Favorite ebay, flea market, or antique mall find

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by sayhey24

In the very early days of ebay it was amazing what you could find -- I was able to purchase game bats that included Ty Cobb, Tony Lazzeri and Jackie Robinson.
One of my favorite stories: I won two bats at auction from the same dealer -- there were no photos, but the bats were described as 1950s coaches model bats of Heinie Manush and Luke Appling. The bats arrived and the Manush was indeed a 50s model, but the Appling was a brand new show model bat. I contacted the seller and he said he couldn't really afford to refund my money, but did mention he had some other bats and I could have my choice in an exchange -- the only other HOFer he had was a Walter Johnson, so he sent me that and it turned out to be what is the earliest known signature model Johnson gamer.
Good deals still pop up on ebay now and then, but there is much more competition -- I did find manage to buy in the last couple of years game bats of Tris Speaker, Eddie Collins, Miller Huggins and Paul Waner -- all but the Huggins were incrrectly listed as store models.
I know there are others who spend much more time scouring ebay and flea markets, so I'm looking forward to hearing their treasure hunting stories -- I'm sure Carlton has some amazing stories that he has yet to share about flea amerket finds!

Greg

Hey Greg,

Let's see a picture of that Walter Johnson earliest model signature game bat.
Awesome story!!

[Runscott]

Favorite antique store find was a 1930's friction stripe football jersey, nearly perfect condition, for $40.
Favorite ebay find was a players c.1911 scorebook and equipment, including a 1910-14 Louisville slugger used in games against professional black teams.

[ScottR81]

Found an ungraded 1916 Sporting news Buck Weaver on an ebay auction and won it for only $66.00 and it ended up grading PSA 4. That was a great day for me, about 8 years ago.

[Scott Garner]

My favorite all-time antique mall finds would include:

1) HOF Ted Lyon's 1926 no-hitter ticket and scorebook that I was able to find earlier this year. This came from an antique shop in Caimbridge, MA.
2) A scored program from HOF Sandy Koufax's incredible 382K game in 1965. This record would be broken by Nolan Ryan's NL standard of 383 K's in 1973 (note that this was the first year of the designated hitter). What was really neat about the Koufax program is that I found it in an antique mall right up the street from my house when I lived in So Cal. I think I paid $10 for the program back in the early 1990's.

My all-time favorite eBay find was also ironically a pickup from earlier this year. An actual game used ball with vintage fountain pen inscription from HB "Dutch" Leonard's no-hitter in 1916 at Fenway Park.

Here are a few photos. Sorry for the crappy quality of the shots; I didn't take them. I need to take the time to upgrade these photos to do them justice.

[dell webb]

Two of my favorite Ebay finds. First a 1907 picture of the Victor Mill team with Joe Jackson. Second the pool table that was originally in the Vernor's mansion and was featured in the movie The American President. The seller had the pool table listed for $150,000 on a major billiard website for several years and actually turned down an offer of 100K. For whatever reason he wanted to sell it fast and put it on Ebay with no reserve. I bid 40K right at the end and got it for $3600. vm.jpg

IMG_5970.jpg

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by dell webb

Two of my favorite Ebay finds. First a 1907 picture of the Victor Mill team with Joe Jackson. Second the pool table that was originally in the Vernor's mansion and was featured in the movie The American President. The seller had the pool table listed for $150,000 on a major billiard website for several years and actually turned down an offer of 100K. For whatever reason he wanted to sell it fast and put it on Ebay with no reserve. I bid 40K right at the end and got it for $3600. Attachment 46807

Attachment 46808

Georgeous pool table! What a deal!!

[iwantitiwinit]

I want that pool table. Awesome!!!!!!

[ibuysportsephemera]

I have been going to Antique Shows, Flea Markets, Paper Shows, etc. since the mid 1980's. I have had many great finds but the 2 below stand out.

