Here is a sampling of what readers are saying. Please don’t hesitate to send us your thoughts.

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Lots of children make presents for their mothers on Mother’s Day. Lots of the gifts have a flower theme. Christopher Kent’s recounting of what his mom did with flowers in “A Mother’s Day to Remember—1965” elicited more than one comment.

Thank you for sharing that heartfelt story about your mother. It reminded me of those halcyon days of the 1960s and the structured lifestyle we all lived. Sadly, the humor of those days is passé, and we are hard pressed to find a good laugh anymore. Thanks again for a laugh and a tear.

Robert

You painted a picture so vividly, I could imagine being there. Brought great memories of my mom and dad. Thanks so much.

Alison

This brought tears to my eyes. Thanks, Christopher! I think I would have liked your folks!

Lisa

What a wonderful story, Christopher, a great memory of your parents on Mother’s Day. Thank you so much for sharing it!

Barbara

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As you’ll learn by reading “Chris Hughes—Seeking a Collectible’s History,” Chris is real treasure seeker. And the treasures he most likes to find are military items and the stories that go with them. But he has lucked out this time. It was Jack who came seeking him.

We have one of those WWII uniforms in our garage. It is a Canadian uniform worn by an American who enlisted to fight Germany. George Knowles Sr. thought the American politics of the time were alarmingly wrong not to get into the fight. So he enlisted in Canada’s armed forces. He never received any pension or post-service benefits from either country since he was serving outside his domain of origin.

We would gladly send you this uniform for the cost of shipping just to have our garage space available. George Senior went on to achieve 17 patents for Coors. One of which is the aluminum pop-top beer can. Quite a man!

Jack

To which Chris replied:

Jack,
That is greatly appreciated . . . This uniform sounds like it would be great fun to research and author an article on!

Chris

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Steve found the profile of Worthologist Christopher Kent, “Christopher Kent: A Man for All Seasons,” a “gem.” We’re glad because Christopher himself is a treasure.

This brief summary of Christopher Kent’s career is a gem. The ability to identify a pivot point like this lunch box sale in the market and explain how such a sale was a catalyst for market transition to a new parameter is true wisdom. There are book-learned people being turned out of colleges like factory farming right now, but here is an example of a man with a career who has genuine talent enhanced with common sense and a dose of “book-learning,” which didn’t ruin him. Thanks for this wonderful story.

Steve

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The insights and observations in Harry Rinker’s story, “With Gold Sale Parties, It’s Caveat Venditor, Not Emptor,” hit home with readers. And the reaction in the following comments serves to reinforce the importance of the WorthPoint mission. As Will Seippel, founder and CEO of WorthPoint, said after reading the responses, “That is why we are here—to help people learn the value of their items and how to sell or buy them!”

I loved your article. In 1996 I, too, was taken to the cleaners out of desperation. My chiropractor husband got Alzheimer’s, and we were losing our home. I went to an antique shop and sold off most of my sterling Tiffany, brilliant period crystal and diamond jewelry. I think I got around $1,200. The jewelry alone was worth double. The crystal also double.

But I knew resale was always less . . . or so I thought. I told the antique dealer I had more stuff, so he came to my home to look. Well, I had a dirty Waterford vintage crystal stemware on the kitchen counter. He saw it and asked if I had any more. I opened my cupboard, and he saw my 32-piece set in four sizes. He said he would put those on his buy list. We then go to the living room, and he spots an antique, very small Persian rug on the floor and a 1918 watercolor above the piano. He examined all the items and made them out to be “So So.”

He pulled out $200 for the rug, painting and crystal. I, like a desperate fool, accepted it thinking after he paid me $1,200 the day before that he knew his prices. He said he would be back. After he left with all my treasures, I got a weird sinking feeling in the pit of my gut. The next day when he returned I told him NO THANKS, I was finished selling. He hesitantly went on his way, and that was that. I to this day could KICK myself for being taken. Now again we are in desperate times, but I have learned and will be Caveat Venditor. Thank you for your article.

Linda Rowan

The irony of the situation is that I was having a discussion on the vulnerabilities of those who find themselves at a disadvantage because they have to sell precious heirlooms to satisfy their financial obligations.

I’m extremely grateful that you wrote this, and it further reinforces the fact those who have chosen this profession are not all thieves and predators. I have sent this to friend and foe alike. It should be printed as a public-service announcement in all publications.
Once again, thanks.

James Adams

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Not surprisingly, Lt. Lawson Reichard’s World War II diary has generated much interest. It is one man’s experience in the “Good War” in his own words as he made his daily entry. A reader sent a comment about a project to preserve the real story of the conflict as seen by someone not in the upper echelon of command or leading daring raids. Rather a relative working with the Red Cross in North Africa.

I am working on my aunt’s letters from Africa and Europe during WWII when she worked for the American Red Cross. I am also searching for other events that were happening at the time of each letter. When Lt. Reichard’s was still in the U.S., my aunt was in Casablanca with the Red Cross. I am hoping to form all of her letters and corresponding events into a book for her nieces and nephews.

