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Please be on the lookout - NBA 50 Greatest Litho signed by 35 - lost by promoter

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  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I am not super worried about ruffling any feathers, but like I keep saying, I would honestly much rather have a replacement piece than a financial settlement. Call me stupid. I probably am. The reason I would rather have replacement piece is the amount of time and effort it takes to re-create something like this. I would rather that burden be on someone else. I would also like to know what you guys would be asking in compensation. That means including a replacement piece or not. >>



    While a replacement wouldn't have the same personal attachment, you'll still have the memories. It's a tough call and comes down to your options. Just make sure you're protected with police reports/legal representation and if they try pushing you to make a decision, remember that time is on your side.

    Makes me sick and I'm sorry you're going through this, Mike.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • dennis07dennis07 Posts: 1,842 ✭✭✭
    I don't know if it has been mentioned but contact your homeowners insurance agent or company.
    Collecting 1970 Topps baseball
  • IronmanfanIronmanfan Posts: 5,489 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I don't know if it has been mentioned but contact your homeowners insurance agent or company. >>



    without a special "personal articles" type rider, something like this wouldn't be covered

    IMF
    Successful dealings with Wcsportscards94558, EagleEyeKid, SamsGirl214, Volver, DwayneDrain, Oaksey25, Griffins, Cardfan07, Etc.


  • << <i>

    << <i>I don't know if it has been mentioned but contact your homeowners insurance agent or company. >>



    without a special "personal articles" type rider, something like this wouldn't be covered

    IMF >>



    I guess this a good lesson for us all to get insurance
    I edit almost all my posts because my auto correct is crazy !


  • << <i>

    << <i>Your father-in-law is an attorney and you are just contacting him now? File a report, hire an attorney and put their feet to the fire! >>



    Well, to be fair, they really only admitted it was lost yesterday. But I'm certainly guilty of holding out too much hope out of blindness. >>




    you seem awfully nonchalant about the whole ordeal. I would be calling the Marines
    I edit almost all my posts because my auto correct is crazy !
  • EstilEstil Posts: 7,081 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>I don't know if it has been mentioned but contact your homeowners insurance agent or company. >>



    without a special "personal articles" type rider, something like this wouldn't be covered

    IMF >>



    I guess this a good lesson for us all to get insurance >>



    I think in Vito's case he's hoping the insurance won't be necessary seeing as how you can't exactly put a price tag on something like this. I mean think of all the memories he must have of getting those 36 (so far) John Hanc-cks and meeting all those guys.

    PS: How many more does he need to get the remaining living players?
    WISHLIST
    D's: 54S,53P,50P,49S,45D+S,44S,43D,41S,40D+S,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
    Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
    74T: 37,38,47,151,193,241,435,570,610,654,655 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
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    95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>Your father-in-law is an attorney and you are just contacting him now? File a report, hire an attorney and put their feet to the fire! >>



    Well, to be fair, they really only admitted it was lost yesterday. But I'm certainly guilty of holding out too much hope out of blindness. >>



    you seem awfully nonchalant about the whole ordeal. I would be calling the Marines >>



    I think it's a good thing he's refrained from posting knee-jerk thoughts or even subtle snark. Voicing his inner frustrations, which I have no doubt tuned his face arrest-me red, won't solve anything. If I was in his position with my HOF bat, I would hope to have his same calm demeanor while posting here.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • lahmejoonlahmejoon Posts: 1,752 ✭✭✭
    Just reading this now. Sickening. I hope this turns out well, Mike!
  • VitoCo1972VitoCo1972 Posts: 6,130 ✭✭✭
    Thanks man. I just talked to Brendan at SCP. They've sold like 5 of the original player ones. I sent him the photo and list of signers. He's going to estimate a hammer price for me. Then I'm filing a police report in New Rochelle, NY (needed an estimated value to do it). After that, it's another conversation with my father-in-law.
  • JHS5120JHS5120 Posts: 1,968 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Thanks man. I just talked to Brendan at SCP. They've sold like 5 of the original player ones. I sent him the photo and list of signers. He's going to estimate a hammer price for me. Then I'm filing a police report in New Rochelle, NY (needed an estimated value to do it). After that, it's another conversation with my father-in-law. >>



