Anyone slab/grade S81 silks?

[ctownboy]

Here is my only S81, an Ed Walsh that I traded for about 30 years ago.

I store it in a safe deposit box but am always scared I am not storing it in a way that will preserve it.

At first, I had it in some regular plastic sheets but was afraid they might some how get too hot and melt on the silk or that they might leach some chemicals that would harm or destroy the silk.

I next just put it between two pieces of construction paper but then removed it because I was afraid the acid in the paper might damage or destroy the silk.

Now, I just have it laying flat on top of another large silk which is on top of some cards in card holders. Is that good enough?

Next, is there any idea of how many silks are still in existence? I know there are more Matty silks than all the others but how many of the rest are there? Less than 10 each?

Thank you,

David

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by ctownboy

Here is my only S81, an Ed Walsh that I traded for about 30 years ago. I store it in a safe deposit box but am always scared I am not storing it in a way that will preserve it. At first, I had it in some regular plastic sheets but was afraid they might some how get too hot and melt on the silk or that they might leach some chemicals that would harm or destroy the silk.I next just put it between two pieces of construction paper but then removed it because I was afraid the acid in the paper might damage or destroy the silk. Now, I just have it laying flat on top of another large silk which is on top of some cards in card holders. Is that good enough? Next, is there any idea of how many silks are still in existence? I know there are more Matty silks than all the others but how many of the rest are there? Less than 10 each? Thank you, David

It's probably OK out of the way of sunlight, water, excessive heat or humidity, or any other factor that could render it further damage, but you might also consider getting it slabbed, that would relieve you of worry and also allow you to put it up somewhere you could see it. It will probably get a "1", but who cares? I can't speak for the rarity of the issue as a whole, but I have been aware of the existence of a handful or so WaJos in the forty + years I've been paying attention. I actually had two of them at one time, the prettiest of which I got framed as you can see above. I would hazard a guess of the existence of between 5 and 10 of most, with a few more Mattys due to the find of some years ago. Nearly impossible to find in top condition, as the fragile silk made them vulnerable to the condition issues visible in your Walsh, and others. A really great and beautiful set, which should bring a substantial premium over the T3 cards, IMO, but cards rule, the market says.

[TheBig6]

I know there was a small find of Matty’s a long time ago, but it’s one of my favorites in my collection. Does anybody know how many were in the find?

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by TheBig6

I know there was a small find of Matty’s a long time ago, but it’s one of my favorites in my collection. Does anybody know how many were in the find?

I, too, would love to know the circumstances of the find, which I've only heard referred to from time to time without specifics. I doubt it was very large, perhaps ten or so based on the fact that they do seem to pop up more than the others and in better shape, but it's not like you see one in every auction.

[TheBig6]

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

I, too, would love to know the circumstances of the find, which I've only heard referred to from time to time without specifics. I doubt it was very large, perhaps ten or so based on the fact that they do seem to pop up more than the others and in better shape, but it's not like you see one in every auction.

Yes, I seem to recall talk that it just a small amount that was found. 10 or so is probably in the ballpark. No pun intended.