Tobey

Hi Tobey, That is wonderful that you will work to preserve that part of your family’s history. We really are the last generation to have firsthand accounts to learn from. I hope you continue to follow Lt. Reichard. He does eventually get overseas. It might be fun for you to track them together. Please write back as you get into your aunt’s letters, and keep us informed about how your project is going.

Alison Harder

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After reading “How to Repair Vintage Fur Yourself,” Annie had a question for Sharon Maxwell-Yamamota, WorthPoint’s vintage-clothing and accessories Worthologist. The answer may not have been what Annie was hoping for, but some novel Christmas decorations could be in the offing.

I have a beautiful jacket that I have barely worn that I can peel the fur with my fingers. Is there any help for restoring the fur? It’s an old jacket. Thanks.

Annie

Hi Annie,
I’m sorry to tell you that if you can peel it so easily with your fingers, it’s too far gone to do anything with. That is best used for crafts, like making Santas and such, using glue, since the skin would never hold a needle and thread at this point. Sorry!

Sharon

——— WP ———

And many thanks to prh for catching an error in a headline, no less. He noticed that the date for the Weekly News Roundup was 2006. We always welcome corrections.

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Kathy sent this question after reading “WorthPoint Offers a 14-Day Free Trial,”and Marci responded, a great example of the WorthPoint community’s give-and-take.

I would be interested in finding out how to buy and sell antiques. How do I become involved?

Kathy

Kathy, you “could” accumulate antiques and hang your shingle, but there are far better ways.

Be certain that you have knowledge first. How do you receive it? Well, by taking antiques classes, reading everything you can get your hands on, visiting antique stores and shows, attending auctions, checking auction results, etc. Speaking with seasoned dealers and asking questions. Then you must get a tax number to file sales tax.

Selling antiques is a lot of hard work, but if you have the passion, you won’t mind the work. Good luck with your endeavor.

Marci of The Way It Was Antiques

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It’s always nice to get positive feedback. In this case, it’s on Harry Rinker’s positive story, “Good News for Dealers—Finally.”

Great article. I am having success in my antique/gift shop even in the downturned economy. I am the “face” of my shop and work to serve the customer. I also take items on consignment from local folks and enjoy helping them out, too. It gives me a great variety in my shop. (Tickled that you used my picture of the pink Depression glass perfume bottle that I have listed on goantiques.com!) Thanks for the positive article

Carolyn of Memories Past and Present

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The Internet has brought the world closer and as evidenced by this comment to “Wooden Carousels: Historic Collectibles’ Worth Preserving,” spans the generations.

I am the granddaughter of E. Joy Morris. Thank you for recording his importance in carousel history. He often gets lost because of being over shadowed by PTC. I agree that the Kit Carson County Carousel is the finest American carousel in existence. One of my goals is to be able to visit one day. I have yet to see it in person.

– Morris Cook

I do hope you have a chance to ride this carousel. The craftsmanship is remarkable, and it really is a ride back into the past.

Here’s the next best thing to being there—a link to the video about the Kit Carson Carousel. Click here to view it.

— Mary Brenneman

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I am so glad you put all these wonderful comments in one place! I love hearing what other members have to say, and sometimes their thoughts point me to an article that I might not have otherwise read. Hope you make it a regular feature.

— Alison

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Barbie’s turning 50 and a number of you commented on Sandy Stuart’s story on Barbie’s birthday.

I am a collector too, and I hope Barbie stays around for a long time for other generations to enjoy. I still have my Barbie from 1969. My granddaughter also loves to play with Barbie. I have started a collection for her.

— Debra

Personally I think that Barbie should be retired. The vintage dolls would escalate in value on their own merits. Barbie is doing a burnout and it shows.
Thank you and good-bye Barbie.
I am a collector with lots of Barbies, but only #3`s.

— Mary

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Worthologist Christopher Kent’s story of a pint-sized antiques expert also garnered a number of comments including some from his fellow Worthologists.

Oh the adrenalin of the chase, and my you found a corker.
What happened to the cobra in the end, and is that gifted child still in the business?
You have a way with words, and have perhaps missed your calling. More please!

— Maria

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Hello Chris, Great article! I look forward to your articles, knowledge mixed with a bit of wry humor. I will do my best to emulate you! May I ask…who is this mysterious and precocious 7-year-old?

— David Mycko, Worthologist

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Christopher added this postscript to his story.

It is with great sadness that I report that after 71 years in operation Merritt’s Antiques will be closing their doors as of May 2. With a possible on site auction of the remaining contents. The reason, reports general manager Randy Westley, ”It’s not just the economy but it’s difficult to find good antiques.” The company will concentrate on its internationally known clock shop as well as the doll segment of the business. It is indeed the end of an era and the passing will be mourned by many.

— Christopher Kent, Worthologist

——— WP ———

Another Christopher Kent article, “How To Clean Silver–Buyer Beware,” brought this question from a Ina.
I purchased some 1847 Roger’s Brothers flatware to replace some missing pieces. Unfortunately the seller had “dipped” the pieces and the detail has lost much of its color.
Can that be replaced?

— Ina

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About Sandra Lee Stuart’s story, “What’s Hidden in Your Attic?“, a reader wrote about some of the oil paintings she had inherited.

