Let's see your favorite pickups from The National in Chicago!
 

I just returned yesterday from The National in Chicago.

I had an opportunity to spend a bit of time with several of the folks from net54.
Chris, Mark, Ben, Phil, Jimmy, Graig, Rhys and Leon, it was great getting to get a chance to hang with all of you!

Overall, my two days in Chicago were terrific and I managed to actually find a few great collectibles. Here is one that I added to my advanced Vander Meer collection:

This is an extremely rare pennant that depicts Vandy. Most likely this was sold at the 1938 All Star game at Crosley and/or the summer of 1938. It's medium in size, but I don't have it in hand so I can't give dimensions yet. Many thanks to net54's Chris Gamble for letting me add this to my collection.

I hope you all had a terrific time as well. Please join in and share some of your favorite pickups!

Scott that is one sweet pennant -- it's about time we see a piece of memorabilia from The National!

What are your plans for display -- do you frame it tight to cover up some of the border damage, do you put it inside a mat, or have it "floating"?

Also, do you have most of your Vander Meer material displayed together? Would love to see some photos of that!

Great pickup!


Greg

Thanks, Scott. It was nice to finally meet you and Mark as well.

Here are some items I picked up...


The sign is double sided, has a porcelain finish and hung on the seat railings at old Crosley Field.

Thanks Greg!
As to your Q, I don't have any plans to hide any of the border damage because I kind of dig the vintage look. I most likely will frame it, but I'm definitely open to possible suggestions from anyone that's willing to offer.

As for my Vander Meer collection, my long term plan is to have one display case exclusively dedicated to Vandy in 1938. BTW, I love to display some of my favorite collectibles in an eclectic fashion, but at the same time have a central theme that has meaning (at least to me) LOL...

Here is a mini-shrine dedicated to the 1938 Vandy/ Lombardi double no-hit battery that I currently have in one of my display cases. I have a mini-bat of both Vander Meer and Ernie Lombardi, signed vintage cards of both as well as a game ball that was pitched by Vander Meer in a random game in 1938. The ball was fouled into the stands, but makes for a neat display.

I had a wonderful time at the National with all the usual suspects. Spirits were high and I enjoyed spending most of my time with Mark Steinberg (perezfan), Ryan Sims, and Carlton of course. I was really hoping to add a few Cubs and Tigers pinbacks, but I didn't find anything out of the ordinary. There were a lot of pins, pennants, and equipment, but not much in the way of figurals (bobble heads excluded). Here are my pickups.

It was a pretty good show for pennants. I was looking for a DiMaggio and Ryan found this honey for me on day one. It is in terrific condition with a couple tack holes, but a nice tip and tone.
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps44fcb997.jpg

The next pennant is a design I have seen before, but never with a the little flag near the tip reading 1948. The condition is NrMint.
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps1d3da423.jpg

This is my pickup of the show. Any time you can add a pennant that Mark Steinberg and Dave Bushing have never seen before, you know you have something special. The purple felt on this honey is super heavy and soft and the image of the Tiger is fantastic. Probably late 40s early 50s and in outstanding condition...I love it!!!
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps70eaaf1f.jpg
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...pscdbbb0e7.jpg

We had a great time visiting the fantastic offerings of the three Bills at the National. They never fail to bring great items, fair pricing, and wonderful conversation. These are the experiences that make this hobby great. I added two Victors this year...one horizontal (very rare) and a vertical.
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...psdcbd5997.jpg
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps6f0c4a06.jpg

My last pickup of the show was a piece I have seen and loved, but never purchased. When I saw the magnificent NrMt condition of this Al Simmons cigar box I couldn't resist. The images are perfect, the hinge is undamaged, and the price was right on.
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps4287c6d1.jpg
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps825e0774.jpg

Mike,
I really like that 1948 Tigers pennant, great condition, nice pickup.

I'll post photos of my pickups when I have more time...

Barry Larkin and Jim Maloney Game-used Caps
Killer 1940s Silver Reds Pitcher
1940s Reds Burger Beer Ad Sign
Early '60s SD Padres Team Photo Insert with early photo of Perez and other future Reds (thanks Chris!)
1961 Reds Pocket Scedule on Die-cut Hudepohl Beer Can
1930s Reds Pennant (MINT)
1940s Tigers Banner (MINT)
Turn of the Century Lemon-Handled Bat (with many thanks to the Bills for their generosity!)
1940s Game Used White Sox Cap of Floyd Baker- Beauty

First and foremost wanted to say that the best part of the National was meeting with fellow collectors... many for the first time, including Chris G, Scott G, Tony C, and Greg L. It was also great to have a night out with Chicago's version of "The Wolfpack"... Mike, Ryan, and Carlton (although no Vegas, and no Hangover). It took some GPS-ing, bickering and U-turns, but we stumbled onto a great Italian hole-in-the-wall.

