A Question Regarding Pinback Buttons

[Tigerden]

Mike-Great thread. The questions that you have in regards to ribbons were some of the same questions that I had when looking through Paul's book. Yes, the increased value of pins with ribbons attached is subjective. My rule of thumb is that a generic,common ribbon would add zero value to the pin and Muchinsky's guide touches on this. I am amazed when people get into a bidding war on eBay for a fairly common pin because it has a charm attached. However, like pins, there are also rare ribbons specific to a particular event. The best example in the Muchinsky guide is the 1962 San Francisco Giants World Series pin (X-246)with the rare World Series ribbon. The pin is a generic crossed bats design and by itself, not a rare pin and priced accordingly. The ribbon seems to be rare and with the pin together, highly sought after. Until a box of these ribbons surfaces this pin greatly increases in value with the attached ribbon. The ribbon attached to the 1968 Tigers World Series pin that you cited (X-326)is not rare , but scarce. I would add $25 to the value of the pin with this ribbon. The ribbon can also be found on pin (X-319) which I happen to own. The large size varient (X-319) of this fairly common pin design is very scarce. I would deduct $25 from Paul's book if the pin was found without the ribbon. So yes, as your aware, in many cases the ribbon adds value to the pin. A very common ribbon for the 1968 World Series can be found on pins X-323 and X-324. These ribbons can be found in large quantities by themselves and would add little value to the pin. I would not pay a premium for this pin with the ribbon, which by itself, can be purchased for $5.

[stone193]

Superb discussion.

On the note of - perhaps - someone "creating" a piece.

This pin is up on ebay right now - is it me or does the wear/aging of the pin not compare commensurately with the condition of the ribbon?

[batsballsbases]

Yep ribbons are new bottom done with pinking shears. Small figures are all over ebay. Never saw that pin come with any ribbons.

[stone193]

Originally Posted by batsballsbases

Yep ribbons are new bottom done with pinking shears. Small figures are all over ebay. Never saw that pin come with any ribbons.

Thanx - I agree. I bought an all star pin from this guy - didn't think about this and just liked the ribbon/charm combo - lucky for me, it's not a large amount of money - drop more on lunch with my wife.

But, it's always good to learn. Very creative thinking on the part of the seller!

[MK]

Mike H.
Since you mentioned the Cubs Dizzy Dean PM-10 pin in your original question (a very good one by the way), I thought I'd share my opinion. The three Cubs PM-10s from that time period (Dean, Hartnett and Lee) show up all the time meaning they are not scarce at all. However, they are seen without an attachment most of the time. I certainly prefer the attached pennant (or other attachments) if I am certain it is original. That of course is the tough part. I found the Hartnett with ribbons and a small pin indicating "1938" and have no reason to believe it is not original. Probably a vendor just wanted something different to separate him from competition. I think it adds a great deal to the pin and I was willing to spend more because of it. This is just one more thing that separates collecting pinbacks from cards or pennants.

[Bumpus Jones]

Just picked this pin up recently and I think it fits this topic perfectly.

I've always seen the pin by itself with no ribbons ect... I was skeptical about buying it at first but now I'm thinking it may be the real deal. As you can see from the photos, it came with a cardboard backer. It appears someone bought it and put it away or a dealer didn't sell it because of the imperfections.

OR someone Frankensteined it! However, the dealer I bought it from doesn't typically deal in pins so I think it definitely has that going for it.

Either way its very striking...


Looking forward to hearing your thoughts / comments

[batsballsbases]

Hi Chris,
Yes definetely a Frankenstein job on the ribbons. (new) The pin I believe is real as it has a mate to it with the yankees name. If you didnt pay to much for it lets say 10-20 dollars it was a good deal. Are the ribbons just taped on in the back?