I inherited many framed oil paintings of southern settings by Georgia artist, Pamela Renfro. They are typical of her work in that they are well executed, nostalgic depictions of country homes, stores and landscapes with great detail including animals, quilts, antiques, etc. I believe they were done in the late seventies and early eighties, before her work was commissioned by Coca Cola and other corporations.

I have been unable to find her work for sale anywhere on the Internet and wonder how to price the paintings for sale.
Do you have any suggestions?

— Katherine

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Writers also wrote in with comments about two of Worthologist Fred Taylor’s articles including this one from Pete about using a cupboard for a stereo cabinet.

Mr. Taylor, I had not thought about using my family’s older furniture for anything other than what it had been intended for. You gave me a great idea on how to use an old cupboard for my stereo equipment. Thanks for the insight.

— Pete

And in response to Fred’s article on locks, Ken wrote about an old china cabinet that he can no longer unlock.
Thank you for this wonderful article! My wife and I have an old china cabinet with a full mortise lock. It has worked fine for a few years, but now the key will not open the lock. The key is notched. As the key is turned, it seems to get stuck before it engages the bolt. Based on you terrific diagrams, I would guess that the security ring may have been bent slightly and that this denies the key the ability to turn fully. Is this a reasonable guess in your opinion? Do you have any suggestions as to how we may overcome this problem? Thanks again for the article.

— Ken

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Our latest fly-fishing video by Worthologist Steve Ellis received this comment about selling chewed up in poor condition fishing lures. Fred’s response is interesting too.

Garage sale time just around the block!
I’ve sold the chewed up missing eye, rusty hook lures to artists. Buy em cheap and sell em cheap… the lady’s love them. Your going to pay for better lures there are so few around. He’s right about the word “MINT” with lures… I think of it as “Un-fished” with the BOX and Label. Garage sale time just around the block!

— PickerBrad

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And finally on one of Comic Book Worthologist Matt Baum’s articles, we found this sad question from one of our readers. Do any of you have advice for Travis?

I just lost 100s of old comics in a fire. I didn’t have issues listed and saved for protection. How do I place a value on them for insurance purposes?

— Travis

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What’s On Your Mind – March 5, 2009

On Linda Stockwell’s story on Mary Alice Hadley pottery, one writer is looking for seconds—those less-than-perfect and therefore less-expensive items.

I am seeking “seconds”… there used to be a source in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin where I could purchase Hadley pottery ware at a discount price. If these sources are still available, please direct me to the nearest one. I live on a farm; I do not collect this dinnerware as an investment; I use it for everyday enjoyment. I have no concern for rejects due to color, mismatch or small chips. Thank you,

—Mari

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Worthologist Chris Hughes wrote back to a reader who commented on his story on the good old days of antique collecting, which to Chris are the late 90’s!

Carol,
Thank you for reading. I agree that a deal can be had when bartering in a shop with a dealer, but I’ve also found that online dealers create opportunities for a bargain. Two weeks ago, I bought an item online that was unknowingly priced at least 2/3 below market value. There are deals to be had everywhere, especially in this economy! I also like to recall the items that got away because it keeps me charged up, hoping to get a second chance if a comparable item pops up.

–Chris

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James Taylor’s article, “Your First Coin Show? Eight Tips for Success,” garnered a number of comments, including this one from an appreciative reader. James is the president of ANACS, the oldest coin grading service in the United States.

That helps me a lot. I have many vintage silver coins, which were in my great-aunt’s estate, we didn’t want to sell them but with these economic times my grandpa really needs the money. Appreciate the info.

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“Simply put, people aren’t going to buy collectibles from athletes with tainted numbers,” says writer Eric Brantner in his article on Alex Rodriguez collectibles. One reader wrote:

Let’s just see what A-Rod does this year. He is one of the best players to ever play the game, with or without steroids. You can blame the players, but I would blame the amount of money these players are getting for all the steroid use. If there were a cap on what players could make, like $1,000,000, players would stay with the team that drafted them and would not take all these steroids. A-Rod has had some great years with the Yankees while not taking steroids, so just how big of a part did steroids really play in his numbers?

—Tim Meyer

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Worthologist Liz Holderman wrote back to two readers who commented on her series of articles on collectible book terminology.

Ron: You are right, book terms are often used loosely and interchangeably, which is why they are sometimes so confusing. Technically, “hinge” is supposed to refer to the inside junction of the spine with the binding and “joint” to the outside. But many sellers don’t make that distinction. “Gutter” (another duplicitous term) can either refer to the outside indention made where the boards and spine are joined (like a bowling gutter), or the inside indention where two facing pages meet.

Jacqueline: Thanks for your excellent response on the definition of “tipped in.” Part V of this series will cover illustrations and that is one of the terms that will be discussed. I’m thrilled and impressed to learn that the Boy Scouts have a merit badge in book binding! Book repair is always an option of course, and it can save a beloved book for shelf value. I had an old family bible fully restored for just that reason (although it was very expensive). If important pages or the covers are missing, restoration will not improve the retail value very much, but it can certainly bring new life to a family heirloom.