I would grade this National about a "5" in terms of its memorabilia content, but a "10" for the enjoyment factor and camaraderie. :)

Scott:
Great Vandy Pennant, and same for the other incredible piece you showed me (which almost made me miss my flight- but worth it!)

Chris:
Awesome Crosley Sign... Where did you find that one? Also, please be sure to post a photo of the Reds Pennant, after you unveil it without the picture. That's an insanely rare one underneath, and a great find. Sweet pickups!

Mike:
Nice going... now Mike E. needs to release a "Volume 3" of his Pennant Guide. I bet he's equally thrilled about your amazing find! :eek:

national
 

Mark+ Mike,
Looks like you boys had some fun! Missed this one this year and Mark post some pics when you get a chance!Mike what no pins!!!!!! Great pennants! Have fun!;);)

Al!!! I sent you a couple texts from the show, but didn't hear from you.

JOE JACKOSN TYPE 1 CHARLES CONLON PHOTO used for 1940 PLAYBALL CARD
 

Ooopsies...

text
 

Mike,
A very simple answer to that is I had the text taken off my phone so no more texting! If you want me you must call me and talk to me like old times!! Ah great to be textless!!!:D:D

LOL...got your message Al and will call you soon. I didn't pick up any pins at the National.

Ben,
I love seeing vintage original photos, that Joe Jackson is great.

I'll second that, Ben! Killler photo!

Brandon, Ben, Phil, graig and I almost had hangover moments last night. Good times

Great pennants Mike. That Tigers one looks great. Congrats on the pickups. Mike

Good stuff! Great group we had!

Below is another one of my pickups. It is a TYPE 1 GEORGE BURKE PHOTO used for his true rookie(r312 card).

Nice stuff everyone. Wish I could've been there.

Geez Ben. Too bad you didn't really have a lot of success this year. :rolleyes:
Wow.

Great pickup, Ben!

Mike - Love, love, LOVE the Simmons box. Crazy beautiful condition. Congrats!

It's on my wantlist. Someday. Hopefully, I can snare one with that eye-appeal. Wow!

My first missed National in 5-years. I've had the shakes all weekend. :)

Thanks for posting your pics, Gents.

My Pick-ups at the National
 

I bought the Cy Young Paul Thompson photo and had to by the card, the Foxx has been graded a 9 and is a Burke. The Gehrig is... a Gehrig :)

Geez Bob.
Holy Crap.
Sorry to see you had a terrible national too.

Wow!
 

Bob,
I saw both the Cy and the Gehrig at the National and was drooling over them.
Awesome pickups! Congrats. :D

Bob,
Absolutely great photos. Nice pick of those pics. Loved seeing these photos, and looking forward to seeing more.

Great pick ups!

Brock, Brandon, Ben, Phil, Graig - It was great meeting all of you guys - sorry I couldn't continue into the post-Net54 dinner partying, but I got hammered the night before and don't have the stamina of you young guys.

Ben - the two photos you picked up are amazing. I came home with only two very inexpensive pennants for tacking on the man-cave wall.

Mark and Scott - I'm very sorry we didn't run into each other. Possibly we did and I was too hungover or malnourished to remember?

Hi Scott,
Hopefully next year at the National in Cleveland?
Best,
Scott

Almost certainly, and I'm planning to bring memorabilia - mostly photos.

Great to see everyone, Brock Ben Brandon Graig Bob Alan. Wish I could have been there till morning. the Jackson and Young photos above are killer. Great time.

Jon,

It was a pleasure meeting you in person too man. Did you happen to get the opportunity to see/listen to my joke at the end of the night? From what I hear, it was so bad it was kind of funny.
Anyway, too bad you and Scotty didn't make it out with Brock, Brandon, Graig, Phil and I. Brock said it best in that it actually was kind of like "Hangover 4". Brock, are you still feeling that SOCO shot buddy? :)

Leon once again did a fantastic job. It was a great time and look forward to next year. Leon, I will polish up on my jokes for next year. Stay cool and far away from those chiggers. They are, after all, little burrowing pests that attach themselves to you and cause intense irritation--> AKA Kreindlers.:)

Nice meeting everyone at the dinner :)

Alan

ALAN! It was great meeting to too:) Good times.. great putting faces to names for sure.

I was able to see this beauty in person. It was great seeing you again Scott. See you next year..remember.. watermarks:)

Thank you Scott.. it was great meeting you in person. I need to get me some of those fancy running sandles. Looking forward to future photo convos!

-----------------------------

Below are a few of my other TYPE 1 PHOTO pickups. These are done with IPHONE so they do not do them justice but still purdy purdy I must say.

1) ROOKIE TED WILLIAMS(1939) BEFORE he was #9. SUPER RARE #5 shot. NEVER SEEN THIS TYPE 1 BEFORE

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps4ae9499e.jpg

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/a...psca20c0f5.jpg

2) PRE-ROOKIE TED WILLIAMS (1939)-NEVER SEEN THIS TYPE 1 BEFORE EITHER. BEAUTIFUL AND RARE SHOT OF AN EARLY, ROOKIE TEDDY AT SPRING TRAINING.

