1955 Musial Uncut Box Lid

[stlcardsfan]

Originally Posted by Bestdj777

The 2010 SCD has the complete set of cards at 750 (vg), 1250 (ex), and 2500 (NM) with the complete box at 900 (vg), 1500 (ex) and (3000). Some of the recent auctions indicate that these prices are fairly accurate with complete sets of the cards in "authentic" condition bringing around 500-550. Given that this is not a "complete box" and not just a "complete set," I would imagine the price is somewhat in between the price for each. Not sure the exact formula to adjust it for condition though.

Thanks Chris. Much appreciated.

[toppcat]

That's a really nice item-impressive!

[MBMiller25]

I'm an extensive Musial collector. You can view my site at www.stanmusialmuseum.com. The 1955 Rawlings cut cards are a fairly tough items to find. Boxes in tact make that fairly tough item a bit more difficult. I have never seen an entire panel for sale seperate the box. A complete box depending on the condition and whether or not the glove is present can range anywhere from $500 to $1000 as of late. The nicest example I ever saw was when Bill Mastro's collection was being auctioned off and he had an intact box with glove. It was in very nice condition. I think in your case, there would be more value in actually cutting the cards from the panel. If your careful to cut the cards to size, you can get the cards graded with a numeric grade rather than just authentic. If your able to obtain a numeric grade, you will have a very valuable item, with much interest (including myself). These cards with a numeric grade are VERY difficult to obtain, so there would be some action, should you elect to sell them. I think anything in the $500-$1000 range for the panel is fair, anything below $500 and your doing VERY well.

Good Luck, Let me know how you do.

[stlcardsfan]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Looking at the PSA pop report, there are very few number graded examples assigned, almost all grade as authentic. As I understand it, all 4 sides need to show the dotted cut lines to achieve a number grade, similar to Bazooka cards. If even one side does not show the dotted line, it will only qualify as authentic. You can tell from the uncut lid that it would be impossible to get a number grade for each card as some of the dotted lines are "shared" by neighboring cards. You would have to pick which cards you wanted to cut to show all lines.

Here are some examples I was able to find after some more digging (and getter google phrasing, thanks Chris):

http://www.legendaryauctions.com/Lot...M9-1-Trading-C


http://www.legendaryauctions.com/Lot...Musial-Fielder

http://www.goodwinandco.com/lot-17936.aspx


http://books.google.com/books?id=WSs...%20box&f=false

The guy wants $2,000 for it. Appears to be quite a bit high.

[stlcardsfan]

Matt, awesome site. Some incredible cards. I noticed your 63 Bazooka gem mint. Nice cut by someone! Was that you?

[Bestdj777]

Although it might increase the value to cut it and slab it, there is something awesome about the fact is survived 57 years intact.

[brian1961]

If you decide to pay the piper and buy it, think it through carefully as to whether you want to go through the tricky and nerve-wracking ordeal of cutting the cards out. Since the piece has some blemishes and minor creasing here and there, there will be definite problems that may not reward some cards with a high enough numerical grade to warrant YOUR vast investment of money, EVEN IF YOU SUCCESSFULLY CUT THESE DIAMONDS APART!

Technically, there should be some way of cutting them out, whereby each card has a portion of the dashed line border. Splitting hairs, to be sure! What a dilemma. I'd get on the phone to PSA and get a "clear cut" answer from them as to precisely what they would demand to grant each shared-border card a numerical grade. Their standpoint of whatever moves the grader's judgement as to what would have the best eye appeal is much, much too ambiguous to me. Considering what is at stake, coupled with the cost, they should be jolly well explicit so you know precisely what your choices and repercussions are. I hope PSA will somehow be compassionate towards you---ask to speak with Cosetta Robbins. Her reputation at PSA seems to be trustworthy; at the very least, she will find out what you want to know.

You must be able to make an informed decision.

Furthermore, there are collectors, I am sure, that would cherish the piece more by leaving it completely intact. Regional/food connoisseurs sometimes like their package card diamonds in the rough. As is, it makes for a perfect display and conversation piece. I totally agree with Dave Hornish; it IS very impressive, to say the least, if not less.

Wishing you the best. Think it out---what are your ultimate goals for such a piece? Is this a truly qualified opportunity to meet those ultimate goals? Or, does his high price factor in all the ultimate rewards you're dreaming of, but for which you are assuming all the risks?

Remember, he could, or may already has, approached a major auction house such as Robert Edward or Heritage, and they told him of the risks involved that HE would have to assume, and therefore perhaps this was not the automatic gold mine he thought. They may have told him that HE would have to go through the risky route of cutting the cards out, submitting them to a TPG, and THEN the auction house would handle them.

It really boils down to what is to be done with the panel, and who wants to take that irrevocable action of splitting them up.

I apologize for the long discourse. Sure hope you don't feel I just bloviated for half an hour.

----Brian Powell