My Lance Alworth Collection - Added many new scans
AFLfan
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I am a big fan of the old AFL Chargers, and my favorite player from that era is Lance Alworth. As a result, I like to collect unique Alworth-related items. I have many more, but these are some of my favorites...
I had the opportunity to purchase a replica of Alworth's Pro Football Hall of Fame bust. A local eating establishment had long ago borrowed Alworth's actual bust, had a mold made, and cast three plaster replicas. They are exact, with the exception of color (actual HoF busts are coated with a bronze color, and this one is white). There are only three of these copies in existence, and there will not be any others made. So I bought this thing for $300. I later met with Lance and he signed it for me.
A very little-known and scarce pre-rookie card. This postcard-sized card was produced by Lee Jeans, and handed out at a signing Lance did after the football season in his senior year at Arkansas.
An original wire photo of Alworth signing his first Chargers contract under the goal posts after his last collegiate game. Note that Al Davis is the one holding the contract for Alworth to sign:
An original print of the photo used on Alworth's 1963 Fleer rookie card.
The first AFL press release (that I know of) that focuses on Alworth, dated August 9, 1962 - just after he reported to Chargers camp.
Alworth's other rookie card, a 1962 Union Oil card.
Perhaps the rarest item that I have. This is a 1962/1963 Golden Arrow Dairy Milk Cap featuring Alworth. I know of only one other in existence.
A team issued photo from his rookie season of 1962.
One of my favorite game programs, from Thanksgiving Day, 1964.
Original newspaper cartoon art from the Chicago Tribune.
A record album called Winning The Game of Life, featuring Alworth. Talks about his life as a Christian.
A rare advertisement and bottle of Venture Hair Tonic. I showed this to Lance and he said that he had never even heard of the product, and that they must have completely made up the endorsement because he had never said it.
Alworth set a record in 1969 by catching a pass in 96 consecutive games. Here are an original wire photo of the catch, the game program, and an unused ticket to the game.
A rare Eskimo Pie card.
An old bumper sticker from the 1960s
A TSN AFL Guide.
And finally, a program, ticket and field pass from the game in 2005 when the Chargers retired Alworth's #19.
I had the opportunity to purchase a replica of Alworth's Pro Football Hall of Fame bust. A local eating establishment had long ago borrowed Alworth's actual bust, had a mold made, and cast three plaster replicas. They are exact, with the exception of color (actual HoF busts are coated with a bronze color, and this one is white). There are only three of these copies in existence, and there will not be any others made. So I bought this thing for $300. I later met with Lance and he signed it for me.
A very little-known and scarce pre-rookie card. This postcard-sized card was produced by Lee Jeans, and handed out at a signing Lance did after the football season in his senior year at Arkansas.
An original wire photo of Alworth signing his first Chargers contract under the goal posts after his last collegiate game. Note that Al Davis is the one holding the contract for Alworth to sign:
An original print of the photo used on Alworth's 1963 Fleer rookie card.
The first AFL press release (that I know of) that focuses on Alworth, dated August 9, 1962 - just after he reported to Chargers camp.
Alworth's other rookie card, a 1962 Union Oil card.
Perhaps the rarest item that I have. This is a 1962/1963 Golden Arrow Dairy Milk Cap featuring Alworth. I know of only one other in existence.
A team issued photo from his rookie season of 1962.
One of my favorite game programs, from Thanksgiving Day, 1964.
Original newspaper cartoon art from the Chicago Tribune.
A record album called Winning The Game of Life, featuring Alworth. Talks about his life as a Christian.
A rare advertisement and bottle of Venture Hair Tonic. I showed this to Lance and he said that he had never even heard of the product, and that they must have completely made up the endorsement because he had never said it.
Alworth set a record in 1969 by catching a pass in 96 consecutive games. Here are an original wire photo of the catch, the game program, and an unused ticket to the game.
A rare Eskimo Pie card.
