OT - Highlights of the Mutilated 1955 Topps set

[frankbmd]

Eat your heart out OBC, I have completed my admittedly low grade '55 Topps set with the collaboration of many Net54ers. I feel compelled to display the highlights of this accomplishment for your viewing pleasure. I have carefully selected 18 cards from the set to post at this time and as they say in California restaurants when serving "Enjoy"

#1 - The Williams Panel





Ted was the first card purchased for the set at a BST Auction over a year ago.
The original card was trimmed a bit and a new border was hijacked from a Preston Ward card, which was determined by the collective effort of the Board.

#2 - The Aaron Panel



Paul, Dale & Julie are responsible for these three cards, all display beautifully. Aaron almost displays in two pieces.

#3 - The Koufax Panel





"Groucho" Koufax came to the set from Garrett and was the last card obtained
Except for the problem with his upper lip (He needs a plastic surgeon), this is arguably one of the strongest in the set. With NM Koufax RCs selling for $5000 of late, I like to think that this card has a $2500 back, although the centering might detract a bit from that.

#4 - The Clemente Panel



The Killer and Roberto (both from Ebay) got clipped along the way, but Tanner's paper loss is almost more disturbing.

#5 - The Mays Panel


This one is a little tougher. I think the trim must have occurred after 1958 by a collector who wanted to erase the memory of Willie in New York at the expense of eliminating a portion of his stats on the reverse. Willie was an Ebay find.

#6 - The Berra Panel



Four corners are a luxury. Some of trimmed cards have no original corners, but Yogi and the Duke have three. Duke was also a BST Auction pick up.

Will this set appreciate in value as a result of the current strong 50s and 60s market? Perhaps. I tried to be patient not to get too carried away with these purchases. If you want to opine about the cost of this set, feel free to post a guess. I probably will not reveal the answer, but if you are the closest, I will send you the two remaining duplicates that I have. What a deal!