Looking for fellow 1962 Jell-O collectors
 

I am new to the forum and have tried to go back thru some old threads on this elusive series. Appears there are some old timers with some pretty good knowledge about this issue. I have pulled the trigger and am off and running but still have lots of questions and want to gain a better understanding as well as find others that may have some ideas were to find some of the scarcities. I have read as many articles as I could find and I know Bob had a vast amount of knowledge about them. I know that, in general, they are hard to come across, but I also know there are several, even outside of Richardson and Skowron that are next to impossible, but not sure which ones they are!?!? Any help or anyone that wants to join in discussing them are gladly welcome!!

Welcome to our boards. Are you collecting cards with full borders, or just whatever you can get? I used to post over at collectors universe as mjohnatgt.

Thank you! I'm always looking for full borders but those are few and far between. I know there are some that I'm going to be lucky to find in any condition much less with any border. At this point I'm looking for pretty much anything that looks decent. I'm sure I'll upgrade from time to time but as long as there is no writing on the front or back and no horrendous creases or really nasty jagged cuts, I'm ok with them.
I don't recognize your user name.....I went zero dark for about 6-7 years only going on from time to time.

1962 Jell-Os
 

Good to hear of another 62 Jell-O collector. My favorite set! Fairly serious Post Cereal Jell-O collector and most of my hobby efforts are in this area. For a number of years been working on trying to figure out the intricacies of the 62 Jell-Os as there is very little historical documentation that exists from back then. And been somewhat successful, at least in some areas of this set. If you would like to talk about the set, get a hold of me at bwnrot@aol.com or 916 508-7872. Always good to chat with a fellow collector. Have a good night. Ken

Ken, I will for sure get in touch with you when things are settled down around my house soon. You and Brian are the main reasons I joined Net54. It was the posts about the Jell-O from you both that I had been reading. The amount of knowledge I have about the set pales in comparison to you both. Heck, a lot of what I know has come from you guys. It wasn't that I didn't know about the cards for years, as I've been collecting since 1978, but it wasn't until about 10 months ago when I ran across a very small stash of them that I became intrigued by them and then about 4 months ago that I became obsessed by them, lol. The scarcity, the mysteries surrounding them then the feeling you get when you run across a copy with a full, strong boarder and rich color. It had me hook, line and sinker. My obvious goal is to complete a set but I have to keep in mind that I may never reach that goal. I'm hoping to run into other collectors that can help me in that goal and share information with me as well. Thanks for posting and I will stay in touch!!
Tim

Wishing you the very, very best, Tim, in your pursuit of a genuine post-war beast of a set.

Take your time, and while it's good to be choosy, please know that it will be very troublesome to find full border all around the card. That was a major point I focused on in my chapter on those gorgeous 1962 JELL-Os.:o I've really grown fond of them over the years, without actually collecting them. It was a major confirmation to me in 2015-16 when the late Bob Lemke dug out an article from a spring 1962 issue of THE SPORTING NEWS on what was going on with General Foods' baseball card promotions. He posted the article in his blog. One little sentence was the large gold nugget to me----that recently General Foods had begun test-marketing their 1962 baseball card set on the backs of their JELL-O boxes in the Chicagoland area.

Previously, the Beckett 3 BB card guide (1981) said most collectors considered the '62 issue a test issue. When I interviewed the late Larry Fritsch for my book on September 18, 2003, he confirmed to me the 1962 JELL-Os were a test issue. Then, finally, dear Bob Lemke also nailed it with his find from that SPORTING NEWS article! The 1963 release was indeed nationwide; not so 1962!:D

Lest I forget, welcome to the Net54baseball family!

Have a swell weekend, my fellow collecting warrior! ---Brian Powell

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/zLcAA...vsn/s-l800.jpg
Too many posts without an image. I lucked into getting these two Jell-O Mantles for $70 shipped since the seller listed them all as Post. They're rough, but they'll make nice placeholders in my PSA Mantle Master Set Registry.

What about the Jell - O issue of 1961?