An old bumper sticker from the 1960s
A TSN AFL Guide.
And finally, a program, ticket and field pass from the game in 2005 when the Chargers retired Alworth's #19.
Todd Tobias - Grateful Collector - I focus on autographed American Football League sets, Fleer & Topps, 1960-1969, and lacrosse cards.
2
Comments
Thanks for sharing your collection.
Abe
The HOF bust is incredible!
I have a few Alworth items, like an autographed 1962 Union Oil portrait (I also have the Jack Kemp autographed), one of the 96th game catch wire photos, and an original cartoon artwork by Phil Bissell of the Boston Globe, that he did when Lance was inducted in the HOF. It still can't compete with yours though.
Steve
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
Thank you for showing these!!!
Mark
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NFL HOF RC SET
<< <i>Thanks. He wrote "Whoo Pig, Sooey," which I believe is some sort of rally cry for the Arkansas Razorbacks. >>
Yep, it's called "Calling the Hogs"
Link
Link #2
Steve
<< <i>An original wire photo of Alworth signing his first Chargers contract under the goal posts after his last collegiate game. Note that Al Davis is the one holding the contract for Alworth to sign:
Gotta love how the AFL worked back then.
Thanks for sharing
Did Al mention that day when he presented Lance at his HOF induction?
Thanks for sharing...Donato
Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set
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Love to see people with nice master collections of players.
1948-76 Topps FB Sets
FB & BB HOF Player sets
1948-1993 NY Yankee Team Sets
Your AFL Collection is AWESOME!!
It's always a treat for me when you post, as I enjoyed the AFL as a kid also.
Thanks so much for this latest installment.
Extremely Cool Bambi Items.
To me ...... Namath, Dawson, & Lance were the A.F.L.
Great Stuff!
A book about growing up in Arkansas in the 1960s called, "Where Have You Gone, Lance Alworth?" I got it signed by the author, and by Alworth.
Should have added this to the first batch. This is Alworth with Don Huston, whose record Lance broke with his 96th consecutive game with a reception.
Celebrating the 1963 AFL Championship.
Alworth's first AFL All-Star Game appearance
Alworth's first game in a Chargers uniform
Senior year college yearbook
College All-Star Game program
1961 Cotton Bowl Ticket Stub. Alworth had a fantastic game.
Most of the rest of my stuff is cards and photos. Maybe I will add more later...
The old AFL programs are outstanding, really like them a lot.
1964-65 Lance Alworth Game Worn Jersey
Jonathan Scheier
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Hey Todd, I was googling Alworth bottle caps because I collect those and this thread showed up near the top of Google. I figured your Alworth collection is so amazing that this deserves a bump.
Yaz Master Set
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#1 John Hannah master set
Also collecting Andre Tippett, Patriots Greats' RCs, Dwight Evans, 1964 Venezuelan Topps, 1974 Topps Red Sox
A great collection.
I collect hall of fame rookie cards, https://www.instagram.com/stwainfan/
This thread definitely deserved a bump! One of my favorite player collections in the hobby!
Way to go, Todd!
Add the jersey, @AFLfan !!!
Curious about the rare, mysterious and beautiful 1951 Wheaties Premium Photos?
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/987963/1951-wheaties-premium-photos-set-registry#latest
Wow! This thread is almost 13 years old. Lol. I've traded away a few of those pieces, but certainly added many more in the years since starting this thread. But Lance is still my favorite player to collect, and I am fortunate to say is a good friend. I'm out of town right now, so don't have access to photos, but maybe will add some when I get home.
I'm back in town now and have access to my images, so here are some Alworth pieces I have either picked up or had slabbed since I started this thread.
Very Unique...That's cool...
Nice stuff. One of my all-time favorite players.
I collect hall of fame rookie cards, https://www.instagram.com/stwainfan/
Very nice additions! There is something about a great name and Lance Alworth is a really cool one!
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