New Helmar series--highly unusual--your thoughts?

[GregMitch34]

Certainly not everyone is fan of modern day vintage-looking "art" cards, such as Helmar. I happen to like them but in any case--Charles has introduced a new line in past month and forgive me if I've missed any mention here. He's taking cards from his t206 lookalike series (and a few others) and dressing them up with borders made of cork and Japanese paper and more, and then enclosing them in fine plastic. I got my first one and they are very cool (if you like this sort of thing) and the cards protected and the whole thing, one imagines, "one of a kind." Yes, they are selling for a premium. Here's how he describes them, although he seems to leave out the plastic case:

--"Your exceedingly rare and beautiful art card specimen has been distinctively mounted by a trained professional here at Helmar. The art card is first cradled within a shaped slice of Portugese cork (which provides a great natural barrier to moisture). Your artisan has then selected a decorative paper from our inventory of fine Japanese papers (most hand-made) to dress the mount with style. A hand-written tag is prepared that identifies the card's identification number within the series. The rims of the frame are sealed by Japanese washi papers. Your artisan has affixed their personal label and initials to the reverse. There are often additional hand written notes and tags identifying important information about the artwork or player. Lastly, each mounting has been bound together by waxed thread or metal bullion and permanently fixed with our company's wax imprimatur. The finished size is 4" x 2.5"."

http://www.net54baseball.com/attachm...1&d=1533261605

http://www.net54baseball.com/attachm...1&d=1533261828

[vthobby]

Greg,

Thanks for the info. I've checked out their Facebook page and am intrigued. Signed up for their email list so we will see! Thanks and yes it looks interesting!

Mike

[RedsFan1941]

just not a fan. not much different than the shiny new stuff that is overpriced

[drcy]

Was never a fan of these issues (just my opinion, and to each his own), but I like the above pictured.

[Throttlesteer]

I think some of them look pretty sharp. But I get turned off when I see descriptions include, "for the advanced collector".

[bnorth]

I really like their work, most of their cards like the ones above are very nice looking. Absolutely hate the fact they are using the name of a real vintage company and would never buy anything they make because of that.