Bowman football cards....questions?

Tbar · November 18, 2008 1:43AM

Hello there. First time on this forum.

I have a question for you avid card collectors. My father has 2 big albums filled with early 50s bowman football cards from his childhood.

The cards all look to be in great shape although this is not my collecting medium. He has both small and large varieties.

I would like to do something nice for him and set him up with a good way to archive these cards.
Some of the cards are "hinged" in the album like people used to do with stamps.
My questions are;
-is there an ecceptable way to remove them from the hinges?
-what would be a nice way to store and preserve them?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Tbar · November 18, 2008 4:58AM

bump ..

looking for some help.

Thanks.

perkdog · November 18, 2008 5:08AM

The best thing is to get them out of the album- if they are glued on then you have a problem. If you can get them out and not damage the cards I would suggest putting them into some top holders to protect them.

perkdog · November 18, 2008 5:16AM

You should also know as Im sure you do that depending on the condition these Bowmans potentially have some serious value- especially certain short print cards.

Tbar · November 18, 2008 5:52AM

Thanks for the help.

I really have no idea as to value, and I know nothing about grading cards. The cards that are attatched in the album are done so with hinges not glue.

Any suggestions on removing them from the hinges?

From my untrained eye the cards all look to be in excellent condition as they have been stored in the album since 51, 52 and never saw the light of day for 50 years.

also....any recomendations or links to where I might aquire some good holders?

Thanks again.

BigDaddyBowman · November 18, 2008 5:56AM

So you can determine the years that you have:

As you probably are aware..be VERY careful removing the cards from the albums. DO NOT use tweezers,they will ident the card. Best is clean, dry hands. Store in sleeves in top loaders for now...until you know what your final plans are for teh cards.

Ahmanfan · November 18, 2008 6:12AM

these card saver 1's will fit any of the cards and make for good storage for the meantime.

http://cgi.ebay.com/100-Card-Saver-Is-1s-Plastic-Trading-Card-Holders_W0QQitemZ350127512790QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_SM_Sports_Cards?hash=item350127512790&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72:1205|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318

cardsaver1's

John

mcolney1 · November 18, 2008 6:14AM

Can you provide a picture of the album and a close-up of how the cards are stored? I've removed some cards from different storage media and could offer some ideas.

Tbar · November 18, 2008 6:16AM

Hey, thanks big daddy.

I believe they are all 51-54. He does have alot of the large format ones, whatever year that is.

I am a coin collector and have no idea the protocol for handling cards, thats why I came here for help.

Thank you very much, maybe I'll try and post up some pictures.

BTW, what would be the real gem cards to keep an ete out for?

Tbar · November 18, 2008 6:16AM

<< Can you provide a picture of the album and a close-up of how the cards are stored? I've removed some cards from different storage media and could offer some ideas. >>

Yes I will try and do that when I get home.

gosteelers · November 18, 2008 6:23AM

<< Hey, thanks big daddy.

I believe they are all 51-54. He does have alot of the large format ones, whatever year that is.

I am a coin collector and have no idea the protocol for handling cards, thats why I came here for help.

Thank you very much, maybe I'll try and post up some pictures.

BTW, what would be the real gem cards to keep an ete out for? >>

1952 Bowman Large Buck Lansford would be nice...

BigDaddyBowman · November 18, 2008 6:23AM

<< Hey, thanks big daddy.

I believe they are all 51-54. He does have alot of the large format ones, whatever year that is.

I am a coin collector and have no idea the protocol for handling cards, thats why I came here for help.

Thank you very much, maybe I'll try and post up some pictures.

BTW, what would be the real gem cards to keep an ete out for? >>

any of the 1952 Large cards.....especially Lansford (last card) and HOFers and stars of any year.

BigDaddyBowman · November 18, 2008 6:26AM

<< Hey, thanks big daddy.

I believe they are all 51-54. He does have alot of the large format ones, whatever year that is.

? >>

By the way, if you have 52 Large...Perkdog and I may drown from the drool that we salivate!

Tbar · November 18, 2008 6:29AM

<< 

<< Hey, thanks big daddy.

I believe they are all 51-54. He does have alot of the large format ones, whatever year that is.

