Former Mastro Auctions executives Bill Mastro and Doug Allen still haven’t been sentenced yet and the FBI’s investigation into wrongdoing in the sports memorabilia industry continues but in the meantime, Judge Ronald Guzman has been receiving letters from collectors who may have a stake in the case.
Dan Scheinman, a noted jersey collector who is also a minority owner of the San Francisco Giants, wrote one of those letters earlier this month. As first reported by the New York Daily News, Scheinman is wondering if Guzman should offer lighter sentences in exchange for information regarding the authenticity of various pieces of memorabilia.
Scheinman told the judge he believes Mastro and Allen have “significant information pertaining to the authenticity” of various items but haven’t been as forthcoming with investigators as they could be.
“There is an overwhelming public interest in learning the truth of what these men knowingly did,” he wrote. “Serving jail time is of course, necessary, but perhaps a more honest telling of their story might be worth a reduction in that time.”
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It seems clear that at least two trading card companies are strengthening their relationships (or trying to) with big box stores. Last week, Panini pushed out its Prestige Basketball line as a Target exclusive.
Now, with no fanfare whatsoever, Topps 2014 Turkey Red Football has begun showing up at Target as well. The company hasn’t released any details on the rookie-focused product which has been an online exclusive at times.
Each box contains 11 rookie cards and a guaranteed autograph for $24.99, which has been the product standard.
Some of the cards have made their way to eBay. You can at least see what they look like here.
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Dave Sliepka, a former Beckett employee, has been working on a new project set to debut next month. His current company, Elemetal, is marrying a precious metal with the famed T206 cards.
First out of the box is, of course, the Honus Wagner, but a series of 5 will be created. Each is encapsulated in a sonic sealed acrylic case and the whole thing is wrapped in a cigarette-like pack with a seal on one end.
A run of 1909 serial numbered bars will be issued with a suggested retail price of $99.99. Sales to dealers are available through Friday. Elemetal is even offering a money back guarantee (less shipping) to retailers within a 60-day period.
More info is available from [email protected].
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Notes: Retired FBI Guy on The Hobby; Babe Still Hot; Goldin Show to Debut; NFL Draft Pick Autos; More
