Memorabilia pickups from the National...

[mjkm90]

I do, it was in a mish mosh pile of paper at the back of a booth for $15. It has some great images inside including Cobb. Is it a valuable book Barry?

[barrysloate]

It's not too valuable, but it's worth more than $15. I would say more like $35-50. Instructionals are rarely expensive but some have nice photo plates, and this one has a photo pasted on the cover, which is a plus. Thanks again.

[BrockJacob]

Great haul Mike! The trophy is beautiful but the bat is killer! I love the look of those type of bats. extra-long, flat cut top, and egg shaped knob = 3 for 3! Congrats on the great additions

[slidekellyslide]

Looks like you made a nice haul Mike. Congrats on that trophy! It's a beauty.

[perezfan]

Well done, Mike... That trophy is simply elegant. I don't recall ever seeing one with such a beautiful and ornate base like that. Really a magnificent (and unique) figural. The Bat is awesome as well.... many congrats on what looks like a very successful trip!

An additional question for either you or Carlton... It looks like Hunts had a pair of Testi Statues (Batter and Pitcher) displayed in their Booth. Do you recall the asking price? Probably out of this world, but just thought I would inquire... thanks!

[slantycouch]

That trophy is awesome!

Now you just need to come up with a great story about how your grandfather or greatgrandfather was on the team, etc.

[perezfan]

Great story, Vincent... If I lived within "earshot", I would have done the same exact thing. Sounds like it was well worth the risk (and expense) even if just for a short 2 hours.

Keep these posts coming... since we cannot be there, it's fun to live vicariously through these great stories. Thanks!

[mjkm90]

My view of the National from 30,000 feet.

It was quite a bit smaller than last year. It was very good not great from a figural/trophy perspective (No Spaldings). A lot of nodders/ceramic figures. It was probably the best year for bats I have ever seen. Poor for pennants. Poor for gloves overall. Ok for advertising. Lousy for pinbacks. Good for vintage unis. Excellent for vintage photos. A lot of nice football helmets.

Prices were terrific. A lot of the pieces (including my trophy) were with the same dealers last year. In fact, many of the photos you will see on Carlton's site will look veeeery similar to 2008.

The net54 dinner was a lot of fun and quite entertaining.

I was done buying by 8:10 a.m. Thursday and spent the rest of my time sitting in booths and visiting collectors and dealers. It was a real pleasure to sit back and relax, watch the deals being made, ask questions, offer oppinions, and learn more about our great hobby. I made a few new friends, and some excellent contacts for the things I love. It was well worth the trip and everyone I spoke with found a few new additions. So overall, it wasn't a WOW from a memorabilia perspective, but it I had a great time. If you want more specifics, let me know.

Mark...the Testi's were in Hunts and I believe priced the same as last year (check the O8 pics on Carlton's site for the exact amount).