Huge 60, 000 Card Estate Auction June 4th

Retiredtelecom · May 12, 2011 12:31AM

I just learned of the details of the never before on the market huge baseball card estate auction. Bagwell Auctions in Fletcher, NC is holding a live and online Baseball Card Auction for roughly 60,000 cards for cards dating from 1909 Tobacco Cards (approx 250) through the modern cards of the late ‘70s. The number of HOF members is too numerous to count.

All these cards are from an 89-year old collector who began collecting as a boy who has decided that it is time to divest his collection for estate planning. The auction contains individual cards as well as full year sets of Topps cards from the 60s and 70s. Additionally, the auction also includes complete/partial sets of the very rare Sporting News Supplements from 1909 through 1926.

The link to the online auction site is:

http://www.proxibid.com/asp/AuctionsByCompany.asp?ahid=4292

Text

rbdjr1 · May 12, 2011 2:22AM

I called the auctioneer and there was a recorded message. "The sports card & memorabilia collection mentioned will be upcoming in the near future, but a date has not been set yet." The recording said to keep checking on their website for dates.

BAGWELL AUCTIONS LINK

rd

rbdjr1 · May 12, 2011 2:25AM

Retiredtelecom, are you that 89 year old collector that started collecting as a boy?

rd

DoctorK · May 12, 2011 2:56AM

June 4th

Retiredtelecom · May 12, 2011 3:23AM

No but I do know him. He is a really neat and smart old guy. I could talk to him for hours about his work on the Manhattan Project during WWII. He is a huge collector and the baseball cards are just one of his large collections. His military collection from WWII sold around 6 months ago for over $100K. That is where I met him. In a couple of months he is going to put up his political memorabilia which has to be one of the largest colections in the US.

Retiredtelecom · May 12, 2011 3:49AM

The auction is Saturday June 4th and there are 455 lots. Several lots have several thousand cards in a single lot and quite a few have well over 100 cards in a single lot.

Additionally, although not formally announced as of yet, it is my understanding that the auctioneer is going to have an additional internet only auction of 600 more cards from another collector on Sunday June 5th. The interesting thing about this auction is that EVERY card is autographed. According to Darryl (the auctioneer), the cards are mostly from the '50s although there are a few from the early '60s and the batch includes around 30 HOF members…all autographed. I will post more information as to when all the information is posted.

stevek · May 12, 2011 3:56AM

<< No but I do know him. He is a really neat and smart old guy. I could talk to him for hours about his work on the Manhattan Project during WWII. He is a huge collector and the baseball cards are just one of his large collections. His military collection from WWII sold around 6 months ago for over $100K. That is where I met him. In a couple of months he is going to put up his political memorabilia which has to be one of the largest colections in the US. >>

I'm guessing after working on that project in New York City, he eventually moved down to North Carolina.

Retiredtelecom · May 12, 2011 4:04AM

FYI...the Manhattan Project was the code name for the Atomic Bomb Project and most of the work was done in Los Alamos, New Mexico, Chicago, Oak Ridge, TN and Hanford, WA. According to him he spent most of his time in Los Alamos and Oak Ridge during WWII. I am a big history buff and could listen to him for hours.

cpamike · May 12, 2011 4:10AM

<< I'm guessing after working on that project in New York City, he eventually moved down to North Carolina. >>

Steve, he said "Manhattan Project", not "Manhattan Projects"!!!

Are there even projects in Manhattan anymore or did Bloomberg tear them all down.

larryallen73 · May 12, 2011 4:20AM

According to Darryl (the auctioneer),

So you know the auctioneer too!? You sure you aren't connected more than just a friend?

Retiredtelecom · May 12, 2011 5:13AM

Thirteen years ago when I moved to NC and before I totally retired, I thought building houses could make me some money. I ended up using a Western NC building supply company and Darryl was assigned as my sales rep. We became friends from that time on. He has been a life long collector and In 2004 he decided to leave the building supply business and start an auction house.