At an antique show in PA. I purchased a bunch (maybe 50 to 75) of 1950's ticket stubs from the Yankees and Dodgers. I paid $250 for the group. In the lot was the Dodgers and Giants Bobby Thompson playoff hr stub and also the first game (P1 and P2). Sold the pair for $1,600.

My biggest find was many years ago when eBay had just begun (1997ish). I advertised in the newspaper pretty regularly for sports memorabilia wanted. I got a call from a strange guy who wanted me to meet him at a self storage place about 15 minutes from my house. I was pretty nervous, but what a find. He had a mint collection of 1930's - 1950's yearbooks, programs, magazines from the Dodgers, Yankees, Packers, etc. It was about 300 pieces and I paid $3,200. I didn't realize it but included was a Packers Redskins Championship Program from the 1930's. I sold that one item for $2,200 on eBay.

[CarltonHendricks]

Originally Posted by dell webb

Two of my favorite Ebay finds. First a 1907 picture of the Victor Mill team with Joe Jackson. Second the pool table that was originally in the Vernor's mansion and was featured in the movie The American President. The seller had the pool table listed for $150,000 on a major billiard website for several years and actually turned down an offer of 100K. For whatever reason he wanted to sell it fast and put it on Ebay with no reserve. I bid 40K right at the end and got it for $3600. Attachment 46807

Attachment 46808

On that pool table WOW...I litterally let out a laugh when I read that..bid 40K, got for $3600...man that's a story....you'd be buying the pizza that night!...a solid congratulations!

This is a good thread...I may have to get involved latter when get time

[sicollector1954]

Found a 1969-72 Thurman Munson game bat in a barrel of bats last November for under $50.00. It still happens once in awhile...you just have to keep looking!

[mcgwirecom]

Got a Ruth game bat (possibly) for $500 buy it now!

[packs]

I don't think I'll ever get tired of showing this one off. I purchased this Grover Cleveland Alexander signed baseball on Ebay only about a month or two ago. The auction had no photo and was described as being signed by GL Alexander. I took a risk and purchased the baseball sight unseen for $80.

A week goes by. I receive the baseball and soon after its being authenticated by JSA. Total cost to me on this beauty: $250.

The deals are still out there.

[aelefson]

Hi-
I am an avid flea market/antique shop goer and have been for a number of years. I found a group of Joe Dimaggio ca 1940s tattoos/transfers along with other characters (like Dick Tracy) at a flea market for 40.00. I sold them to a few different dealers for over 2000.00.
Over the summer I found a couple of really cool 19th century bats for less than 50.00 each at a flea market. Just this past weekend I found a Ruth 250 model bat (31 inches) for 3.00 and an OJ of Glasscock that was rebacked (but has a decent image) for 25.00.
I go to my favorite flea market nearly every Sunday. I try to get there as close to sunrise as possible and I ask every dealer that carries antiques if they have early baseball items. Several dealers save me any old baseball item as I have developed a strong rapport with them over the years. It makes the early morning efforts and hour drive each way worth it by knowing I will almost always come home with something.
More than 90% of my collection comes from flea market and antiquing finds. I really value finding items "in the rough" as opposed to trolling ebay or major auction houses. It definitely helps to live in the Northeast of course.
Alan

[Vintage Basketball Pat]

Now that is an Ebay find! That's a great piece!

[JustinD]

This is easily my favorite Ebay find ever. Especially because I get to wear and enjoy it on a regular basis. I found it a few years ago poorly listed as a "Tops" baseball watch. I have never seen nor heard of another out there as of yet. I believe that this was a presentation piece for a Topps Banquet.

It's a 10K gold Hamilton Automatic, and she may run a wee bit fast but I don't care. The watch face is emblazoned with "TOPPS AWARD" with the trophy dead center. It's very intricately done by the factory and beautiful. The back is engraved with "TOPPS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICA 1969".

