McCarthy Postcards

[Bestdj777]

PSA grades JD McCarthy postcards. Below is a link to a Mantle that is offered for sale now (not mine):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1960-70-J-D-...item258a5124e9

My understanding is that the year on these varied and that he continued to produce them through the 1970s. As a result, they do not necessarily bring much. The best way to date them is to find one without a zip code or do like Adam and look for ones with postal use, which is my preference as well.

It's a very nice card. Regardless of the price or year, I hope you enjoy it.

[Touch'EmAll]

The back of my Koufax is all white - no writing of any kind - completely blank. Is the style of back a clue as to year(s) issued? Maybe blank backs are all late 1950's.

[mybestbretts]

That is great to know. I didn't know that PSA graded McCarthy postcards

[Bestdj777]

Originally Posted by 100backstroke

The back of my Koufax is all white - no writing of any kind - completely blank. Is the style of back a clue as to year(s) issued? Maybe blank backs are all late 1950's.

That is interesting. I have 10-12 of the Mantle postcards but no postcard with a blank back. The oddball guide I use--Kelly Eisenhauer's piece on Mantle postcards--makes no mention of a blank back.

Are you sure this is a postcard? Did you buy it graded or have you had an opportunity to feel it? I ask because I do have a postcard sized image from McCarthy that I blank backed, but it is on photo paper rather than card stock. It is also color, but I'm sure there are black and whites out there.

Unfortunately, there is very little information out there about these oddball items, which is a shame since they are really cool pieces and really reasonably priced. If you do find yourself catching the collecting bug and chasing these things, my only recommendation is to avoid any of the 10x12 photos. A lot f the McCarthy negatives are our in the market and people are still producing photos from them. I'm sure there is a way to distinguish them by paper type, etc., but it's a bit risky.

[JLange]

I really like these PCs as well. The photos are outstanding quality in many cases, and there are a number of players who have few if any regular issue cards. Here's a 1950s JD McCarthy PC of Bobby Bragan, who managed the Indians in 1958.

[Jeff Alcorn]

Hi,

That Sandy Koufax card must be from 1965 or 1966 since the Dodgers had piping around the neck, down the buttons, and on the sleeve ends of their road uniform through 1964- see the Don Drysdale card above. Hope this info. helps.

Jeff

[Zach Wheat]

JD McCarthy postcards were actually taken by a photographer in the Detroit area. I believe they were used mainly by players for autograph purposes...ie fan mail. I think players and teams could order them direct. As such they may have come with a PC back as well as blank.

They were printed for 40+ years with a number of poses variations etc. I am not sure a comprehensive list has ever been put together; although a board member had an extensive list. I have not seen the list, and I do not know if gives all the variations with presumed year of issuance.

Due to the long period of time in which they were issued the cards that can be dated ie postmark on the back generally carry a premium.

Z Wheat

[Touch'EmAll]

Jeff, you may have something there with the dating based on uniform style. At least I know its not a post career Koufax card, that s nice.

And there is mention a lot of these were made and floating around. I looked at ebay listings "post-war 1942-1980". Regular Exhibits list over 100 graded by SGC and nearly 350 PSA graded, about 450 total. But only 14 SGC or PSA graded McCarthy's (all Mickey Mantle by the way, not one single other player). The McCarthy's just can't be all that plentiful in nice grade worthy examples.