The official Mickey Mantle Pickup Thread. All Mick, all the time!

[brian1961]

Originally Posted by Mark70Z

Wow... All those are great Mantle pieces. I personally like the Rawlings advertising poster; unsure why, but it's cool!

I agree, Mark, the Rawlings poster is awesome. Maybe the reason why you love it is because when you view it, it's as if you have Mickey's personal attention, and he's looking right at you, smiling. ---Brian Powell

[AustinMike]

Originally Posted by brian1961

Kelly mentions in his article regarding the Mickey Mantle Action Baseball Game that a trade ad was enclosed in the box, dated 1957, which could date the game itself to late 1956 (Christmas), shortly after Mickey's Triple Crown season.

Congrats especially on your acquiring the large JELL-O point of purchase advertising placard. A genuine beauty, Mike. When Bob Lemke accurately recreated a 1963 JELL-O black raspberry complete box in spring 2015, he chose the heart of Mickey's picture on the placard to do a variant photo for the "free prize" card. A work of art, baseball card style. I value it highly. ---Brian Powell

Brian, good catch on the date of the game advertisement. I guess the article is even more informative than I originally thought, especially if I don't gloss over stuff.

Bob does fantastic work on his cards. I haven't picked up the Jello box yet, but I need to. I have a couple of his Post cereal panels and other Mantle cards and they are all really top notch.

Originally Posted by Mark70Z

Wow... All those are great Mantle pieces. I personally like the Rawlings advertising poster; unsure why, but it's cool!

Originally Posted by brian1961

I agree, Mark, the Rawlings poster is awesome. Maybe the reason why you love it is because when you view it, it's as if you have Mickey's personal attention, and he's looking right at you, smiling. ---Brian Powell

I almost didn't try for the Rawlings poster. I typically stay away from autographed items. I like the items unmarked by pen. But I hadn't seen the poster before and figured it might be a very long time before I see another one so I went for it. Chris (Bestdj777) pointed out to me that when it comes time for my kids to sell my stuff, they might have a bigger market with it being autographed. That's probably true, but that's something they can worry about. Me, I like the poster even with the pen markings.

[brian1961]

Hey Mike. By all means, do pick up Bob Lemke's 1963 JELL-O variant photo creation. It's saturated with the period charm of the promotion. I'm not brave enough to fold the flattened box, but since it presents so well as is, I intend to leave it flat. I'm contemplating a wooden tray with an insert of deep purple velvet, to represent the black raspberry flavor. Really, it's such an interesting piece. I shudder to think what the box would cost now, if it was real.

It's all fun. I'm putting a display of favorite Mantles together, and also plan to put Bob's fantasy 1952 Red Man Tobacco card in with the originals. We would all know it wasn't genuine; that's the whole point of a fantasy card, anyway--making a dream card come true.

I won't respond with an article-long post, but still anxious to know what you think of your swell 1953 Stahl-Meyer Franks Mickey Mantle when you finally get to hold it in your hand.

Best regards. ---Brian Powell

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by brian1961

Hey Mike. By all means, do pick up Bob Lemke's 1963 JELL-O variant photo creation. It's saturated with the period charm of the promotion. I'm not brave enough to fold the flattened box, but since it presents so well as is, I intend to leave it flat. I'm contemplating a wooden tray with an insert of deep purple velvet, to represent the black raspberry flavor. Really, it's such an interesting piece. I shudder to think what the box would cost now, if it was real.

It's all fun. I'm putting a display of favorite Mantles together, and also plan to put Bob's fantasy 1952 Red Man Tobacco card in with the originals. We would all know it wasn't genuine; that's the whole point of a fantasy card, anyway--making a dream card come true.

I won't respond with an article-long post, but still anxious to know what you think of your swell 1953 Stahl-Meyer Franks Mickey Mantle when you finally get to hold it in your hand.

Best regards. ---Brian Powell

They are fairly easy to fold into a box. They make awesome display pieces. Here is a picture of miniature versions. I have even made them with Jell-O inside the boxes. The Mantle pair are Bob's awesome design.

[brian1961]

Originally Posted by bnorth

They are fairly easy to fold into a box. They make awesome display pieces. Here is a picture of miniature versions. I have even made them with Jell-O inside the boxes. The Mantle pair are Bob's awesome design.

Thanks for displaying your work and Bob's. Lauding Mr. Lemke's work really called for a picture of his 1963 JELL-O Mickey Mantle variant photo; thanks for coming to my rescue. Ben, your work is top notch! You are correct; it would be fairly easy to fold into a box. Let's just say I personally would stress out trying to get the folds just right, knowing if I was off by much it would show.

Say, have you gotten through NEVER CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN? Would you care to convey your honest, gut-felt reactions to the author? If so, please email me at bfpowell2003@yahoo.com.

Last month my wife and I passed the exit for Huron on the way to Rapid City, and I thought of you.

Best regards, Ben. ---Brian Powell

[AustinMike]

Ben, those are very nice Jell-O displays. I definitely have to contact Bob and get them. I think he's also done a Post panel that I haven't gotten yet either.

My Mile High winnings finally came in today. I've attached pics of the front and back of the 1953 Stahl-Meyer. It is a beautiful card. It has a slight surface crease on the front running from the edge almost straight down through the "Y" and curving a little bit to the corner of Mick's right eye. It's only noticeable when held just so. I guess I've stared at it enough already that I don't even notice it anymore.

