Why are tobacco blankets worth so little?

[Wymers Auction]

I find them fascinating and have always been surprised at how little they are worth.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Wymers Auction

I find them fascinating and have always been surprised at how little they are worth.

Not as many people collect them. I agree though.

[HRBAKER]

Odd size and on many of the tobacco blankets the likeness is not very good, all IMO. On the other hand I love Bf2s.

[Hankphenom]

Never understood it. They are gorgeous, unusual, and early--1914. Very undervalued, I've always thought. Really tough to find in truly clean condition, with no staining or dirt on the white interiors. And the artwork is actually excellent, in my opinion, very true to the likeness of the players I'm most familiar with. When David Festberg auctioned his personal collection by team about 15 years ago, I was lucky enough to get the eight green Senators in gem mint condition for $160. I already had a mint Johnson. I wanted to display them somehow, so I laid them out on my desk to explore the possibilities. Lo and behold, the nine diamond-shaped blankets placed together formed a perfect diamond--with each player in his actual position. And Johnson in the middle, how perfect! My framer mounted them in a diamond-shaped frame with archival tape, and I put them on the wall, where they reside today. They are without question the most commented-on display piece I have. I'll try to get a picture up one of these days.

[perezfan]

Would love to see that display, Hank...

I agree that these Blankets are among the most under-rated items in the hobby. I guess they are rather plentiful (for something that old), but the prices still seem way undervalued. Even the Joe Jackson Blanket won't "break the bank".

I love them, and there are lots of iconic players to collect. Perhaps someday they will catch on with a greater number of collectors.

[Rob D.]

I hate to say this, but I fear it's true: If more collectors were aware that SGC slabs blankets, and you saw more blankets in holders, their popularity would increase dramatically almost overnight.

[Wymers Auction]

That is interesting Rob I never thought of that.

[bn2cardz]

Originally Posted by Rob D.

I hate to say this, but I fear it's true: If more collectors were aware that SGC slabs blankets, and you saw more blankets in holders, their popularity would increase dramatically almost overnight.

I disagree, if SGC graded blankets then you might have a case. As it is right now they just give them an authentic.

Also the way these get slabbed is no where near as attractive as the cards. They have tried their best, but it just doesn't work very well.

[HoofHearted]

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

...I was lucky enough to get the eight green Senators in gem mint condition for $160. I already had a mint Johnson. I wanted to display them somehow, so I laid them out on my desk to explore the possibilities. Lo and behold, the nine diamond-shaped blankets placed together formed a perfect diamond--with each player in his actual position. And Johnson in the middle, how perfect! My framer mounted them in a diamond-shaped frame with archival tape, and I put them on the wall, where they reside today. They are without question the most commented-on display piece I have. I'll try to get a picture up one of these days.

Hank, please do share a picture of your Senators blankets!! I'd love to see that. I picked up a Clyde Milan in an antique store in Montana while on vacation a few years ago -- that and two others for about $50. Here's my B18 residing in my Senators/Twins type collection: