Introduction+general questions

[awz50]

Hello my name is Alex!

I have taken the plunge into collecting baseball HOF signed 8x10's or index cards for the harder ones. I have been working on this collection ~3 years or so, using TTM, In Person and online purchases. I am enjoying collecting them and making slow progress to 100 individual signed ones, I am currently at 63 or so.

My questions are:

What is a good way to display/preserve them? I currently just have them sitting in a archival binder.

What are other good third party options beside PSA/JSA?

When I do decide to sink money into the big ones, especially the heavily forged ones (Williams, Mantle, Cobb, ETC) what are some good "tips" when it comes to buying them?

Thanks for helping guys/gals

[btcarfagno]

Welcome!

There are quite a few HOF collectors on the board so you are in good company.

I am not one to display much, but if you search through past threads there is a great one with images of board members memorabilia rooms.

As to acquiring the heavy hitters, when you are ready to acquire one, post in the BST Autograph section. You will find quite a few here who will be able to fill your wants...likely cheaper and certainly with more confidence than Ebay.

As for the TPAs...they have their place. Nothing can replace personal knowledge however.

If there is an autograph you are unsure about you can post it in this section (as long as it isnt every other day...that could get on some nerves).

Welcome aboard!

Tom C

[tazdmb]

Welcome to our neck of the words and good luck on your conquest. To answer some your questions-


What is a good way to display/preserve them? I currently just have them sitting in a archival binder-I HAVE MOUNTED SOME OF MINE USING ARCHIVAL TAPE BEHIND MUSEUM GLASS (THESE ARE THE MORE EXPENSIVE ONES)

What are other good third party options beside PSA/JSA?-THE BOARD HERE IS IMHO BETTER AND CHEAPER THAN THOSE TWO.

When I do decide to sink money into the big ones, especially the heavily forged ones (Williams, Mantle, Cobb, ETC) what are some good "tips" when it comes to buying them?-BUY THEM FROM REPUTABLE DEALERS AND AUCTION HOUSES.

Good luck and don't be afraid to ask questions.

[Wrightfan85]

Welcome!

1. I think an archival binder is ok but if there's a lot, that could lead to bending. For my Gold HOF postcards I put them into large toploaders and put those into a file holder I got from Staples.

2. There's been a lot of controversy with TPA's over the years. The best bet is to talk to people here and more importantly, study up on your own. I HIGHLY recommend Ron's book:
https://www.amazon.com/Baseball-Hall.../dp/078647050X

3. As stated before, there are some premium items here from time to time. Other than that, see what I said on #2. Using the search function can also help as people have identified certain forgeries on here.

[awz50]

Thank you for the responses, very helpful information.