19th century and photographs
 

Is it my perception or are many high profile 19th century cards and photographs selling for much less than they did a few years ago? See REA.

What we are seeing IMO is more a function of the depth of the market for 19th century compared to other areas. It is much thinner and therefore more sensitive to an important player or two deciding not to bid on an item.

Relatively speaking, compared to the prices of some 20th century slabbed cards, for buyers with some knowledge of the hobby and appreciation for what he/she is bidding on (thereby eliminating registry buyers), I think many 19th century items are undervalued.

Just my anecdotal take on the auction...I kept bidding and bidding on the n403 Roseman and ended up the underbidder with an email inbox full of outbid notices. I tried to find prior sales, and thought I went about as high as I could justify for my collection.

I did not know Wilbert Robinson, lot 74, was a $5160 card. Lot 64 which sold for $1500, surprised me. I think I have that McAleer pose in that condition.

I was interested in the 1886 Giants team cabinet and the K-Bats Dorgan, but I really don't bid in "reserve not met" auctions.

I wonder what the n403 would have sold for if I had just gotten a good night's rest. It is a thinly traded market.

On a positive note, I picked up this n172 Crowell. $600 all in with the vig. I probably would not have paid that on eBay, but I needed a consolation prize after the time I invested bidding and researching to bid...Rob

I found a scan of my McAleer. Mine is not graded, but I think I like the photo clarity better on this one...

I've noticed overall 19th century prices being on the decline for a number of years. While historically significant, keeps becoming further and further removed from the mainstream collecting mass, which is a shame in my opinion.

As I have gotten older my interest in early historical pieces has increased. It seems books have been especially hard hit. I am not concerned with profit or quick turnaround. It is a shame. But those of us who are still interested, still seem to be extremely interested. I continue to be puzzled by the value of cards versus historical material, but that is the nature of collecting.

I was impressed by the strength of Old Judges is this auction. Of late, both N172s and HOF N173 have been on an uptrend. All these cards are scarce, some downright impossible, so it doesn’t take much for these prices to rise and in some cases spike sharply. The worst of the four copies of Anson in Uniform (one in Burdick collection) was sold late last year for ballpark a million dollars. So, while some areas of 19th century collectibles are soft, others are doing just fine.

It seems some of the rare type cards have come down, although the Just So in REA did sell for almost $20K.

I think you are right. Type cards are weak and, given the decline in type card collectors, this trend may continue.

I agree with what Corey said about a thinner collector base. If just a few prospective bidders are missing or fail to participate, it will affect prices realized (more so than with widely collected segments).

I have noticed it with 19th C memorabilia as well. An example would be this desirable Muller Statue, ca. 1868, which failed to garner a single bid. Even with the shoulder repair, this piece should have received multiple bids...

https://bid.robertedwardauctions.com...e?itemid=66372