I would love if anyone actually knew anything about this. I would love to know the provenance of who this was actually given to. I'm really not even sure of the sport honestly. It seems like Topps used the phrase all-america more for football, but I am grasping at straws. I have thought it may be even an award for the best college player. I just don't know, maybe one of you does? I just know I love it and lots of people ask about it, it makes a good story.

[thekingofclout]

Originally Posted by JustinD

This is easily my favorite Ebay find ever. Especially because I get to wear and enjoy it on a regular basis. I found it a few years ago poorly listed as a "Tops" baseball watch. I have never seen nor heard of another out there as of yet. I believe that this was a presentation piece for a Topps Banquet.

It's a 10K gold Hamilton Automatic, and she may run a wee bit fast but I don't care. The watch face is emblazoned with "TOPPS AWARD" with the trophy dead center. It's very intricately done by the factory and beautiful. The back is engraved with "TOPPS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICA 1969".

I would love if anyone actually knew anything about this. I would love to know the provenance of who this was actually given to. I'm really not even sure of the sport honestly. It seems like Topps used the phrase all-america more for football, but I am grasping at straws. I have thought it may be even an award for the best college player. I just don't know, maybe one of you does? I just know I love it and lots of people ask about it, it makes a good story.

Well Done Justin. That is a fantastic find! I love stuff like that.

[Exhibitman]

First Team All America sounds like college football.

[toppcat]

Originally Posted by JustinD

This is easily my favorite Ebay find ever. Especially because I get to wear and enjoy it on a regular basis. I found it a few years ago poorly listed as a "Tops" baseball watch. I have never seen nor heard of another out there as of yet. I believe that this was a presentation piece for a Topps Banquet.

It's a 10K gold Hamilton Automatic, and she may run a wee bit fast but I don't care. The watch face is emblazoned with "TOPPS AWARD" with the trophy dead center. It's very intricately done by the factory and beautiful. The back is engraved with "TOPPS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICA 1969".

I would love if anyone actually knew anything about this. I would love to know the provenance of who this was actually given to. I'm really not even sure of the sport honestly. It seems like Topps used the phrase all-america more for football, but I am grasping at straws. I have thought it may be even an award for the best college player. I just don't know, maybe one of you does? I just know I love it and lots of people ask about it, it makes a good story.

I missed this thread originally. Never seen the watch-wow!

There used to be college All American Baseball Players. I assume one of these ten first teamers received that watch at some point:
P Larry Gura
P Burt Hooton
C Bob Williams
1B Mike Walseth
2B Dick Gold
3B Les Rogers
SS Bill Stein
OF Bob Long
OF Paul Powell
OF Larry Pyle

[LuckyLuke]

Wow...unbelievable finds. Here are a few of mine. Regrettably.....I don't own some of these beautiful pieces anymore. The Rookie Gehrig EXHIBIT was accompanied with the Sisler and a lower grade Ty Cobb EXHIBIT(1927). Within the same week I stumbled across the 1928 World series Game 4 ticket. The others are also nice finds. All these pick up were over the last 2 years and I consider them finds because the costs to purchase was 1/20th of the market value today.

[sayhey24]

Originally Posted by Scott Garner

Hey Greg,

Let's see a picture of that Walter Johnson earliest model signature game bat.
Awesome story!!

Scott,

Here is a photo of the Walter Johnson bat (from his days with the Indians), along with a bat of another pretty fair pitcher, Lefty Grove.

Greg
http://www.baseballbasement.com

[thekingofclout]

Boy Greg, those are sweet! And since you're taking request I'd love to see those Cooperstown signs again.

[mschwade]

Mine won't be a big deal to anyone else, but on Christmas night of 2005, I won an auction for a signed index card of former University of Dayton basketball coach Tom Blackburn. Blackburn is credited with bringing Dayton to a national power in the 1950's and 1960's, making the NIT finals six times and finally winning in it 1962. Blackburn passed away right before the final game of the 1964 season to cancer when he still was the active coach.