——— WP ———

Sharon Maxwell-Yamamoto, our Vintage Clothing Worthologist, is an opera singer who enjoys her glamorous vintage furs. When she paid good money to a furrier for a repair that she found inadequate, she decided to do repair it herself and she’s sharing what she learned with our readers. Perhaps it is our less than robust economy, but her article “How to Repair Vintage Fur Yourself” that is bringing out the DIY attitude in many of our readers

Dear Sharon, Thank you so much for generously sharing this information! I am just beginning to use fur and would appreciate any other information or ongoing email exchange with you. I have purchased two eBay furs that need some work and the furrier has gone out of business so I am on my own. I have many years of experience sewing… but not on fur. Can you recommend any books, pre”fur”ably with detailed pictures? Again, thank you.

—Thula

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

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Alex Rodriguez, Yankees third baseman

Of course, the most recent admission of steroids comes from Alex Rodriguez. This admission is particularly damaging to baseball and sports collectibles as many fans viewed A-Rod as the last great hope to break Bonds’ home-run record legitimately. A-Rod was, in many ways, the poster child for clean, steroids-free success in baseball.

Until last week.

Even though the results were from five years ago, the fact that A-Rod took steroids is a crucial blow to the sport. No longer does baseball have that hope that the home-run record will be taken back by a clean player. More importantly, this latest steroids admission just further sullies an entire era of players. Unless evidence comes up to the contrary, people are going to cast a skeptical eye toward any player from this period, and that’s the biggest shame of it all.

So, what does this mean for A-Rod’s collectibles?

If history is any indication, the demand for A-Rod’s memorabilia is going to decline drastically. The reasons for this are simple.

1. Parents aren’t going to spend hundreds of dollars on collectibles of a known steroids user for their kids.

2. A-Rod likely won’t get into the Hall of Fame, drastically reducing the value of his collectibles.

3. A-Rod’s numbers are tainted and meaningless. In short, they no longer add value to collectibles.

4. Many sports memorabilia shop owners refuse to carry pieces of known steroids users.

Just do a quick check on eBay to see how collectors are responding to this. Some 795 A-Rod pieces are up for sale, and most of them are sitting there with no bids or interest.

Alex Rodriguez 1994 Foxes card

Another A-Rod Foxes car

Two cards from A-Rod’s days on the minor-league Appleton (Wis.) Foxes. To learn about the one on the left, click here. For the one on the right, click here.

And it’s not just because fans are holding some high moral ground. It’s because collectibles from the steroid age are more and more proving to be poor investments.

That’s why I think A-Rod’s positive test doesn’t just affect him—it affects this entire era. Fans and collectors are starting to see how widespread the problem of steroids is/was, and they’re going to respond accordingly.

How will they respond? By buying collectibles from the pre-1980s. Players like Nolan Ryan, Sandy Koufax, Roger Maris, Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth and many others will now be held in even greater regard as the value of the numbers they put up and of their collectibles sharply increases as the modern era takes yet another black eye.

So, if you’re looking to make an investment, look to the past. Until this steroids issue gets taken care of once and for all, I wouldn’t feel comfortable sinking my money into any player from recent times.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

The simple truth is people love the All-Star game. In fact, they come from all around the country to watch it. I remember just a few short years ago when it came through my hometown of Houston. The streets were crowded, and there were celebrity sightings in every restaurant and club downtown. You would have thought the Super Bowl was in town, not an exhibition game.

2009 Starting Lineups

Every year, the starting lineups are chosen by fan voting. The players with the most fan votes at each position start the game. What follows is a list of the starting lineups and my favorite collectibles for the 2009 NBA All-Star Game.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Yao Ming—Due to his large fan base in China, you can always expect Yao Ming to be voted the starting center in the West. But don’t interpret that as Yao not deserving to be there. The truth is Yao Ming is the most dominant center in the West right now, and if he can find a way to stay healthy, he could have a Hall of Fame-worthy career. Now is the time to buy Yao collectibles because the more All-Star nods he gets, the more valuable his collectibles will be. You can still find autographed Yao Ming jerseys for just a few hundred bucks.

Amare Stoudemire—The 2009 All-Star game will mark Stoudemire’s fourth appearance in the midseason exhibition. Ever since being named Rookie of the Year in 2003, Stoudemire has been improving steadily. Stoudemire collectibles are actually still moderately priced, meaning now could be a great time to invest in some of his pieces.

Tim Duncan—Mr. Fundamental. His game isn’t pretty, and he can be pretty boring to watch, but the bottom line is Tim Duncan produces year in and year out. He’s quietly won one MVP award, three NBA Finals MVPs and even an All-Star Game MVP. If you look hard enough, you can find Duncan memorabilia at reasonable prices. It’s not too late to invest as there’s little doubt Duncan will be a Hall of Fame inductee after he retires.

Kobe Bryant—What can I say about Kobe that hasn’t been said before? Love him or hate him, Kobe has been the best player in the league for the past several years. If you haven’t invested in his collectibles by now, you better have some deep pockets if you want any. Kobe’s collectibles are always in high demand.

