365 Days of Roberto Clemente

[71buc]

This silver 1971 Latin American player of the year award is one of the items I picked up at the last Hunt auction. I bid on it despite the photographs which revealed heavy tarnish and oxidation to the silver. I landed it fairly cheaply. When it arrived it was barely legible the color was essential black and gray. Which is likely why I obtained it so cheaply. I dipped it in a sodium aluminum bath and the tarnish and much of the oxidation disappeared. I will likely invest in a professional cleaning down the road. Nonetheless I am thrilled to add it to my 1971 Pirate collection. The shape is highly reflective and picks up color in a pretty cool fashion. It also makes it difficult to take a picture of the engraved text. I have posted multiple pictures to display this.

[FourStrikes]

Originally Posted by 71buc

This silver 1971 Latin American player of the year award is one of the items I picked up at the last Hunt auction. I bid on it despite the photographs which revealed heavy tarnish and oxidation to the silver. I landed it fairly cheaply. When it arrived it was barely legible the color was essential black and gray. Which is likely why I obtained it so cheaply. I dipped it in a sodium aluminum bath and the tarnish and much of the oxidation disappeared. I will likely invest in a professional cleaning down the road. Nonetheless I am thrilled to add it to my 1971 Pirate collection. The shape is highly reflective and picks up color in a pretty cool fashion. It also makes it difficult to take a picture of the engraved text. I have posted multiple pictures to display this.

obviously forever Altered ! disgusting! (j/k - beautiful piece - congrats!

[71buc]

Originally Posted by FourStrikes

obviously forever Altered ! disgusting! (j/k - beautiful piece - congrats!

Thanks, I have been torn about restoration. I found a Seattle based silversmith who does amazing work. He is currently working on a Jabbar trophy. I decided that I wanted the platter to look like it did when it was given to Clemente. The condition right now is acceptable but it could be much more attractive. Right now it is reflective but due to oxidation and tarnish, caused by what I assume was humidity the text doesn't stand out like it should. I guess In the end its my mistake to make. I don't think cleaning or restoring effects it value or meaning to my collection.

[docpatlv]

Day 140


1962 Topps regular issue, leader and team cards...

[Empty77]

The '62 regular issue brings back memories for me. It was the first real Clemente I ever acquired (not counting the '87 Kmart card, etc).

Late '80s, begged mom to drive 45 min across town to a card shop I learned existed, the only one around and I had never been to one before. It was called "collector's corner" (which at the time seemed unique and remarkably clever [it was actually on a street corner]).

Was probably going for Griffeys, not Clemente, which I think I figured wasn't possible anymore, but then here was this magical place that had all sorts of stuff, not just new stuff, but old stuff too, which prior I just hadn't imagined, only experiencing wax packs from the supermarket aisle.

Then there in a top loader under the glass beside Mays' and Mantles, etc., was a '62 T Clemente (even then the wood grain border made it easy to remember which year was which from price guide pics). The sticker price was $8, and as I recall it had fairly rounded corners and so in hindsight was fair to moderately overpriced, but to me seemed like such a great find (I was not in Pittsburgh at the time and was hours from a major metro area with a serious sports culture).

Long story short, it took several years of saving up b-day money and summer neighborhood jobs to complete a basic issue run, but I did. I don't really recall which one I picked up second or beyond, but I'll always remember that the '62 came first.

[docpatlv]

Empty,

Great story, thanks for sharing.

[hcv123]

So, I pulled a large format box out of storage and took pictures of a few oversized Clemente collectibles.

First up is a Laughlin giant stand up - My understanding is Bob Laughlin used to set up at shows and offer these for sale. I guess either he made a very limited number or they didn't go over so well as they are pretty tough to come by.

Next is a 1966 Harmony Milk Pirates place mat - not for everyone, but a super rare item nonetheless

Next is.... well I'm not sure exactly what it is - I believe it to be hand painted and I loved it when I saw it. I believe I saw 1 other similar one somewhere.

Last for this post is the same image from the 1973 Allied Printing memorial postcard - except this one is about 8 1/2 x11 and blank backed - cardboard stock. Never seen it before or again.