Antique Store Find 1953 PM10 Ralph Kiner

[Lucas00]

I saw this Ralph and knew it was a good price and from the late 40s or early 50s. Getting home I researched it a bit and found only 4000 were made right before he was unknowlingly traded to the cubs. Just like today when players don't even know they are being traded, in the 50s the pirates didn't tell their advertising manager that their star player could be/was being traded. Soon after the trade they were unloaded to the Cubs for 5 cents a piece (probably breaking even or close to it). The Cubs then attempted to sell them at Wrigley Field for 25¢ a piece. Suffice to say they sold very poorly with Kiner still in his pirates uniform. Which naturally fans didn't like.

Thanks to sports collectors digest for the awesome history. If you are curious read the article for a more in depth story.
https://sportscollectorsdigest.com/m...er-pirates-pin

I'm not sure if I'm going to sell or not yet. But likely in the future. The surface is flawless and the back has a single small spot of rust.

I enjoy going to antique stores and flee markets. But as any sports collector knows. These days the prices at them aren't... the best. But that 1/100 bargain find always keeps a little fun and motivation to going to them.

[swarmee]

Very cool item and history.

[Exhibitman]

That's really interesting. I was under the impression that the safety clasp form of pin back was a much later invention.

[Lucas00]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

That's really interesting. I was under the impression that the safety clasp form of pin back was a much later invention.

I thought the exact same thing! Most pins I own even many from the 70s are the long sharp backs. If I had to guess it was probably quite a premium upgrade many didn't select.