June Pick up thread

[perezfan]

Thanks Scott, Mr. 2686 and Rob...

The frame is not vintage, but is made to look that way. I thought this style was a great match to the victorian look of the sign. Regarding the mat, there were just so many options, it was difficult to pick one. I went with the blue that best matched the inner core of the piece. But some others looked equally great or better. Some of the fabric mats looked amazing (but added even more expense) so I chose to draw the line with this version. Got the entire job done for around $150, which was better than my objective.

Mike:
Great acquisition! What's the story as to why these are so rare? Were these Plaques briefly test-marketed by Topps in just one or two geographic markets, or were they simply never released to the general public? I remember this one from a previous catalogue auction (think it was REA, but may have been Mastro). Congrats again!

[mr2686]

Jon, if you're ever interested in selling the Duke Maas, let me know.

[docpatlv]

Hi Mark,

Thanks for the compliment. Great D&M Athletics piece also, I was going to inquire about the Giants piece, but by the time I got around to it, you had already sold or traded it.

As for the 1968 Topps Plaks, I believe they were distributed in very small quantities in NY (could be wrong though). They were a test issue and were extremely tough to come by. A small find was discovered I think in 2009 by Mile High in PA and some have since come to market. When they first started selling them off, I believe a full set went for over $60,000+. I think the prices have come down some but they still bring a lot of $$$ at auction.

If it weren't for that find, I doubt I would have one. As I mentioned earlier, 707 sportscards had one about fifteen years ago ($900 for a single Clemente), but I was in dental school at the time and couldn't justify it then (not that I can now either). But when the find happened, I figured it was now or never.

Mike

[mr2686]

Hey Rhett...that's a fine Umbricht and definitely nothing to sneeze about. Also sounds like you got a good deal on it. That's only about the 5th or 6th Umbricht I've ever seen, including mine, but I must say he was very consistent in his signature.

[perezfan]

Originally Posted by docpatlv

Hi Mark,

Thanks for the compliment. Great D&M Athletics piece also, I was going to inquire about the Giants piece, but by the time I got around to it, you had already sold or traded it.

As for the 1968 Topps Plaks, I believe they were distributed in very small quantities in NY (could be wrong though). They were a test issue and were extremely tough to come by. A small find was discovered I think in 2009 by Mile High in PA and some have since come to market. When they first started selling them off, I believe a full set went for over $60,000+. I think the prices have come down some but they still bring a lot of $$$ at auction.

If it weren't for that find, I doubt I would have one. As I mentioned earlier, 707 sportscards had one about fifteen years ago ($900 for a single Clemente), but I was in dental school at the time and couldn't justify it then (not that I can now either). But when the find happened, I figured it was now or never.

Mike

Mike:

That's a great story regarding the "now or never" of the Clemente Plaque. It's always best to strike when you can on these ultra-rare pieces. I've found there is usually much more remorse on the great/unique things you bypass than on the things you actually go after. And given the history of this Plaque Trio, I am positive that this one fits that category. Many congrats!

[MGHPro]

A nice way to start off June, a 1930's 125 J Joe Jackson bat. I haven't seen one of these in awhile.
Matt

[yanks12025]

Matt,
Hope you didn't pay anywhere near his $45,000 asking price.

[MGHPro]

Originally Posted by yanks12025

Matt,
Hope you didn't pay anywhere near his $45,000 asking price.

Hey Brock,
Did you see that price?!?! Little crazy. I paid a fair price for it.
Matt