? >>

By the way, if you have 52 Large...Perkdog and I may drown from the drool that we salivate! >>

Ok cool.

I love stuff like this on the coin forum, so Ill make sure and get some photos tonight.

perkdog · November 18, 2008 6:35AM

<< 

<< Hey, thanks big daddy.

I believe they are all 51-54. He does have alot of the large format ones, whatever year that is.

I am a coin collector and have no idea the protocol for handling cards, thats why I came here for help.

Thank you very much, maybe I'll try and post up some pictures.

BTW, what would be the real gem cards to keep an ete out for? >>

1952 Bowman Large Buck Lansford would be nice... >>

JIM Lansford would be very nice!

These cards you should check to see if you have as they are very condition sensitive and have exceptional value if well centered and in nice condition...They are from the 1952 Bowman Large set ( See the pic of the Tom Landry for comparison )

#27-Bob Miller
#36-John Lee Hancok
#72-John Schweder
#99-Joe Stydahar
#108-Hubert Johnson
#135-Gene Ronzani
#144-Jim Lansford

This list is the cards that have the most value as they are the most difficult to find in good condition but there are a bunch of others that hold alot of value as well. Let us know what you have and we can definately help you out.

Tbar · November 18, 2008 6:39AM

I'll post a full report tonight....hopefully with some pictures.

perkdog · November 18, 2008 10:34AM

Anyone else eagerly awaiting some scans?

SCAN SCAN SCAN SCAN SCAN

BigDaddyBowman · November 18, 2008 10:46AM

<< Anyone else eagerly awaiting some scans?

SCAN SCAN SCAN SCAN SCAN

>>

LOL..I am glad someone else is as pitiful as I am! I think I have checked on this thread 50 times already!

perkdog · November 18, 2008 10:49AM

<< 

<< Anyone else eagerly awaiting some scans?

SCAN SCAN SCAN SCAN SCAN

>>

LOL..I am glad someone else is as pitiful as I am! I think I have checked on this thread 50 times already! >>

Ryan did you for one second think that I was not aware that you want scans as much as me?

I was asking everone ELSE if they were waiting

perkdog · November 18, 2008 11:23AM

C'mon!!!

perkdog · November 18, 2008 11:23AM

This is like watching a clock!

Publius · November 18, 2008 11:27AM

This is like watching a clock!

///////////////////

Oh, you said clock.... you do work in a prison after all

so whats a brother gotta do to get some scans around here?

hey ho yo ladies (referring to BDB and Perk)

joe

perkdog · November 18, 2008 11:30AM

JS how ya been my friend? Any new pick ups? I just landed a gorgeous psa 8 '52 Bednarik!

otwcards · November 18, 2008 12:18PM

<< JS how ya been my friend? Any new pick ups? I just landed a gorgeous psa 8 '52 Bednarik! >>

Hey, hey . . . No bragging. You make the rest of us peons feel even more insignificant...

I'm still looking to upgrade my PSA 2 1987 Topps Alvaro Espinoza baseball RC. I've given up hoping of ever improving my PSA 3 1984 Topps Punting Leaders...

WinPitcher · November 18, 2008 12:24PM

Got a scan?

Steve

Tbar · November 18, 2008 12:26PM

sorry for the delay pics comming...

After looking through the album as you will see, I think it will be a real challenge to rescue these cards.
It was put together by a 10 year old and alot of them are stuck with tape...sigh...

I really hope I can salvage them though as it would mean alot to my dad.

Just waiting on battery to charge ...I'll get some pics up tonight before I go to bed.

BigDaddyBowman · November 18, 2008 12:27PM

<< sorry for the delay pics comming... >>

your such a tease......

Tbar · November 18, 2008 1:12PM

Ok here are some pics......

Tbar · November 18, 2008 1:15PM

Tbar · November 18, 2008 1:17PM

perkdog · November 18, 2008 1:18PM

That is a great find! Man I would absolutely love it if I found something like that from my fathers childhood- congrats on a very nostalgic discovery.

Unfortunately as far as value goes there is not much there as the cards are really beat up and I believe they are taped to the album?

Thank You so much for the scans!

