Kenesaw Mountain Landis - UPDATE - Authentic!

gumbyfan · January 19, 2009 4:53AM

So I finally decided to send the Kenesaw Mountain Landis letter that I received in trade from Bryon in his quest for the Mantle. I have no doubts as to it's authenticity, but I think that to get the most out of it, I should get a third party to agree. Here is the letter for those who missed it:

When it comes back from PSA/DNA with their blessing, I will be selling the letter to help fund a spring training vacation in March. There are currently two different Landis autos for sale on eBay.

Cut Signature and cut of letterhead - $495 o/b/o

and

2008 Prime Cuts 1/1 cut auto - $7,999 o/b/o

Now, both are from similar documents as mine, but I believe my signature to be a better example than both that are currently being offered. Also, I believe that the fact that my piece is the whole document, not just a cut, will add to the value. Adding in Baseball's Centennial logo on the bottom right corner, I have a fairly unique piece.

So....all that said, any suggestions on what price I should list the letter at? Obviously, the Prime Cuts 1/1 auto is way overpriced in my opinion, so I'm not holding any delusions to getting anywhere near that amount for it.

Thanks!
Craig

gumbyfan · January 19, 2009 5:02AM

Sorry for the big pic on the Prime Cuts auto...but now that I see it that big, is it just me or is that one traced?

sayheykid54 · January 19, 2009 5:04AM

The Landis auto is legit. I had a Psa/Dna authenticated sample awhile ago and the signature looks identical to yours. Great piece!

BunchOBull · January 19, 2009 5:06AM

<< Sorry for the big pic on the Prime Cuts auto...but now that I see it that big, is it just me or is that one traced? >>

It's a fountain pen. I write with a fountain pen exclusively...the new inks are made to prevent fading like that...it remains darker where the strokes overlap because of the extra ink.

gumbyfan · January 19, 2009 5:07AM

Thanks Ross...now I see it in the L. I really like your sig pic! Who had that on their card?

BunchOBull · January 19, 2009 5:10AM

I wish I knew! It's an original sketch sold by the ToppsVault, but I don't know what card it was used on.

joestalin · January 19, 2009 5:13AM

The cut sig with authentication will always be worth more than what you have. That is just the way it is.

Kevin

gumbyfan · January 19, 2009 5:18AM

<< The cut sig with authentication will always be worth more than what you have. That is just the way it is.

Kevin >>

I understand that would be the case for card collectors, however $8k is crazy. Many collectors prefer a display piece as opposed to a cut auto that isn't completely visible behind a frame.

lawnmowerman · January 19, 2009 5:21AM

<< 

<< The cut sig with authentication will always be worth more than what you have. That is just the way it is.

Kevin >>

I understand that would be the case for card collectors, however $8k is crazy. Many collectors prefer a display piece as opposed to a cut auto that isn't completely visible behind a frame. >>

I agree. Why make a cut sig card and cover up the sig??

That card is just plain stupid

fandango · January 19, 2009 5:21AM

<< Sorry for the big pic on the Prime Cuts auto...but now that I see it that big, is it just me or is that one traced? >>

i think i actually agree with you for once.....

ross, there is dark lines where there is no overlap so i think your theory may be wrong...

lawnmowerman · January 19, 2009 5:24AM

<< 

<< Sorry for the big pic on the Prime Cuts auto...but now that I see it that big, is it just me or is that one traced? >>

i think i actually agree with you for once.....

ross, there is dark lines where there is no overlap so i think your theory may be wrong... >>

I'm kinda leaning that way too. Maybe the card manufacturer wanted it to bolder and more visable?

Autos in regular fountain pen just don't compare to ones done with a nice sharpie...imo

BunchOBull · January 19, 2009 5:36AM

Ok, the way a fountain pen writes is with a nib...I know you probably know this...but in the process of writing, a groove is made wherever the nib strokes are made. The ink flows at a greater rate than the nib size however. The result is pooling of ink in the nib channel and gradual flow away from the channel in a wicking process as the ink settles into the paper at each side of the channel.

I really looks SOP to me.

lawnmowerman · January 19, 2009 5:45AM

<< Ok, the way a fountain pen writes is with a nib...I know you probably know this...but in the process of writing, a groove is made wherever the nib strokes are made. The ink flows at a greater rate than the nib size however. The result is pooling of ink in the nib channel and gradual flow away from the channel in a wicking process as the ink settles into the paper at each side of the channel.

I really looks SOP to me. >>

That makes sense

Elemenopeo · January 19, 2009 5:46AM

Good luck with the sale! Can't wait to see what it goes for.

gumbyfan · January 19, 2009 8:53AM

Bump for the evening crew. Anyone have a suggested listing price? I don't want to take my chances with a $.99 opening bid on this item...

Elemenopeo · January 19, 2009 9:51AM

If you're going the eBay route, I'd say use the ol' high BIN/Best Offer strategy and see what kind of offers turn up.

thenavarro · January 19, 2009 10:02AM

Craig,

Here's some completed auctions of PSA/DNA Landis TLS's so you can get a guage of what they were selling for a couple years ago, I'll try to come up with some more modern sales as well:

$317.73
$327.25
$287.98
$467.67
$231.66

Good luck!

Mike

Elemenopeo · January 19, 2009 10:46AM

A few others...

$471

$439

$328 (See Lot#15)

gumbyfan · January 19, 2009 11:09AM

Thanks! That is a big help!

Craig

BPorter26 · January 19, 2009 11:39AM

Great Piece. love the history of the game.

BassPro77 · January 19, 2009 2:08PM

thats some pretty nice things you have there.

gumbyfan · January 26, 2009 1:21PM

Quick poppage!!

Cert # Item Primary Signer Result/Grade
H47337 LETTER KENESAW LANDIS Authentic
Date Received: 01-21-2009
Date Verified: 01-26-2009
Date Shipped: Not Available

Not that I had any doubts!

HeritageAddict · January 26, 2009 1:55PM

Congratulations on the quick authentication Craig, hopefully it will help with that spring training trip.

WinPitcher · January 26, 2009 1:55PM

Craig congrats! But then again you knew it was legit. This will help when selling though.

Steve

Elemenopeo · January 26, 2009 2:16PM

Woohoo!

divecchia · January 26, 2009 2:31PM

Congrats on the piece and it's authenticity.

Donato

divecchia · January 26, 2009 2:35PM

<< Many collectors prefer a display piece as opposed to a cut auto that isn't completely visible behind a frame. >>

I agree...Donato

Kenesaw Mountain Landis - *UPDATE* - Authentic!

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Kenesaw Mountain Landis - UPDATE - Authentic!