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

[brian1961]

Congratulations, Dave. That's one very important pick-up. At least the stains are barely noticeable, which are so prevalent with the Stahl-Meyer Franks package cards.

I've got a fascinating story. A couple years ago, I vividly remember a buddy telling me about his '53 Stahl-Meyer. The original owner, a young boy no doubt, actually filled out his name and address on the backside of the '53, ostensibly to enter Stahl-Meyers' contest. However, as some of us know, to enter the contest would require giving up his free prize Mantle card, plus another card. Seems to me the youngster thought better of the idea, or wasn't able to get another Stahl-Meyer baseball card, BUT STILL decided to hang on to his Mickey Mantle. Maybe it was smashed to smithereens while entombed inside the package, or more probable, was also given lots of admiration handling for a few years. Be that as it may, the kid didn't throw his Mantle away! With that mesmerizing portrait, who could blame the boy? The addition of the kid's name and address adds special period charm to that '53, and helps make it a terrific conversation piece.

Thanks again Dave for sharing your good fortune.

---Brian Powell

[TUM301]

Dave great looking "53" Meyer, awesome addition to any collection sir. Enjoy it for years to come.

[pokerplyr80]

I really like the last two pickups posted. I was between those two cards, and this one. Wanted to add an early non Topps or Bowman Mantle. Hopefully someday I will pick up the other two, but for now this one will do.

[judgebuck]

Love the 53 Stahl Meyer. I saw one graded PSA 7 on display at the National in Chicago a couple of years ago, but the only other ones I've seen are PSA 1 or 2 with the MK qualifier. Just getting this card in any condition is nearly impossible. I'm not sure, but I think Brian also has a PSA 7.

The 1954 Dan Dee is great as well. That one is next on my list.

judgebuck (David)

[brian1961]

Originally Posted by judgebuck

Love the 53 Stahl Meyer. I saw one graded PSA 7 on display at the National in Chicago a couple of years ago, but the only other ones I've seen are PSA 1 or 2 with the MK qualifier. Just getting this card in any condition is nearly impossible. I'm not sure, but I think Brian also has a PSA 7.

The 1954 Dan Dee is great as well. That one is next on my list.

judgebuck (David)

Hi, David. No, my friend, I'm not the fortunate owner of the unique 1953 Stahl-Meyer Franks PSA 7 Near Mint. That is a major honey. I tried to talk it up on the PSA message forum when Mile High offered the world class set, and auctioned the cards individually, among them the PSA 7 Mantle. I guess I was rather spritely in my verbiage, but I assure you it was not bloviating. Everyone seemed to think I was pumping my own card. However, I knew for a fact ultra-high grade Stahl-Meyers are very seldom auctioned. The only matter nearly everyone cared to comment on was its morbid centering. Still within the confines of a PSA 7, it is breathtaking notwithstanding. A genuine dream card.

My forum thread responses must have made some impression, because while Google searching "Stahl-Meyer Mickey Mantle" recently, there was the PSA thread with my long, developed responses.

David, you've never bought my E-book on a CD. Perchance if you wish to know more about Stahl-Meyers, you would be well-rewarded by purchasing the book. Google searching the title, Never Cheaper By the Dozen, and the press release, written by my editor, Tom Bartsch, should appear. I'm not trying to come off as a hobby telemarketer, honest. However, if you love regionals as I do, honestly, you should act on this tip. If I was not the author, I would want to know about the book, for sure. There's also a chapter on the Dan-Dees, too. The Mantle card is not mentioned; the basic scope concerns a mid-70s major find of 13 of the 14 Dan-Dee Cleveland Indians, all in virtually Gem Mint condition. Brilliant find. Unbelievable condition.

I wish you the very best in your pursuit of a Dan-Dee Mickey Mantle; a beautiful card, to be sure.

---Brian Powell

[judgebuck]

Hi, Brian. I knew you didn't own the PSA 7 Stahl Meyer Mantle that I spotted at the National because I think you told me at the time that you knew who owned it. I have it in my head that you have a chapter in your e-book about this card and that you said you bought one years ago and had it graded and it came back at a high grade. Hope I'm not dreaming.

Speaking of your e-book, you are correct. I need to get this. In addition to the wonderful Stahl Meyer and Dan Dee Mantle cards, I love the 1960 Post as well. I believe this card is under appreciated. David

[brian1961]

Originally Posted by judgebuck

Hi, Brian. I knew you didn't own the PSA 7 Stahl Meyer Mantle that I spotted at the National because I think you told me at the time that you knew who owned it. I have it in my head that you have a chapter in your e-book about this card and that you said you bought one years ago and had it graded and it came back at a high grade. Hope I'm not dreaming.

Speaking of your e-book, you are correct. I need to get this. In addition to the wonderful Stahl Meyer and Dan Dee Mantle cards, I love the 1960 Post as well. I believe this card is under appreciated. David

David, I did a chapter on the majestic 1960 Post Cereal. You are correct in your assessment; it's under-appreciated. Really, nobody has written about them to the extent I have. A couple collectors who got them as youngsters or teens granted me some short, but beautiful interviews.

As I wrote, the Dan-Dees are covered, but the find of the mint Cleveland Indians is what I zero in on. I also put the spotlight on hobby pioneer Buck Barker in the Dan-Dee chapter.

Maybe I better give you my email address if you should have further questions on getting the book. I'm at:

bfpowell2003@yahoo.com

Take care, David.

[mickey7mantle7]

Looks more like a 6.5 to me. Lower left corner is the culprit on this well centered beauty...








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