Shout Out To Blurryface Re: Signed Mantles/Vintage

DM23HOF

Just wanted to give a shout out to Blurry, and say thanks and why it's great to dialogue with fellow collectors— especially those who are into the same stuff as you.

So a ways back, Blurry saw I was tackling a set he is the only one known to have accomplished. He gave me a heads up about how one card in particular was really tough for him, and so I began to pursue that card with fervor.

Some weeks later I managed through another hobby friend to locate one, and the owner named his price. Based on known comps, it was somewhat high— but the eye appeal was through the roof, so I felt like grabbing it. A friend of mine who sells a ton said I was nuts, but I knew there were just 15 in the pop report in all grades, and I saw several of the others that were not as nice.

So I pulled the trigger.

Cut to a few days ago, a lesser example than the one I acquired hits the AH circuit. It hammers for $46,800— exactly triple what I paid for mine some months earlier.

Had Blurry not given me the heads up, I might have passed. And then the card would have cost me a ton more. So thanks, homie!

The card in question is the 1952 Bowman Mantle Auto pictured below.

MC

Goldenage

Beautiful cards.

DM23HOF

Thx. So few of each out there, which makes it really tough to find the total package — but I have grown to love that as it mirrors life that way LOL. Can never have it exactly as it was drawn up.

For example--

8000 of the 1960 graded unsigned, only 36 signed.
4300 of the 1953T graded unsigned, only 43 signed.
7911 of the 1959T graded unsigned, only 21 signed.
3215 of the 1952B graded unsigned, only 16 signed.

Have added the 1960 and 1958 since that group pic was taken.

Goldenage

We are similar collectors. My Bobby Orr collection is currently at 43 different signed cards and rising.

blurryface

thank you for such a tremendous nod, matty. seriously, hat in hand and glad i was able to help your pursuit in some small way. with your knack for cards and impeccable eye for quality, i take great pride in your post and words. after all, helping fellow collectors is what its all about and whether you've noticed it or not, you've certainly helped myself and countless others to focus on the merits of each individual card, not its assigned, technical grade. and for that, i thank you and again for this post!

blurryface

btw: your progression has been fun to watch. that '57 is just remarkable for too many reasons to list! congrats.

JBrules

That is a killer Mantle run you have going. Congrats on the latest addition.

DBesse27

One good dude helping another. Great to see.

DM23HOF

@DBesse27 said:
One good dude helping another. Great to see.

Thanks and appreciate the kind words, gentlemen. Have always tried to contribute to our discussions over the years here and always have the collector’s best interest in mind

MantleMarisFordBerra

Wow. That is one amazing string of Mantle autographed cards. Very impressive!

Cakes

Very cool story, congrats on the hit. Blurry knows his shibby!

To throw in a change up, I have two Mantle Autos: one on a ball in really good shape and one on a plague that has faded badly. Has the auto market gone up? I would like to sell the Mantles.

Sorry to hijack.

BC

1959

Did mantle sign any of his later cards? 68-69. Never seem to see any.

DM23HOF

@1959 said:
Did mantle sign any of his later cards? 68-69. Never seem to see any.

Yes for the 68 & 69 the data is as follows:

1968 Topps
PSA unsigned pop graded - 11,265
PSA signed pop - 52
For a total of only .5% signed

1969 Topps
PSA unsigned pop graded - 8424
PSA signed pop - 81
Total of 1%

The percentage of signed ranges from an infinitesimal as .3% (1959 Topps) to a "high" of 1.1%.

DM23HOF

Probably owe Blurry a fresh round of thanks after this and the Memory Lane auction of signed Mantles last night. The better looking examples there sold very strong, led by the 53 Topps, 62 Topps, 53 Bowman, and 63 Topps.

thunderdan

Those are just fantastic cards to begin with then you add a mantle auto which I think presents really nicely and on top of all that a CLEAN auto, and you really have something

Really well done!

blurryface

@DM23HOF said:
Probably owe Blurry a fresh round of thanks after this and the Memory Lane auction of signed Mantles last night. The better looking examples there sold very strong, led by the 53 Topps, 62 Topps, 53 Bowman, and 63 Topps.

man, that is an extremely, extremely solid price! and while i am extremely biased for obvious reasons, i did & still think these have so much more room to move due to the popularity and overall scarcity of signed mantles. especially the centered ones that shine like the ones matty's pickups!

blurryface

@1959 said:
Did mantle sign any of his later cards? 68-69. Never seem to see any.

that's actually a very solid observation. especially for this thread and the convos matty and i had. '69 was a tougher example for me to pick up and the only copy i had felt compelled to upgrade. my first one, i followed my own rule after learning what not to do the 52b. it was an offcentered beater. i technically had the hole patched but just wasn't thrilled with it. felt like a bandaid over a cut that really needed stitches. then after i had the project complete and i wasn't really searching on a daily basis this one popped up...

1951WheatiesPremium

Those are some really beautiful cards; but I really love to see the passion and the friendship on display, too.

Incredible stuff, on all fronts...

1951WheatiesPremium

@DM23HOF
@blurryface

See above. Great stuff, fellas...

mexpo75

Beautiful cards on their own, much less to have them signed!

1951WheatiesPremium

You guys are making me think I should get this dual graded, as the card itself is pretty solid; love this ballpoint sig.

mexpo75

Do it. When it gets back to you, you'll have a nice Christmas present for yourself.

1951WheatiesPremium

I do like a nice dual flip...😉

jay0791

As a Yankee fan

Those cards are off the charts. card candy for sure.

blurryface

public shoutout back at mattyc for a solid heads up!

truly and thank you!

Cakes

@Cakes said:
Very cool story, congrats on the hit. Blurry knows his shibby!

To throw in a change up, I have two Mantle Autos: one on a ball in really good shape and one on a plague that has faded badly. Has the auto market gone up? I would like to sell the Mantles.

Sorry to hijack.

BC

bump

1951WheatiesPremium

@Cakes said:

@Cakes said:
Very cool story, congrats on the hit. Blurry knows his shibby!

To throw in a change up, I have two Mantle Autos: one on a ball in really good shape and one on a plague that has faded badly. Has the auto market gone up? I would like to sell the Mantles.

Sorry to hijack.

BC

bump

Don’t think it’s gone up; this thread is more specific to his signed Topps card run, I believe.

Mickey auto’s usually do pretty well on any item but he signed a lot of stuff. Some items are more sought after than others - particularly those than can be “named, graded, encased” by PSA.

Cakes

Thanks Wheaties.

mrmopar

@DM23HOF said:
Thx. So few of each out there, which makes it really tough to find the total package — but I have grown to love that as it mirrors life that way LOL. Can never have it exactly as it was drawn up.

For example--

8000 of the 1960 graded unsigned, only 36 signed.
4300 of the 1953T graded unsigned, only 43 signed.
7911 of the 1959T graded unsigned, only 21 signed.
3215 of the 1952B graded unsigned, only 16 signed.

Have added the 1960 and 1958 since that group pic was taken.

Opinions have really changed, but this is the exact reason I have always been a fan of getting the best possible cards signed. I wish more folks had that same opinion before so many greats died.