Chris Paul—When I think about the future of the NBA, Chris Paul immediately comes to mind. Heck, forget the future, his time is already here. The Hornets point guard is just 23 years old, and this will be his first All-Star Game start. In his short time in the league, Paul has earned a Rookie of the Year award, first team All-NBA and All-NBA Defensive team. His collectibles are already rising in value (signed jerseys go for $700), but they’ll only get more expensive as this youngster continues to light the league on fire. Get his memorabilia while you can still afford them.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Dwight Howard—Perhaps Dwight Howard’s most notable moment came during All-Star weekend last year. His insane Superman dunk during the Slam Dunk Contest was in every highlight reel imaginable. Like Paul, Dwight Howard is just 23 years old, and he is the future of this game. His collectibles are as yet very reasonably priced (autographed jerseys sell for around $400), so you can still invest in this rising star.

Kevin Garnett—I don’t have to tell you that Kevin Garnett is good. If you’ve watched basketball at all over the past decade, you know KG is an absolute beast. And now that he has an NBA championship on his résumé, there’s little doubt about his greatness. Since he’s already established himself as an elite player over the course of several years, Garnett’s collectibles are fairly expensive. However, you should consider that the chances are good that he will add at least one more NBA Championship to his stellar career, and he’s a likely Hall of Famer.

LeBron James—Remember what I said about Kobe earlier? The same goes for James. He’s great, and his collectibles cost a fortune.

Allen Iverson—Despite the controversy that seems to follow him—are we talking about practice?—Iverson has always been a fan favorite. This will mark his 10th appearance in the All-Star game. In fact, Iverson already has two All-Star MVPs under his belt. Because of his popularity with the fans, Iverson’s collectibles are always in high demand. That’s why I think it’s not a good investment move to purchase his memorabilia. Frankly, he’s on the downside of his career, and I feel his collectibles are a bit overpriced.

Dwyane Wade—Because of his injuries last season, a lot of people forget that Dwyane Wade was an NBA Finals MVP just a few short years ago. Even though his collectibles are fairly expensive, now could be a good time to invest. Wade is coming off an injury, and he’s on a team that doesn’t have a real shot at winning a championship anytime soon. This could be a nice recipe for getting Wade’s collectibles at a bargain price.

Are you going to watch the All-Star game? Tell us about your favorite players and collectibles in the replies.

Eric Brantner is a sports fan and freelance writer living in Houston.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

Throughout the NFL’s illustrious history, fans have witnessed great coaches of every style. From hard-nosed, in-your-face variety to subdued geniuses, many of the greatest teams of all time have a great commander in chief on the sideline.

While collectibles from head coaches tend to be less valuable than player memorabilia, they’re still important pieces that can enhance any collection.

Here are a few collectibles from some of the greatest NFL coaches.

Autographed Vince Lombardi Speech Collage

When the subject of great coaches comes up, the name Vince Lombardi is always toward the top of the list. His tenure with the Green Bay Packers is one of the most successful coaching achievements of all time. He won championships with the Packers in 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, and 1967. In short, he created a football dynasty.

This unique collectible is a signed collage of his two most famous speeches. Lombardi was known for his motivational speeches. Copies of them hang in offices of top corporate executives. In addition to copies of his speeches, this collectible has a signed personal check and a photo of the coach. It’s valued at well more than $2,000.

Don Shula Signed Orange Bowl Seat

Don Shula led the Miami Dolphins through the team’s most successful years. The pinnacle of his success came in 1972 when he coached the Dolphins to the NFL’s only full perfect season in history. He will forever be in the history books for this accomplishment.

The Dolphins experienced much of their success in the confines of the Orange Bowl. This collectible features the autograph of Don Shula on a seat from the Orange Bowl. It’s a stadium collectible that would stand out in almost any collection. Surprisingly, it’s quite affordable at $250.

Bill Walsh Autographed Football

During the 1980s, Bill Walsh popularized the West Coast offense. It was an exciting style of play that captured the attention of football fans across the nation. His record with the San Francisco 49ers was 102-63-1. During this time, he won three Super Bowl rings.

This Walsh collectible is an autographed football featuring the legendary 49ers coach. Collectors should store this in a glass case in a dark, cool area. Most Walsh footballs sell for less than $300.

Eric Brantner is a baseball fan and freelance writer living in Houston.

WorthPoint—Get the Most from Your Antiques & Collectibles

The quarterback is arguably the most important player on an NFL team. How many times have you seen a great QB leading a fourth-quarter drive to take his team to victory? It happens all the time, and the great ones know how to do it best.

While this article can’t cover every great QB to ever toss a pigskin, it will touch on a few I haven’t yet had a chance to honor.

Without further delay, here are some of my favorite collectibles from the game’s top field generals.

• John Elway Signed Pewter Helmet—When you mention great quarterbacks, John Elway simply has to be on the list. During his highlight-filled career with the Denver Broncos, Elway earned nine Pro Bowl selections, two Offensive Player of the Year awards, the NFL MVP, a Hall of Fame induction and two Super Bowl rings.  The truth is this short section isn’t enough to do Elway’s career justice. But true football fans know what he meant to the game. My favorite John Elway collectible is an autographed helmet made of 100-percent pewter. The helmet has the inscription “2004 Hall of Fame” and “Super Bowl XXXIII MVP.” Because of the pewter, this unique collectible weighs nearly 10 pounds! It’s valued at more than $2,000.

