Encapsulate this 1956 Mantle/Berra?
 

Disclaimer: post featuring a vintage autograph. Close now if this is too old for your tastes.

I had a 1956 Yankees ball that had been chewed up by a dog, rendering it quite a disaster. Fortunately the Mantle/Berra panel survived in good condition, so I attempted to salvage it in the attached display. I was happy with the outcome, but not overwhelmed, and I have no plans or desire to do something different display-wise;however, with SGC offering a $35 Mantle encapsulation special this month, I'm considering it. Thoughts?

I personally would not have it slabbed by SGC(or anybody else) unless it was to sell.

I would have the signatures mounted in a custom card either blank or with a design because IMO it would make it look much nicer. It would also look nicer if the person doing the mounting would cut(frame) it in like the photo.

What did you do with the rest of the ball?

If I slabbed it I would sell it. Currently I have too many nice displays and this one's gathering dust in a corner. I don't like modern cards, even if they have vintage items with them, and the leather won't flatten enough. Not interested in re-matting/re-framing. I will either leave it as-is or get it encapsulated.

I kept the rest of the panels - some of the other autographs were mangled and none would display well. I had counted on being able to flatten out the panels, but the leather began cracking on the test pieces. In this display the Mantle/Berra piece is only slightly flattened.

I would be interested in the sweet spot if you are looking to sell!

If you are serious, send me an email.

What is your email?

If you find that the 'contact member' by email feature isn't working, let Leon know - I'm sure he wants it to work.

I'd stick it in a card too...

Love creating custom work so I guess I'm biased....
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3781/...75febe6301.jpg

I did quite a bit of testing, trying to get it flatter - discussed options with 'top guys' :)

But if that Ott is a signed piece of baseball leather...

No sir.

I'd recommend getting in touch with Mike "discostu" on blowout forums. He's the best I know and has done "sweet spot" work.

Very cool piece and I like the different MM sig.

Thanks for the recommendation. The signature is typical 1956-era. By the early 1960's (perhaps earlier - I don't look at any Mantles that recent) his signature was looking similar to the ones you see posted on Net54.