When I began selling some of my guns and other collectables I use his auction company. For instance; 2 of my guns are in his gun auction this Saturday. In return he lets me know about upcoming auctions sometimes before they are published. In retirement I buy and sell all types of collectables. Generally that makes a little profit, is fun and keeps me busy unlike the building business which tended to be a high risk and low gain.

Stone193 · May 12, 2011 10:42AM

What's that?

He used to sing with Manhattan Transfer?

LodiBrewFan · May 12, 2011 10:56AM

Retieredtelecom, what type of work did you do in the telecom industry? I am also employed in the telecom industry.

HoofHearted · May 12, 2011 12:15PM

It took some poking around, but here is a link to the cards being auctioned.

Nice selection!

robbiegiggs · May 12, 2011 12:58PM

<< No but I do know him. He is a really neat and smart old guy. I could talk to him for hours about his work on the Manhattan Project during WWII. He is a huge collector and the baseball cards are just one of his large collections. His military collection from WWII sold around 6 months ago for over $100K. That is where I met him. In a couple of months he is going to put up his political memorabilia which has to be one of the largest colections in the US. >>

What kind of work did he do on the Manhattan Project?

Piggs · May 12, 2011 1:08PM

Hate to be a downer but where are the Mantles, Aarons and Mays in the main Topps sets? Unless I'm missing something there. I like the older stuff and he has a ton of stuff but looks like mid grade condition on Topps sets. The money will be made on those tobacco cards that's for sure. Good luck to him in the auction. The other Doug

twiley · May 12, 2011 1:32PM

<< 

<< I'm guessing after working on that project in New York City, he eventually moved down to North Carolina. >>

Steve, he said "Manhattan Project", not "Manhattan Projects"!!!

Are there even projects in Manhattan anymore or did Bloomberg tear them all down. >>

last time I was there. The ones on 9th and 18th were still there...

stevek · May 12, 2011 4:15PM

I'm not saying it isn't interesting, but being from a long time collector as the OP states, the 1960's cards have the "look" of a lot that has been thoroughly picked thru, with the "good stuff" likely taken out, and the "auction stuff" of flawed, OC, and lower grade cards left in...nothing better than typical ebay lots.

Retiredtelecom · May 12, 2011 8:10PM

bobbyw8469 · May 12, 2011 8:41PM

<< I'm not saying it isn't interesting, but being from a long time collector as the OP states, the 1960's cards have the "look" of a lot that has been thoroughly picked thru, with the "good stuff" likely taken out, and the "auction stuff" of flawed, OC, and lower grade cards left in...nothing better than typical ebay lots. >>

I was thinking the exact same thing. Knowing how those live auctions work however, he will probably get alot more at the local "live" auction with an audience of 50 than he EVER will on Ebay with an audience in the millions......

stevek · May 12, 2011 9:17PM

<< 

<< I'm not saying it isn't interesting, but being from a long time collector as the OP states, the 1960's cards have the "look" of a lot that has been thoroughly picked thru, with the "good stuff" likely taken out, and the "auction stuff" of flawed, OC, and lower grade cards left in...nothing better than typical ebay lots. >>

I was thinking the exact same thing. Knowing how those live auctions work however, he will probably get alot more at the local "live" auction with an audience of 50 than he EVER will on Ebay with an audience in the millions...... >>

Years ago, the last time I was at a live auction, there was a particular office machine that I needed, saw it in the paper advertised used at an auction, a contractor company had went out of business, and the auction was on the site of the closed business, so I figured it was a legit auction and not the usual typical shill type auction, and decided to go figuring maybe I'd get the machine for a few hundred bucks...it wasn't exactly a popular type of office machine. The list price retailed for $795 and sold on the market for around $600. Well, I sat around for a few hours waiting for the lot, and yes you guessed it, it sold for $900 something, and I felt like walking over and telling the idiot buyer that he could have bought the dam thing brand new for $600. LOL

cpamike · May 12, 2011 10:28PM

<< 

<< I'm not saying it isn't interesting, but being from a long time collector as the OP states, the 1960's cards have the "look" of a lot that has been thoroughly picked thru, with the "good stuff" likely taken out, and the "auction stuff" of flawed, OC, and lower grade cards left in...nothing better than typical ebay lots. >>

I was thinking the exact same thing. Knowing how those live auctions work however, he will probably get alot more at the local "live" auction with an audience of 50 than he EVER will on Ebay with an audience in the millions...... >>

I agree with both of you guys. It looks like these are his extra dup cards he is looking to move and kept the better stuff for now. Maybe he is seeing how these do before he sells his high end stuff.

