As always, some really beautiful (and inspiring) pick ups this month.
Rhett, though I really like the M-101-5s, I don't think I'd ever be able to look at that Chapman card, and not feel a sense of melancholy. And, as one admittedly clueless about boxing cards, can you (or Adam) tell me what those are?
Scott, I
really like that Peckinpaugh. Call me crazy, but I think I prefer the 1914 set because I like them to have a little of the caramel coating from the candy. It gives them added personality. I really want to get into the CJs. Of course, I would prefer the more expensive of the two sets. Oy.
Peter, can I come over and look at your cards?
You're going to have to tell me how and the hell that Aaron got a 5.5 grade? Maybe I'm getting senile at age 44, but outside of a slight shift down and to the left with the centering, I can't spot anything that would drop this down so much in technical grading. The color and registration are flawless. I see three really strong edges, only the left being rough cut--but, I thought PSA made an allowance as this was common in the mid to late 50s sets, and there's certainly no evidence of wear beyond the factory. The corners are nice, only slightly touched. And, when I tilt my laptop screen, I don't see any wrinkles/creases at all. I don't know, maybe it's good I'm not a grader, because I could see this getting a full point higher, if not a point and a half. For a 62 year old card, that seems to me (without seeing the back) a heck of a lot nicer than a 5.5.
When I start hitting the bigger vintage cards, I'm going to be looking for this same grade range. Strong 5s and 6s can be beautiful without the sticker shock. I'm a collector, and don't give a damn about some registry ranking. Oh, and I want that Clemente!
Four really nice cards you have there.
I know there have been times in the past where I went beyond
waxing poetic (apropos for baseball cards?), and I'm trying to be good, and only comment on a couple additions to this discussion. But it's really hard to not enjoy, and compliment everybody.
Spring is in the air. The first week of the season has my team playing far better than expected at least thus far, and I'm feeling like a kid all over again. Who can blame me?