Modern day Helmar cards--will they gain in value?

[GregMitch34]

Charles, I appreciate you coming on here to "chat," even though not everyone a Helmar fan. Everyone seems to appreciate the art and your effort, however, and I recommend the magazine again.

[chaddurbin]

imo no, unless these are prototypes into something else that will get bought up by TOPPS to start mass production. same thing with watches, there are literally hundreds of little wannabe watchmakers out there copying the latest trendy looks. they are usually gone within a few years unless the craftmanship and quality is really superb where they gain some grassroots momentum. even then they are seen as on the level of the mass-produced seiko/timex...and not the collector/investment level of a panerai. so i don't think a $300 helmar is going for 50k in 100 years...no, more like fireworks (burning money).

[sirraffles]

Greg, thank you. I (usually) enjoy these discussions. Many of the themes are also relevant to the wider hobby, so at times they can make good food for thought for everyone.

Chaddurbin, thanks for your input. I'd point out that other cards, take a Piedmont t206 for example, are not valuable because they were the vague prototype for a Topps Allen & Ginter set. Regarding your take on the watch market, yes, there are many companies out there. And most of those make junk that will likely be of very limited interest in the future. But some, like our local Detroit recent brands Shinola and The Detroit Watch Company, make very fine pieces. I wouldn't hesitate to predict that their excellent products would find interest (and some resulting value) in the future. Then again, I don't even wear a watch, so what do I know?

As for a Helmar card going for $50,000 in the future... the original question was whether they had the possibility of appreciating "even ten percent".

Thanks, Charles Mandel

[packs]

I urge you all to back off the vintage market and dive head first into the Helmar market. It would really help me check some things off my want list.