• Home
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Get Sports Collectors Daily via EMail
    • Advertise with SC Daily
    • Write for Sports Collectors Daily
    • Write About Your Sports Collection
    • Where Can I Sell My Baseball Cards?
  • Hot on Ebay
    • Most Watched Baseball Cards
      • 50 Hottest Baseball Hobby Boxes
      • Unopened Sports Card Boxes, Packs
      • 75 Most Watched Bowman Chrome Cards
      • Most Watched Vintage Baseball Card Sets
      • Babe Ruth Cards
      • Hank Aaron Cards
      • Mickey Mantle Cards
      • Willie Mays Cards
      • Nolan Ryan Cards
      • T206 Cards
      • Goudey Cards
      • 1952 Topps Cards
    • Most Watched Basketball
      • Top 100 Most Watched Basketball Rookie Cards
      • 100 Hottest 2020-21 NBA Rookie Cards
      • 100 Hottest 2019-20 NBA Rookie Cards
        • Zion Williamson Rookie Cards
        • Ja Morant Rookie Cards
      • Top Prizm Basketball Auctions
      • Luka Doncic Rookie Cards
      • LeBron James Rookie Cards
      • Michael Jordan Cards
      • Kobe Bryant Cards
      • National Treasures Cards (all sports)
    • Most Watched Football Cards
      • Most Watched Football Rookie Card Auctions
      • Most Watched 2020 NFL Rookie Card Auctions
      • Patrick Mahomes Rookie Cards
    • Most Watched Hockey Cards
      • Top 100 Most Watched Hockey Rookie Cards
      • Most Watched 2019-20 Hockey Rookie Cards
      • Connor McDavid Cards
      • Bobby Orr Cards
    • Most Watched Soccer Cards
    • Most Watched Golf Cards
    • Most Watched Rookie Cards
    • Most Watched PSA 10 Cards
    • Most Watched 1 of 1 Cards
    • Most Watched Memorabilia
    • Most Watched Racing Cards
    • Most Watched Autographs
  • Ending Soon on Ebay
    • Baseball Cards
    • Basketball Cards
    • Football Cards
    • Hockey Cards
    • Golf Cards
    • Vintage Sports Memorabilia
  • Lelands

Sports Collectors Daily

Sports collecting news - Sports cards and sports memorabilia industry news.

Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you click one and make a purchase, we may receive a commission.  It helps keep us afloat!

  • Sports Memorabilia News
    • Barnebys Sports Auction Highlights
  • Sports Card News
    • Modern Sports Card News
      • New Sports Card Release Calendar
      • Shop Talk
    • Vintage Sports Card News
      • Affordable Vintage Cards, Collectibles
      • Old Baseball Card Sets
      • Old Basketball Card Sets
      • Old Football Card Sets
      • Old Hockey Card Sets
      • Vintage Pack Facts
  • Business/Industry News
    • Sports Memorabilia Business News
    • Sports Memorabilia Industry News
    • Hobby Shops Selling, Breaking Online During COVID-19
  • Around The Hobby
    • Editor’s Blog
    • David Cycleback’s Identification and Authentication Advice
  • Popular Stories
  • Sell Your Cards
You are here: Home / Around the Hobby / What I Collect: Martin Jacobs, King of 49ers Memorabilia, Memories

What I Collect: Martin Jacobs, King of 49ers Memorabilia, Memories

April 10, 2017 By Martin Jacobs

This is the latest in an ongoing series of articles written by readers who tell the stories of the sports memorabilia they collect and why. 

More than 62 years ago, I was 12-years old and I  spotted my hero, San Francisco 49ers running back  Hugh “The King” McElhenny outside Kezar Stadium in San Francisco. I saw him getting into a pink Cadillac, remembering the 1955 encounter, I said, ‘Can I have a souvenir?’ He said, ‘I’ve got my torn jersey.’

Hugh McElhenny game jersey
Martin Jacobs with his Hugh McElhenny jersey

With that exchange, I was on his way to becoming the greatest private collector of 49ers memorabilia in San Francisco, with more than 2,500 items. Included are programs and ticket stubs from almost every game the team has played – many bought or scavenged during my uninterrupted 49ers home-game attendance streak from 1952 to 2016.