• Dan Marino Signed ’84 Jersey—During the same time that Elway was leading game-winning drives, Marino was terrorizing defenses with his passing abilities. He’s the only rookie quarterback to start the Pro Bowl. In his second season, he put together one of the greatest seasons ever, earning him the MVP. Marino was a regular at the Pro Bowl, and he holds more passing records than I have room to list. Despite never winning a Super Bowl, this Hall of Fame QB is undoubtedly one of the game’s all-time greats.  Signed uniforms are great collector’s pieces. These collectibles can easily be framed and displayed on a wall. This Dan Marino signed jersey is a 1984 model (the year he won the MVP) of the Dolphins home uniform. It’s a great collectible to remind fans of a historic NFL season in which the Dolphins went 14-3, advancing to the Super Bowl where they lost 38-16 to San Francisco ’49ers. The jersey’s value is just more than $1,000.

• Johnny Unitas/Peyton Manning Signed Helmet—Long before Manning was wearing the Colts uniform, Johnny Unitas was revolutionizing the game of football. During the ’50s and ’60s, Unitas was earning a reputation as the game’s greatest quarterback. He was selected to 10 Pro Bowls, won three MVPs and won a Super Bowl. And he led the Colts to victory over the New York Giants 23-17 in what has been called the Greatest Game Ever Played—the 1958 NFL Championship. He is a Hall of Fame quarterback that will never be forgotten.  I think the Johnny Unitas/Peyton Manning signed Colts helmet is a great collectible. It’s a piece that captures both the old and new era of the NFL through two of the game’s best QBs. This collectible can be found for around $2,500.

Eric Brantner is a baseball fan and freelance writer living in Houston.

Other stories by Eric Brantner:
Sports E-cards
Sports Collectibles Memories
Brett Favre collectibles
Mannings Spawn NFL Collectibles
Young NBA Stars: Collectors’ Slam Dunk
Verdict Puts Squeeze on O.J. Collectibles

WorthPoint—Get the Most from Your Antiques & Collectibles

To begin, it’s important to define who is your average sports-memorabilia collector. I’m not talking about the people who bid hundreds of thousands of dollars on rare pieces. Of course, those really high-end collectors will continue to acquire expensive rare pieces despite how bad the economy gets.

I’m referring to the collector who visits his local sports-collectibles shop or who browses online auction sites regularly to find new pieces to round out his collection. Has this economy squeezed them out of the market?

Sports-collectibles spending taking a hit

Judging from the reports from various sports-collectibles shows and dealers around the country, for now, the outlook is bleak. The number of dealers attending collectibles conventions has declined significantly over the past year. The bottom line is many people are cutting back their spending, and sports collectibles isn’t a necessary expenditure for them.

Worthologist Howard Lau (owner of Houston Sports Connection) confirms this point saying, “Right now, people are viewing sports collectibles as something that’s not a necessity but rather a luxury.”

Rarity items are still stong

While the rarity pieces that attract wealthy buyers seem to always have their market, how are the more expensive mainstream pieces (signed jerseys, helmets, etc) holding up? It seems this is the segment of collectibles currently taking the biggest hit. Your average sports-memorabilia collector just can’t afford to drop $1,000 on a signed jersey from his favorite player. Instead, he’s opting for lower-priced pieces that fit his budget.

But making a living by selling low-priced items can be difficult for card-shop owners. That’s why many dealers are pinning their hopes on a holiday-spending surge to boost their bottom line before the end of the year. It’s too early to say how much money will be spent on sports collectibles this holiday season, but it’s clear that for some dealers, their fate lies in the success of holiday sales.

Lau is optimistic there will be a holiday push, saying he believes “people will buy last-minute sports-collectibles gifts for Christmas.”

How can dealers get through the crisis?

So, what can dealers do to weather this economic storm? I believe focusing on a specific niche could prove valuable for sports-collectibles shop owners. For instance, pieces that have held their values for a long time will always be desirable. Vintage autographs, rare cards and big-name pieces (Michael Jordan, Mickey Mantle, Ruth, etc.) are proven investments that are safe to buy because they’ll always be valuable.

The demand for these pieces will always be there. And in difficult economic times, collectors are likelier to buy proven collectibles than take a chance on new, unproven pieces that could plummet in value.

No one can predict where the world of sports collectibles will be in a year from now, but I think there is hope for the market. As long as dealers are willing to make adjustments to help the average collector, the hobby will weather this storm.

Eric Brantner is a baseball fan and freelance writer living in Houston.

WorthPoint—Get the Most from Your Antiques & Collectibles

I have to admit, it took me awhile to decide whether I should write this article. Most people are sick of the name O.J. Simpson, and frankly, I don’t want to give the guy any more attention. However, since this is a sports-collectibles blog, it’s necessary to discuss the most recent developments in Simpson’s controversial life.

After the “Trial of the Century” in 1995, the country was divided on O.J. Simpson. Many people felt O.J. got away with murder, and as a result, no one would touch his once-popular collectibles with a 10-foot pole. Whether it was a rookie card or a signed football helmet, collectors had no interest in most things with the name O.J. Simpson on it.