I've read Bob Lemke's article and I had read you were coming out with a book. I need to get that! Lol, I have no grand idea that I will EVER find a complete set with full borders but I have been lucky to run across several. I have decided that I'm having all of them slabbed by PSA, even if they only come back as Authentic. I think in my first submission of 30+ cards I got back 12 with numerical grades which shocked me. I have about 30 there now waiting to be graded and will be happy with any that come back with numerical grades and about 45 that I'm getting ready to send with my next bulk sub. I'm hoping to have about 10-15 in that one.

Sounds as if you're off to a terrific start, Tim. Nice going, bro. May I kindly stress to key on striving for a good player photo, even if a border or two was removed "in the distant past."

If you are serious about my book, bro, I'll direct you to the press release:

Google search the title, Never Cheaper By the Dozen. As you will see, the 480-page book is an E-book on a CD. You read it on your computer by inserting the disk into the disk drive of your computer and finding it on your "My computer" icon. I sell it from my home for $30 postpaid. The purchasing details, along with my mailing address, are at the end of the press release.

Or, you can choose a cheaper route. Amazon now offers a digital download for only $9.99.

Personally, I love the disk, but I recognize many here use their devices to read their Kindle books, so I'm now with "cutting edge technology".

I think you will enjoy the book, bro. One thing our hobby never did was produce many books about specific genres of cards, et al. Baseball / sports history of all kinds and biographies---oh yeah. Price guides have been around every year since 1979. But books about specific sets---forget it. My guess is that it was too much work to be worthwhile. I sure haven't sold as many copies as I thought collectors would have wanted, but sometimes guys just want all their info handed to them for free, or spoon fed, or something sarcastic along that line. Look, with as much interest as you have, wouldn't you want to devour anything you could get your hands on about this difficult set you wish to collect? I know I sure as anything would.

One of the problems I encountered in researching my book was finding veteran and current collectors willing to divulge what they knew. Many just wanted to keep that precious information to themselves. It might "hurt them" if others found out the juicy secrets and uncommon info they knew about a given set I was covering. That's human nature, and to be honest, that is precisely how I was when I voraciously collected the regional / food. I did not wish to create more competition for these beautiful, tough-to-get items. Since I've retired from collecting these expensive scarcities, I've willing to sing as a bird about them and why they are special. By the grace of God, I was able to find some significant people in the hobby, as well as some serious collectors of individual sets who knew them extremely well, that were willing to grant me lengthy interviews. Wow, did I ever uncover some fascinating information and enthralling sea stories.

As for the '62 JELL-O, the cat's now out of the bag, so to speak. In your case, a bunch of collectors are working on the '62 JELL-O, for they also know how tough they are, particularly a complete box.

Well, 'nuf said. Take care. Got to go.

One final thing. My editor and I declined the paper print on demand route for my book production---way too expensive!:eek:

----Brian Powell

Lol, I was going to ask about a paper print as I'm pretty old. I think the cd would be my best option It's funny how you describe the other collectors of this set, I have found that they guard their information like it's gold in Fort Knox. Fortunately, even though the complete boxes are pretty cool, I have no interest in them....can't explain why.

Tim, that's perfectly fine you don't care for the 1962 JELL-O boxes. Really, that's a blessing when you're focusing on just collecting the set in the first place. As I think about it, though, the focus of my chapter on the '62 JELL-O concentrates on the mega rarity of the perhaps unique unfolded box I am extremely privileged to own. Sure, I talk about the promotion and the cards to some degree, and provide my one childhood memory of them, but what you might very well be hoping for won't be included.

Now, having said that, advanced collector Dan Mabey is researching the '62 JELL-Os for a book, and another advanced collector, as well as Post and Jell-O specialist, Ken Marks, is feverishly working on pairing up each player with what different flavor boxes he appeared on. He has a small cadre of kindred spirits working with him---all dyed in the wool collectors who relish those '62 JELL-0s like you. Perhaps you can reach out to him for counsel and advice on pursuing the set.

So, if I have scotched a potential book sale, I don't care, because I would much rather you become a happy customer, and glad you purchased my book, rather than buy it, become disappointed, and get sore over the money you spent for it.

