1961 Key Chain Insert

[Harford20]

I would never think to contradict Bob Lemke, but my experience with these 1961 Keychain players varies. I have approx 6 different ones, and have had as many as 10 different stars/HOF players. Players like Ruth and Maris have no team name as the top as noted by Bob. Others, like Gehrig, Dean, Williams, Clemente all do have team names or parts of team names (I.e. Cards for Dean). All of the ones I have, with only a single exception, came in the plastic holders (all 9 with gold chains only BTW). The paper and printing on each is nearly identical, the sizes vary based on how much stuck out of the plastic holder.

I have had 6 graded by PSA and 2 by SGC. All have been documented as 1961 Keychain players. The players in the photo in this thread look good to me. Also, I have seen a few that were uncataloged so that might be the case with Brooks.

Dave

[Bestdj777]

Originally Posted by Harford20

All of the ones I have, with only a single exception, came in the plastic holders (all 9 with gold chains only BTW).

Thanks! Now I have to find someone with a gold chain for sale...

[steve B]

The silver chain looks like a fairly high quality version of that chain. Not every company put their name on the connector. The same company would have made the chains in chrome and brass, and maybe a few other finishes.

I don't have any of these so I can't compare the chains, but if you look on Ebay for "1960's keychain" there's a bunch with brass chains. Most look to be around $10 And if you go to flea markets you might find one for under a buck.

Or, if it just has to be a brass chain but not necessarily an old one, that sort of chain is still made as the pullchain for lights. I picked up some at the local hardware store for I think $2-3 for three feet. If your local doesn't have it I probably have a bit of it somewhere with the right "Patina" that I could just send.

If someone has a good pic of the original chain I might even have an exact match, the same chain manufacturer probably made chains for nearly everyone. Keychain places, lamp places, Somehow I think there's somewhere else that stuff was used but it's not coming to mind.

Steve B

[ValKehl]

I got this key chain card of Pete Runnels (because I am a Runnels collector) 10 years ago from Mike Mosier of Columbia City Collectibles. Mike, who specializes in oddball items, had several different players listed in his 2005 SCD ad, and he identified them as 1961 Key Chain cards. This Runnels card also has the team name at the top, and it measures 1 and 1/16 x 1 and 5/8, which is slightly different from the 1 and 1/8 x 1 and 1/2 size mentioned in the Standard Catalog of Vintage BB Cards.

I just now checked Mike's web site, and I see that he currently has quite a few of these cards listed for sale. But, since Mike doesn't have photos on his web site, I have no idea if all of his cards have the team name at the top, or not. I suggest that anyone interested in these contact Mike, as he may be able to shed more light on them. Here's the link to his list of 1961 Key Chain cards that appears on his web site: http://www.columbiacitycollectibles....20cards_1.html

[ValKehl]

After submitting the previous post, I decided to see if any of these 1961 Key Chain cards are currently listed on eBay. There are a dozen listed, including a few by Mike Mosier (seller "cocicoco" on eBay), all of which have the team name at the top of the card:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...n&_sacat=64482

[bswhiten]

I know the post is a bit out of date but here are my 1961 Baseball player key chains...brass chain.
The ad is from a 1987 SCD.
Under a loupe the chain reads: Ball Chain, Mt. Vernon, N.Y.

[GasHouseGang]

Originally Posted by bswhiten

I know the post is a bit out of date but here are my 1961 Baseball player key chains...brass chain.
The ad is from a 1987 SCD.
Under a loupe the chain reads: Ball Chain, Mt. Vernon, N.Y.

Wish I would have dropped $20 on those back then. I probably was too busy chasing that years cards to care!

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by bswhiten

I know the post is a bit out of date but here are my 1961 Baseball player key chains...brass chain.
The ad is from a 1987 SCD.
Under a loupe the chain reads: Ball Chain, Mt. Vernon, N.Y.

Thanks for an update on the thread. I'm personally still looking for the Brooks Robinson example. I've seen his come up from time to time over the years, in a grouping, but have come up short w/my bid each time.

Anyone have the B. Robby I'd love to see or would very much be interested in purchasing.