1911  Philadelphia A’s Draper & Maynard  Composites 

There has a  been a recent surge in the market place with 1911 Philadelphia A’s Draper & Maynard  AL Champs Composites.  Exercise caution with these, as many are just cheap, laser photo reproductions. The fronts certainly look compelling enough with the trademark “D & M” logo nestled in the center of  A’s composite photos.  However, upon closer inspection, you can readily see that the paper quality is of a more recent vintage; doctored, no doubt, to look like 1911 stock.  When you flip it on the back, the paper exhibits a “brownish, burned look,” once again, made to look like it is more contemporary.                                                                                                                             

Where are these showing up?  I’ve seen them on eBay a few times.  I would guess that many of the sellers themselves are unaware that they are fake.  That being said, we all know that eBay is a “breeding ground” for the morally-challenged, unscrupulous seller, who is only interested in making a quick buck.  

What can I do?  Make them prove that it is real.  Ask lots of questions.  Ask if  the paper stock is a “natural brownish color.”  Underlying glossy white paper is recent paper – not 1911!  Request high resolution photos.  Check the seller's feedback.  Lastly and most importantly, listen to your gut instinct.  If there are “red flags” raised when dealing with a seller of questionable integrity, you are probably correct in your assumption.  Don’t Buy!

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Empty “Topps” Wax Display Boxes Continue To Sizzle 

Sales of  older “Topps” empty wax display boxes are flourishing these days.  A 1954 Topps Box just sold for over $1400  in a recent auction, despite the fact that the top flap has had come completely loose from the main body of the box.  Hardly surprising, given the rarity of this box and the fact that there is an image of Ted Williams on the top flap.  Makes you wonder:  what it would have fetched had the top flap been attached?  As far as Topps goes, the 1952 through 1956 empty boxes remain high on advanced  collector’s wish lists.  Of that particular group, I would say that the 1954 & 1955 are the rarest of the rare.   Yes, even more so than the highly coveted 1952.  Scarcity aside, if you looking for an older, empty display that is sure to turn heads, look no further than the 1956.  It’s a beauty from every angle - with outstanding color graphics (yellow background with red and black lettering) of a generic pitcher in full wind-up, rearing back and getting set to deliver a high, hard one!  I personally own a 5 cent version, which I recently acquired.  One can assume that a 1 cent (penny) version exists, although I’ve never seen it!

1956 and Beyond:  After 1956, the Topps display boxes seem to be very plentiful.  The 1957 version is a very popular one, although it’s been turning up a lot lately.  Ditto for the ’58 & ’59.  The 1960’s versions are generally regarded by advanced collectors as “fairly common”  and don’t seem to sell for as much as they once did.

What can I expect to pay for the ones in the 1950’s?  That’s a good question and the answer depends on several things, including: if it’s graded or not; condition; scarcity and who you buy it from.  Since there isn’t any price guide for these, I’ve outlined some of the prices that I’ve seen lately at different auctions and  shows.  Keep in mind  this is strictly from my own observations.  Prices can and do vary, depending on who you get them from.  Also, I did not distinguish between 5 cent and 1 cent versions or whether or not the box was 1956 Topps Box.  These factors certainly can weigh heavily in the amount of money you may pay.

These prices are generalizations:

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Hobby News, Notes, Dotes and Quotes 

The 30^th Annual National Sports Collectors Convention will held in Cleveland, Ohio at the I-X Center July 29^th through August 2^nd, 2009.   It’s being billed as “the World’s Largest Sports & Entertainment Show.”  There will be 70+ celebrity autograph guests, among them:  Joe Montana, Jim Brown, Troy Aikman, Tom Seaver, Whitey Ford, Gale Sayers, and many others.

Admission Fees:  $15/person in advance and $18/person at the door.  A weeklong VIP Pass is $119/person in advance and $129/person at the door.  Also available - Super VIP Passes which include: (18) VIP autographs, weeklong admission and special parking passes.  Contact the National’s web-site for more info: www.nsccshow.com.

How Do I get there?  If flying, Hopkins International Airport is approximately (1) mile north of the I-X Center.  Renting a car at airport would be best bet.  If driving:  consult the National’s site for driving directions.  I went to the Cleveland National in 2001 and didn’t have any problem.  I actually took a very circuitous route in getting there.  I flew from Philadelphia to Washington, DC to Columbus, Ohio.  Rented a car at Columbus International Airport and drove right there.  If you go – enjoy!!!

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