Former Boston Braves catcher Phil Masi snared Babe Ruth's autograph when the Bambino visited the Braves' spring training camp during the 1940s. The brand new baseball, originally packed inside a Spalding wrapper, was tucked in a drawer where it remained for decades before being passed down through his family. Early Sunday, that ball, still in virtually pristine condition and … [Read more...] about Notes: Former Brave’s Ruth Ball, Jordan Star Rubies Net Big Price; Rare Find; Auction of Champions Expands, Launches New Site
CDV
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
Ultra Rare 1866 CDV of New York Team Coming to Auction
Baseball took root in the east as the nation tumbled toward the Civil War that ended the dreams of many would be players for the game that would become America’s own. Relics from the era are few and far between but one extreme rarity believed to date from the year after Generals Grant and Lee signed papers to end the four-year conflict is about to go on the market. In … [Read more...] about Ultra Rare 1866 CDV of New York Team Coming to Auction
Heritage Card Auction Sales Total $8.8 Million
One of the three 1915 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson cards graded 9 by PSA sold for a record-setting $504,000 in Heritage Auctions' Spring Trading Card sale late last week. Heritage had sold another for $432,000 in 2017. That wasn't the only six-figure card in the auction, though. Seven lots hit that mark in all. Seventeen cards sold for $50,000 or more during the … [Read more...] about Heritage Card Auction Sales Total $8.8 Million
Notes: Story Behind Great Great Grandpa’s Card; Signed NBA All-Star Jersey Auction; Kid Gives Milestone HR Back
It's one of only three known to exist, which stands to reason when you realize it's nearly 160 years old. There's also a pretty good story behind the 1860 Brooklyn Atlantics CDV that sold for $180,000 late Thursday night through Heritage Auctions. It was nearly cast aside after a death in the family. You can read the story at … [Read more...] about Notes: Story Behind Great Great Grandpa’s Card; Signed NBA All-Star Jersey Auction; Kid Gives Milestone HR Back
1860 Brooklyn Atlantics CDV Set for Auction
Photography was in its infancy. So, too, was a new sport called “Base Ball.” The Civil War would soon throw America into turmoil but in 1860, some young men in Brooklyn were enjoying the opportunity to spend an afternoon playing an organized form of what would become the national pastime. Now, a new discovery has brought a third copy of what amounts to … [Read more...] about 1860 Brooklyn Atlantics CDV Set for Auction
Family History: 1860 Brooklyn Atlantics CDV at Auction
One of the earliest known baseball cards, passed down in the family of player Archibald McMahon for more than 150 years, is on the auction block as part of Heritage Auctions’ Platinum Night Sports Auction, held in conjunction with the 2015 National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago. Pre-sale estimates indicate the 1860 Brooklyn Atlantics CDV (carte de visite) could sell … [Read more...] about Family History: 1860 Brooklyn Atlantics CDV at Auction
Another World: The Strange and Exotic Forms of Early Photographs
Those unfamiliar with early photography are amazed when they are shown the strange, exotic and often beautiful forms these images take on, and learn of the often exotic materials used to make them. This column is a quick look at some common and uncommon types of early photographs, giving you an idea why sports and non-sports collectors are attracted to these historic gems. … [Read more...] about Another World: The Strange and Exotic Forms of Early Photographs
Financial Consultant Buys 1865 Card As Investment for Sick Son
An 1865 Brooklyn Atlantics baseball card (originally considered a carte de viste or CDV) sold via Saco River Auction in Maine Wednesday night to a New Englander who said he was buying it in hopes of making a profit. The winning bid from Jason Leblanc was $80,000 but the buyer's premium pushed the purchase price to $92,000. The auction company said the card was located by an … [Read more...] about Financial Consultant Buys 1865 Card As Investment for Sick Son