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

[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 ?
_______________________
jim@stinsonsports.com

[bigwinnerx]

Well *I* care.

Right, look, you could send Michael Jack 10,000 cards today and you'd get 10,000 back signed before the Masters ended. I get it. But, as an 8-10 year old who IDOLIZED him, getting this for Christmas was like....Christmas.

Shelly, link you put up isn't working for me, maybe you can repost unless I'm missing something.

To others, thanks for the inputs. Very appreciated, thanks for putting up with my query. Got responses from a lot of folks I certainly trust in here. It's staying on the wall regardless, but, glad to spin up a couple posts in the process.