Betz Cabinet cards

[Archive]

Posted By: Bryan

Does anyone have any information about these cards? Does anyone happen to have one to show me, so that I know what they look like? How hard are they to find? I was looking for the first card of Willie Keeler and found that this was the first card that he is pictured on. Is this correct? I'm just trying to gather some information on about how much I'm going to have to save up in order to pick this up - if it is even possible.
Thanks all,
Bryan

[Archive]

Posted By: Hal Lewis

Here is the one I have in my safe deposit box:



I am not sure that a finer one exists.

[Archive]

Posted By: Bryan

that you would have one Hal How often do these come around, and what do they normally go for? I have a feeling it will be out of my price range - as most cabinets that I want are.

[Archive]

Posted By: Hal Lewis

I think I remember reading in an old issue of VBC that there are maybe 4 of these out there...

and I got mine from a great guy on this board who saw that I wanted one and was nice enough to ransom it ... errrr ... sell it to me.

Mine is not for sale ... but if someone has one they want to sell ... they probably read this board and will find you sooner or later.

I think you will have to pay a hefty sum, however, since finding any other card or cabinet with SIX Hall of Famers on it is pretty hard to do ... especially when it is the FIRST appearance for some of them!

[Archive]

Posted By: Bryan

I figured so. I guess this means I need to bring my head out of the clouds and start on something that does not require me to sell my kidney on the black market. I only have one cabinet in my collection and would like to add additional ones. I do not care much for the Turkey Red cards as I would rather have real pictures or something along those lines. Welp, back to drawing board I go.
Thanks Hal for the information - and the picture.

[Archive]

Posted By: Hal Lewis

There are some cool cabinets for sale in Mastro ... but who knows where they will end up price-wise.

Finding ones with HOF on them can be expensive ... but finding cool ones without HOF can be just as cool and a lot cheaper.

[Archive]

Posted By: Andy Baran

There was probably a Keeler card produced as part of the 1894 Alpha Photo Engraving set, but none have ever been found. Keeler is on several team and individual Cabinet cards in the early 1890's, though none are regular issued "cards" in that they were not issued as part of a set for commercial use. Cabinet cards are essentially photo's that were glued to a cardboard backing.

I believe Hal's estimate of 4 Betz cabinets is probably pretty close, give or take 1 example. I would guess that one would fetch in the neighborhood of $15K if available, maybe a little more.

[Archive]

Posted By: Hal Lewis

Probably a little more, now that vintage cards are REALLY HOT and the prices are skyrocketing.

But mine would still not be for sale.

[Archive]

Posted By: Elliot

To help Brian out...Does anybody know how much kidneys go for on the black market? I think Brian is going to need a bull market in kidneys.

[Archive]

Posted By: Hal Lewis

TRUE...

but Bryan can live without one kidney.

He can't truly live without his dream card of the 1894 Baltimore Orioles!!

[Archive]

Posted By: Bryan

get rid of one kidney and hope the other works long enough. Besides I really only need one anyway.