Your top finds for 2011

[Rickyy]

I know the year is not over yet...but I thought I'd show a few of mine...

1955 Dodgers Shaeffer Beer Table Card unused....




1954 Baseball Pictorial Advertising Post Card


1954 Baseball Pictorial Advertising Post Card (Back)


I've enjoyed looking at everyone's memorabilia acquitions this year and I wish all of you the best wishes during the holidays and in the coming year and continued luck in your hunt for those elusive treasures on your want lists!

Ricky Y

[packs]

It's been a good year. First, my Grover Cleveland Alexander signed baseball.



Coming in second is my Rube Walberg 15th career win baseball. This baseball was the final pitch in Rube's June 15th, 1926 complete game shutout over the Cleveland Indians. The baseball is inscribed by Walberg and came with an LOA from his daughter. HOFer Joe Sewell made the last out.




A Carl Horner original photo of Bob Ewing. Circa 1903.




Lastly, an AP Leifield signed T206

[mjkm90]

I'm going with my favorite collecting catagories

Pennants/Cubs Memorabilia

Trophies

Figurals

Pinbacks

Tigers Memorabilia

Glassware

[Jay Wolt]

Saved a ton of shipping, by picking this up at Huggins & Scott, its 5 feet high and weighs a ton.
Cool piece, I enjoy it every day.

[HRBAKER]

Seldom seen Cardinals Pennant (not sure of year)



USFL Game Helmet

[docpatlv]

These two pinbacks were my favorite pick-ups of 2011...




But these cabinets are right up there...





And just received this pack with all 10 cigarettes present...

[margoaepi]

Had a pretty good year, but once I had the bandana framed, easily my best pickup. I also like the silk.

[WillowGrove]

great stuff. Jay - does that mean that 54 topps made their cards available to buy out of that vending machine or was that done special by a store owner? is it attached to the exhibit machine? way cool.

Here are some of the highlights of what I was able to add to my eclecticollection this year. Anyone else not have a specialty to their collection but rather just pick up what hits them as something they want?

thanks for the thread. haven't had much time to enjoy my stuff of late..
Peter

[benchod]

Fantastic Campy!
Does it have a postcard back?

[WillowGrove]

thanks. yes it has a postcard back. i was happy to find it. I've only seen the team shots of campy on his mexican team.

[prewarsports]

My favorite pickup of the year, 1897 Louis Sockalexis pinback

Also, added an additional shot of Campy in Mexican League uniform as an 18 year old, not a postcard on this one.

[joeadcock]

That Sockalexis pin is great.
Where on earth did you find it?

[prewarsports]

It was actually an ebay find. A guy from Cleveland had it and I think he got it at a Military show from a pin/button dealer. I wish I found it hidden and paid next to nothing for it, but it cost me a very pretty penny. But hey, its just money, I have been collecting Sockalexis for 10+ years actively and never seen this pin, only a rumor that it existed.

Rhys

[GrayGhost]

Originally Posted by prewarsports

It was actually an ebay find. A guy from Cleveland had it and I think he got it at a Military show from a pin/button dealer. I wish I found it hidden and paid next to nothing for it, but it cost me a very pretty penny. But hey, its just money, I have been collecting Sockalexis for 10+ years actively and never seen this pin, only a rumor that it existed.

Rhys

Its only money. ..wow..

nice pin tho.

[prewarsports]

"Its just money" (quoting myself)/

That was a joke BTW, I am faaar from wealthy, especially with 6 kids under the age of 10. What I was trying to say in a way that might have missed its humor to some is that money comes and goes but certain items you may have one shot at in this world and if you dont find a way to purchase them when they come up for sale you may never have the chance to own it ever. I'll eat ramen noodles for a while if I have too. Hopefully you get that it was supposed to be funny now.

[ullmandds]

holy cow, peter f...amazing stuff...what's the story with those cufflinks..they are amazing!!!

[GrayGhost]

Originally Posted by prewarsports

"Its just money" (quoting myself)/

That was a joke BTW, I am faaar from wealthy, especially with 6 kids under the age of 10. What I was trying to say in a way that might have missed its humor to some is that money comes and goes but certain items you may have one shot at in this world and if you dont find a way to purchase them when they come up for sale you may never have the chance to own it ever. I'll eat ramen noodles for a while if I have too. Hopefully you get that it was supposed to be funny now.

Sorry sir. I guess I just get upset/jealous too bout certain things. That is a wonderful pin, and I didn't mean to offend anyone on here.

Scott Roberts

[JLange]

By far my favorite "find" this year was this 1941 11x17 sepia poster of Bob Feller. The image is a van oeyen photo, and it has a facsimile auto in the lower right hand corner. I have it framed now and displays quite well, despite its overall vg condition. Had never seen this item before, and would love to know more about its history, distribution, etc.

[Bugsy]

Cobb and Honus sheet music

[Bugsy]

1920 St. Paul Saints championship trophy and manager Mike Kelley's presentation watch fob.

[Bugsy]

Piedmont fan

[thekingofclout]

Originally Posted by Jay Wolt

Saved a ton of shipping, by picking this up at Huggins & Scott, its 5 feet high and weighs a ton.
Cool piece, I enjoy it every day.

