What is your most cherished piece, and why?

[the 'stache]

I'm continually amazed by the wonderful collections I see on Net 54. As a lifelong fan of baseball, and our hobby, I never get tired of seeing the incredible additions you guys share here on a daily basis. I'm "wowed" several times a day.

I can honestly say a year ago I had little to no appreciation for cards printed before 1952, because I'd never really been exposed to anything older. Since joining the forum, my eyes have been opened, and I've just fallen in love with vintage and pre-war cards. I love tobacco cards, Cracker Jack cards, candy cards, and everything in between. I look now at an old Allen & Ginter, or an Old Judge, and I'm just mesmerized. When I see a T206 for the first time, or stumble across a gold border I haven't seen, I feel like the little kid that fell in love with the hobby all over again.

But as much as I'm blown away by some of the pieces I see, I want to ask you all to share a scan or picture of the card, or picture, etc that holds that special place in your heart as your prized possession. It doesn't have to be the most expensive piece you have. Rather, it could be a piece that holds some sentimental value. Maybe a card that your father had when he was a boy, and has since been passed on to you. Or, maybe you met a player you've always looked up to, and they autographed the card for you.

I'm betting that in these incredible collections, everybody has a piece that stands out. A piece that you'll never part with. A piece when you look at it, you think back to a special time. That's what I'm looking for. Those wonderful little stories that so often get overlooked. The nostalgia that makes this hobby (and indeed this forum) so special.

So, please share your pictures and your stories, guys. I look forward to reading each and every one of them!