Posted By:
bruce Dorskind
We have been active collectors of rare and unusual material since 1975.
Our experiences with Lew Lipset have always been positive.
He has been knowledgable, honest, too the point and most importantly
his sales and auctions have contained hundreds of examples of rare
and important material.
We wonder about the level of expectation between "collectors" and dealers.
Whilst it is more appealing to have a nice conversation and small talk
about the latest baseball or political news, we wonder if you are looking
to acquire an item, learn more about a card or card set, or feel like
you have a phone buddy in Centerreach or Carefree.
Lew, like very other dealers in the hobby, had days when he was more
engaging than others. He has and had opinions, and he had people
who appreciated his style and people who were offended by it.
When those who have "been offended" share a story about an unplesant
experience, we wonder how many are not guilty of their own difficult
hobby moment.
We remember card shows in the early 70's where certain big time dealers
would not talk to one another, and even a few of the great guys would
bash others behind their backs.
With Lew, you know where you stand.
He may not make you feel warm and fuzzy, but you will be smarter and
have a greater appreciaton for the history or rarity of an item after
listening to him.
We established a long-time friendship with Sir Edward Wharton-Tigar- the
person who once owned the world's premeiere n and t collections. Wharton
Tigar always told us that Lew was the most knowledgable collector
in America. Don MacPherson, another hobby legend, felt the same way.
In a hobby where dealers compete, where some big players are rather petty,
where well liked players remain smallplayers because their favorite sport is
complaining how aggressive their competitors are, one must conclude
that the Old Judge has played an invalubale role in educating the hobby
and adding to many collections.
One wonders, however, about the plethora of "old ladies" who enjoy sharing their
worst experiences.
Bruce Dorskind
America's Toughest Want List