[AustinMike]

This is the other item I got in the Mile High auction. It came with the 1962 Alvarn Mantle Batting Tips booklet, so it must have been manufactured around that time.

[Stonepony]

Originally Posted by AustinMike

Ben, those are very nice Jell-O displays. I definitely have to contact Bob and get them. I think he's also done a Post panel that I haven't gotten yet either.

My Mile High winnings finally came in today. I've attached pics of the front and back of the 1953 Stahl-Meyer. It is a beautiful card. It has a slight surface crease on the front running from the edge almost straight down through the "Y" and curving a little bit to the corner of Mick's right eye. It's only noticeable when held just so. I guess I've stared at it enough already that I don't even notice it anymore.

Michael, absolutely fantastic card. Such a beautiful example. I congratulate you on a card that would be the highlight of most post war collections. You beat me out on this one, therefore you deserve it. Well done!!!!

[brian1961]

Originally Posted by AustinMike

My Mile High winnings finally came in today. I've attached pics of the front and back of the 1953 Stahl-Meyer. It is a beautiful card. It has a slight surface crease on the front running from the edge almost straight down through the "Y" and curving a little bit to the corner of Mick's right eye. It's only noticeable when held just so. I guess I've stared at it enough already that I don't even notice it anymore.

Mike, what a once "free prize"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From the gorgeous scan you provided us, your Stahl-Meyer Franks Mickey Mantle looks even better than it did on Mile High's web site during the auction. The rich tinted colors, the appearance, the peaceful happy portrait of Mickey, that Mantle is one mesmerizing gem!

Well done, mate.

The creasing you referenced is not visible to my eyes, as on many of the frankfurter package Stahlies, where the creasing is sometimes severe enough to break open the top layer of the picture.

Interesting. You and Dave made reference to your gem as a highlight of one's collection. I will always remember an old SCD Mr. Mint Alan Rosen phone auction back in 1988. He was offering a world class Stahl-Meyer Mickey Mantle, and he wrote, "A super Mantle collectible and to be the highlight of any Mantle collection." And this coming from the dealer who had purchased a couple years beforehand the monumental 1952 Topps high number and semi-high number case. The phrasing struck a chord with me, as it did not strike me as typical dealer spiel, though the write-up was succinct. By the late 80s, I was well aware of the vaunted Stahl-Meyers, but had no idea someone as esteemed as Mr. Mint regarded them so highly. True, the Mint Man had his legions of enemies, but the guy knew his cardborad very well. From the mid-80s on, I used to look at every page of those half-inch thick issues of SCD for the tougher regionals. Mostly crumb bums that were much worse than your respectable gem, Mike. This was a time when finds were happening frequently; STILL few Stahl-Meyer Franks came into the hobby!

In essence, there are lots and lots of different Mickey Mantles. Then, we have the Stahl-Meyer Franks.

So Mike, what were your thoughts when you got to hold it in your hand and stare at it for the first time?

Thanks for sharing your joy with us.

---Brian Powell

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by AustinMike

I almost didn't try for the Rawlings poster. I typically stay away from autographed items. I like the items unmarked by pen. But I hadn't seen the poster before and figured it might be a very long time before I see another one so I went for it. Chris (Bestdj777) pointed out to me that when it comes time for my kids to sell my stuff, they might have a bigger market with it being autographed. That's probably true, but that's something they can worry about. Me, I like the poster even with the pen markings.

Michael,

I'm with you; I prefer this type of item unmarked BUT when one does become available sometimes you can't be too picky since you may never see another one again. I have a Brooks Robinson Rawlings poster, the same style as the Mantle, which I've only seen one other at the National in Baltimore and it sold QUICKLY! Of course your's does look great with the auto as well, but I understand where you're coming from.

[aconte]

Was extremely happy to add this one recently.

I knew I could not get one as nice as Michael's Mantle card he won from
Mile High back in November. I was just hoping for one that was clean.
This was the one for me!

[sflayank]

picked up this rarity...they all come with staple holes as attached to cookie bag

[mickey7mantle7]

Originally Posted by sflayank

picked up this rarity...they all come with staple holes as attached to cookie bag

That's a sexy piece!!!

Wow!

[TUM301]

Originally Posted by sflayank

picked up this rarity...they all come with staple holes as attached to cookie bag

Great pick up Sir, ah the face of youth what can you say. Enjoy this item Larry it`s a beauty.

[judgebuck]

Tony,

Love the 1953 Stahl Meyer! You won't ever regret getting that one. IMO, it is his best card.

judgebuck (David)

[aconte]

Originally Posted by judgebuck

Tony,

Love the 1953 Stahl Meyer! You won't ever regret getting that one. IMO, it is his best card.

judgebuck (David)

Thanks David! Probably my pickup of the year or years!

Tony

[Timbegs]

I posted this in BST by accident earlier but since it fits the theme here and I don't want to start another thread, and this should be the perfect spot for helping me identify my 'latest pickup':

Top Left: 1951 Wheaties (Thanks RedsFan1941)
Top Right: 1958-1961 Jay Pub Photos Type 1 Portrait (a friend off site)
Bottom Left: 1967 Topps Pin Up (Thanks Rats60)
Bottom Right: 1968 Topps Posters (thanks, again Rats60)


If possible, could someone give me an idea of their 'value'? I trust this board much more than any price guide...

Feels like I did pretty well on this lot already.

[Puckettfan]

Picked up this recently.