What do I DO with THIS?? (Lawson's Set)

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Posted By: Jeff

About 3 years ago, I won this 1884 Lawson's Patent Baseball game in a non-sports auction. The set is complete and in the original box, with the original instructions and the two "value" cards (one is stained). The rest of the cards are all in tremendous condition, considering its a game to be played by hand, and its 120 years old. The box is in decent shape too. I have seen some of these singles, graded, sell on eBay over the last couple of years, and I think I saw a complete set sell recently for more than $1,000, but I don't know if it was raw or graded.

I am troubled over what to do with this set now. Do I leave it as is, ungraded, stored in the orignal box? Do I separate the cards from the box? Do I get the cards graded?

I'd appreciate any thoughts or comments board members have on this. Thanks to all!

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Posted By: Rob L

In my opinion, I would keep the set intact as is. The fact that you have the whole set in awesome condition would push the value way up, at least on Antiques Roadshow

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Posted By: Jason

Hi

I would not sell it for the time being. About 6 months ago you hardly ever saw these complete sets come up for auction but unfortunately there seems to be a glut of these surfacing recently. I saw one go for as little as $320 not so long ago. When you do decide to sell it, I would definitely go for getting it graded. A high-end example as you said could reach the $1,000 mark.

The exception to this though is an incredibly rare Boston Herald version (issued as a joint promotion between Lawson’s and the Herald and issued as a premium to Herald readers), which I have only ever seen one of.

Hope this helps?

Jason

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Posted By: Howie

Identify a HOF rookie in the player scene on the reverse and head to the bank.

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Posted By: Hal Lewis

Howie made a funny!

I doubt you will ever see another card set come out with that "swastika" looking thing on it!

What is that? Four arms throwing balls?

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Posted By: Julie

I like the cards; I have about 9 of them. (Maroon backs rather than blue)

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Posted By: scgaynor

I sold that Boston Herald version a few months ago for about $700. Regular versions sell for $300-400. If the cards grade high, I would think that you would get $30-40 each for them for awhile, then the prices would go down quickly as the market thinned out.

Scott

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Posted By: Jeff

I have just started collecting this game and have never heard of the "Boston Herald version". Is that the brown box version?

Also does anyone else have any information about the history of this game?
Does anyone have any photos they can email me of the "Boston Herald version"?

Jeff, if you are interested in selling it as is email me. tobey_summer@yahoo.com.au

Thanks for your help.

Tobey

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Posted By: Joe K.

Tobey- I don't have this game, and I don't know too much about it, but there is a very nice full page picture and lengthy description of both versions in Mark Cooper's book "Baseball Games - Home Versions of the National Pastime". I highly reccommend the book if you are intersted in vintage baseball games, serves as an excellent reference. You can get the book used through Amazon. I believe Barry Sloate contributed the pictures and descriptions of the Lawson games to the Book, so I imagaine Barry could provide a lot of info on this set. Email me if you want to know what's written in book about the game.

-Joe

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Posted By: Julie

O.K. to count my money.

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Posted By: Spidie65

Hi Joe,

Thanks for your message. Yep I have Mark Cooper's book and saw the 2 games and the info. I wonder if there is anyway to get intouch with Barry?
Please email me at tobey_summer@yahoo.com.au.

Looking forward to hearding from you.

Tobey

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Posted By: Julie

a few dollars less.

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Posted By: Julie

Those are the two Barry emails I have. After a whiloe, you just have to type "Barry D.Sloate"

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Posted By: Anonymous

I have emailed Barry, thanks so much for his email.
I was wondering if the Boston Herald game was the one in the slip box and brown backed cards?

Thanks

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Posted By: Jason

Here it is!

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Posted By: scgaynor

My stolen scan! That is Ok, I don't mind.

Scott

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Posted By: Tobey

Hi Jason,

Wow thank you never seen it and looks awsome. Would like to add it to my collection so if anyone has one for sale please let me know. I will pay top $$$.

Tobey

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Posted By: Jason

It's OK Scott, it was me who purchased the set off you!

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Posted By: Tobey

Jason,

Are you interested in selling it to an Aussie?

Tobey

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Posted By: Jason

Hi Tobey!

Oh I don't know, being half American & half Pom, I not sure I want to do business with one of you ex colonial convicts! Just joking of course!

I wasn't really planning on selling it. Are you an avid Lawson's collector? Why do you need it? You are welcome to send me any e-mail if you want to discuss it further.

Cheers

Jason

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Posted By: Tobey

Hey Jason,

You are safe with me I was born in Australia and not sent here for stealing a loaf of bread. Just imagine people get away with less these days for doing more, yet in 1788 you were sent to Australia for stealing a loaf of bread! Anyway that's a quick history lesson.

What is your email address and I'll write to you regarding Lawson's, but to answer your question yes I'm a Lawson fanatic and am trying to get each copy of the game. Infact in regards to baseball games I only collect Lawson's and want to do a website to share the history of the game with others.

My email is tobey_summer@yahoo.com.au

Hope I hear from you soon. I also have to say thank you to everyone who has helped me on this site with information, contact details etc. You have been awsome.

T

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Posted By: Tobey

I was wondering if anyone has for sale a 1st Baseman brown back card from the Lawson Brown game?

Thanks

T