Yard Sales/Estate Sales?

[Mattymc727]

New to collecting; Anyone have success finding pre-war vintage on the cheap at yard sales or estate sales? I was thinking of getting into it, however in the age of internet and market data at your fingertips, probably unlikely I’ll find a shoebox of gold?

Anyone have success or is it extremely unlikely? Any fun stories?

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

You may go a lifetime finding nothing but 1988 Donruss. You could find a garage full of T206 your first time out. Be prepared to waste a lot of time if this is your plan.

[effe]

One tip I have is "it never hurts to ask". The person setting up a rummage sale may not have everything out. Also if you're open to memorabilia as well you may have more luck.

[mordecaibrown1]

Yep last year at a garage sale

[NiceDocter]

Could you please post a scan of the back of that Bender? Thanks!

[STL1944]

I have had limited success at garage sales.

I see lots of 1988 Donruss and similar cards but I did find a stack of raw 1952 Topps on sale for $1 each.

In terms of pre-War, I have never seen anything although I live in Austin, TX, which is a "newer" city and didn't have a ton of residents back then.

Good luck with your quest. It is exciting when you find something.

[CrackaJackKid]

Originally Posted by NiceDocter

Could you please post a scan of the back of that Bender? Thanks!

I own the CJ Bender now.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Perhaps I shouldn't be so pessimistic. I did find a Babe Ruth card at a garage sale as a kid. $4 for a stack of Look & See. Still have it, too. Actually, I have all but 10 of the Look & Sees from that find. I swapped 10 to another collector for a 1956 Topps Mantle shortly after the discovery. I think it was a white back, but haven't looked at it for years. That's still here, too.

[philliesfan]

Back in the 1980's, yes they could be found. Now, not so much but there is always that possibility. It never hurts to ask. I also ask about stamp collections as I know a little about them and sell some on ebay.

I seriously doubt you will find a gold mine but you may be able to find some good buys. I think someone here last year found a T206 Drum at an antique mall.

Good luck and enjoy the hunt!

Bob

[mordecaibrown1]

Don’t have it anymore more sold it and put the
funds into another card it was the 14

[StraightRaceCards]

Have not had any luck so far, but it’s a fun game to look into

What I’ve found, is I have to do research on Wednesday so I hit the estate sales early Thursday morning to give myself the first shot

Otherwise it will be a waste of time as the estate sales that have had good deals on cards have been scooped up first thing.

[Exhibitman]

You just have to decide whether you enjoy spending your time rummaging around a flea market, antiques show, yard sale, etc., or not, with potentially no payoff. I like doing it. Worst case scenario, I figure I get a good 2-3 mile walk in on a weekend morning. Best case, I find something cool or valuable too. As noted above, you got to be first through the door. Fifteen minutes early is two hours late at many of these events. You also have to be ready to pick up whatever is good even if it isn't in your wheelhouse. I've seen people walk away from great deals because the items aren't exactly what they are looking for. It is very competitive. And very, very dusty and dirty work.