Just picked up this Mantle

[Runscott]

This is my favorite Mantle style - 1953-54, leaning toward 1954. I hate disagreeing with Shelly, but that loop on the 'Mickey' 'M' pushes it past those earlier dates.

[w7imel]

Originally Posted by Runscott

This is my favorite Mantle style - 1953-54, leaning toward 1954. I hate disagreeing with Shelly, but that loop on the 'Mickey' 'M' pushes it past those earlier dates.

And thats fine I have just always wanted a vintage rookie era Mantle. I really enjoy this one!! The Ball is in great shape for being almost 70 years old and is just a shade off of new ball white. What about the Flair at the top of the Mantle M? It is faded liked the pen skipped does that help any with dating it?

[w7imel]

Originally Posted by Runscott

This is my favorite Mantle style - 1953-54, leaning toward 1954. I hate disagreeing with Shelly, but that loop on the 'Mickey' 'M' pushes it past those earlier dates.

I think this one will be hard (but fun ) to try to pinpoint. Here is a 51 Mantle m I have seen many others like it so I will do my research like you taught me years ago Scott and by the way thanks for that!!!

[w7imel]

Another 51/52 autograph so Im sure he signed this way for a few years

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by w7imel

Another 51/52 autograph so Im sure he signed this way for a few years

There are some subtle differences. I have some good exemplars I will send you at some point, but I don't want to go over all the details here - it will just invite a battle.

[w7imel]

Originally Posted by Runscott

There are some subtle differences. I have some good exemplars I will send you at some point, but I don't want to go over all the details here - it will just invite a battle.

please send sometime..looking forward to it.

[Runscott]

Mike, I only collect Mantles from before 1956, aiming for as early as possible. I've bought a few 1955-ish ones that I thought were older, but then when they arrived and I looked closely I realized that they were just great examples of late 1950's that had a bit of the early 1950's appeal.

Your ball is fabulous - just hope it's a place-holder for an equally nice "to Mike" one.

[w7imel]

Originally Posted by Runscott

Mike, I only collect Mantles from before 1956, aiming for as early as possible. I've bought a few 1955-ish ones that I thought were older, but then when they arrived and I looked closely I realized that they were just great examples of late 1950's that had a bit of the early 1950's appeal.

Your ball is fabulous - just hope it's a place-holder for an equally nice "to Mike" one.

I have this one so I am happy!!!