Opinions on these Williams

[brewcrewfan77]

Hi all, just looking on some opinions on the following Williams.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321112386832...9#ht_531wt_840

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281101672989...#ht_1242wt_840

They're priced on the low side so my radar immediately came up and you guys are the best so any opinions would be welcomed.

[brewcrewfan77]

Anyone? Could really use some help with these?

[Big Dave]

I believe the first one is authentic, the second one is not.

[shelly]

yes on the first. like a better picture before I would say anything on the second.

[Mr. Zipper]

The Thumper postcards always seem to be good. I'm not sure of the history of these. Were they something Ted signed under contract or what he used to fulfill mail requests? Either way, historically they are good.

The Senators pic appears to be proxy signed. I've seen a number of this style and they typically stem from Senators era. The W is the dead giveaway.

[shelly]

You guys with the young eyes/ Give us old people a break and show better pictures. Oh maybe I should have taken off the shades.

[Mr. Zipper]

Originally Posted by shelly

You guys with the young eyes/ Give us old people a break and show better pictures. Oh maybe I should have taken off the shades.

[Tedw9]

Originally Posted by Mr. Zipper

The Thumper postcards always seem to be good. I'm not sure of the history of these. Were they something Ted signed under contract or what he used to fulfill mail requests? Either way, historically they are good.

Ted used to be part owner or had some sort of stake in some orange groves in Florida, Davis Citrus Farms. They had a deal where you purchased a basket of fruit at a certain price range and you got one of those signed post cards for free.

Somewhere around here packed away I think I still have the catalog with the ad for the oranges and post card. If I ever find it, I can post it. I recently purchased a large lot of these off Ebay from a guy who said his Dad worked at the grove and got to meet Ted. I sent off 2 of the postcards to PSA and they came back authentic.

Here's a picture of the envelope the signed post cards came in with the fruit basket.

[Mr. Zipper]

Wow... thanks for sharing! I have asked the same question several times and in several forums and no one has ever had an answer as to the origins of these Thumper Postcards. It's good to finally know.