Thursday, January 21, 2016

Hitting Paydirt

Sometimes things just fall into your lap - I had just finished writing up all the goals I set for 2016. I figured the best way to catch the big fish would be to set up eBay search alerts for each of the cards I was going for.

I spotted a new listing for just under the price of a blaster, and I pulled the trigger on it.
1955 Topps Double Header #85 / #86
 The scanner cut off the edge, the actual card is centered nicely. I was a little nervous about the condition because the image was a stock photo, but it was about 5 times cheaper than the other listings, and about the right price for other cards in the set in decent condition. The description said VG-EX, I would agree with that grading, so I'm pretty happy!
 This is the first Double Header I've seen in person. It's mostly sturdy, though the perforation in the center has me a little nervous, I will probably keep it in a holder rather than trying to find a special binder page to store it in. I think it is probably supposed to look a little like a ticket to the ballgame, but it's on thicker stock.

I always assumed that the card folded out or something, but Hal Brown just gets half a picture compared to Elmer.

My main target was a Rodeo Meats Elmer Valo card, but this was the backup plan. I spent way less than I thought I would have to to get it.

10 comments:

  1. Congrats, on getting a big one. It really is in nice condition.

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    1. The card stock is pretty sturdy, I think the thing that happened to a lot of these is people thought they were supposed to separate or fold over the perforated bit.

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  2. Awesome! Don't think I've ever actually seen one of these in-person, though I've heard about them.

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    1. It was a first for me, too - I didn't see any at the National, but I bet there were some lurking in the shadows there.

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  3. I assume they were based on the 1911 Mecca Double Folders (T201). Very cool.

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    1. I bet you're right about that - Topps still likes to get their ideas from the classic designs, though they tend to copy themselves more than others now.

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  4. Whoa! Congrats on the great find my friend. That is just plain awesome.

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  5. That is really cool, I've definitely never seen one in person. Congrats!

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  6. I've got this card in my collection. Because of the Hal Brown half pic. Completed the Bosox set last year. The T. Williams was tough.

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    1. Oh, I am jealous of Teddy Ballgame. That one is a great looking card of an all time great! Must have been satisfying to find that one.

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