I purchased the index card for a WHOPPING $8 dollars and have not seen a Blackburn signature before that or ever again. I cover Dayton basketball as a beat reporter and know a lot of fans and alums. I've been offered $500 for the index card, but there's no way I am giving that up.

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by sayhey24

Scott,

Here is a photo of the Walter Johnson bat (from his days with the Indians), along with a bat of another pretty fair pitcher, Lefty Grove.

Greg
http://www.baseballbasement.com

Thanks Greg! Great looking bats!! Wow!

[yanks12025]

Originally Posted by sayhey24

Scott,

Here is a photo of the Walter Johnson bat (from his days with the Indians), along with a bat of another pretty fair pitcher, Lefty Grove.

Greg
http://www.baseballbasement.com

How is the Johnson a gamer if he was a manager at the time. It would be a post career bat....

[sayhey24]

Here you go Jimmy -- this is one of the signs posted on the road leading to Cooperstown for the 1939 induction ceremony (it has reflective paint that you don't see in person, but is picked up by the camera flash). Don't mean to hijack the thread by showing this, but Jimmy we're all so glad to have you back that I'm glad to answer a request!

Brock -- as I said, it's from his days with the Indians -- a game model bat that is known by bat collectors as a coaches bat (not to be confused by a bat that was made for a player after his career, but never saw a ball field).

Greg

[smtjoy]

Great stories everyone and some cool items/deals.

I mainly prowl ebay and one of my favorite finds a number of years ago was a person selling off stuff from the estate of minor league player Bob Thurman and one of the items was a photo of the PR Santurce with him, Roberto Clemente and another player. It was being sold in a terrible metal frame with weak photos. There was no pics of the back of the photo so I sent the seller a message asking if I could get a scan of the back. He said he could not take any pics as the frame would fall apart if he tried, I emailed him again that it made a big difference on value if he could. He refused and let the auction run, I took a chance not sure if it was a reprint or such and won it for a bit over $200. I got the package and quickly removed it from the cheap $5 frame and now had a 1954 pre major league Clemente photo. Now one of my most prized Clemente items!

[ksfarmboy]

Scott, that Clemente photo probably came out of Wichita. Thurman lived here. I believe his wife sold some of his estate. The card shop I go to still has a few of these photos including the ugly frames your talking about. Nothing with Clemente in it though.

Greg, awesome Johnson bat and that Grove bat is sweet too.

Here's one I picked up off ebay. Not much of a story I got it as a bin. I must have seen it immediately after it was listed. I think she got some offers after I had already won it as she was kind of rude during the transaction. Luckily for me she went through with it. I think it was around $100-150.

[thekingofclout]

Originally Posted by ksfarmboy

Scott, that Clemente photo probably came out of Wichita. Thurman lived here. I believe his wife sold some of his estate. The card shop I go to still has a few of these photos including the ugly frames your talking about. Nothing with Clemente in it though.

Greg, awesome Johnson bat and that Grove bat is sweet too.

Here's one I picked up off ebay. Not much of a story I got it as a bin. I must have seen it immediately after it was listed. I think she got some offers after I had already won it as she was kind of rude during the transaction. Luckily for me she went through with it. I think it was around $100-150.

That is a spectacular piece Clint! Just a gorgeous illustration. Joe never looked so good.

[Exhibitman]

I don't really do much prospecting but I have scored some nice hits on miscategorized items on Ebay:

I got this Benny Hill autographed PC at a postcard show where the seller not only sold it for a pittance but showed me that it was signed when I was checking out. Whatever...



Same seller had no idea what this was and let it go for 10% of value:



Best of all is when I know something and hope like heck that the rest of the world misses it--and they do. When I saw this John C. Heenan CDV I knew it was something special because I'd seen an Abner Doubleday with the same kind of copyright notice on it. I did some research and discovered that the copyright notice is pre-1870 and that the card is in fact the earliest known commercially-issued boxing card, made and sold commercially before 1870: