-13 M101-2 Sporting News Supplements advice

[71buc]

I am looking for assistance in assessing the potential value of five 1909-13 M101-2 Sporting News Supplements that I found in a local antique shop. I know very little about these in this condition. The dealer is asking for 300.00 for the five. High grade examples of these are obviously very valuable. However, I cannot find comparable sales of these items in the condition I have described below. Is the 300.00 asking price reasonable considering the condition? The Cobb, Lajoie, and Mathewson are in the best shape which still is poor at best. Before I spend 300.00 I thought I would reach out to those who have more knowledge than I. I don't have any M101-2s in my collection and would like to add one but don't want to get burned. Sorry that I don't have scans but my descriptions should give a decent idea of their condition. Thanks in advance.



Young, Criger: Multiple creases, two one inch tears, and missing a two inch piece of the lower left corner

Mathewson: Multiple creases (fold Lines), two one inch tears, no paper loss

Cobb: Multiple creases (fold Lines), two one inch tears, no paper loss

Lajoie : Multiple creases (fold Lines),a one inch tear, and a pin hole through his eye

Walsh: Missing approximately 20% of the bottom border

[Leon]

You probably can't go too wrong at $300 for the group depending on where the creases are and the overall eye appeal. If the 3 you mention have nice eye appeal you will do fine.

ps...heavy creases through the head area usually decrease value and desirability greatly.

[71buc]

Thanks Leon I appreciate your response. The eye appeal on Cobb and Mathewson is OK the creases and tears don't go anywhere near the heads. The Lajoie is the probably the most attractive except for the missing eye. Thanks again I may just pick them up based on your opinion.

[HRBAKER]

Originally Posted by Leon

You probably can't go too wrong at $300 for the group depending on where the creases are and the overall eye appeal. If the 3 you mention have nice eye appeal you will do fine.

ps...heavy creases through the head areas usually decrease value and desirability greatly.

So do pin holes through the eye. Ouch!
Without seeing them it's hard to say but if the Matty and Cobb have good eye appeal you are probably all right.

[tiger8mush]

I agree with Leon. As long as the eye appeal is there, you probably can't go wrong. Based on your descriptions, I'd put approx value on them as follows:

Young/Criger - $50
Matty - $75-100
Cobb - $100-150
Lajoie - $50
Walsh - $25

So at least $300. If the Cobb or Matty have good eye appeal, they could be closer to $200+ each depending on where the creases are, but I gave conservative estimates. Are they generally clean? Or do they have mold stains/dirt?

And maybe if you wave $250 in cash the antique dealers face they may take it! Good luck! Feel free to snap a picture or two and post it here for a better consensus.
Rob

[71buc]

I rolled the dice and purchased the M101-2s today. I paid 250. The Cobb and Mathewson were nicer than I remembered and the others worse so my description was a bit off. Nonetheless, I am posting them below. Was 250 a reasonable price? I don't tend to buy items outside of my comfort zone. I did here. I hope I didn't get too burned. The Cobb has a stain and a piece of what appears to be leaf tobacco similar to Red Man tobacco. I am curious if it would hold up to a light soaking to lighten the stain and remove the debris. I know it wouldn't increase the value but may improve the eye appeal. Is this feasible or should I not gamble further?

[HRBAKER]

I'd leave it alone. You did fine @ $250 IMO.

[kcohen]

Nice buy. I have framed a number of these as they make great man cave wall hangings. The framing can be done cheaply with pre-cut mattings and standard frames.