Oops! I guess it's not that rare after all

[TheSquire]

Originally Posted by perezfan

It's a great topic for a thread, and when I have time, I'll contribute more to this (there are so many pieces that fit the "not so rare anymore" category).

But the first one that comes to mind are those plasic cone-shaped Banks with the Team Bats that snap in. These were considered tough, and sold for over $100 before the days of ebay. Some still do, but only the much older rare ones (or the ones with wood bats) now comand that price. The others tend to sell for under $40 - even on a good day. I bet there are half a dozen on ebay right now...

The plastic banks with the wood bats displaying players names are still somewhat rare, especially in good condition.

[TheSquire]

I am avid collector of mini bat fountain pens and pencils. The White Flash Gas versions are not super rare, but it's still very hard to find them, especially in a set with the original box. Single's will pop up on Ebay from time to time, but since a lot of them were used to actually write with, versions in great condition are indeed rare. I have a Babe Ruth set that I've never seen elsewhere. This is not the Quaker Oats set.

[perezfan]

Originally Posted by TheSquire

The plastic banks with the wood bats displaying players names are still somewhat rare, especially in good condition.

Yes- the Wood Bat versions still go for $150 - $200 (and are rare). But the plastic ones from the '60s can now be had routinely for $20 - $30. I got one for $8 recently, in perfect MINT condition. In the old "pre-ebay days" you would not see these go for under $100.

The Hartland example was another good one. The Dallas Ty Cobbs used to go for $1,000 - $1,200, and now sell for about $550. The Dallas Bob Feller has gone from a $2,000 piece to a $1,200 piece.

The Original Hartlands now sell for about 30% less than pre-Internet/ebay. Groat and Colavito (once thought to be near-impossible) are now on ebay almost every week. The Boxes (and other rarities) still command a high price, but the Statues are much more prevalent than originally thought.

And what about those "500 Home Run Club" signed lithos? Those were a real prize back in the '90s... now they're everywhere (some are even authentic!)

[mjkm90]

One inch web gloves of any variety were super tough to find pre-ebay. They could be purchased, but were difficult to find. The price of these and 1940s fatties have really plummeted (with the exception of rare models or top condition pieces).

Frankly, just about anything pre 1950 seemed uber rare before ebay.

[TheSquire]

Collect what you like and you'll be happy. If you're collecting things you think are rare and that's your main motivation, you'll be disappointed 99% of the time.

[Rob D.]

Originally Posted by TheSquire

Collect what you like and you'll be happy. If you're collecting things you think are rare and that's your main motivation, you'll be disappointed 99% of the time.

Thanks.

[ksfarmboy]

I collected Spalding Autograph model bats. Before ebay locating any of the examples was a challenge. Ebay came and changed the game. At one time the Frank Chance Gold Medal was almost impossible to find. I tracked them and at the end of my collecting them I was up to 16 examples. There were other bats that are like this too. I still look on ebay for them I just don't buy them anymore. Funny thing is, they have become difficult to find again. They sure don't show up as often.

[TheSquire]

Originally Posted by Rob D.

Thanks.

drop dead

[mjkm90]

Originally Posted by TheSquire

Collect what you like and you'll be happy. If you're collecting things you think are rare and that's your main motivation, you'll be disappointed 99% of the time.

My problem is that I like things that are rare. I have most of the common things I'm interested in and the thrill of the hunt associated with scarce yet cool pieces is terrific. Now...there are rare pieces I have zero interest in, but rare pieces related to my areas of interest are a real driver for me.

[TheSquire]

Originally Posted by mjkm90

My problem is that I like things that are rare. I have most of the common things I'm interested in and the thrill of the hunt associated with scarce yet cool pieces is terrific. Now...there are rare pieces I have zero interest in, but rare pieces related to my areas of interest are real driver.

I could not agree with you more.