February Pickup Thread-

[perezfan]

Jon... You're right... ours are definitely different.

Unfortunately, Mark Macrae is on an extended vacation (without a cell phone). So we won't hear from Mark for a while. I did email Charles Mandel (Helmar Brewing) directly, and am hoping for a response. I still find it hard to believe that these were recently made, and hopefully will get an answer soon.

When I called for Mark, his associate answered, and said she had seen Helmar padlocks of assorted early players. But they did not seem to fit this description at all, the way she described them. So I don't know if this is part of that modern assortment or not. Anyone with more info... feel free to chime in!

[baseball tourist]

Originally Posted by perezfan

Jon... You're right... ours are definitely different.

Unfortunately, Mark Macrae is on an extended vacation (without a cell phone). So we won't hear from Mark for a while. I did email Charles Mandel (Helmar Brewing) directly, and am hoping for a response. I still find it hard to believe that these were recently made, and hopefully will get an answer soon.

When I called for Mark, his associate answered, and said she had seen Helmar padlocks of assorted early players. But they did not seem to fit this description at all, the way she described them. So I don't know if this is part of that modern assortment or not. Anyone with more info... feel free to chime in!

I've seen the Helmar PCL locks (wish I could find a photo) and they are nothing like this one. They have a player image under a raised glass dome. They kind of look like a paperweight with a lock mechanism.

[cincicards]

The last time I saw one on EBay the seller had it lumped in with the Helmar locks.

[perezfan]

Well... it's confirmed. The Anson Lock is a FANTASY piece. I just spoke with Charles Mandel who owns Helmar Brewing Co. He confirmed that he had 40 of these made up for himself and a few friends.

He was shocked and surprised to hear what it sold for on Ebay. Even though it's rare (40 exist) and very cool, it is not vintage and not worth what I paid. So back it will go, for a refund. The seller's description touted it as being antique and from 1899. It's such a convincing repro, it had me completely fooled. I'm just glad I wasn't the only one here who thought it was real

Thanks again, MZM55, for your insight!

[mzm55]

I'm glad that you were able to get a solid answer. Hopefully, now, you'll be able to obtain a refund easily. I agree with you, it's a neat piece, but certainly not worth what a genuine 1899 piece would sell for.

-Zach