Along the way, I gained rare game-worn jerseys from Joe Perry, John Henry Johnson, John Brodie, Billy Wilson, R.C. Owens, Gordy Soltau, Dickey Moegle and Bob St. Clair; a 1954 49ers helmet with the lucite plastic face guard; a 1952  sideline 49ers cape and jacket worn by Joe Perry; Kezar Stadium concessionaire, ticket, and media signs; game balls given to McElhenny, Tittle and  Brodie; and  a complete run of 49ers home and away game programs; and every Topps, Fleer and team issued 49ers football player card  My most recent acquisition is the jersey #53 worn by end Alyn Beals, who caught the first ever 49ers touchdown against the Los Angeles Dons in 1946.

49ers collector Martin JacobsI still live in my Sunset District home in my memorabilia-filled office that once was my childhood bedroom. Back then it was painted red and gold, the 49ers original colors. Now the paint is secondary to all the 49ers-related posters and plaques on the wall, including a plaque, winning the VISA International 49ers Fan of the Year in 2000.

My hand wiring can be traced to my mother who collected celebrity autographs and my father who told me, ‘Let your hobby be your job.’ My father always said, ‘Do what you love to do,’ For me it was football.

It all started in 1952 when my father took me to my first 49ers game at Kezar Stadium. I was so bored and begged to go home, until I picked up dad’s binoculars and saw No. 39, McElhenny, dashing up the field – making speedy turns and cutbacks into the end zone for a 49ers touchdown. From then on I was hooked.

Sitting in Kezar’s kid-friendly Christopher Milk section, I learned to gain advantages over other autograph seekers. My uncle was a security guard, in charge of keeping kids off the field in the final moments of the games.

When he saw me in the fourth quarter with a minute left, he would turn his back and I would run on to the 49ers bench.  Not like today, back then it was an alternate football universe where I could ask star players for autographs, and on a good day find a piece of game-worn clothing or a discarded playbook, water bottle or bloody towel.

After the games, I combed Kezar, scavenging programs and ticket stubs.  And when I was done with that, I’d sit in the stands and soak it in a little longer.  I was not like other people. Other fans would leave, until the stadium was near-empty. There would be all those hot dog wrappers around, and the seagulls. And I would just stay.

At my age of 74, I seem to be in a constant state of hustle, always checking eBay and sports auctions for a prized 49ers collectible. I haven’t had 49ers season tickets since 1978, but was able to keep my consecutive game streak going by playing chicken with the scalpers; I never pay more than 49ers vs Colts 1957 football$50 for a ticket. Although, my streak almost ended at Super Bowl XIX, played at Stanford Stadium, in 1985. I  decided to sell a few T-shirts before the game – with an unauthorized image of a 49er catching a Miami Dolphin with a fishing pole. When the cops busted me, I talked my way out of jail.

I said, ‘Take all my stuff. I just want to see the game.’ ” And I did.

I retired from the sports retail business in 1992 but I continue to dabble in the collector’s  market, always seeking game-used 49ers gear from the 1940s and 50s. My white whale is the 49ers’ 1946 AAFC press guide and a Y.A. Tittle jersey. The bulk of my cache is double-bolted miles away in storage lockers – two of my five children are locksmiths – but I do bring a few 1950s jerseys out for the media. I call McElhenny a friend now (“To Marty, My #1 fan,” a wall-hanging photo reads), and that McElhenny game-worn 1955 jersey is still my prized possession.

There are probably 30 sewn repairs on that jersey. They used one home and one away jersey for the whole season back in those days. And they didn’t keep them. They were a rag. They threw them away. Game-worn jerseys from players like McElhenny and Perry are worth five figures now – there are only a few outside the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

I will again be cheering for the 49ers this season, but I prefer the earlier era, even though my beloved 49ers of the 1950s fell short of a championship. I miss being able to see the players’ faces through their mask-free helmets. I miss the freedom of walking on the field after games and interacting with the players without incident. And I miss seeing McElhenny run out of the tunnel, overworked and underpaid and still loving the game. Not thinking twice about tossing his sweat- and blood-soaked jersey to a young fan like me.

I love watching the 49ers today, but you can’t compare it to then. It was a different game in those days.

I welcome your comments and I can be reached by email at: [email protected].  I’ve even written a book entitled 49ers Legends- the Golden Age of Pro Football. You can order it directly from me, get it at Barnes & Noble or Amazon.com.

Do you want to tell the story of what you collect and why? From players to teams to complete sets, autographs, game-worn material and anything else that has kept you busy for years, we’d love for you to share your story in your own words and photos.  Send us an email: [email protected].