    I would take Brendan's valuation with a grain of salt; it is in his best interest to low-ball the valuation, especially if this is going on the police report.
    My eBay Store =)

    "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." Dr. Seuss
  • I think 30 to 35 grand would be a fair price
    I edit almost all my posts because my auto correct is crazy !
  • dtsadtsa Posts: 235 ✭✭
    I don't post much on here but I was following your quest. MAN I WOULD BE FN PISSED OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I hope the monetary compensation is worth your while cuz that would be a hard piece recreate. You would think with an expensive signing and an expensive piece like that they would have guarded it better. Thieves are usually stupid so I expect it to come up for sale some where in the 6 months. It will be an easy photo match and I will bet $1 the first place will be ebay.

    Good luck and keep us informed.
  • NickMNickM Posts: 4,895 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Thanks man. I just talked to Brendan at SCP. They've sold like 5 of the original player ones. I sent him the photo and list of signers. He's going to estimate a hammer price for me. Then I'm filing a police report in New Rochelle, NY (needed an estimated value to do it). After that, it's another conversation with my father-in-law. >>



    I would take Brendan's valuation with a grain of salt; it is in his best interest to low-ball the valuation, especially if this is going on the police report. >>



    Brendan works for SCP (Sports Cards Plus auctions), not Steiner. IMO he's disinterested.

    Nick
    image
    Reap the whirlwind.

    Need to buy something for the wife or girlfriend? Check out Vintage Designer Clothing.
  • VitoCo1972VitoCo1972 Posts: 6,130 ✭✭✭
    Brendan didn't get back to me. Anyone else have a good auction house contact that's reliable and fast? I can't file report until I have a reasonable guess on the market value.
  • vols1vols1 Posts: 792 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Brendan didn't get back to me. Anyone else have a good auction house contact that's reliable and fast? I can't file report until I have a reasonable guess on the market value. >>



    I just put my best guess down when I filed a police report about missing merchandise.
  • halosfanhalosfan Posts: 2,642 ✭✭✭✭
    This is the worst news I've seen in a long time.

    I hope this turns up soon and gets back to it's rightful owner
    Looking for a Glen Rice Inkredible and Alex Rodriguez cards


  • << <i>This is the worst news I've seen in a long time.

    I hope this turns up soon and gets back to it's rightful owner >>



    I agree just horrible. Sorry man.

    Edit. Dave, 70stoppsfanatic and I know Steve very well at Collect Auctions. He's a bit smaller but trustworthy.
    Miconelegacy Auctions
    "Live everyday, don't throw it away"
  • VitoCo1972VitoCo1972 Posts: 6,130 ✭✭✭
    SCP just got back to me. He said $7500 or so. Would love a second opinion. I think I'm going to file the police report with a 10K estimated value because of what an earlier poster said (and was very correct about). It's in their interest to lowball me. I also think there's some chance that Steiner put out an APB on it to the major auction houses and it's coloring their estimate. Agree/Disagree? Should I file it at 15K to be safe?
  • You can't Bill Sharman anymore. Irreplaceable. $10K .
  • Only 10k?

    That's a 20-30k piece easy
    Miconelegacy Auctions
    "Live everyday, don't throw it away"
  • bobbyw8469bobbyw8469 Posts: 7,139 ✭✭✭
    This makes me not ever want to deal with Steiner!
  • VitoCo1972VitoCo1972 Posts: 6,130 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Only 10k?

