The number of modern card products that really make a lasting impact dwindles each year, but Topps’ Allen & Ginter continues to ride a nice wave.

The cards are unique, a little quirky and just sort of fun. They’ve clicked with collectors who buy them by the box and case. The 2009 Allen & Ginter sell sheet is out and if you’d like a sneak peek, here’s a look.

Just a tip…that link can be found in our Collecting Resources section, which contains another link directly to the product sell sheets issued by the sports card manufacturers. You can see the products as soon as the companies release the information, often months before they hit the shelves. A&G won’t be out in force until this summer.

New York dealer Brian Cataquet has opened his own online auction company. If you’re in New York, you’ve probably seen his TV ads to buy cards that are..well…a little over the top. He’s toned it down a bit and has been appearing on local cable TV outlets doing some more traditional appearances.

Cataquet is offering some items from David Festberg’s collection in his first-ever auction. Festberg was a very active national dealer in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. He was among the first to hold regular auctions and is still somewhat active in the hobby, we understand, if on a smaller scale. About 25 years ago, I recall purchasing some programs from Festberg and getting them in the mail before I had a chance to send him a check. Pretty nice. Does anyone do that anymore?