[iggyman]

Dear Net54 PreWar Card Collectors:

I haven't changed my spending habits. I'm an optimist by nature, plus I figure that if the economy really really really tanks, then trying to sell my baseball card collection for a profit will be the least of my worries. I agree with "Bosox Blair's" assessment. Prewar prices have been strong so far in 2010 (at least in comparison to 2009). I don't think we will see a market like the one from the early part of this century in our lifetime again (of course, I thought the same thing about the 80's & the 90's). For a time there, card prices were doubling from one year to the next. That was crazy, I remember way back in 2004, buying a raw T206 Cobb with bat from Leon (on eBay) for ~$225. A year later, the same card sold for $460. At that point in time, most collectors were jumping on the "flipper" bandwagon! Heck, I'm positive even Peter C. was a successful flipper.

Well, doubling your money with no effort involved in 360 days on a flip doesn't happen anymore............well, at least not without the help of a David Trudeau book. I actually take comfort in the fact that baseball card prices paralleled the housing market (to a degree). Yet, when the Dow was sinking like the Lusitania, prewar card spending never sank with it. Of course, if it would have been a prolonged slump........well, that is a different thesis.

I believe the market we have today is vibrant, strong and is well position to have a "rosy" horizon. If you don't believe me, just shake any tree.....I'll bet you that a few auction catalogs will fall on your head. If that isn't a sign of a healthy market, I don't know what is.

Lovely Day...