as she doesn't get collecting at all. It drives her crazy that I spend this amount of money on this stuff. Another part of it, for her, is that I don't have much displayed. So she sees this a stuff collecting dust in a box.
Fortunately we have reached an accord. First, she has begrudgingly accepted the fact that I would rather spend money on memorabilia than tools, clothes, electronics, etc. Second, she twisted my arm to finally get the basement finished early this coming year, so I can hang and display my collection. Perhaps she will understand and enjoy it more as well that way.

Giovanni,
Congrats on your first. Very nice.
Though, I would advise you to avoid the 34 Goudey cards. The 34's are very ugly cards and I wouldn't want you to ruin your collection with any of them. For safety's sake, please send them all to me, so I can protect everyone.


CJ,
I love multi-signed pieces and that is spectacular. Congrats on an awesome pick up.

Best to all,
Mark

Mark, You know we'll want some pictures when that basement is complete and your memorabilia is displayed!

Did someone mention signed 33 goudeys? :)

Attachment 81133

Attachment 81134

Are those December pickups, or are you just showing off :)

Showing off of course lol :)

Never get sick of seeing them :)

Brock

Most of my hobby funds go into cards, but I had to pick up a Cobb autograph at some point. While not the rarest of items, this Cobb-signed check does have minor historical significance in that it was made out to Emory University Clinic (the place where Cobb spent his final months receiving assistance in his battle against cancer, and, ultimately the hospital where he passed away).

Ever since I bought Ron Keurajian's book, my interest in baseball autographs has been rekindled. I've dug out my old inventory/collection and found I have over 100 HOF autos, most common but none of recent members. I've already won a couple lots in the just closed RR Auction and have a bid in with Lelands. Anyway, I drove about an hour yesterday to visit a coin dealer. I bought some coins and medals and also these gold plaques. All except the Barlick are dupes but at the price he was asking, I couldn't pass them up.

http://jacockscollectibles.com/ebay/plaks.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/exhibit...eau_%20Lou.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/exhibit..._%20Robert.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/exhibit..._%20George.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/exhibit...y_%20Larry.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/exhibit...ley_%20Bob.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/exhibit...s_%20Robin.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/exhibit...opez_%20Al.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/exhibit...k%20signed.jpghttp://photos.imageevent.com/exhibit...y%20signed.jpg

My GAWD this is a jaw dropping piece. Why stop at 100?

Looks like he is running out of room :)

If you are interested in selling any of the dupes I could probably stand to upgrade a couple of the names you have shown here.

Nolan Ryan signed tickets
 

Got my tickets back from the Nolan Ryan Foundation. They are a bargain at $35 a signature.

Exactly. I might be able to bump that figure up a bit, but 100 is such a nice round number. Then again, 108 would have a nice significance (stitches on a ball).

The logistics of it all would probably take years anyway, so I have time!

I like how Joe D. put his #5 in a circle. Amazing, one-of-a-kind piece right there!

I assume you are getting additions only at paid signings? I'd be terrified of someone smudging their sig otherwise.

Nice, Randall! :)

Yay, me!!! This has been #1 on my autograph "wish list" for quite some time, but haven't had the cajones to pay $1000+ for one. Not perfect, but nice and vintage and I am very happy. Combined with the Cecil Travis bat I posted in the GU section, this has been my best Christmas ever, collecting-wise. (And it will keep on getting better when I unwrap Ron K's book!)

Ken

Yes, that's the plan. Unfortunately, I'll also have to go the mail order route since I'm not within 1,000 miles of the regular auto circuit.

I think the annual HOF weekend in Cooperstown is my best bet, along with obe or two other promoters at other times during the year. I'd like to minimize the time this thing is in the postal system!

Does anyone have much experience with mail order requests through major promoters? If you make a simple but clear request of where/how you want the player to sign, do they usually oblige?

Thanks for the nice comments.

I would be leery about sending your piece through the mail, but knowing that you live in a remote locale...