However, through all the controversy, his rare pieces still remained valuable. While you might not be able to get much for his football cards, a rare piece like the suit he wore when acquitted for murder could fetch anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000, according to memorabilia experts. Other rare personal effects were still gaining high-price bids on eBay and other online shops.

These unique personal belongings were the types that Simpson was “trying to get back” during the now-infamous confrontation in the Las Vegas hotel room. The question today is this: In light of the recent prison sentence, will O.J.’s rare personal items lose all their worth?

O.J. Simpson pleads his case at the sentencing hearing after he was convicted of 12 felonies in connection with an armed robbery in a Las Vegas hotel. Simpson maintained he was trying to recover collectibles that were legally his. (Pool photo by Isaac Brekken)

In the mainstream world of sports collectibles, it appears this is the final nail in the coffin for Simpson memorabilia. Most shops stopped dealing his pieces years ago, but now virtually all interest in “The Juice” has vanished. Controversy might help some athletes gain popularity, but for Simpson, it has made him a nationally despised ex-athlete.

For the typical sports collector who buys cards and game-used items, O.J. cards will no longer be bought because of his impressive athleticism but rather because they are needed to complete a set. As the Washington Post puts it, “Simpson makes Michael Vick’s gear look upscale.”

But what about that small sect of collectors who were bidding on Simpson’s personal items before this most recent case? These collectors don’t care about his athletic achievements. Instead, they’re fascinated with the celebrity surrounding his off-field controversy. So, will they continue to scour the Internet for rare memorabilia of the incarcerated ex-star? Or will even this market dry up?

eBay sales vanish

Just one day after the O.J.’s sentencing, I checked eBay to see if there was any action on his collectibles. As expected, his normal sports collectibles were getting no bids. This isn’t anything new as true sports fans stopped collecting these pieces years ago. However, what I found interesting was that the rare pieces (i.e. original courtroom sketches of O.J., collectibles of O.J. and his attorney, Johnnie Cochran, from trial of the century) were also getting no bids.

So, has this niche market of ambulance-chasing collectors finally lost interest in Simpson? For now, the answer is unclear. I expect there will always be those few collectors caught up in the controversy of this once-revered athlete who continue to buy his rare, sometimes disturbing, memorabilia. But it seems that even this market is shrinking quickly.

Eric Brantner is a baseball fan and freelance writer living in Houston.

Other stories by Eric Brantner:

Chicago Cubs Collectibles

Antique Baseball Gloves

Red Sox Collectibles

Brett Favre Collectibles

Honus Wagner

Sports E-cards

Olympic Baseball Collectibles

Sports Collectibles Memories

Yankee Stadium Legacy Cards

Brett Favre collectibles

Sultan of Swat Collectibles

Mannings Spawn NFL Collectibles

At Least Cubbies Have 1908 Series

Rays Collectibles—Buy Now

Young NBA Stars: Collectors’ Slam Dunk

WorthPoint—Get the Most from Your Antiques & Collectibles

With everything in the collectibles realm, you need to be informed. Collecting for investment purposes can be challenging and rewarding. You have to take educated risks on which young players will have great careers and the most valuable collectibles.

For those who love basketball, this list will help you identify the best young players to invest in. Of course, this is only my opinion, so don’t get mad at me if their career takes a turn for the worse and their collectibles drop in value.

1. LeBron James—Okay, so this is an obvious choice for starting this list, but you have to mention LeBron James when you talk about great young NBA players. He’s not just the best young player in the league, he just might be the best player period. The tricky part is finding collectibles of his at a low enough price to warrant investing in them.

2. Dwight Howard—Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic really is Superman. This 22-year-old is undoubtedly the best young big man in the league. He does it all—scores, blocks shots, rebounds the ball and maintains a good field-goal percentage. Invest in this kid’s collectibles, and you won’t be sorry.

3. Kevin Durant—So he’s on a terrible team that just relocated to Oklahoma City. But after averaging more than 20 points per game at age 19, this youngster is poised to be great. I fully expect his next few seasons in the league will catapult him into the forefront of the game. Get his collectibles now.

4. Chris Paul—He’s just 23 years old, but many already view him as the best point guard in the league. I’ve seen him firsthand lighting up the Rockets down here in Houston when his team, the New Orleans Hornets, came to town. There’s no doubt about it—Chris Paul can flat out ball. He’s one of those players that teams develop their whole game plan around.

5. Brandon Roy—This shooting guard was the Rookie of the Year in 2007 and an All Star in 2008. Think he might be pretty good? You’re right. He averages about 20 points per game along with 5 assists each night. At just 24 years old, his collectibles make for a wise investment.

6. Deron Williams—It really pains me to put him on this list as the Jazz seem hellbent on crushing my hometown Houston Rockets every year in the playoffs, but the truth is Deron Williams is a great young point guard. He seems to fly under the radar and rarely gets the respect he deserves. From an investor’s standpoint, this is a good thing as you might be able to score some great deals on his collectibles.