Hey Jay... that is a tremendous piece! Man oh man, what a display piece. Congrats on that, Jay!

I sat out the first half of the year focusing on Beatles memorabilia. But I got on a good streak after the All-Star break. Here are the Ruth photos I added to my collection since my August trade with my friend Mark, AKA lordstan...

RuthThompsonTRADE.jpg1948BabeRuthNatFein.jpg

BabeRedSoxPITCHING.jpgBabeREDSOXpitchingSTAFF.jpg

[MacDice]

Not vintage but by far my best. Game ticket to the debut of the first kid that I coached to make the show.

[John V]

Previously posted in the November pickup thread, this is easily my favorite find of the year.

[Jantz]

Peter - I just love the tuxedo buttons, especially with the T206s poses on them.

I don't pick up much as a far as memorabilia, but I stumbled across this at the National this year and couldn't pass it up.


Jantz

[mschwade]

Originally Posted by MacDice

Not vintage but by far my best. Game ticket to the debut of the first kid that I coached to make the show.

Congratulations! Was it Mason Tobin? I remember how happy I was when a high school teammate of mine made his Major League Debut back in 2004. I recorded the game to DVD and sent it to him at the stadium. Talked to him after the season and he was absolutely thrilled that I did that for him.

[David Atkatz]

I gotta admit it... I'm a sucker for signed snapshots.

[GKreindler]

David, you say that like it's a bad thing!!

G

[canjond]

Originally Posted by David Atkatz

I gotta admit it... I'm a sucker for signed snapshots.

I agree David...



A few others from the year...

[ksfarmboy]

A couple of mine. A Wichita Indians flannel, 1978 Pirates jersey and Topeka postcard with Duff Cooley

[Frozen in Time]

Vintage, Original Type I photo of Mickey dated December 1950 and taken by Orrick Sparlin of Miami, Oklahoma, who covered Mantle exclusively in and around Commerce from 1950-52.

This iconic image (which has been reproduced in a countless number of publications) depicts the 19 year old Mick covered in grease and dust in front of Blue Goose Number One Mine at the Eagle-Picher Lead and Zinc Company where he was working 300 feet down repairing motors for the pump crew. Mickey was also waiting nervously to hear back from the Yankees regarding reporting to Spring Training in Phoenix - but he had no phone at home and Lee MacPhail, director of the farm system, did not know where he worked. Doesn't seem to be bothering him at this moment as indicated by that great smile.

In addition to the fantastic image, what I really like about this photo is the original frame which hung in the main office of Eagle-Picher with the inscription " An Employee of Eagle Picher before Employment by the New York Yankees"

A one of a kind pre-rookie photo of Mantle that sheds some light on what his future might have been had his Dad not been so determined that baseball was his destiny.

[GoTigers]

Hello, I'm a new member here. But here are a few of my favorite finds of the year.

Travis Jackson 1923 Master bat- From the H&B archives via Left Field Collectables. Sidewritten 8-29-23 and confirmed in Vince Malta's book. This is from his rookie season and first order of bats from H&B.

jackson1.jpg

Pete Rose Gamer from 1979

rose2.jpg

Last but not least.. Ty Cobb 1905-1911 Decal bat. 34.5" long made to his exact spec's

cobb2.jpg
cobb1.jpg

[bcbgcbrcb]

Very cool Mantle photo.

[sylbry]

Bought very few items this year but here are my two favorites.


Belgium note signed by Mel Ott and others on a USO Tour during the Battle of the Bulge.



Letter from Eddie Collins to Otey Clark mentioning his draft status. Otey was a friend of mine. I was always curious why Otey never served in WWII but never wanted to ask. This letter answered my question.



Obtained both via dumb luck.

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by prewarsports

"Its just money" (quoting myself)/

That was a joke BTW, I am faaar from wealthy, especially with 6 kids under the age of 10. What I was trying to say in a way that might have missed its humor to some is that money comes and goes but certain items you may have one shot at in this world and if you dont find a way to purchase them when they come up for sale you may never have the chance to own it ever. I'll eat ramen noodles for a while if I have too. Hopefully you get that it was supposed to be funny now.

Rhys,
Ain't it the truth! Great pin & a perfect pickup for your collection. Congrats!

[GKreindler]

Jon, that Cicotte auto is SICK. What lovely penmanship he had.

G

[Frozen in Time]

Vintage, original 1951 Acme NewsPictures Photo (negative #979672 with original slug) taken September 16 at Yankee Stadium with 19 year old Mantle facing Bob Feller. Mickey flied out this time but the Yankees won 5-1 to move back into first place. Catcher is Jim Hegan and Ump is Bill Summers.

Got this one in a large purchase from a NY City sports writer who covered all sports in the 1940's-50's. Just love it!!! Mickey's poised stance ready to uncoil, the 50th anniversary patch and rippling muscles in his left forearm are all great. But even better is the expression on Feller's face - ready to destroy!!!

As a new member to the forums this year, I just wanted to thank everyone for their kind and informative interactions and wish everybody a Happy Holiday Season and Joyous New Year!!!!!

