[Seven]

Originally Posted by brian1961

Hi, Sam Dodero. I really admire your beautiful 1953 Stahl-Meyer Franks Mickey Mantle. You are quite right; any grade of this card higher than a 1.0 is pretty scarce, and yours looks low high-grade. That says a lot for the typical appearance of this issue, doesn't it, Sam? Considering this baby is an early Mantle card, pop 22 for anything past 1.0 is startling, when you really think about it.

Sam, I've owned mine for a bit over 35 years, and I felt EXTREMELY FORTUNATE to win it then. I'm very happy to still own it. For years, it's been an overlooked, underappreciated card. Once PSA included it in their TOP 250 Sportscards of All Time, some collectors began to take more notice.

Most of the appreciation for Mantle centers on his 1952 Topps, and that is understandable. Unfortunately, hobby writers found it too easy to just write about the easy, meaning the '52 Topps. Considering what Gem Mint and Mint examples have sold for in the last 2 years, the '52 Topps Mick should continue to be written about. Nevertheless, hobby writers should write about the beautiful, tougher to find Mantles.

Back to the 1953 Stahl-Meyer Franks Mickey Mantle, I'll close with this. Remember Mr. Mint Alan Rosen? He's the dealer that engineered THE FIND of 1952 Topps high numbers, from whence came most all the highest graded '52 Topps Mantles. Well, I interviewed Rosen for my book on immediate post-war regional / food issues, and I asked him to compare a '52 Topps Mantle to a '53 Stahl-Meyer Franks Mantle. Alan had nothing to gain or lose in the matter; it was just a straight question. I have it on tape. His answer will blow you away, as it did me. Mr. Mint said:

"But the Mantle, to me the '52 Topps Mantle is shit compared to a '53 Stahl-Meyer. ... " (Never Cheaper By the Dozen, page 207)

Well Sam, take care and continue to enjoy your Stahl-Meyer Mantle. I used to own a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, and loved it, and I miss it.

--- Brian Powell

The Stahl-Meyer issue is one of Mantle's nicest cards, in my opinion. You cannot go wrong with it. The photo, they used, was used on a couple of Mantle's alternative issues such as Briggs Meats, and his Dan-Dee issue. On the subject of alternative issues, another one of Mantle's best looking card, in my opinion, is his 1954 Red Heart.

I think the staying power that Mantle has, trumps pretty much every post-war player. Again, people have to realize he represents 1950's Americana. Those post war years, where the American dream was thriving. I think the thing that helps his mystique is the fact that he accomplished so much, but people still view him as one of the biggest "What If's?" due to his various injuries, and the fact that he put his body through hell, constantly boozing.

On the subject of other players overtaking him, I just don't see it. Yes Jackie's cultural significance in breaking the barrier was huge, I do think he will see an eventual bump, once Rachael passes away, as Jackie's always relevant name will receive even more publicity. But I still don't see him passing The Mick. Aaron and Mays both had better overall careers than Mickey, and even with the recent bumps Willie has gotten, neither are over taking him.