1951 Wheaties Premium Photo Mickey Mantle

[Zach Wheat]

The original link to the Getty photo, discussed in the 2 major threads on the 1951 Wheaties Premium Mantle is here (Click the right arrow, 4th photo):

Getty Photo

The photo was dated “1/1/55” and it was later concluded that Getty's dating of the photo was incorrect. The original photo was taken in Oct of 1952 (see below). In addition, they speculated that the pinstripes were added to the photo.

Z

[Zach Wheat]

See the reverse of the image, which indicates this photo was taken 10/6/52 at Ebbets Field.

[Timbegs]

Originally Posted by Zach Wheat

See the reverse of the image, which indicates this photo was taken 10/6/52 at Ebbets Field.

Yeah, I got tons of info from your earlier thread link (above).

Thank you very much!

[Timbegs]

I wanted to add an update to the thread but also not overdo it, still being a new guy and all. Here's where we're at:

The card lot that I won arrived last week. All 4 items look pretty nice in hand and obviously I immediately took a closer look at the Wheaties card. I guess card is a bit of a misnomer, as it is more photo than card, but I consider it a card (and I have the microphone so YOU WILL LISTEN! - Robbie Hart ). Anyway, the corners seemed a little rounded - not too bad - and it seemingly had no creases (no lab but good eyesight and a small LED flashlight with a dark basement). And then all of a sudden I realized that I have absolutely no idea how to grade it since it is unlike any card I have ever handled. As a card, I would call it a hopeful '4' but I really don't know if the standards I am applying hold any water. Like I said, it's more photo than card and its 5x7 size and lack of comparable cards I've ever handled kind of leaves me up in the air. I will stress that I truly don't care about the grade it receives; it's rarity* and it's image - he looks like a high school senior - more than do it for me. This is probably the closest thing I'll ever have to a rookie card for my Mickey collection as I am way too cheap. Lastly, according to my calculations and tracking, I should get a receipt confirm email that it has arrived at SGC at some point today. I will post again when the card is finally home to me again, hopefully by middle of next week...

*I'll mention again, I would love to see other people's copies - graded or ungraded - for the point of both comparison AND drool inducement. In my research, I know some people on here have one (or more) and I'm curious if they know more about the withertos and whyfores of how their scale is applied to this type of issue.

[Bestdj777]

Delete.

[Zach Wheat]

Here is mine.....I got this at a Sterling auction maybe 3-4 years ago. I purchased this even though it isn't a card because I am a Mantle collector. The size of the card is somewhat cumbersome....

Z

[bswhiten]

Here is mine... There are two PSA 9's out there somewhere.

[pawpawdiv9]

Originally Posted by bswhiten

Here is mine... There are two PSA 9's out there somewhere.

*It live, but my intention is about the description. The hype about the rising prices on 52's and the ocean dumping (which has nothing to do with the item) and so on and the glory of it being a rookie 1951. And being offered #1 in the AH lisiting.
I would love to see all the hard data put forth on this board to dis-prove the fact. Love to see mention 52 world series and etc.
Check out the PSA 9
http://www.smalltraditions.com/Rare_...-LOT31405.aspx

[brian1961]

Zach, the Wheaties may not be a card, and it is over-sized, but the photo is marvelous. The look in Mickey Mantle's eyes is mesmerizing. I love it. For what it's worth, I think a very appealing display will have a nice mixture of standard size, the small round Salada Coins, larger cards (Stahl-Meyer Franks and the Exhibits), and then the majestic pieces (1960 Post Cereal and the 1950s Wheaties Premium). It's all about sheer looks and eye appeal of the items. I think you did great in your selection, bro.

Since we have come to find out Don Wingfield snapped Mickey's picture on October 6, 1952, that was an extremely significant time frame in his career. Mickey was the main significant difference for the Bombers in defeating the Brooks in that knockdown drag out 1952 World Series.

Just my two cents, bro. ---Brian Powell

[whiteymet]

I was the guy who first broached the question in the old thread about why this is considered a 1951 issue.

It has been proven conclusively it is not from 1951.

I think someone should do the same research on the other photos in the set to see if they can be dated. I am betting on mid 50's say 55 or 56.

Ashburn won the batting title in 55 and the Indians won the pennant in 54 so the inclusion of Feller, Rosen and Lemon, and Yogi and Campy won MVP's in 55.

I know they each won others earlier, Campy 53 and Yogi 54, but with the Ashburn connection I am betting on 55 or 56.

Fred

[drcy]

They aren't photos, but lithographs on stock comparable to the Dexter Press Premiums. So if someone wants to call them cards, that should be fine. Without clicking on the link and reading all that, I had always heard that they were un-issued test issues (or prototypes or whatever you wish to monicker them) and originated from a General Mills executive.

[Zach Wheat]

Originally Posted by drcy

They aren't photos, but lithographs on stock comparable to the Dexter Press Premiums. So if someone wants to call them cards, that should be fine. Without clicking on the link and reading all that, I had always heard that they were un-issued test issues (or prototypes or whatever you wish to monicker them) and originated from a General Mills executive.

David,

That would explain why the General Mills archivists had nothing in their files regarding this....

Z