Helmar ORIGINAL Art: Your thoughts?
 

I know there have been threads on Helmars in general, whether they will increase in value, ever be graded etc. etc. but I don't think there has been one limited only to discussion of their original art cards, which are labeled and listed quite distinctly, and signed on the back by the artist. First, does this mean that the card was drawn or at least colored individually? Is each card either one of a kind or the prototype for others? Finally, is their value rising or likely to rise--again, talking only about the "originals" here.

Checking in
 

Hi, just checking in and saw your question. The "original art" listings are all paintings. You seem to be referring to the ones mostly painted by Sanjay. They are not colored prints but actual paintings. He uses opaque watercolors and small brushes. The outlines are usually long brushstrokes and the rest is filled in with tiny, watery dots of color. If you ever handle one I hope that you'll have a magnifying glass handy. It is interesting to view them really close. And yes, these become the prototypes for the prints. Thanks, Charles Mandel, Helmar

Interesting to know. Thanks for helping to educate!!

I have some Helmars original art, they are pretty cool

http://www.qualitycards.com/pictures/helmarplank.jpg

http://www.qualitycards.com/pictures/helmarplankb.jpg

Here's a larger one, Hall Of Famer Elmer Flick

http://www.qualitycards.com/pictures/flick.jpg

http://www.qualitycards.com/pictures/flickb.jpg

Helmar Art Cards
 

Very Cool looking cards!

Do these cards have current copyright dates on them ? If not, I could see novice collectors thinking these are vintage collectibles and being taken by some dealers etc as being from that era.