PSA 8 1955 Topps Clemente.... STOLEN!

[bbsports]

I happened to be set up to the left on Saturday when the Clemente theft occurred. Unfortunately it happened on the opposite side of me where the thief walked out the door parallel to where the show case was located. It makes me sick when things like this happen to any dealer. I have a problem here with camera security. All places that hold big shows need to have not only security cameras, but to be sure they are operating properly. I had another person working with me in Cleveland that had cards stolen & he was told that not all the cameras at the National were not covering all the tables, including mine. Also if signs are posted at all card shows that there are security cameras, it may give people a notion not to steal.

[rdwyer]

A picture of the thief on camera doesn't guarantee an arrest. Only if someone recognizes the thief or the thief's picture is put on the news will the picture be any good. I highly urge dealers to:

1) Lock all cases
2) Only open one case at a time to get a card out, and then immediately lock it
again while the person looks at the card.
3) Return the card when done.
4) EVERYONE else can wait! Especially when a top dollar card is out.

[Yoda]

I had a similar experience some 25 years ago at the Ft. Washington show. Mike Williams was helping in the booth, and it was a very busy Saturday morning. One fellow, who I recall looked a bit shady from the get-go, asked for a look at the pride and joy of my inventory, a '33 Goudey PSA 7 #92 Gehrig. I reluctantly handed it over and made a classic mistake by being diverted by someone else who wanted to look at a card. Yes, when I turned back, this jerk and Lou were gone.
Eventually, Bob Schmerir organized the local cops, reports were filed, my show ruined and perhaps my faith in humanity frayed. It was not a complete loss after some insurance recovery, but not soon after I stopped setting up at shows. If the card is not recovered, I hope you have some kind of insurance protection.
Sorry to hear about Festberg. His auctions were always fun, no graded cards, of course, inflated claims, but always some jewels if you looked carefully. I remember picking up a E90-1 Jackson in about gd condition for less than a grand.

[painthistorian]

I am amazed that it was David Festberg that was caught doing this stealing, I knew David when he was younger and his mom would set up, she was a great lady, he was around since the 70's....I heard he had gone through some tougher times, but wow, what a shame...

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by painthistorian

I am amazed that it was David Festberg that was caught doing this stealing, I knew David when he was younger and his mom would set up, she was a great lady, he was around since the 70's....I heard he had gone through some tougher times, but wow, what a shame...

Isn't he the guy who started collecting when he was a postman, had a Wagner, and chucked it all at least for a time to go live in India?

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Isn't he the guy who started collecting when he was a postman, had a Wagner, and chucked it all at least for a time to go live in India?

Wow! Rather odd life path, from Ravi Shankar to light fingered Lester.

[oldjudge]

David had a weekly auction in SCD in the early to mid-1990s. He had some great stuff in there. He did go to India at one point. I saw him when he got back and was set up at White Plains. He had lost a lot of weight but seemed happy and healthy. I am shocked to hear this. What a pity!

[yogirajdavid]

hello folks, returned from india to attend my youngest daughters wedding. when to my house in the catskills eveything was stolen all the cooper, boiler, etc, most of all 90% of my collection incl. t206 cobb/cobb back. then police told me to get out i lost my art deco house the state said i was away to long. it sold in auction while teaching yogi and english for many years in incrediable india. took may cards with me to white plains . a young man offered me some football cards i bought them then arrest for stolen mech. saw the judge next day told my story it was thown out of court. ive had some bad karma since returning to the states. i have a good friend a hindu billioner i cured his daughter of illness. so with his backing i will return to the oldest sports acution since 1973, i will pay the highest prices for your collection my backer owns 3 t.v. stations , etc, .. we several billions to spend festberg is back to all my friends GODBLESS peace, love, and pray YOGI RAJ DAVID

[bensie]

Originally Posted by rdwyer

A picture of the thief on camera doesn't guarantee an arrest. Only if someone recognizes the thief or the thief's picture is put on the news will the picture be any good. I highly urge dealers to:

1) Lock all cases
2) Only open one case at a time to get a card out, and then immediately lock it
again while the person looks at the card.
3) Return the card when done.
4) EVERYONE else can wait! Especially when a top dollar card is out.

What about get insurance? Why are none of these dealers covered?