7. Carmelo Anthony—Never forget, there was a huge debate as to whom would be better—Carmelo Anthony or LeBron James. While James has become the face of the NBA, Melo hasn’t exactly been doing too badly, either. Last season, he averaged 25.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. He’s gotten better each season, and he will be a solid player for years to come.

8. Chris Bosh—This 6-10 power forward has made a huge splash during his few seasons in the NBA. In fact, he was recently named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week for his great start this season. For the past several years, he’s averaged about 22 points and 10 rebounds per game. Not bad for a 24-year-old.

9. Carl Landry—I know what you’re thinking—who the heck is Carl Landry? While he hasn’t had the success of other players in this league, he’s my wild-card pick for a future NBA star. During limited playing time with the Houston Rockets, he’s impressed scouts throughout the NBA. He’s a dunking machine, and his jump shot has improved over the off-season. If you’re looking to take a bit of a risk with investing, buy up some Carl Landry collectibles.

10. Kevin Martin—For the past couple seasons, Kevin Martin has quietly been averaging more than 20 points per game in Sacramento. While he might not play the most exciting style of basketball, he hits shots when the team needs him. Expect to hear more about Kevin Martin over the next few years.

Eric Brantner is a sports fan and freelance writer living in Houston.

Other stories by Eric Brantner:

Chicago Cubs Collectibles

Antique Baseball Gloves

Red Sox Collectibles

Brett Favre Collectibles

Honus Wagner

Sports E-cards

Olympic Baseball Collectibles

Sports Collectibles Memories

Yankee Stadium Legacy Cards

Brett Favre collectibles

Sultan of Swat Collectibles

Mannings Spawn NFL Collectibles

At Least Cubbies Have 1908 Series

Rays Collectibles—Buy Now

WorthPoint—Get the Most from Your Antiques & Collectibles

One of the first questions that might come to mind is “if the cards are virtual and accessible to everyone, how do they get their value?” Topps solves this problem by offering certain collectibles for a short time and in a limited number. This prevents the market for cards from becoming flooded with too many of the same piece. After all, if an unlimited number of Joe DiMaggio rookies could be created, why would anyone pay more than a few cents for it? Limiting the number of downloads preserves the market for Internet baseball cards.

Collectors wishing to sell their virtual baseball cards can do so through online auctions. Of course, potential buyers must have an account at eTopps so the card can be sent to their online portfolio after purchase. All eTopps auctions are monitored by the staff at Topps, and the final prices are averaged to determine the current value of each card.

If owning a card that you can never physically touch doesn’t sound good to you, eTopps has a solution. For the price of shipping and handling, eTopps will physically print your cards and send them to you in plastic sleeves. Printing is typically done at the end of each season. Of course, after you have the physical card, you can no longer sell its virtual version online.

As far as investing in eTopps cards goes, it can be a dicey proposition. (My story on baseball-card collecting as an investment is filled with useful information.) The online market hasn’t quite found its footing yet. There was a period when Topps was producing too many e-cards, and the market fell flat on its face. Recently, eTopps corrected this problem by limiting the run of cards. Some rookie cards, such as that of Albert Pujols, have seen dramatic increases in value. Other cards, such as an Alex Rodriguez eTopps, have flattened or declined in value.

It’s difficult to tell the future of virtual card collecting. I think it’s certainly a novel idea and a fun hobby, but until the market finds itself, I’ll probably stay away from investing in it too heavily.

What do you think of these collectibles? Do you think virtual card collecting is the future of sports memorabilia? Or will this idea fade away in the upcoming years?

1. Flea Market/ Antique Village- Growing up, I did the majority of my selling at a local flea market and antique village. I would go with my parents who would rent out a booth to sell some of their own items, and I would put the cards I wanted to sell out on the table. In the days leading up to my trip to the flea market, I would conduct diligent research determining the value of my cards and how much I wanted to sell them for. It is important to know what you want for each card and to make sure you don’t settle for a lesser price. For the most part, the customers at antique villages tend to provide a good selling experience. Sure, there will be some negotiation, but they typically respect you as a collector and don’t try to undervalue your collection.
2. Auction- Local auctions provide a great avenue for baseball card collectors to sell their valuables. Many auction houses have weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly events. The clientele are typically knowledgeable collectors that are looking for pieces to supplement their assortment. Auctions that have good sized crowds can help you get good value for your items. The reason for this is that the larger the crowd is, the more bidders there are to drive the price up. Additionally, selling your baseball cards this way is beneficial because it’s a hands-off experience for you. The auctioneer does all of the work, and you get to sit back and collect the reward.
3. Online- In a market that is shifting online, sellers can adapt by selling their baseball cards on the internet. In the past, some sellers, such as me, have been wary of selling their items this way. You had to deal with buyers that would back out of the deal, complain about the condition of the items, and make the whole experience a nightmare. However, WorthPoint makes it easy for baseball card specialists to sell their items online.

Selling your baseball cards is an important step in maintaining your collection. It helps you eliminate the cards you no longer need and raise some money for future card purchases.

Additional Resources:

WorthPoint Buy & Sell Board

Part 1- How to Start a Baseball Card Collection

Part 2- Where to Find Baseball Cards

Part 3- Storing Baseball Cards