Hey, pennant guys

[ooo-ribay]

Originally Posted by bocca001

I am curious to know if any of you have used a black light on your pennants. If you have, what is the oldest pennant with white threads that "light up"?

The good news is that everything on eBay has been on sale on lately, even when buyers accept best offers (thanks, Rob). So I've attached a picture of my "on sale" purchases to end this on a happy note.

Great pickups, Marc!

I have never used or heard of the black light test. What is it that then test proves or suggests?

[bocca001]

It is my understanding that only cloth/paper made after about WWII will "light up" under a black light. These materials sort of glow under the light, due to artificial whiteners/brighteners. It can be especially apparent in thread used for stitching. So, if something glows under the black light, in can’t be older than when these whiteners/brighteners came into use. But not all new materials will glow. So, if it glows, it can’t be that old. If it doesn’t glow, it may or may not be old.

https://www.sportscollectorsdaily.co...-collectibles/

[999Tony]

Pennant Fever: The Story of a New Obsession

So until recently, I was just another run of the mill baseball card collector. I didn't own a single pennant. Then I started reading this thread. I noticed a change in myself partway through. I began to get an itch, then an urge, then a fervent need to have pennants. A couple weeks ago I began scouring ebay for every baseball pennant listing. There were tons of cools ones that I just HAD to have. I put opening bids on 20 or 30. I watched 30 or 40 more. I checked the listing multiple times a day. But the fever hadn't completely overwhelmed me. I realized I had no idea of values or scarcity, so I wouldn't do any crazy bidding until I got the price guide. Plus, I needed to focus, start with getting a single team. The KC Monarchs pennant was awesome, but out of my price range. So I decided to start with getting KC A's pennants --doable, weren't in existence that long, there were several cool pennant for sale, I decided I really wanted one of the cool white elephant ones. Gotta get a white elephant!

So I got my first pennant. Late at night there was one I put in a really low bid. Within five minutes the seller accepted, without even a counteroffer (uhoh. For those who don't know, not a good sign)

See photo. Take a moment to study it closely, if you've read this far . . .
Did a dog chew off the end?



Oh, you say. Well. Um--er--well it does have character. Hey, if you like it, that's cool, people should collect what they like, as long as you enjoy it, and condition doesn't bother you, good for you . . .you must be a big Knicks fan.

I say --no not at all. Don't care at all about the Knicks. Never even lived in New York, or anywhere close.

Oh you say. Well at least you started an NBA collection.
I say true, but I don't care about the NBA --don't collect any basketball stuff.

Oh. You say. In that case, CONGRATULATIONS! You got your white elephant after all!




(I actually love the vintage look of my white elephant. Though I am hoping to get some other white elephants in the future)

[Fballguy]

Welcome to the addiction. Slight tip damage but otherwise a cool pennant.

I have a white elephant on eBay right now....just saying.

[perezfan]

Welcome Tony...

Question... Did the ebay seller picture the tip in his listing? If not, I'd say you have a case, and an automatic return (should you desire). If he did picture the tip, then it's yours in all its glory.

These types of condition issues do severely impact the value of the pennant. I can see why the seller snapped up your offer, as it's very tough to sell these tattered ones. Still a cool and pretty rare pennant.

I may throw a few of my A's White Elephant pennants onto this thread, just to wet your whistle and spice things up. If they show up sideways, I won't bother. Regardless, you should have no trouble finding some nice ones on your own. If you search ebay, just be sure to exclude all the cheapies under $20. You'll save yourself countless hours of futility. Welcome to the club!

[999Tony]

Oh no, it was all on me. The seller was very very open and honest about the poor condition. The seller showed a close up of the tip, er I mean the missing tip and chewed up end. It was late at night and the plastic pennant container was included, and I don't have any pennant sleeves yet . . . it was really cheap . .

So this is perfect for me. If there isn't anyone collecting tattered pennants, I will have the market to myself! Though if anyone has seen the 1961 Reds pennant on ebay for $9.99, that has been relisted, you're welcome to it, as even though I'm a Reds fan, that one is too battered and ugly even for me! See, I do have standards.

[Fballguy]

Yeah that one is rough, but there's a nicer one for sale for $49.99 too. Several others listed with prices all over the place ranging from $100 to $200.

Many people just throw prices out there to see what sticks...I do it too.