    That's a 20-30k piece easy >>



    If you told me 15-20K, I'd believe you. 30K is too high I think. Remember, the original 50 had 49 signatures on them and were given to the players on the list. The player copies go for a big premium I think because of the provenance and go for 50-60K. Mine is missing some tough living guys (Jordan/K Malone/Greer) and Wilt is the big premium guy on the completed ones (died in 1999). That said, it does have Bird/Magic/Russell/Big O/Shaq/Kareem, so that's certainly 6 of the best 9 players ever. The Sharman thing helps it's value for sure. It also has Cousy (84), Schayes (84) and Pettit (80) who just don't sign much anymore. So I think SCP is lowballing but I think you're overestimating a bit...if I'm being honest with myself.
  • You know what to do. Just don't file too short. I hope it turns up and Steiner makes things right. It really is a priceless and personal piece. Best of luck...
    Miconelegacy Auctions
    "Live everyday, don't throw it away"
  • JMDVMJMDVM Posts: 950 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>Your father-in-law is an attorney and you are just contacting him now? File a report, hire an attorney and put their feet to the fire! >>



    Well, to be fair, they really only admitted it was lost yesterday. But I'm certainly guilty of holding out too much hope out of blindness. >>



    you seem awfully nonchalant about the whole ordeal. I would be calling the Marines >>



    I think it's a good thing he's refrained from posting knee-jerk thoughts or even subtle snark. Voicing his inner frustrations, which I have no doubt tuned his face arrest-me red, won't solve anything. If I was in his position with my HOF bat, I would hope to have his same calm demeanor while posting here. >>



    I agree that a calm demeanor is commendable, but that does't mean you can't have a sense of urgency while staying calm. In regards to the value, you should definitely estimate high, even $30k. Put the ball in Steiner's court and make him prove it wasn't worth $30K. You can always negotiate down, you can't move up. You have to be tough and relentless. Steiner did not get to the top of the food chain by being a nice guy, pushover. I wish you the best.


  • << <i>

    << <i>Only 10k?

    That's a 20-30k piece easy >>



    If you told me 15-20K, I'd believe you. 30K is too high I think. Remember, the original 50 had 49 signatures on them and were given to the players on the list. The player copies go for a big premium I think because of the provenance and go for 50-60K. Mine is missing some tough living guys (Jordan/K Malone/Greer) and Wilt is the big premium guy on the completed ones (died in 1999). That said, it does have Bird/Magic/Russell/Big O/Shaq/Kareem, so that's certainly 6 of the best 9 players ever. The Sharman thing helps it's value for sure. It also has Cousy (84), Schayes (84) and Pettit (80) who just don't sign much anymore. So I think SCP is lowballing but I think you're overestimating a bit...if I'm being honest with myself. >>




    you are crazy with all the signatures its been selling between 45 and 75 k


    You have to price it at replacement cost. Could you buy another one for 10k ? with the dead players no way ,not even close.


    by the way did you even get a police report going , before even negotiating you need to file a police report and send the cops over there.



    I would go 30k , you are ripping yourself off.

    good luck but 10k wont get you far.

    I would call the lawyer from the other case and ask him how much it settled for or what the outcome was. Tell him what is going on with you .

    If Steiner had to pay out big to this guy before they might settle knowing you have the same lawyer in your corner.


    the 7k is an insult. disgraceful offer. Tell them you don't want the 7k you want them to buy you one for that price with the signatures and see what they can dig up hahaha. they couldn't touch one for that price.

    I edit almost all my posts because my auto correct is crazy !
  • VitoCo1972VitoCo1972 Posts: 6,130 ✭✭✭
    Steiner didn't offer 7k. That was SCP's estimate, which I got for informational purposes.

    And by the way guys please do keep posting. All this advice is seriously appreciated. Not joking. Thank you all so much.
  • AllenAllen Posts: 7,165 ✭✭✭
    Have you considered Rick Probstein since he is a member here and his staff answers emails very quickly. Selling over 7 Million a year would certainly make him a credible source and he is located in that part of the country should it get to the point you need an expert witness.

    I think $7,000 is probably a fair conservative estimate, $12,500 is not excessive. It is hard to get a judge to put a price on your emotional attachment and hard to prove this has caused you emotional damage.
  • I hope you get your litho back or at least fair compensation . If they could get you a litho with Jordan on it that would be something .
  • Wow. This is horrible, just horrible.
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    I agree it's always better to overestimate on insurance than lowball. When you're in the position to collect proceeds, you can always negotiate down but never up.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • JHS5120JHS5120 Posts: 1,968 ✭✭✭
    It's been a couple days, let's bring this back to the front page.

