Hey, pennant guys

Fballguy · #1 04-17-2025, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bocca001

If the tip is ripped and missing, that is a problem for sure. If it is ripped and still there, I don't care that much (if the price is right). It's also clear that a lot of pennants were cut with a blunted tip. That used to bother me more than it does now.

Yeah...the ole square tip deal doesn't bother me as long as it's not an inch or more up from where the tip is supposed to be. Would prefer that though over the dreaded fishtail cut.

Domer05 · #2 04-17-2025, 10:58 PM

What about faded pennants? Like, for example, a 1950s blue pennant ... that's now some color between brown and gray?

bocca001 · #3 04-17-2025, 11:09 PM

Fading is certainly not good, although I guess it just depends. Here is my most faded pennant. I could not afford an unfaded one at true market value.

Fballguy · #4 04-18-2025, 08:22 AM

From the home office in Windsor, CT...Tonight's category:

Felt Football's Top 10 pennant issues...

10. Missing/Decrepit Tassels
9. Bleeding Spine
8. Moth Holes
7. Miscut/Centering
6. Cracked/Flaking Paint
5. Stains
4. Writing including Autographs
3. Fading
2. Ripped/Missing Tip

and now, the number one Felt Football pennant issue...

Drumroll...

1. Smells like ass

perezfan · #5 04-18-2025, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fballguy

From the home office in Windsor, CT...Tonight's category:

Felt Football's Top 10 pennant issues...

10. Missing/Decrepit Tassels
9. Bleeding Spine
8. Moth Holes
7. Miscut/Centering
6. Cracked/Flaking Paint
5. Stains
4. Writing including Autographs
3. Fading
2. Ripped/Missing Tip

and now, the number one Felt Football pennant issue...

Drumroll...

1. Smells like ass

I am a picky MFer... so all of those are deal-killers for me (except for cracking/puckering graphics on the older ones). This actually adds a cool vintage look/patina and is just as common as tack holes (which also don't bother me at all). But if the painted graphics are actually flaking off, that's where I draw the line.

A blunt tip is not a big deal either. Many were made that way, but if it's missing 1/2" or more, then it gives me pause. A dangling or "fishtailed" tip is a non-starter.

Excellent list, and I would add that a rip or tear anywhere on the pennant (not just the tip) kills it for me.

Fballguy · #6 04-18-2025, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by perezfan

I am a picky MFer... so all of those are deal-killers for me (except for cracking/puckering graphics on the older ones). This actually adds a cool vintage look/patina and is just as common as tack holes (which also don't bother me at all). But if the painted graphics are actually flaking off, that's where I draw the line.

A blunt tip is not a big deal either. Many were made that way, but if it's missing 1/2" or more, then it gives me pause. A dangling or "fishtailed" tip is a non-starter.

Excellent list, and I would add that a rip or tear anywhere on the pennant (not just the tip) kills it for me.

Yeah...Definitely should've included rips in general. This was obviously tongue in cheek. Smells like ass is actually a pretty easy problem to solve. I bought a camping clothesline on Amazon and I find if I hit the back of the pennant with a light cloud of Febreze, then leave it out overnight...problem solved by morning. And no...it's doesn't smell like Febreze either. Of course, I'm not referring to that incredible "old pennant" smell...but must, smoke, etc. This works really well for smoke.

And moth holes don't bother me too much as long as we're not talking about swiss cheese.

I am amazed at the number of people who reach out to me to ask if a 70-80 year old pennant has pin holes. Who would care? That's never even entered into my decision process when considering a pennant and it certainly has zero impact on value in my opinion.

To each his own. Some people are hung up on thread.

perezfan · #7 04-18-2025, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fballguy

Yeah...Definitely should've included rips in general. This was obviously tongue in cheek. Smells like ass is actually a pretty easy problem to solve. I bought a camping clothesline on Amazon and I find if I hit the back of the pennant with a light cloud of Febreze, then leave it out overnight...problem solved by morning. And no...it's doesn't smell like Febreze either. Of course, I'm not referring to that incredible "old pennant" smell...but must, smoke, etc. This works really well for smoke.