I better head to bed. Take care, bud. ---- Brian Powell

62 Jello
 

I have been working with Ken Marks on compiling a box list for the 62 Jello's. I have combined the Pudding and Gelatin lists into one list by player. We still have a few holes. For viewing I have posted some pictures of some 62 Jello cards. Three of the most difficult ones: Richardson, Stafford and Simmons. A box with Aparicio and a full bordered Groat.

I cannot even begin to describe the envy I have for the Richardson, Simmons and Stafford. Not that they are perfect but they are damn nice examples. I have seen the Simmons but never the Richardson or the Stafford. Thank you for sharing! You guys may drag me into wanting the boxes at some point and I have a great appreciation for them and their scarcity, just not their yet, lol.
Tim

62 jello picture
 

Agree. Very nice examples.

After a wonderful chat with Ken last night, I think I have more of an appreciation for the boxes. Obviously for the scarcity but also for the information that the boxes provide. While I don't see myself running across any of these on a regular basis, I'm now going to keep my eyes open and think I would like to have one or more to go along with my set. Each day I seem to gain a deeper appreciation for these cards. Can't wait until I'm able to land one of the "big ones" from the set!

Well.....so much for thinking I wanted to add a full box to my collection. After the Nellie Fox that ended on Ebay over the weekend, I might have to rethink that, lol. I'm not sure if that is a pretty common price for the complete box or not, but it ended about 3x more than what I figured it would. Then again, I really had no clue. I'm hoping one of the fellow members here was able to snatch it up!

Hey Promethius88, would you please enlighten me on the grim, gory bidding details of the '62 Nellie Fox JELL-O box. Did you save the listing photo--would love to scrutinize it. I missed that; not that I would have bid, but I would have loved to enjoy a bowl of JELL-O while the last 10 minutes ticked down. Thanks ahead of time. --- Brian Powell

Looks like 2 big dogs fought for it:

https://www.ebay.com/bfl/viewbids/31...p2047675.l2565

Yeah, I put in an early bid of $125 just to mark it knowing it would go higher. Thought if I really wanted it I would need to place a last minute bid of $500-600 but never got the chance to do that. Having never seen one sell before, I have no idea what they normally go for. The $1700 may be low, it may be high, I really don't know. But, at that price, I don't see me picking any up in the near future as I would rather spend that kind of money on individual cards I need for the set itself.

Thank you, Randy, for coming to my aide. Very, very interesting bidding. I may of said I would have enjoyed a bowl of JELL-O as the last 10 minutes ticked down. However, it was the "last bite" was when it all happened. Whoa, Nellie; the dog fight really accelerated the final 8 seconds!

The complete box was exceptionally well-preserved. For the 1962 JELL-O or ADVANCED Nellie Fox collector, the box is a downright centerpiece.

I know you're focused on collecting the set, but in this instance, a complete box carries a great deal of psychological and emotional weight, plus satisfaction, which unfortunately costs boo coo.

Precisely as I wrote in NEVER CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN .............;)

Though the commercial on Youtube is of the Post Cereal promotion happening at the same time as its fellow General Foods brand, JELL-O, do avail yourself of the happiness of viewing the fabulous Roger Maris black 'n white commercial with the two boys at a grocery store. The ambiance is compelling.

Have a great day, all. ---- Brian Powell

1962 Jell-Os
 

I know and talked to the guy who won the Fox box. He is a serious and big-time collector of Post and Jell-O cards (and a good guy too). Like the rest of us, he too was blown away with what it took to win the box.

Hiya, Ken! Hope you're doing well, my friend. Thanks for the update on the '62 JELL-O Nellie Fox box winner. I am rather certain this collector was also blown away by the box when he first got to hold it in his hand. At that point, I think he'll be reassured at the decision he made to type in the big numbers on his eBay bid box to enter for it in the closing second! It was probably just like four guys going for a volleyball at the net, two from each side. They're giving it all they've got; one will get a higher or stronger hand/wrist on it, and come up with the kill for his team. The Fox box winner was the chap who decided he would go "this high", thinking he would certainly bag it, and likely bag it for less. However, there were probably three other collectors just like him. Just as my volleyball play scenario, each gave everything they had (put in "a sure winning bid", yet not realizing it would truly take that amount to win the dog fight).

