question about authenticity of 1956 Action Pictures Mickey Mantle
 

I recently purchased a 1956 Action Pictures Mickey Mantle photo, and I have since discovered, by looking at completed sales, that there are reproductions of this photo.

How can you tell the difference.

Any help appreciated.

judgebuck (David)

Hey David,

I wasn't aware that that photo had been reproduced, although it wouldn't surprise me if it had. I think it would be easy to do. I'm not sure how to tell the difference other than looking at it through a magnifying glass at the quality of the black area.

I would also add that there are several legitimate versions of that photo out there.

This is from my 1956 Yankees Action Photo set. It has a matte finish.

Attachment 587933

This is, I believe, a team issued photo (I'm not sure of the year). It is on semi-glossy paper. I have it framed, hence the glare.

Attachment 587935

This is from my 1960 Yankees Action Photo set. It has a matte finish.

Attachment 587934

Please not that the cropping is slightly different on the three photos. Notice the shadow from Mick's hands on his shoulder. On the 1956 team photo set photo, the shadow comes close to, but does not touch the right border. On the team issued photo, it is farther from the border. On the 1960 team photo set photo, it touches and probably extends beyond the border. There also might be other versions out that I'm not aware of. I haven't seen the Mantles included in the 1958 or 1959 Action photo sets and they could potentially be different versions of the same photo or a different photo (the 1957 Action photo set has a different photo).

So, even though your 1956 photo doesn't match the other ones sold, it doesn't mean it or they are reproductions. It, or they, could be from a different source (for instance a photo set from a different year) and simply mischaracterized as from the 1956 Yankee Action Photo set. I would guess PSA in their infinite wisdom would label them all as 1956 Yankee Action photos.

Mike,

Thanks for the information!

Here is the photo I purchased. Don't know if you can tell enough from this to determine whether it looks legit.

David

The one I purchased appears, based on the shadow of the hands, to be from the 1956 set.

However, the border appears considerable larger on mine.

The border definitely looks bigger. Even though the shadow is similar to the 1956 set photo, I don't think it's from that set. The cropping on the left is different from any of mine - the sleeve on the left is much closer to the border than on any of mine. All that being said, and even though I don't have it in hand, from what I see I think it is probably a period piece, although I could very easily be wrong. I'm very curious as to the source.

Double post

I purchased the photo on eBay a couple of weeks ago from "nodoubtgrrl." The listing said it was "Photo of New York Yankees Mickey Mantle & Roger Maris & Mantle photo." The listing said that the photos were from a relative's estate who was an avid memorabilia collector. The seller did have many sports memorabilia items, including older items.

I realized after getting the photos that there were two other like photos in eBay completed listings (one for $5.00 and one for $8.25) that were advertised as reproductions. Thus, I became concerned about my purchase.

Mike, I appreciate your input and any other thoughts you or others may have.

David

Looks legit to me…just a larger border.

Sorry, I wasn't clear when I asked about the source. I was wondering about the original source. Was it from a Yankee photo set from a different year? Was it a mailout from the Yankees? Was it a premium; and if so, where?