19th Century Memorabilia

[murphusa]

Too many generations have past within the family's of those who were related to those who made the game 190 years ago. Their knowledge of what they may have had is now gone or they have been hounded by collectors for years and someone in the family allowed themselves to be taken.

Is there still a "find" out there?

[jpop43]

Very well said by all who have added thus far...I am still trying to figure out where the items and interest have gone. That said, for those of us passionate about the early game, I think we're as hungry as ever for pieces associated with it.

Perhaps we should all post our most recent 19th C. pick up...who knows, maybe it'll inspire others. Or, encourage all those guys needing funds to buy Mantle, Robinson, and Aaron cards to sell us their remaining 19th C. stuff!

Here's my most recent...pick up from August of 2020.

Jon
www.dugoutteasures.com

[benjulmag]

A significant number of the "great" 19th memorabilia items sold in the past turned out to be counterfeits. Really great genuine 19th baseball memorabilia has always been incredibly scarce, and people's perceptions as to the amount in circulation perhaps was skewed by including the fakes with the real items. Now that many of these fakes have been identified and removed from circulation, I would not be surprised if the continued relative dearth of great offerings will remain the rule going forward.

[Huysmans]

As an antique hockey and baseball collector, there is very little reverence or respect for the history of either sport on a large scale by collectors - with this obviously more so with hockey. Sadly, this is the absolute truth.


While some on here will claim many care about the history and origin, most actually don't, with the proof in the valuation. When modern items produced five minutes ago with ZERO historical significance far outsell painstakingly rare and even unique antique items that fully illustrate the game and it's colourful history....

that says it all.


As time continues to pass with a new generation of collectors.... this apathy will greatly increase. The bright side for the few lovers out there of the early game?
The majority of 19th century baseball items will continue to drop in value, making new acquisitions much more achievable.

[jbsports33]

There was a early photo - tintype collection auction over the summer that was outstanding. Photos come and go, some nice stuff out there when you see it!

Gloves, bats and other game type items are getting hard to find. I collect the guides and they have been hard to find in recent years.

Jimmy