365 Days of Roberto Clemente

[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.

[hcv123]

The ticket stub I have posted in this thread earlier. The Program I just won from the Hunt auction. In the lower right corner of the program you can see that this program was personalized "To Vera" from Pirates team doctor Joseph Finegold. The program in its own right is near impossible to find. When I hold it, I imagine each of the players signing it for Vera and what a bittersweet day/game it must have been. So happy to have won it.

[hcv123]

1971 Houston BBWA dinner program. Interestingly, the only autographed items I have are because of my desire for the item the autograph is on. I think I own less than half a dozen autographed items. This is one of them. This program once again is near impossible to find. Kind of enjoy the fact that it has multiple autographs including Clemente.

1973 Post Gazette - Pittsburgh Pirates Album set - including Clemente as originally issued.

Last up is something a bit outside the scope of most of my collection as it has no picture of Clemente on it, just the words "Adios Amigo Roberto". It is about 9x12 and the photo is mounted on heavy stock cardboard. It just evokes a bit of sadness when I look at it. I do not know its origin.

[MCoxon]

Originally Posted by hcv123

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

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.

I have always liked the Allied Printing postcard. This and the 1972 Pro Star Promotions are two of my favorite oddball Clemente items; and on both, Howard, you have an amazing rarer variation !

[hcv123]

1961 Post cereal Panel
3 different 1962 Post cereal Panels
1963 Post cereal panel
1962 Post cereal advertisement
1970 Kellogs corn flakes box with Clemente on top right
1969 Nabisco Team Flakes complete box - super rare!

Shameless plug - I just listed some Clemente stuff on ebay - seller "favorite_things" - Will negotiate with any Net 54 member off ebay.

Enjoy!