    Have there been any updates?
    My eBay Store =)

    "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." Dr. Seuss
  • EstilEstil Posts: 7,081 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I hope you get your litho back or at least fair compensation . If they could get you a litho with Jordan on it that would be something . >>



    Compared to this 50 Greatest Litho so far, a Jordan Litho would be a dime a dozen by comparison. image Now what WOULD be something would be a litho signed by all of the original 1992 Dream Team! image If there ever was such a thing that is...
    WISHLIST
    D's: 54S,53P,50P,49S,45D+S,44S,43D,41S,40D+S,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
    Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
    74T: 37,38,47,151,193,241,435,570,610,654,655 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
    73T:31,55,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,80,152,165,189,213,235,237,257,341,344,377,379,390,422,433,453,480,497,545,554,563,580,606,613,630
    95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
  • yeah any updates ?

    I edit almost all my posts because my auto correct is crazy !
  • dtsadtsa Posts: 235 ✭✭
    just checking to see if steiner has made this right?
  • VitoCo1972VitoCo1972 Posts: 6,130 ✭✭✭
    No resolution yet. Communication has stopped. I filed a police report yesterday. Interestingly, I had to do it in Burbank (where I live). New Rochelle police wouldn't take a police report over the phone. That was pretty annoying. Also, Burbank wouldn't classify it as Theft. They had to log it as Lost Property. Very annoying. That said, my leverage is certainly massive public exposure. Between the 3-4 boards that I post on and connections with every reputable dealer in the country and SCD etc, I think we'll come to some resolution eventually.

    That said, I'm still super bummed out about it. My father in law is advising me to seek a cash settlement ASAP. That's the next step.
  • bobbyw8469bobbyw8469 Posts: 7,139 ✭✭✭
    That is so bullstuff!! What happened to the case where they stole that guys Yankees jacket?

    What is to prevent them from stealing someone else's collectible?
  • vols1vols1 Posts: 792 ✭✭✭
    I'd start with the NY attorney general's office. They have a forms online you fill out.
  • GDM67GDM67 Posts: 2,526 ✭✭✭✭
    Do you think they're taking this a little lightly because they just don't grasp how much it's worth? That possibility occurred to me a few days ago when you first posted.
  • IronmanfanIronmanfan Posts: 5,489 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Do you think they're taking this a little lightly because they just don't grasp how much it's worth? That possibility occurred to me a few days ago when you first posted. >>



    Oh, I think they are very well aware of the value of this item

    IMF
    Successful dealings with Wcsportscards94558, EagleEyeKid, SamsGirl214, Volver, DwayneDrain, Oaksey25, Griffins, Cardfan07, Etc.
  • jeffcbayjeffcbay Posts: 8,950 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Do you think they're taking this a little lightly because they just don't grasp how much it's worth? That possibility occurred to me a few days ago when you first posted. >>



    When it comes to knowing the value of an autograph, and a piece like this one, Steiner Sports would be the top five in the world about knowing the value of this item.
  • GDM67GDM67 Posts: 2,526 ✭✭✭✭
    No, I meant the various law enforcement organizations.


  • << <i>No resolution yet. Communication has stopped. I filed a police report yesterday. Interestingly, I had to do it in Burbank (where I live). New Rochelle police wouldn't take a police report over the phone. That was pretty annoying. Also, Burbank wouldn't classify it as Theft. They had to log it as Lost Property. Very annoying. That said, my leverage is certainly massive public exposure. Between the 3-4 boards that I post on and connections with every reputable dealer in the country and SCD etc, I think we'll come to some resolution eventually.

    That said, I'm still super bummed out about it. My father in law is advising me to seek a cash settlement ASAP. That's the next step. >>



    I would call the lawyer from the previous case , he would probably talk to you as a consultation free on the phone. He probably could file a police report for you in New Rochelle for a fee of course.


    I have no faith than for your only recourse is to sue them. I do not think they will do anything voluntary. The jacket story stated that Steiner had to be sued to be compensated and that they never filed a police report until they were forced too 5 months later.

    I doubt anyone working at the store stole it, I think high end collectibles are being stolen from there. We just do not hear the rest.

