I have an opportunity to purchase 45 "really clean" 1941 Play Ball cards . . . Please Help

1960toppsguy

Is there a demand for 1941 Play Ball cards. I have an opportunity to purchase about 45 cards from the original owner (89 year old man). The cards have not been touched in forever. They would run me about $75.00 each, most of them are in solid condition, and mostly commons with exception of Reese, Vince & Dom DiMaggio, Dickey, Gomez, Vaughan and Doerr. I think most should grade PSA-5 to PSA-7 range with the exception of the Reese which has a weird almost burnt looking bottom PSA-2 or PSA-3 potential. I have always loved this set, never even seen one of these cards in person aside from this lot. Wise purchase or should I pass and seek out something more mainstream? Would I have trouble selling these if I so choose? Any help would be appreciated, I need to decide by Friday.

BarkusD

There is no trouble selling 41 Playballs, especially if they are in the condition you describe. The only issue is price. If the cards will only grade PSA 5, then $75 each would be too much. On the other hand, if the cards mainly grade PSA 7 then the price would be ok.

1960toppsguy

Also curious as to why PSA has 2 methods for holdering this card: (1) the case that seems like a perfect fit that was made for these cards (which I like, and who wouldn't? ) and (2) what appears to be a milar sleeve in an oversized case that allows the card to move around (which I hate, and who wouldn't?)

1420sports

I think the reasons PSA will holder them differently is primarily due to availability of those slabs. I could be wrong, but I think the PlayBall cards are larger than 33-35 Goudeys. I know they are smaller than Topps and modern issues, so having them around may not always be possible.

I would prefer the 41 PB slab obviously, but if I were collecting the set I would place bids on cards not in those holders.

Griffins

1420 is right, it's totally random. I had a few in condoms and they just reholdered them in the fitting holders. The condom ones can occasionally go for less.
7's typically go for 90-110, but I got smoked on 3 the other nite that were double that and higher. The high numbers do go for a bit more, and if you pull an 8 out of anything the commons are 250-700, depending on the pop. 6's aren't going to come close to break even even if you don't factor in the grading fees.
Some HOFers go for less than SMR, Ruffing for one.
It's a great set, hope you can work out a deal with him.