Tbar · November 18, 2008 1:19PM

BigDaddyBowman · November 18, 2008 1:20PM

VERY VERY COOL...like looking back in a time warp...how a kid from the 50's would have loved those cards..thansk for sharing!

can you show that backs of a few cards that you removed?

Tbar · November 18, 2008 1:22PM

Tbar · November 18, 2008 1:24PM

BigDaddyBowman · November 18, 2008 1:25PM

That book has so much "character" to it! simply awsome....what a relic!

Tbar · November 18, 2008 1:26PM

bigfische · November 18, 2008 1:26PM

Very cool item. I would leave as is, the way it was originally put together.

perkdog · November 18, 2008 1:28PM

MAN!! What a great thread!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It totally brings you back into the early 1950's, your father I bet really enjoyed those cards the way they were supposed to be enjoyed.

It is so painful looking at all the old tape on these cards though!!!

Tbar · November 18, 2008 1:28PM

Ok thats it......

haha. I know its in rough shape. Anything at all that would salvage these???? the ones that are taped on the back come off easily...the tape is pretty much broken free of the card...and although stained somewhat the tape is not on the card.

Thanks for the interest guys!

perkdog · November 18, 2008 1:29PM

<< Very cool item. I would leave as is, the way it was originally put together. >>

I couldnt agree more!

obusek99 · November 18, 2008 1:29PM

Regardless of the condition the cards are in.....that is pretty cool!

BigDaddyBowman · November 18, 2008 1:30PM

<< MAN!! What a great thread!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It totally brings you back into the early 1950's, your father I bet really enjoyed those cards the way they were supposed to be enjoyed.

It is so painful looking at all the old tape on these cards though!!! >>

yes...I found myself cringing as I went through the pages. Thinking dollar signs I cringed...but aesethitcally and sentimentally VERY VALUABLE ....not that he would sell, but I bet it would fetch some big bucks in the right auction though...kept in original state that is.

perkdog · November 18, 2008 1:34PM

Could you post a scan of the Gene Ronzani card- ( Green Bay Packers ) That card actually looked decent and if you pulled it off without any damage to the back you might be able to fetch several hundred for it- thats about the most valuable card you got in there.

Again absolutely great thread!!!

Tbar · November 18, 2008 1:35PM

Thanks guys.

My dad also had 2 shoe boxes filled with baseball cards...that we still can't find.

Tbar · November 18, 2008 1:36PM

I will post some more photos tomorrow when my battery charges. I'll get some of the backs o the loose ones.

mcolney1 · November 18, 2008 4:07PM

Keep it as is. Let you and his grand children enjoy it. Yes, cards in great shape have high value and grading potential, but those of us that buy graded cards online have no concept of the sentimentality of the card. You know where each card has been and can talk to your father about how he organized them, where he bought them, who where his favorite players. That's the real value, the value that means something.

WinPitcher · November 18, 2008 9:29PM

I too would leave it as is.

Nice item and thanks for showing it!

Steve

Tbar · November 18, 2008 10:36PM

It looks like leaving the album as is seems to be the general concensus.

It was fun going through it with my pop. He just lit up as he talked about all the different players. He said his dad would give him a penny for chores and he would run down to the corner store and buy a card with it. He and other kids in the neighborhood would trade them back and forth.

He had some other interesting stuff in the album including the newspaper from when the Lions won the championship in 57. If you are from Detroit you can really appreciate how rare that item is...haha.

Bobby Lane was his hero as a kid.

Now if only we coul;d find his baseball cards....

TJMAC · November 19, 2008 1:08AM

I would not do a thing to that album. Like everyone pretty much said, the memories it holds are of more value then if the cards were taken out. Even from a pure financial standpoint, I think those cards would have some value the way they are displayed. It is very unique and I would have to believe intact displays like that have to be fairly hard to come by.

Thanks for sharing!

Ahmanfan · November 19, 2008 3:21AM

boy isn't that neat!
Don't listen to all these fellas and think that the cards are worthless because they arent psa 5s or higher. Even in low grade, taped, or with back damage you have several thousand dollars in breakup value of the album there. Just an FYI.

John

edit to add: I would leave it as is too.

Bowman football cards....questions?

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