Retiredtelecom · May 12, 2011 10:53PM

At 89 he and his daughters have decided to sell all his collections: baseball cards, political and military memorabilia; guns; watches; cameras; Coke memorabilia and everything else has collected over the past 70 years (which is a LOT). He built a 4,000sq ft warehouse for all the items 20 years ago which is almost twice the size of his house. Darryl called me a few minutes ago about my guns up for auction this Saturday and told me he was over at his place yesterday afternoon and found more large boxed sets of cards from the early '50s which need to be gone through before they are put up for auction. As such, he said that they may or may not be added to the June 4th auction.

hammered · May 12, 2011 11:26PM

Could be some nice pickups for a collector that is unconcerned with condition

Wonder what the '77 VG Blyleven will bring?

stevek · May 12, 2011 11:32PM

<< 

<< 

<< I'm not saying it isn't interesting, but being from a long time collector as the OP states, the 1960's cards have the "look" of a lot that has been thoroughly picked thru, with the "good stuff" likely taken out, and the "auction stuff" of flawed, OC, and lower grade cards left in...nothing better than typical ebay lots. >>

I was thinking the exact same thing. Knowing how those live auctions work however, he will probably get alot more at the local "live" auction with an audience of 50 than he EVER will on Ebay with an audience in the millions...... >>

I agree with both of you guys. It looks like these are his extra dup cards he is looking to move and kept the better stuff for now. Maybe he is seeing how these do before he sells his high end stuff. >>

The 1960 Topps Baseball set doesn't look too bad, if ya can get it for the "right price" because I think ya have to presume the Mantle and some other key cards will likely have some problems...but as has been illustrated in a few other posts, I doubt very much that it will sell at the "right price" as far as being able to flip it is concerned.

Retiredtelecom · May 12, 2011 11:35PM

I think you are exactly correct especially for those people that need certain commons to complete a set. I will be at the live auction (only 6 miles down the road) bidding on 30 or 40 items some of which I need to complete a couple of complete sets.

bobbyw8469 · May 12, 2011 11:37PM

<< I will be at the live auction (only 6 miles down the road) bidding on 30 or 40 items some of which I need to complete a couple of complete sets. >>

You will be better off to pick them up off Ebay, in better shape, at a fraction of the price!

Retiredtelecom · May 12, 2011 11:41PM

stevek...there are some real gems buried in some of the lots that a lot of people will probably miss. Some of the lots have up to 18 pages of pictures and the lots from the '70s have a bunch of cards that look to be NM/MT. by the way, Darryl said he expects around 50-75 collectors to attend the live auction...I'll be one of them.

bobbyw8469 · May 12, 2011 11:47PM

I live in NC as well and I will NOT be attending the auction! I have seen this movie before, and I already know how it turns out!

itzagoner · May 12, 2011 11:53PM

<< Could be some nice pickups for a collector that is unconcerned with condition

Wonder what the '77 VG Blyleven will bring? >>

you're just upset because there's no '84 Donruss for you to stick in EX 5 holders.

Retiredtelecom · May 12, 2011 11:54PM

cpamike...I think you may be wrong about the auction bringing more than Ebay. Back in February I went to one of Darryl's auctions and bought a Lou Gehrig and a Ted Williams card. The Ted Williams card was already graded by SGC and I had PSA grade the Gehrig card. I was able to flip both in March for a total profit of $375. You will not see Heritage prices at this auction...at least I hope not.

bobbyw8469 · May 13, 2011 12:02AM

I am comparing it to the recent Torry Hill auction in Raleigh. I had a thread on it recently. The one with all the Mantles??? A beat up PSA 1 1959 Topps #10 Mantle brought $300. For that kind of money, I can get a nice PSA 5!