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Facebook Messenger

Related Stories:

What I Collect: 49ers Pennant Collection Opens Doors to Team History What I Collect: Clap for the Wolfpack What I Collect: The Felt Fanatic What I Collect: Baseball in Iowa Gary V Opens Packs; Panini Snares EPL License; Your Show and Tell What I Collect: The White Sox Man Jose Canseco Collector Tanner JonesWhat I Collect: Tanner Jones – Jose Canseco Supercollector What I Collect: Keeping Johnny Vander Meer Memories Alive Editor’s Blog: At Quarterback for the 49ers, Number 16…Arnie Galiffa? Editor’s Blog: Niners Jersey a Rare Piece from a Memorable Player
Mile High Card Co Accepting Consignments

Filed Under: Around the Hobby, Popular Stories Tagged With: san francisco 49ers, What I Collect

Our articles may contain affiliate links. When you click one and make a purchase, we receive a commission.  The revenue is what helps keep SC Daily afloat!

What\
  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Baseball
  • Hockey

Bargain Corner

  • Michael Jordan Cards Under $5
  • Mickey Mantle Cards Under $100
  • Graded T206 Cards Under $75
  • Pre-1980 Graded Baseball Cards $5 and Less
  • Pre-1985 Graded Football Cards $5 and Less
  • Pre-1980 Graded Basketball Cards $5 and Less
  • Pre-1990 Graded Hockey Cards $5 and Less
  • Complete Sets Under $10 with Free Shipping
  • Baseball Hall of Famers for $5 or Less
  • Football Hall of Famers for $5 or Less
  • Hobby Boxes Under $30
  • Pre-1986 Rookie Cards Under $1

RSS Auction Report

  • Steve Novella Offers PSA Graded Football, Basketball, Baseball & Autographed Cards Ending January 19-21, 2021
  • CollectibleXchange February 2021 Auction Preview – Register Now
  • Heritage Auctions Modern Sports Cards Catalog Auction – Ends February 4, 2021


Categories

  • Around the Hobby
  • Business/Industry News
    • Sports Memorabilia Business News
    • Sports Memorabilia Industry News
  • David Cycleback's Identification and Authentication Advice
  • Editor's Blog
  • Hobby Shop Talk
  • National Sports Collectors Convention
  • Popular Stories
  • Rich Klein's Ramblings
  • Sports Card News
    • Modern Sports Card News
      • New Sports Card Release Calendar
    • Vintage Sports Card News
      • Old Baseball Card Sets
      • Old Basketball Card Sets
      • Old Football Card Sets
      • Old Hockey Card Sets
      • Vintage Pack Facts
  • Sports Memorabilia News

Sponsor Links

  • Sports Card Forum
  • Buying Vintage Sports Cards
  • Game Used Jerseys
  • 1952 Topps Baseball
  • Championship Rings For Sale
  • Vintage Basketball Cards
  • NBA Signed Items
  • Signed Sports Memorabilia
  • UFC Memorabilia
  • Autographed Baseballs
  • NASCAR Autographs
  • Vintage Graded Baseball Cards
  • Player Pictures
  • Vintage Football Cards
  • Sports Card Boxes
  • Sports Collectors Store