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps52540dc2.jpg

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps1df1f15a.jpg

3) SAME RICE FAMOUS GAME OF "CATCHING" THE BALL DURING THE 1925 WS. HE IS SHOWING MCGRAW HOW HE "DID IT".

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/a...psf45decca.jpg

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps26c5c028.jpg

Ditto - good to meet you, Alan.

You too Scott. Great to meet you.

Definitely an interesting night. Fun stuff!!

Good meeting you too. PM a number ($) on the Morehart piece we discussed.

Most fun $15 purchase at the National in Chicago
 

Nice pickups everyone! Lots of terrific rarities...

I thought it might be fun to post by favorite inexpensive purchase at The National.

Flipping through a binder (within the last 15 minutes on the convention floor), I found this cool 1910 Base Ball mini-scrapbook for $15.

The hobbyist meticulously glued every box score plus many photos of the 1910 base ball season from April through the end of May in this hard bound book. All 1910 opening day games pitched by the likes of Matty, 3 Finger Brown, Deacon Phillipe, Cy Young and Chief Bender were in there. Of note, the 1st game ever at the new ball park in Cleveland (League Park), including a nice write up, was present. Both of the no-hitters from the 1910 season (Addie Joss and Chief Bender) both made it into the scrapbook as well.

In between some of the pages were perhaps 20-30 period magazine photo clippings of many stars of the era including Cy Young, Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Tinker and Evers, etc., etc.

I carefully looked through the scrapbook on my flight home. Very cool!

Early 1870s CdV.

I don't really have any pick-ups from Chicago - save a common, raw T206 for business card purposes - but I just wanted to mention that it was GREAT meeting and hanging out with some of you fellas. People like Brock, Rhys, Rhett, Scott F, Scott G, David McD, Brian MacD, Andrew W, Rob K, Brandon (and Jadyn), Paul R, Jeff R, Jon F, Leon, Lymon, Chris, Ryan, Al and the like really made this trip what it always ends up being: my absolute favorite weekend of the year.

And of course, Ben and Phil, my wonderful and awful roommates - y'all kill me.

The dinner, as per usual, was wonderful. A big thanks to Leon for putting it on and dealing with all of the drunkenness. Thank the lord I got my chicken fingers.

I'll be looking forward to next year in Cleveland. Maybe I can even convince Dean to set up a friggin' booth for once!

Graig

Beautiful cdv Gary!

Dinner Shot
 

<img src="http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc120/CarltonHendricks/TheCrewAtDinner_TAGGED_zpsc18312d0.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo TheCrewAtDinner_TAGGED_zpsc18312d0.jpg"/>

<img src="http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc120/CarltonHendricks/Pizza_zps5af7c3d5.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo Pizza_zps5af7c3d5.jpg"/>

Additional photos
 

I picked these up at the National as well:
1919 Buck Weaver
1957 Maris Rookie
1927 Gehrig Eyes
1930's Gehrig (I think it is a conlon)
Maris Hitting his 61st
Walter Johnson Van Oyeon

The weaver is great. I don't think your gehrig is a conlon.. why do you say that? I actually believe it is a Burke photo blown up if memory serves me right. Great pickups.. your collection is growing:)

Thanks
 

Thanks Ben, you are right, I had it mixed up with another photo and BTW, my collection pales in comparison to yours. You have an absolutely fantastic collection!

Awesome shot though.. kinda makes you think of the 33 goudey cards even though it is not the image(s). Burke is also a top notch photographer for sure. Congrats!

Photographers
 

I have decided that I really want to collect images of HOFers from Horner, Lawrence, Bain, Conlon, Van Oeyeon, Burke, Thompson etc... I have not been able to locate a Bain yet as they seem to be more difficult to find (because of the fire I presume). I took a look at your Johnson on your web site and I am envious of that one among many others that you have. Thanks again

Bob, Bain HOF'er photos shouldn't be that tough - I'll dig around and see if I have any. I know I have Bain photos of Major Leaguers.

Bain took a lot of photos... many were lost in the fire as you said. Just because it is of one of these photographers does not make it a great image as you know. Some Bains are near impossible. I.E. GEHRIG. I have only seen one image and only know of two of those that exist. The great images are tough as with any photographer. The supply does not support the demand even now with photography in the early stages.

Advice: Collect GREAT IMAGES... if it is of one of the KNOWN great photographers.. even better.:)

Thanks Again
 

Scott I really appreciate your help in finding me a Bain. That is very kind of you

Ben, I agree with what you are saying that content (great image) is everything. I would rather have a great picture that appeals to me than an image by someone famous that is just ok. I would like to collect HOFers that have a great image AND is by a great photographer. Thanks again

Along that same vein that, here's a magnificent Van Oeyen Image of Ray Benge, available right now on the BST. While not an HOF player, it exhibits beautiful composition from a true artist...

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=172865

I couldn't help but admire this one (as well as those posted above).