1) Insure the piece both ways in transit.
2) Use post it notes to identify where you would like a specific signature.
3) Have the letter that accompanies it clearly state what you want (Blue or black fine-tipped Sharpie, etc.)
4) Call the promoter and speak to the person in charge of mail order autographs and discuss what you're looking for

These steps will insure a better end result, FWIW.

Good luck, it's a terrific piece! :cool:
It's sad to note how many players on this poster are now deceased.

Satchel Paige ball
 

Ken,
Nice Satchel Paige ball! It's a beauty.

Thanks for the tips, Scott. Much obliged. I'll post my success as it unfolds.

I'm not sure I'd send that one off for mail order. If you plan it right, you could probably get just about everyone you want during HOF weekend. MAB-Celebrity has probably 20 plus hof'ers sign and then there are a handful of others that signed throughout town. The good thing about getting it signed in person is that it's a conversation piece and I'd bet that several hof'ers will be very friendly while signing it. Just my .02

I wouldn't disagree with Mike given this particular piece. I would attempt to do this IP given the chance.

+1
I wouldn't let that thing out of my sight! :D

+10000 even if you insure it when you ship, whats the value of that thing? And that wont stop some foolio from dropping it, or smearing fresh marker.

It looks really nice as-is, and has plenty of autographs. I would take it to signings every now and then, but not mail it anywhere.

It could be a fun life-long project, where you obtain sigs sparsely enough to make those occasions especially memorable.

Agreed. Come to HOF induction weekend and get a bunch knocked off in one weekend.

Count me in among those who would never send that multi-signed piece through the mail for a signature. Not only is the act of mailing it cost prohibitive and risky, but the possibility for a signer to damage the piece would be too high. That's a very cool item!

Weiss and Harridge...
 

A couple additions to the HOF Collection...Brings the total to 147!!

George Weiss Signed Letter and a William Harridge Album Page (Courtesy of Jim Stinson).

Hmm, I should reconsider my options. Since I won't be attending any HOF weekends anytime soon :(, I guess I should build a rapport with a trusted/esteemed board member who will be attending! Perhaps someone would be willing to act as a bailee of sorts (or at least recommend someone competent/trustworthy)?

The poster is great as is, but I see even more potential by adding to the theme.

Just picked up this cool 1940 San Francisco Seals stamp book. I know almost nothing about it. But the book has 17 out of the 25 stamps and even more amazing 23 out of 25 autographs.

Is this thing rare?

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m...ams/Seals1.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m...ams/Seals2.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m...ams/Seals3.jpg

I do go every year but that may be too much responsibility for me! Two kids responsibility I can handle, 80 HOF sigs? I dunno :)

Wow i have a serious case jealousy developing! Congrats that is a beautiful ball.

CJ-I collect multi-signed HOF pieces. I have shown this piece on here a few times, but let me give the backstory:

I started this piece during the fall of 1989, with Bob Feller at a show. It then sat in my parent's house for the next 20+ years until I stumbled upon it in 2009. I decided then to make it a multi-signed piece. I sent to Doerr and MacPhail, since they were free TTM. As those two came back, I started sending it to more players and included cash. I have the order someplace, but guys like Sparky, Irvin, Ford, Kaline, etc. Usually between $10-$20 cash. I tracked players response times and how much the going rate was on SportsCollectors.net.

In February 2011, I sent it to Whitey Herzog with $10 cash. I used the automated postal machine in the front lobby of the Post Office, had the package weighed, put the stamp on it, and left.

I saw numerous Herzog items coming back on SCN, started to get nervous for awhile. After not getting it back for a few weeks, I honestly gave up on it. I was pretty bummed out, but knew that is the chance you take with doing TTM. I thought about writing Whitey a note inquiring about the piece, but didnt. At the beginning of April, I see a package in my mailbox. I knew immediately it was ther Herzog item. I raced to the mailbox and found that it was "returned to sender". I honestly didnt care at that point, was just happy to have it back. After looking at the front of the package, it was returned to sender because "postage was due". And actually, it had a couple of attempted delivery dates on the envelope. Not sure if that was attempted delivery back to me, or to Herzog. I was confused as to why postage was due and it was coming back to me when I specifically had the package weighed and the appropriate stamp put on there. I was just happy to have the piece back (considering I chalked it up to being completely lost) and didnt want to fight with the post office.