Pages

  • 100 Hottest 2019-20 NBA Rookie Cards
  • 100 Hottest UFC Trading Cards
  • 100 Most Watched Golf Trading Cards on eBay
  • 100 Most Watched Graded Rookie Cards for Sale on eBay
  • 100 Most Watched Wrestling Trading Cards on eBay
  • 20 Hottest Barry Sanders Football Cards
  • 2016 Cubs Replica Championship Rings Don’t Cost a Fortune
  • 2017 Topps Definitive Collection Box Breaks, Most Watched
  • 2019 Toronto Raptors NBA Championship Memorabilia Guide
  • 2019 US Women’s World Cup Apparel, Merchandise, Memorabilia Guide
  • 50 Hottest Baseball Hobby Boxes at Auction on eBay
  • 50 Hottest Kareem Hunt Rookie Cards
  • 50 Most Watched Kevin Durant Auctions on eBay
  • 75 Most Watched Bowman Chrome Cards
  • 8 Types of Kobe Bryant Collectibles to Remember Him By
  • Aaron Judge Game Used Memorabilia Inventory Growing
  • About Us/Contact/Advertise
    • Advertise with SC Daily
    • Contact Us
    • Get Sports Collectors Daily via EMail
  • Affordable Vintage Sports Cards and Collectibles
  • Barnebys Sports Memorabilia Auctions
  • Baseball Card Auctions on eBay Ending Soon
  • Basketball Card Auctions on eBay Ending Soon
  • Best Derek Jeter Baseball Cards on eBay
  • Best Display Cabinets for Sports Memorabilia
  • Best Joey Votto Rookie Cards
  • Best Pascal Siakam Rookie Cards
  • Chiefs Super Bowl Champs Memorabilia Hits the Market
  • Current Most Watched Baseball Cards on eBay
  • Dale Murphy Rookie Card Remains Popular, Affordable
  • Eagles Super Bowl Champions Memorabilia Guide
  • Fanatics Under Wraps 2017 Next Level Edition Autographed Baseballs
  • Football Card Auctions on eBay Ending Soon
  • Frank Gore Rookie Cards Get No Respect
  • Gardner Minshew Rookie Cards Heat Up as Fun-Loving Rookie Shows His Ability
  • Great Gifts for Cubs Fans
  • Guide to 2018-19 Clemson Tigers National Championship Memorabilia
  • Guide to Houston Astros Championship Memorabilia
  • Guide to LSU National Championship Merchandise, Memorabilia
  • Guide to Nationals World Series Champs Memorabilia, Merchandise
  • Guide to St. Louis Blues Stanley Cup Champions Merchandise, Memorabilia
  • Guide to Vegas Golden Knights Stanley Cup Memorabilia
  • Hank Aaron Cards on eBay
  • Henrik Lundqvist Rookie Cards a Strong Long-Term Play
  • Hockey Card Auctions Ending Soon on eBay
  • Hottest 2019 Baseball Rookie Cards
  • Hottest 2019 NFL Rookie Cards on eBay
  • Hottest Chicago Bulls Memorabilia Auctions on eBay
  • Hottest Devin Booker Rookie Cards as Suns Star Piles Up Points
  • Hottest Kyle Lewis Rookie Cards on eBay
  • Hottest Lonzo Ball Rookie Cards on eBay
  • Hottest Panini National Treasures Cards on eBay
  • Hottest Panini World Cup Stickers on eBay
  • Hottest Pokémon Card Auctions on eBay
  • Hottest PSA 10 Cards for Sale on eBay
  • Hottest Topps Living Set Auctions on eBay
  • Hottest Topps NOW Cards on eBay
  • Hottest Xander Bogaerts Rookie Cards
  • LeBron James Lakers Jerseys Already Available
  • Links
  • Mickey Mantle Cards on eBay
  • Most Popular Bobbleheads on eBay
  • Most Popular Mark McGwire Rookie Card Auctions on eBay
  • Most Watched 1/1 Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Basketball Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Complete Baseball Card Sets at Auction on eBay
  • Most Watched Football Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Football Rookie Card Auctions
  • Most Watched Goudey Baseball Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Hockey Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Kobe Bryant Basketball Card Auctions on eBay
  • Most Watched Racing Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Soccer Cards for Sale on eBay
  • Most Watched Sports Autographs on eBay
  • Most Watched Sports Jerseys on eBay
  • Most Watched Topps Project 2020 Auctions on eBay
  • Most Watched Unopened Sports Card Boxes, Packs on eBay
  • Most Watched Vintage Sports Memorabilia on eBay
  • Nick Bosa Rookie Cards Getting Collectors’ Attention
  • Patriots Super Bowl 51 Champions Merchandise
  • Ryne Sandberg Rookie Cards, Minor League Issues Still Collector Favorites
  • Selling Sports Cards on eBay for Cash
  • Sports Memorabilia Auctions Ending Soon on eBay
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Test
  • The 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Kris Bryant Auto Saga: A Timeline
  • Tony Gwynn Rookie Cards Recall “The Best Hitter Since Ted”
  • Top 100 Most Watched Baseball Rookie Cards on eBay
  • Top 100 Most Watched Basketball Rookie Cards for Sale on eBay
  • Top 100 Most Watched Hockey Rookie Card Auctions
  • Top Authenticated Vintage Unopened Sports Card Boxes, Packs on eBay
  • Top Selling Patriots Super Bowl Championship Items
  • Upper Deck Authenticated Autographs Remain Popular, Accessible
  • Vintage Sports Memorabilia on eBay Ending Soon
  • Wade Boggs Rookie Cards Still a Collector Favorite
  • What’s Hot on eBay
  • What’s It Worth
  • Where Can I Sell My Baseball Cards?
  • Where to Buy the Anthony Fauci Topps Baseball Card
  • Write About Your Sports Collection
  • Write for Sports Collectors Daily

Copyright © 2021 SportsCollectorsDaily.com | Genesis Web Design by Wickam Group