In the mid-1990s, a grandson was visiting his grandmother in San Pedro, California. At the time he was playing in an adult baseball league, which prompted her to tell him, “I have something for you.” She then reached into a drawer and tossed him a clean, slightly toned baseball with writing as if it came from a playground. He looked at it and his eyes bugged out. In black … [Read more...] about Pristine Ruth/Wagner Signed Baseball Hidden in Grandma’s Drawer for 60 Years Now at Auction
Newly Uncovered Ruth-Gehrig Signed Photo Heads to Auction
Arthur Hull began taking pictures professionally in 1908 at the age of 19. By the late 1930s an important photography book hailed him “as one of the country’s best known freelancers with the camera.” He also worked for The New York Times and The Associated Press, the nation’s two most prestigious news outlets. “Like the G-men he always gets his man,” wrote a reporter … [Read more...] about Newly Uncovered Ruth-Gehrig Signed Photo Heads to Auction
27 Years After Famed Boston Garden Auction, Bruins Banner Back on the Block
On September 27, 1996, Rick Poulin’s heart was racing a mile a minute. He was sitting on a cement floor in the center of the gutted Boston Garden on what once was the Bruins’ hockey rink and Celtics’ basketball court. Lelands, the first sports auction house, was holding the first auction ever of the relics from a sports arena or stadium from its … [Read more...] about 27 Years After Famed Boston Garden Auction, Bruins Banner Back on the Block
Lelands Offers CDV Find Showing Baseball’s Beginnings
Twenty-five years ago, an avid antique collector was making her rounds in the Southeast hunting for items that caught her fancy such as old books, pottery, and old photo albums. At an antique mall, there were rotating dealers from around the country, including one from the Midwest. He sold her an album filled with photos of baseball teams from 1871 and handsome … [Read more...] about Lelands Offers CDV Find Showing Baseball’s Beginnings
NYC Collectors Event Offered Talk of Quality Autographs, Photos
On a recent evening in midtown Manhattan, about four dozen collectors and prominent panelists shared insights and commentary accompanied by some historic memorabilia while downing some snacks and cocktails, all for the price of a $75 ticket. Brigandi’s Coins and Collectibles was holding its sixth Collectors Night at a local bar and restaurant next to Rockefeller Center in … [Read more...] about NYC Collectors Event Offered Talk of Quality Autographs, Photos
Show Dealers Dish on What’s Hot, What’s Not
You can always follow sports card prices on eBay and through a few other websites that track pricing. They offer valuable snapshots on everything from Ty Cobb to Corbin Carroll. Centered mostly around online sales, they don’t account for an overall view of the marketplace. Talking to dealers and collectors in person at a busy show containing more than 200 … [Read more...] about Show Dealers Dish on What’s Hot, What’s Not
Biggest Show In Portland, ME In 35 Years Was a Big Hit
This past weekend I took a 17-hour round trip bus ride from New York City to Portland, ME to interview and obtain a few autographs of one of my boyhood heroes, Rangers and Bruins Hall of Famer Brad Park. The bus was my only affordable option, but I don’t recommend this mode of transportation for long trips. Every mile is a grind. My grueling journey was well worth it because … [Read more...] about Biggest Show In Portland, ME In 35 Years Was a Big Hit
Retired Firefighter Was Undaunted by 1948-49 Leaf Baseball Set Challenges
Mike Ryan was the bravest of the brave throughout his long career as a fireman rushing in and out of burning buildings in Los Angeles. For the past 35 years, he’s also shown bravery in his approach to baseball card collecting, never backing down from the biggest challenges within the hobby. He acquired 512 of the 524 cards in the T206 set, all in at least very good … [Read more...] about Retired Firefighter Was Undaunted by 1948-49 Leaf Baseball Set Challenges
37 Years and Dozens of Binders Later, Hockey Card Collector Parts with His Treasures
Like millions of youngsters who are now of a certain age, Leonard Witman stayed up well after bedtime listening to games, a transistor radio concealed under his blanket. Unlike most who recall those days tuned into baseball games, more often than not, the dial on his radio was tuned to NHL broadcasts. “I grew up in New York City as an avid hockey fan,” says the 72-year-old … [Read more...] about 37 Years and Dozens of Binders Later, Hockey Card Collector Parts with His Treasures
Attic Find: Early Collector’s Scrapbook Holds Huge 19th Century Trading Card Hoard
Since she opened her antique shop, Zeppelin and the Unicorn 11 years ago, Jacqueline Donahue’s goal has been to find treasures that bring back childhood memories for customers. Her shop serves as a hub in a tightly knit working class community in the heart of North Wilmington, DE. Collectors of all ages congregate regularly. “I think we’re going to be around for a while,” … [Read more...] about Attic Find: Early Collector’s Scrapbook Holds Huge 19th Century Trading Card Hoard