How to best preserve Sporting Life Cabinets?

[BeanTown]

Originally Posted by sb1

Congrats on the Cobb, only the ninth one verified to exist. A 6-figure card even in that condition.

Is that because you have a nicer copy and would benefit if that happened?

[Bicem]

Incredible collection! Wow that Cobb, easy 6 figures.

[Exhibitman]

I store my cabinets in 4 mil mylars that are three-hole punched on the left side so they can be stored in an album. bcemylar item 66B.

[sb1]

Originally Posted by BeanTown

Is that because you have a nicer copy and would benefit if that happened?

No, Mine is not for sale. I have turned down a couple of very large offers.

If and when another comes to market, do not be surprised by the price realized.

[profholt82]

While I can't offer any better advice for protecting your cabs than anyone else, I just have to chime in to thank you for sharing your collection with us. Incredible stuff, and it's a priviledge to see them.

[TygeBrahe]

Thanks everyone for the advice, I ended up ordering some gaylord archival mylar sleeves along with some acid free negative backing that I'll cut down to binder size, I'm hopeful the combo will provide some stability.

The cards still in their cellophane are going to get wrapped between acid free backingboards and a mylar sleevearound the group, and then the outer boards will be stabilized with some painters tape to make a pressed bundle. I'm hopeful that will give the cellophaned cards some stability before they get put back into longer storage. I don't know if the cellphane is a good or bad idea, but it seems novel at least, and that's how they've been for the last 110 so whatever. If anyone has an opinion on that, feel free to chime in.

I appreciate all the kind comments, this collection hasn't been seen by anyone other than my Father or I for the better part of 50 years so it's fun to share.

[sb1]

I would suggest taking them out of the cellophane holders and sleeving the holders individually. They have already done some damage to the cabinets, although I doubt they will do more after the 100 years they have been saved in them, there is no reason to leave them inside. The cabinets will display better and the cellophane will still be saved. I have lots of the cellophanes and they add no real value to the cabinet, but are neat to keep with them.

[TygeBrahe]

Great to know, thanks sb1.

[TygeBrahe]

Also: an enjoyable addition to the story of the collection- A personal letter from Babe to my great grandfather right after he got out of the hospital in '47. They were friendly and knew each other.