I have actually mailed it out to three private signings since (LaSorda with MAB, Doug Harvey with the Feller Museum, and Gary Carter with JP's right before his passing) and have added Sandberg in person. I was a nervous wreck mailing it out two more times, but I guess I was lucky.

I will be honest, I dont think your piece should go anywhere near a post office. Save the money you would be spending on mailing supplies, postage, insurance, (not to mention worrying!) and make it up to Cooperstown one year and knock out a ton IP. But whatever you do, don't put that baby in the mail.

I usually go to Induction Weekend, but ironically havent since I started this project (3 years). And while I would love to help you out, I can honestly say I would be scared to death to have that thing in my possession.

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/a...m/DSCF1797.jpg

Cooptown: that's a great piece and maybe even better backstory. Thanks for sharing your experience. How great for you to pick up where you left off after so many years.

Honestly, I was never considering sending TTM directly to a player...only through a major promoter or a reputable board member.

Either way, I understand the hassle/anxiety/risk I'd be facing, but I love a challenge!

Making the actual pilgrimage to Cooperstown is my best bet, but I can't see that happening in the near future.

I may make a separate thread to solicit a willing/recommended member who might be willing to make an arrangement on my behalf.

Thanks to all for the advice. Why can't I just leave well enough alone? :)

Cal, Gwynn, Rickey, Maddux, Johnson, Griffey, et al..., that's why!

A trio of bats

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5f10517b.jpg

Merry Christmas to me!

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m...mybaberuth.jpg

Wow, that is one of the best Yaz autos I've seen

won the lot of 10 golden press in lelands. probably overpaid but wanted a couple cards. was ok with buying raw mostly because of this board's opinion of lelands' team of authentication

Yep, most of us feel really good about their expertise.

Last night I won an expensive signed letter from them, that I would never have bid on from ANY other auction house.

I am ending the year on a high note, picked up some nice items this week.

The first a Dazzy Vance GPC from Stinson. This goes towards my Hall of Fame Collection and MVP collection.

Also picked up a 1929 4 in 1 exhibit card with Mel Ott and Bill Terry. Whats neat about the card is that it is actually Mel Ott's true rookie card and it is also signed by Bill Terry.

Also picked up a signed Tony Perez Rookie Card for my Rookie Card collection.

Still working on a few more deals to end the year with.

JimStinson
 

Lelands IS top shelf when it comes to authentications and autographs. As mentioned previously on the board.

Also.. Every one of the cards you pictured is spot on. Nice snag !
______________________
jim@stinsonsports.com

JimStinson
 

opps ...except for the Joe DiMaggio which appears to be sis
______________________________
jim@stinsonsports.com

Both of these fighters are virtual locks for the HOF when they are definitively retired:

http://photos.imageevent.com/exhibit...on_%20Glen.JPGhttp://photos.imageevent.com/exhibit...ze/Barrera.jpg

It is not rare but it is not an every day item either. I usually see several each year in varying states of completion. The stamps themselves raw are actually a lot tougher to find than the booklet. And signed, it is very desirable, especially with O'Doul included. FWIW, I collect O'Doul and the signature looks dead-on correct. Nice pick!

My 87th Perez Steele Post Card...
 

I'm pretty happy with this one...nice dark blue sig with HOF inscription. I haven't seen a lot of Lopez Perez Steele cards with inscriptions...

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images.../7922/lopez-al

Just picked up this 1955 Bowman signed Rookie card of baseball and football Hall of Famer Cal Hubbard. You dont see these every day.

1959 Topps Ford Frick Rookie Card

1947-48 Red Sox Team Sheet w/Ted Williams...
 

1947-48 Red Sox Team Sheet w/Ted Williams and Joe Cronin....