Posted By:
Doug AllenI will be heading out to see Lionel and Irma tomorrow.
It was funny, I bought them a TV/DVD combo so they could view the video we produced. Now Irma wants me to hook it up so they can watch the Cubs games on a nicer TV (their's dates back to the 70's).
The ultimate decision to sell came when the police sent them a person who watches over elderly in North Chicago who indicated for their own personal safety they should purchase as safe and high end security for their house. That was the point they decided it was time to part with the collection.
Actually, we offered to keep the news of his collection inside the hobby but he actually has enjoyed the publicity. He is getting tired and now he will only do phone interviews. No more TV and newpaper cameras. He has really enjoyed the feedback from local friends. Irma didn't want to know how the sale was doing but one of her friends from the senior center told her the Mantle was approaching $100k. She responded "don't worry it will go higher!".
BTW...we will be sending out a special issue of SGC collector with our June Classic Catalog. In that issue is the 30 minute video featuring the Lionel Carter collection and an interview with Irma and Lionel.
All the best,
Doug