Sometimes it takes even serious collectors "to think outside the box", and see the merits and elegance of an original complete box, from whence came a single card from the set they're struggling to collect in the first place. These collectors that were in the fight in the closing seconds ALL "GET" WHY THE BOX IS SPECIAL NOW.

The surreal idea that perhaps has never seized some of our other fellow postwar collectors are the implications with the 62/63 JELL-Os, starting with the fact the set was built ONE card at a time. Even with Post Cereal, you got at least a few cards. One thing in your favor, and disfavor, you could select any player you wanted, providing your Mom allowed you the privilege to select that flavor. What if the flavor was unappetizing to Mom, or if she felt no one in the family would like it, including you? This concept lends itself into why certain players chosen as the free prize on unpopular flavors would be very scarce.

Another factor in your disfavor is if you wanted a certain superstar, you likely would discover other kids in town also wanted Ernie Banks, or Mickey Mantle, or Sandy Koufax, or Ron Santo, or Warren Spahn, or Hank Aaron, or Willie Mays, or ....

Better end my musing, for now.....;) ---Brian Powell

P.S. Ken, if you get a chance to speak with the winner again, tell him congratulations from me, and that he must not feel eviscerated over what he had to pay to win it; rather, let the feeling of being exhilarated over winning it overwhelm the other! Way da go, big dog!!!!!!!! Also, please encourage him to buy a copy of NEVER CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN. Tell him how. I've got plenty of copies left; or, he can go the Amazon route for the digital download. If he's going to plunk that kind of dough down to win a prized centerpiece, he owes it to himself to buy some decent literature that devotes 3 chapters to the General Foods' baseball card issues. Mine will not have the sheer info that Dan Mabey's would; however, in our secluded hobby, the more books the better! Always!!! Also, his personal info on an envelope is private, and will not be shared with anyone!-----Bri

'62 Jello Simmons
 

Looks like some spirited bidding on the Curt Simmons ending later today. I need him but not for over $400.

I have been slowly bidding on it. My last bid was at $410 so where it is now is the top bid for the current top bidder at this point. Have to decide if I want to take a shot at later. Looking forward to seeing what happens!

I just couldn't do it. I couldn't pull the trigger on one more bid. I sat there and looked at it for 10 minutes and as badly as I need the card, I couldn't justify paying $416 for it when the top and bottom were cut so poorly. Did pic up a few others that I needed so wasn't a complete loss. Hope anyone else bidding got some deals!

Was out of town for a few days but got a message from PSA that one of the 62 Jell-O Mays cards I subbed is going to be coming back to me in a 4 vg-ex holder. I know for the vast majority of the Jell-O collectors here the numerical grades don't mean much, but this feels like a major win!!

Here is the Mays I just got back from PSA. Still wondering what their guidelines are, although happy that it came back a 4.

One of the guys who posts his mailday videos to Facebook says that PSA is a little more forgiving on this issue because the borders were at the edge of the box. I think he said that if at least 70% of each black border is there, they might give it a number grade.

i saw a full Jello box (lemon) flavor with a 1962 Vic Power on it wednesday at the national. i say full, but it actually did not have the contents. it was a complete box but obviously has been opened. i thought it was very neat but have no idea of value. would love to hear estimates as to value for something like that.

i should add that the box was a Jello Pudding & Pie Filling box, not jello. not sure if that makes a difference

That would be a neat pick up. I don't know the answer to that question being relatively new to all of this but I'm sure Ken or one of the other guys could provide a good estimate.

Hey Ronnie, so what did the dealer want for the Vic Power JELL-O box? Fruit flavor, pudding & pie filling flavor----it matters not one bit. If it's a complete box, it's solid gold, or if you prefer, name your favorite gemstone. I'm not out to score a box, or make a phone call; I just "enzhoy" the 1962 JELL-Os!:D

IF you decide to pursue Vic, a major point of negotiation is Vic's picture---was it printed nicely, and was it preserved reasonably well over these past 56 years?

