Schmidt - Is it a real signature? Or: He signs so much, does it really matter...

[Mr. Zipper]

I am not familiar enough with Schmidt's signature variations over the years to comment on it, but this strikes me...

You've had this ball since 1988. At that time he was not a HOFer, a relatively low value autograph, and probably a low risk for forgery. Doubtful any skilled forger was doing single signed Schmidt balls in 1988 or before.

There is the possibility of a clubhouse signature, but I'd be surprised if this was a malicious forgery.

[shelly]

mike-schmidt-signature-3.jpgAttachment 95675 early sig.

[kengoldin]

Originally Posted by shelly

Attachment 95551 Early sig.

Of course Shelly is correct
this is part of a promotion that was done in the early 80s i believe with a number of Phillies players.
Steve Carlton Mike Schmidt, Larry Bowa and I believe Pete Rose all signed a number of these baseballs. They were marketing in the philadelphia and south jersey area. I know, as a teenager I owned the full set

[Mr. Zipper]

Originally Posted by shelly

Attachment 95551 Early sig.

Where's the smilie?

[shelly]

[Deertick]

Originally Posted by Mr. Zipper

I am not familiar enough with Schmidt's signature variations over the years to comment on it, but this strikes me...

You've had this ball since 1988. At that time he was not a HOFer, a relatively low value autograph, and probably a low risk for forgery. Doubtful any skilled forger was doing single signed Schmidt balls in 1988 or before.

There is the possibility of a clubhouse signature, but I'd be surprised if this was a malicious forgery.

Steve, he had his 500th in 1987 and he retired in 1989! He was a stone-cold lock.
There were forgeries of his when I started collecting (again) in '81, and a TON by the time I was a dealer in '85. But that WAS in Philly area, so maybe it was just concentrated.

[Mr. Zipper]

Wow... Thanks for the info. How much was it selling for back in those days?

[Deertick]

Originally Posted by Mr. Zipper

Wow... Thanks for the info. How much was it selling for back in those days?

I remember the cheapest you could get being < $10 for a card, $10-15 for a scorebook or something like that, and $15-20 for a crappy 8th gen photo. Balls were usually priced in the $50 range but could be had for $30.
Nice/unique stuff would have a major premium.

[Mr. Zipper]

Originally Posted by Deertick

I remember the cheapest you could get being < $10 for a card, $10-15 for a scorebook or something like that, and $15-20 for a crappy 8th gen photo. Balls were usually priced in the $50 range but could be had for $30.
Nice/unique stuff would have a major premium.

That's a lot higher than I would have thought. You can get a Schmidt ball today for less (adjusted for inflation.)

[shelly]

He would sign for Sally Struthers Christian Charity. I think at that time it was 10 dollars a ball.

[Deertick]

Originally Posted by Mr. Zipper

That's a lot higher than I would have thought. You can get a Schmidt ball today for less (adjusted for inflation.)

Remember those were Philly/ NJ / DE prices I'm sure it was less in Texas.

[JimStinson]

He is impossible to sell............except for the price of the ball and holder. Who cares ?
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