And moth holes don't bother me too much as long as we're not talking about swiss cheese.

I am amazed at the number of people who reach out to me to ask if a 70-80 year old pennant has pin holes. Who would care? That's never even entered into my decision process when considering a pennant and it certainly has zero impact on value in my opinion.

To each his own. Some people are hung up on thread.

Good to know about the Febreze. Only problem is if you hang the clothesline in Seattle, the pennant will be soaking wet before you know it.

Regarding the part in bold... It is indeed mind-boggling. I have had a couple of sales fall through because the prospective buyer asked about pinholes. Who the hell possibly cares? You'd rule out 90% of all vintage pennants if this was your criteria.

This misguided thinking has to emanate from the "Sportscard Culture", where pinholes are highly frowned upon. A great-condition card (that would otherwise grade NRMT) is automatically graded "1" by the know-nothing TPGs if it has a microscopic pin hole. And the collecting sheeple fall right in line.

So if/when you encounter this mindset, you are probably dealing with a TPG-addicted card collector. Thankfully, serious pennant collectors know it's a non-issue.

jsage · #8 04-18-2025, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by perezfan

I am a picky MFer... so all of those are deal-killers for me (except for cracking/puckering graphics on the older ones). This actually adds a cool vintage look/patina and is just as common as tack holes (which also don't bother me at all). But if the painted graphics are actually flaking off, that's where I draw the line.

A blunt tip is not a big deal either. Many were made that way, but if it's missing 1/2" or more, then it gives me pause. A dangling or "fishtailed" tip is a non-starter.

Excellent list, and I would add that a rip or tear anywhere on the pennant (not just the tip) kills it for me.

Mark -
I am pleased to see that your condition standards are great as always.
That is one of the reasons that your collection is fantastic.
I enjoyed that common bond we had.
Jerry

perezfan · #9 04-18-2025, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsage

Mark -
I am pleased to see that your condition standards are great as always.
That is one of the reasons that your collection is fantastic.
I enjoyed that common bond we had.
Jerry

I enjoyed it too, Jerry. We miss seeing you around here...

Really loved our interactions, and boy did we make some great deals back in the day!

Thanks for the kind words and hope all is going well,
Mark

ooo-ribay · #10 04-18-2025, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Domer05

What about faded pennants? Like, for example, a 1950s blue pennant ... that's now some color between brown and gray?

As you all probably know, I am far from the most condition sensitive pennant collector. Hell, I may be the least sensitive. I will usually grab any Giants pennant I don�t have if the price reflects the poor condition. I�m a �buy it when you see it; maybe upgrade later� guy. That said, a badly faded blue pennant just might be a disqualifier for me.

UKCardGuy · #11 04-18-2025, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ooo-ribay

As you all probably know, I am far from the most condition sensitive pennant collector. Hell, I may be the least sensitive. I will usually grab any Giants pennant I don�t have if the price reflects the poor condition. I�m a �buy it when you see it; maybe upgrade later� guy. That said, a badly faded blue pennant just might be a disqualifier for me.

I with you Rob. I like to get the best condition that I can but if I find a pretty scarce pennant for a good price, I'll put up with a missing tassel or spine issues until I can upgrade it.

As I've gained experience with pennants, I'm able to figure out which stains can be removed with a gentle soak. Badly faded or large holes are where I normally draw the line.

I've not had the occasion to buy a pennant that smells like ass yet. Wonder what ebay sellers would reply, if I asked "does it smell like ass?"

Fballguy · #12 04-19-2025, 03:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UKCardGuy

I've not had the occasion to buy a pennant that smells like ass yet. Wonder what ebay sellers would reply, if I asked "does it smell like ass?"

LOL…Maybe I can petition eBay to add a “smells like ass” check box to their seller listing template.

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