Have a good National, bro. --- Brian Powell

i went back to the dealer's table today to take some photos, and the Vic Power box was gone. the dealer said an Indians collector bought both the Vic Power box and an unfolded, complete Jello box from 1963 that had a Willie Kirkland card on it. I remember seeing that the other day, and it was eye-popping. Mint condition, no folds or creases. The dealer sold the two items for $1,000.

i remember wednesday he had $300 on the Power box and $900 on the unfolded Kirkland, so obviously he dealt a bit. kind of kicking myself for not buying the 1962 Power box. Though it had been opened, so one end wasn't perfect, the card card was nice. the side opposite the card had a small dent, but nothing terrible. i'm not well versed in these, but it displayed nicely in my opinion.

I don't know if it would be worth it or not, but I would have paid the $300 for the Power box just because I don't have one!

1962 and 1963 Jell-O Baseball Newspaper Ads - Whitey Ford
 

Whitey Ford was a product endorser for General Foods and was used in advertising for the Jell-O baseball card sets.

Here are two Jell-O ads depicting Whitey Ford for the 1962 and 1963 sets. The Jell-O advertising on the right side of the full ad depicting Whitey Ford was updated from 1962 to 1963 to reflect the new set. The baseball cartoons on the left side of the full ad (see full ad below the top two) was the same for both years.

The 1962 ad is from the April 15th Chicago Tribune
The 1963 ad is from the April 7th Baltimore Sun

Kind of neat to see the change year to year.

Ronnie----Thanks for taking the time to detail what went down. I feel for your loss on the '62 JELL-O Vic Power box. There's something about a complete box on these that sounds the ka-ching, though without seeing the box, it's really tough to say whether the dealer's price was too steep. As you noted, he negotiated for the sale of the pair. Also, there's obviously no price guide on these, and who is really qualified to price such rare pieces? It's hard to put into words---with these complete box pieces, you truly "escape the ordinary" (a nod to the great A & E commercials of 20 years ago --- see them on YOUTUBE). The opportunity to find one available, even at the National convention, is starkly seldom. They're simply too exotic, and it comes down to a dealer putting a substantial price on them, and a buyer deciding upon what he's willing to give for them. Finally, they strike a deal.

In 1988, at the huge fall Philly show, I saw an unfolded 1962 JELL-O box for the first time. As I've written before, I was bowled over---intrigued to the max. Since the free prize was none other than Mickey Mantle, it's not surprising this type of exotic piece was in an All State display case of Mr. Mint Alan Rosen. After a few questions, I pondered about the box. Honestly, there is a slim chance I walked away to think about it; however, I don't believe I did. The contemplating on my part was in seconds. Right off the bat, I wanted it. The Mint Man would not negotiate on his price, but then, his price really seemed fair for a regal rarity such as this. I could not bare the possibility of someone else snatching it away to their collection, and knowing full well I wanted it, I bought it. In 30 years, no regrets. I must say I have yet to see another '62 JELL-O box of Mr. Mantle in a MINT unfolded state. I would call this a genuine chance of a lifetime. Granted, we're not talking about a 1952 Topps, but look, they're all over the place. I love that card too, believe me. I owned a beauty for 22 years, but there's just something ultra special about the complete package with the card. A conversation piece extraordinaire.

It would have been interesting to hear the dealer detail the provenance of the '63 JELL-O Kirkland unfolded box, if he was told and remembers any of it. Even if he doesn't recall, the piece is genuine, and rare as hen's teeth!

Jason---Sweet ads! Thanks ever so much for loading them up for us to enjoy!:D

---Brian Powell

Jell-O Ads
 

I too thank you Jason on the posting of those 62 and 63 Jell-O ads. Very much appreciated. I have a printer's proof I bought maybe 20 years ago of the 62 Jell-O ad, but have never seen a readable actual ad to compare to (they look the same).

I would post a picture, but have never been able to using an iPad and do not store pictures in my computer to try that way. (Anyone who could explain how to post pictures to Net54 using an iPad or phone would be great to know.)