Help with Mantle photo pack

[AustinMike]

Originally Posted by Brian

Thanks a lot for the info, Mike. You have some great photos! I really love the premiums you posted. If you have any duplicates, you know where to find me....

One question: I assume from what you said that your "action photos" from 1956 and 1960 are matte, not glossy? My photo is definitely on the glossy side. I believe it is a photo from 1951--how can you not like a rookie-era photo? I got an itch for these Mantle photos/postcards/premiums a bit late, because you are right, they have really started to take off. I also picked up a couple of Dormand postcards--I especially like the bat on shoulder variation.

Thanks again, Brian

Hey Brian, no problem.

I wish I had a lot of duplicates, but I don't. I don't think I have any duplicates of premiums, but I know I have a few of some other items. The problem is it would take me a while to find any of them. The organization of my collection leaves an awful lot to be desired.

It sounds like yours is an actual photo and not from an "Action Photos" set. The Yankees issued PR photos and I think this may be one. Later in the 50s they started stamping the back with the player's name, position, and "New York Yankees." They were most likely sent to news agencies. They might have also been sent to people who wrote in requesting photos. I'm just guessing on the last part. I do have one interesting photo (8"-by-10") that was sent as a PR photo probably to news organizations and also used as the basis of a photo (5"-by-7") sent in response to requests for photos. I wish the envelope had a date, but unfortunately it doesn't. I think 1957 (according to one website) or 1958 (according to another website) was the last year of 3 cent first class postage. So we know it was sent by then.

Yes, the Dormand postcards are probably my favorite postcards, especially the bat on shoulder version. As you may know, there are three different of the bat on shoulder version. A jumbo size (9"-by-12"), a large (6"-by-9"), and the normal size. There are also three versions of the normal sized bat on shoulder postcard. One with green print on the back with a "K" in the lower left, one with green print on the back without the "K", and one with blue print on the back (thanks to Ben for noticing this version). Happy Hunting!!