    Did you ask to speak to a detective. I would.

    I believe it would be considered theft. An item taken from you would constitute theft. While it might not be considered larceny until it is investigated.

    It needs to be investigated. You need a lawyer and you need to file a police report and talk to a detective.

    I don't get it.....


    I edit almost all my posts because my auto correct is crazy !
  • giantsfan20giantsfan20 Posts: 1,566 ✭✭✭✭
    Might give one one of the NY newspapers the Times,Daily News,Post or others? an email or phone call and see if interested in doing a story no company likes bad publicty and might force thier hand on the issue.image or tv. as well or mention that you will if you dont get resolution.
  • daddymcdaddymc Posts: 3,080 ✭✭✭
    Wow Mike, I just read through this thread and feel sick. I know how much this piece meant to you. It's safe to say that I won't be sending any multi-signed pieces to Steiner again. I hope everything works out for you.
    Currently working on: Kurt Warner PSA 9 or 10

  • baseballfanbaseballfan Posts: 5,463 ✭✭✭
    this is very sad news for the hobby, i just read thread and feel sick for you.

    good luck with it
    Fred

    collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.

    looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started

  • hyperchipper09hyperchipper09 Posts: 1,455 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>No, I meant the various law enforcement organizations. >>



    ^^^ This. Steiner Sports knows the worth. But Law enforcement, even with proper explanation, good luck. Crap shoot. Either that or they are treating it like a joke or kids game even though the item is anything but kids play.
  • vladguerrerovladguerrero Posts: 4,077 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>No, I meant the various law enforcement organizations. >>



    ^^^ This. Steiner Sports knows the worth. But Law enforcement, even with proper explanation, good luck. Crap shoot. Either that or they are treating it like a joke or kids game even though the item is anything but kids play. >>



    I agree but everyone is talking law enforcement when I do not see an actual crime committed here. That said you have a very strong civil case.
  • fergie23fergie23 Posts: 2,147 ✭✭✭✭
    Why would it be classified as theft at this point? The item is missing and presumed lost not stolen. What evidence is there that a theft occurred? Perhaps an actual lawyer could chime in as opposed to all of us that simply guess (myself included).

    It is definitely unfortunate that the litho was lost/misplaced/taken. I am not sure you can reasonable compare it to the limited edition signed lithos that other folks linked to that sell for $35k - $70k. If it were a card you would not assign the same value to an after-market signed item as a "factory" autographed card. The $7500 - $10,000 valuation seems perfectly reasonable though you are free to inflate it. If it eventually gets down to damages my understanding is that you would be awarded the fair market value or replacement cost rather than what you claimed was the valuation. Unfortunately the fair market value or replacement cost do not take emotional investment into consideration (and honestly nor should they). You already had one expert provide an estimated fair market value on the litho and published that amount as well as your personal assessment of cost incurred. How much did you insure it for when you shipped it to Steiner? I know if it is determined that the item is irrevocably lost I would look at the value you assigned to the piece when shipping it. Hopefully that value is close to what you think the piece is truly worth.

    That said the police report is definitely the right step. These types of situation typically take time to resolve. It is unclear why you would begin threatening Steiner at this point with negative publicity, etc. You have plenty of time to do that once you determine they will not fairly compensate you for your lost item. The piece has been missing for less than a month right? You do not forfeit your rights when you allow a reasonable amount of time to be taken to find a lost item.

    At this point if I were in your shoes I would continue to stay in contact with Steiner and be polite and reasonable. If after several weeks you do not feel things are progressing I would have an attorney draft a letter and send it to Steiner. I would continue to follow up on the police report as well. Hopefully in the end Steiner finds the missing item as it has quite a bit of sentimental value. The fact of the matter is that things do get misplaced.

    I would also discontinue using this forum unless you have a specific question that you need answered that your lawyer can not.

    Best of luck,

    Robb
  • swartz1swartz1 Posts: 4,911 ✭✭✭
    it will pop-up somewhere...

    good to get more eyes looking for it...

    I hope things work out for you whichever way it plays out...


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