JHS5120 · May 13, 2011 1:56AM

Not to sound like a complete idiot (too late i guess) but how do these proxibid auctions work?

I understand that they are live auctions that will physically take place but what would be the online bidding? a new minimum? do I bid online while the cards lot is being auctioned?

If I bid $100 on a card today will the starting bid at the auction house be $100? If then someone outbids me, will I be able to bid online while the lot is being auctioned?

Could someone explain, I'm lost.

Jason

Retiredtelecom · May 13, 2011 4:22AM

It's a lot like the proxy bid on Ebay. If for instance, you see something that has a starting bid at $.99 for an auction that ends in 7 days but you are willing to pay $25 for the item then when you place your proxy bid on Ebay. It will ask you the max amount you are will to pay. If, in this case, you are the 1st bidder the bid will be entered at $.99 and will continue to increase your bid against other bidders until it reaches your $25 high bid. If the high bid goes for $10 then you would automatically win the auction. In this case, once you are registered and approved, you can bid during the live auction.

Treetop · May 13, 2011 5:02AM

I messed with proxibid 3-4 years back. At first, thought I was on to something, but the cards were always poorly described, crappy pictures etc. maybe if you are there in person, but the online route is very questionable. I believe shin bidding goes on with some of these mom and pop auctioneers. And with proxibid there are NO RETURNS and a 17-20 percent buyers premium. I did strike out with cards, but did well on buying some old toys and watches that I flipped on ebay and made some decent money, but it seems about a year ago everyone was on to proxibid so harder and harder to find a deal and have given up even looking anymore.

Retiredtelecom · May 13, 2011 5:34AM

Treetop:

I know shill bidding does go on and I was even burned on it on an auction online from CA but I have known this auctioneer for 13+ years and he is EXTREMELY honest. He won't even let me preview an auction before the preview is opened up to the public and he is a good friend. Unlike most of the online "mom and pop" auctioneers Darryl is licensed by the State of NC.

Any auctioneer caught using shills in the state is heavily fined and they lose their auctioneers license. Additionally, his buyer’s premium is only 10%. He is charging me a seller's premium of 15% to sell my 2 guns in his auction tomorrow.

He also works with other well known auction houses throughout the country and is sent a great deal of military memorabilia from auction houses throughout the country since he is a well known expert in the subject.

Treetop · May 13, 2011 6:12AM

<< Treetop:

I know shill bidding does go on and I was even burned on it on an auction online from CA but I have known this auctioneer for 13+ years and he is EXTREMELY honest. He won't even let me preview an auction before the preview is opened up to the public and he is a good friend. Unlike most of the online "mom and pop" auctioneers Darryl is licensed by the State of NC.

Any auctioneer caught using shills in the state is heavily fined and they lose their auctioneers license. Additionally, his buyer’s premium is only 10%. He is charging me a seller's premium of 15% to sell my 2 guns in his auction tomorrow.

He also works with other well known auction houses throughout the country and is sent a great deal of military memorabilia from auction houses throughout the country since he is a well known expert in the subject. >>

I haven't checked, but bet his online buyers premium is more than 10%. Might be 10% if buying in person, but doubt that cheap online.

I don't doubt you Darrell is a great guy and honest. Like I said I did find nice and profitable items with proxibid, but it just got harder and harder to find. a few bad deals on prxibid and you appreciate ebay a lot more.

Retiredtelecom · May 13, 2011 6:20AM

Treetop: Yes it is 10% in person. I I thought it was the same online but I found you are right...it is 17%...the extra 7% must be for Proxy Bid...Sorry to mislead you...I have never purchased anything online from him...always in person.

Huge 60, 000 Card Estate Auction June 4th

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