Cheers,

Craig

[D. Broughman]

1908 Saline, Mi. pillow case print of my home town with baseball team.

Two Navin Field (Briggs/Tiger) Stadium Box Seats.

[mjkm90]

Those were great finds D...congrats!

[D. Broughman]

Thanks Mike should I repaint them or leave them as they are? I bought the paint but can't seem get myself to paint them. Would like to hear what you would do.

[thekingofclout]

My Lou Gehrig original photos that I picked-up in 2011...

1936GEHRIG.jpg1938gehrigBATS.jpg

GehrigBATTING.jpgGehrigStaringDownBats.jpg

[perezfan]

Originally Posted by D. Broughman

Thanks Mike should I repaint them or leave them as they are? I bought the paint but can't seem get myself to paint them. Would like to hear what you would do.

DON'T PAINT!!! Leave them as-is. They will no longer be original and you could forever regret that move. It's something you cannot re-do. So what if they show some wear! That is part of their "story" (and what makes them interesting). Plus, they don't even look that bad... still very attractive, IMHO.

Hope you consider this before you break out the paint. In fact, you'd better return that paint to the store, until the temptation subsides!

[perezfan]

Originally Posted by thekingofclout

My Lou Gehrig original photos that I picked-up in 2011...

Attachment 51527Attachment 51528

Attachment 51529Attachment 51530

Jimmy...

I just love the pensive photo of Gehrig selecting his Bat. What a Kreindler Masterpiece that one would make! Very thoughtful and interesting image. In fact, they're all equally amazing. Congrats!

[mjkm90]

D...do not under ANY circumstances paint those seats. I am in complete agreement with Mark on this point. I've never understood the refinishing of seats of historical significance. I would never purchase refinished seats. If I wanted them to look new, I would buy new seats or refinished highschool or college seating.

Yours look GREAT.

[scmavl]

I guess my favorite piece would be this 1950 Mantle minor league Type I that I picked up here on Net54.



Or this signed Musial RC. Bought the card raw & sent it to Stan's company to have it signed.

[David Atkatz]

I think it might be time for Stan to retire from signing.

[mschwade]

Originally Posted by thekingofclout

My Lou Gehrig original photos that I picked-up in 2011...

I had to give a second take, I thought Lou was ahead of his time and on the cell phone with Eleanor about what to pick up at the grocery on the way home!

[Scott Garner]

2011 has probably been my best year ever for pickups. It's tough to choose which I like best, but here are my favorites starting with early 2011:

1) Nolan Ryan 1973 All Star locker plate. 1973 was the first year that Ryan played in the Mid-Summer Classic, from what I believe was his career year! Purchased here on net54.

2) HOF Ted Lyons 1926 no-hitter ticket and scorebook. The beautifully scored games in the scorebook and ticket all originated from the estate of the original owner, George Tarallo who attended the game at age 15. Discovered in an antique shop in Caimbridge, Mass by a friend of a friend. Transaction completed over a smartphone. Awesome!!!

3) HB Dutch Leonard game used ball from his no-hitter game in 1916 at Fenway. This ball was passed down through one family and appeared in the hobby for the 1st time in 2011 almost 100 years later. The storyline behind the ball, the game, and the way that it displays makes this perhaps one of my favorite items in my collection, period. A great vintage centerpiece to my no-hitter collection. Purchased on eBay from an antique dealer in Rochester, NY.

4) Season pass to 1901 St. Louis Cardinals. The only known example of a pass or ticket to HOF Christy Mathewson's 1st no-hitter. This came to me as a gift. What a gift! Thanks Tony!

5) Season tickets to Gaylord Perry's and Ray Washburn's back-to-back no-hitters that they threw on Sept. 17th and 18th, 1968. Also see the complimentary wire photo that I just purchased from Perry congratulating Washburn in the locker after his historic encore. The newspaper caption on the back of the photo reads "Lightning Strikes Twice!". Indeed!

Happy Holidays to everyone on net54! I hope you all had a great year as well!

[vintagesportflips]

Great pickups everyone, looks like all of us had a good year collecting.
Here are several of my favorites. I focus on 3 areas of collecting - the Phila. Eagles and Frankford Yellowjackets, and then to a lesser extend Carlisle Indians pieces. My favorite 2 Eagles pickups were 2 very rare pennants. I had been hunting the brown Eagle 1960 champs variety for about 10 years, while the other is the first example of its type I've ever encountered.
Then my next 3 favorite pickups are 3 early Carlisle Indians cabinet photos, all which include Pop Warner. The first 2, I am still working to narrow down the exact year. The first one below I am fairly certain is a cabinet photo of the 1901 team. In the photo, is college HOFer Carlisle standout Jimmy Johnson, but even neater, sitting next to the Eskimo player in the front row is a young Chief Bender. He played football for Carlisle in 1900 and 1901. The 2nd photo, I believe is 1899. It obviously has a fair amout of damage, but I still love it. Lastly I picked up a massive imperial cabinet photo of the 1909 Carlisle team in its original frame in a large trade with a fellow collector. Time to make some wall space now.

[baseballart]

Surprisingly, not a book (still looking though), but one real photo postcard