question about authenticity of 1956 Action Pictures Mickey Mantle

[AustinMike]

Originally Posted by judgebuck

I recently purchased a 1956 Action Pictures Mickey Mantle photo, and I have since discovered, by looking at completed sales, that there are reproductions of this photo.

How can you tell the difference.

Any help appreciated.

judgebuck (David)

Hey David,

I wasn't aware that that photo had been reproduced, although it wouldn't surprise me if it had. I think it would be easy to do. I'm not sure how to tell the difference other than looking at it through a magnifying glass at the quality of the black area.

I would also add that there are several legitimate versions of that photo out there.

This is from my 1956 Yankees Action Photo set. It has a matte finish.

Mantle 1956 Team Issued Set.jpg

This is, I believe, a team issued photo (I'm not sure of the year). It is on semi-glossy paper. I have it framed, hence the glare.

Mantle Photo Yankees Issue unknown year.jpg

This is from my 1960 Yankees Action Photo set. It has a matte finish.

Mantle 1960 Team Issued Action Picture Set resized.jpg

Please not that the cropping is slightly different on the three photos. Notice the shadow from Mick's hands on his shoulder. On the 1956 team photo set photo, the shadow comes close to, but does not touch the right border. On the team issued photo, it is farther from the border. On the 1960 team photo set photo, it touches and probably extends beyond the border. There also might be other versions out that I'm not aware of. I haven't seen the Mantles included in the 1958 or 1959 Action photo sets and they could potentially be different versions of the same photo or a different photo (the 1957 Action photo set has a different photo).

So, even though your 1956 photo doesn't match the other ones sold, it doesn't mean it or they are reproductions. It, or they, could be from a different source (for instance a photo set from a different year) and simply mischaracterized as from the 1956 Yankee Action Photo set. I would guess PSA in their infinite wisdom would label them all as 1956 Yankee Action photos.