The last item purchased at NSCC2017...

As I was making my first initial round at the National, I can across this booth selling autograph photos.  There were photos from all sports, and lots of HOF'ers.  They ranged in size from the typical 5 by 7 to 8 by 11, as well as a few odd sized ones.  They ranged from $5 to over $50.

You are thinking what I was thinking, not authenticated signatures or photos. Reproductions!!!
He had all kinds of folks, sorting through and buying items they liked.

I'm not much into buying autographed things, even with authenticated paper work.  I would rather get it myself, in person.

BUT-----    This caught my eye.....

Click on photo to get a better look!

Origin of picture.....
This art work, of the 11 than-living members of the 500 HR Club, was created by artist Ron Lewis back in 1988.   It was than made into a limited edition lithograph, to be signed by all 11 players at the Atlantic City show in 1988, where these greats gathered.  To this day, it is still one of the most sought after and reproduced pieces of sports art.

This is a smaller photo print version.  The picture measure roughly 5 1/2 in by 10 1/2 in, and framed in a 11 by 14 in frame.

Sellers Story ----- He worked for a company in the late 80's that reproduced many sports art and photos, than had them autographed by the players.  Back than, they would sell them via QVC and in catalogs, such as JC Penny.  I do remember such items for sell at those places.  He said he has had these in storage since than, and over the past few years began selling them as ART work.  He did not say they were or were not authentic.

Not to drag this out on authentic or not ....

As I was heading for the door to depart this great event, I walked by the booth one last time, for one last look.  Since seeing it originally back in the late 80's, I've always thought it would be nice to have one.  So I broke down and bought it.  He had sold a few, at the $50 sale price.  But I did get him to come down to $40.

It was hard to lay out the 2 twenties for it.  Deep down my gut was telling me, -- not real --.
But, my eyes were saying yes, because it looks great.  The than 11 living 500 HR Club with autographs that look great.  My eyes won out!

I purchased a great piece of art, real autos or not.  Who knows, maybe, just maybe they might be....
naw --- maybe ????

It looks great anyways.

Keep On Collecting !!
Jeff

The National...NSCC2017..

The 38th annual National Sports Collectors Convention is now over, and after 38 years, I finally attend the event.

I only attended one day, which for a first timer was good.  My main goal was to have the experience of attending.  Just look around and see all the great cards and autograph guests that were there.
And of coarse, people watching.

WOW!!! I can not recall seeing so many sports cards / memoribla all in one place.  I have been to a lot of local card shows, and a few larger ones over my 45+ years of collecting, but nothing like the NSCC.

The first case I peered into, I saw this ---

NICE!!! Maybe one day,  after I win the lottery.

I strolled around for a few hours, soaking up as much as I could.  Looking at the smallest of dealers to the name brand corporate company booths.

Man, there are a lot of cards out there.  There is literally something for everyone, from the 10 cent boxes (lots of them) to the $$$$$$$$$, and everything in between.

Finally I made my first purchase ---

1958 Topps Yogi Berra

Its a little dirty, corners and edges are pretty decent, and color is great.  Can't believe this is my first Vintage Berra!

Than, at one of the many dollar boxes ----

I picked these up.
   Bowman Rookie card of Sano / 2017 Heritage Harper
  2014 Heritage purple refractor Giancarlo Stanton / 1975 Topps buyback Topps 75th stamped on it Rich Auerbach / 2011 Marquee Sandy Koufax


Added 2 to my '52 collection ---

Now I'm up to 12% complete!!!  (49 out of 407)  whoo hoo!!!

Than at Dave and Adams I purchased this ---

2015 Panini Elite 

These are the hits ---

Collegiate Elite Jacoby Ellsbury / Gold Stars Nelson Cruz / 21st Century 183/199 Matt Carpenter / All Star Salutes Paul Goldschmidt / Members Only game used material Brian McCann


The last purchase I made I will talk about in another entry.  Stay Tuned!!


Overall, I will grade my day a solid A.

Will I go again? ABSOLUTELY !!!!  Maybe the next time its back in Chicago, or if I'm really lucky, they might have it in Minneapolis, after 2020.
I would definitely due more than 1 day next time.   That way you can get a break from cards and do something different later in the afternoon, than go back the next day, for more cards and autographs.

If you ever get a chance to attend, do it.  Especially if you have kids that are in the hobby with you.  (Both of mine have stopped, for now. Wish I would have taken them when they were younger and collecting.)

One last item ---  REMEMBER -- Saturday August 12th is Topps National Trading Card Day, so get to your local card shop for free packs, if they participate in this event.
        click here to read more about it.


Keep On Collecting !!

Jeff