1914 Cracker Jack set

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Posted By: John

“If Mastro bought it, the set was probably sold at a substantial quick profit to a GOOD client - this happens all the time in our collecting world and the real business world!”

I don’t remember houses; land, luxury cars being sold to me for half price or less no matter how good a customer I was. I also have never sold anything in my life that was worth lets say $5000 for $1000 just cause I didn’t feel like waiting a week.

“Plus, there would have been quite a bit expense on Mastro's part (labor, printing, etc. for a catalog auction), plus a wait of months. Also, they probably have their next auction planned out - just waiting on more consignments of course (they probably already have several). Since this is the case, to break this set up and sell individually would probably have required a "separate" auction altogether - thus, even more costs incurred!”

Do you really think Mastro would incur enough expenses putting together an auction to sell this set, and that these cost to profit expenses would be higher or close to 700k to 1.2 million dollars difference. Making the idea of generating the extra income for his company not an attractive venture?

“Being a collector, I have to strongly disagree with the people who say they would like this set to "stay together". It would be great for the Hobby for it to be broken up - that would make a "chance" for 144 different people to have a piece of a spectacular find”

My opinion on this is more of a romantic one. In which, when sets like the Harris or this set are broken up for the almighty dollar. They are very rarely ever put back together. It came in together in an envelope its nice to know they will stay together for future collecting generations. That’s all. But we could cut them into halves and then 288 people would get a chance to own a piece of this set. Just joking.


“Afterall, Sportscard Plus didn't sell the Harris set intact - and, look at the success of that auction - over $1 Million. With that in mind, and this set a higher grade, it should be VERY EASY for you guys/gals to comprehend that my estimate of $1.5-$2 Million is probably very accurate!”

Not really the T206 Harris set is a different animal all together.
1.)Nearly three times as many cards in top condition.
2.)Easily the most popular and most collected pre-war issue.
3.)Contained cards from such great collections and finds (Copeland, Southern Find)
4.)Is a set which is famous for having some of the world’s most desirable baseball cards (Wagner, Plank, Magie)
5.)When I tell people I collect old baseball cards they all ask do you have the Honus Wagner card. Very few have asked about the 1914 Joe Jackson CJ.

No I don’t comprehend! Maybe you and Greg can explain it to me. Why one of the world’s most successful sports memorabilia auction houses sold (according to you) a 2 million dollar set for a net loss of 1.2 million dollars in potential profit. Because it was too much trouble or to expensive to put together a catalogue and wait a few months. Or maybe its because he wanted to hook up a really good customer with a sweet deal and turn a quick buck. Cause this happens in the real business world every day right? Also explain what person would sell their 2 million dollar art collection for more than half off because they need the money. Especially since most all-major auction houses will give cash advances to consignor’s for significant lots. Scott once again I’m not implying your ignorant. However I will ask you to explain why you and Greg feel you have a better idea of real market value as compared to the parties involved with the sale of this set. Also explain why you both so strongly feel this was a deal for the buyer and an impatient or uneducated mistake on the seller’s part.