This rare, possibly one-of-a-kind “Cherokee Indian” vintage cardboard baseball poster will be among the leading lots in a huge, two-day multi-estate sale slated for June 9 and 11to be hosted by Philip Weiss Auctions.

OCEANSIDE, N.Y. –More than 1,000 lots of sports memorabilia, rare books, autographs, stamps, coins, comics and comic art, animation, Rock ‘n’ Roll items, Kittinger furniture, paintings, bronzes, porcelains will change hands in a huge, two-day multi-estate sale slated for June 9 and 11to be hosted by Philip Weiss Auctions.

The first session will be held on Thursday, June 9, beginning at 4 p.m. (EDT), with a preview scheduled for all day leading up to the start of sale. Offered will be fresh-to-the-market items from prominent area estates, to include Kittinger furniture, original paintings by noted and listed artists, wonderful bronzes, porcelain objects and Part 2 of a Long Island silver collection. Online bidding facilitated by Proxibid, and phone and absentee bids will also be accepted.

Then, after a one-day break on Friday, the second session will be held on Saturday, June 11, beginning at 10 a.m. (EDT), with a preview from 8-10 a.m. Packed categories will include sports memorabilia, rare and collectible autographs, stamps and coins, comics and comic art, animation material and rock ‘n’ roll collectibles. Previews will also be held for most of the week.

Archive of correspondence between iconic songwriter Cole Porter and actor Monte Woolley will go on the block.

The Thursday session will be a super estate sale with many desirable items, but Saturday will feature the more glamorous lots. Just a few examples include a rare, possibly one-of-a-kind “Cherokee Indian” vintage cardboard baseball poster; an archive of Cole Porter-Monte Woolley correspondence (letters, autographs, photos); and a signed, inscribed John Lennon handkerchief.

Stamps and coins on Saturday will be highlighted by material from the Great Lakes Collection (stamps), a massive single-owner worldwide stamp collection to be sold as a single lot, numerous estate fresh-to-the-market and unpicked collections of both stamps and coins, a large selection of gold and silver coins, paper currency and covers. Postcards will also be sold.

Sports collectibles will include a large collection of T205 graded tobacco cards, many graded 1950s and ’60s baseball cards, W514 Babe Ruth and Shoeless Joe Jackson cards, a Wee Willie Keeler stick pin with diamonds, a near-complete 1941 Play Ball set, and signed baseballs (to include a 1938 Brooklyn Dodgers baseball with Babe Ruth and a Richard Nixon-signed ball).

A handkerchief signed and inscribed by John Lennon, mounted with a photo of the slain Beatle, is among the Rock ‘n’ Roll memorabilia in the auction.

Other Babe Ruth signed items will also be offered, as will a group of 1928 Brae Burn Country Club championship golf programs signed by golf greats Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, Frances Ouimet and many more; two Syracuse University team-signed footballs (to include the 1959/60 Cotton Bowl championship team, with Ernie Davis); a signed Muhammad Ali photo; and a 1971 “Man of the Year” program signed by Ali, Joe Louis and baseball’s Jackie Robinson.

Rounding out the sports category will be single signed Thurman Munson pages (the New York Yankees catcher killed in a 1979 airplane crash), many early baseball photos, a collection of John McEnroe trophies, a 1919 Carnegie Institute of Technology yearbook featuring Honus Wagner, and signed jerseys (to include Walter Payton, Dan Marino, Martin Brodeur and others).

Rare books, autographs and historical material will feature an incredible John Hancock signed letter, a complete set of Aspen Magazines; 1924 Mozarts’s Don Giovanni by B. Cassirer, and high-end art books (to include “Estampes Limited Edition” with signed lithos, four volumes of Picasso signed lithos, and George Barbier’s book “Designs on the Dances of Vaslav Nijinsky”).

Also offered will be a large collection of books from estates, to be sold in bulk lots. Photography will include two original photos by Andre Kertesz, and a group of original photos by George Barris (including Marilyn Monroe from the “Last Sitting” session). Also offered will be etchings and early maps. And fans of comics, comic art and animation will not be disappointed.

A Currier & Ives folio set, titled “Four Seasons in Life,” in high grade.

The category will be highlighted by three fresh Charles Schulz “Peanuts” dailies, several estate comic collections, a nice selection of CGC-graded comics, a great run of “Weird Tales” and “Vintage Picture Play” magazines, animation production art, Disney animation cels, an original Carl Barks “Donald Duck” watercolor, and a “Golden Fleece” deluxe edition artist’s proof on wood.

Music and rock ‘n’ roll items will include a Charlie Parker signed menu, Billy Joel grade school photos and autograph, high-end rock posters (to include Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, the Grateful Dead and more), a set of four Beatles posters by Richard Avedon, a selection of signed guitars, and jazz autographs (Dizzie Gillespie, Nat “King” Cole, Louie Armstrong and others).

Art and paintings in the Thursday session will feature original oils by Sir Henry Raeburn of Penelope Dering (the “Mistress to the 3rd Earl of Aberdeen”), a portrait of Cornelius van Slingelandt by Hieronymus Van Der Lij, two oils by Pal Fried (including a large nude), a battle scene after Philips Wouwerman, and works by Rockwell Kent, Charles Levier, Rolph Scarlett, R.A. Paulings (portraits), William Meyerowitz, Desmond Heelry, Mihail Chemiakin and others.

An oil painting by Sir Henry Raeburn of Penelope Dering (“Mistress to the 3rd Earl of Aberdeen”).

Also offered will be the Currier & Ives folio set “Four Seasons of Life” in high grade, as well as the smaller set “Homestead” series; a collection of opera illustrations and signed Hockney posters; 30-50 lots of high-end sterling silver; and Tiffany pieces, to include an unusual glass and silver compote, a signed lamp, blotter ends, an inkwell, a great Sphinx paperweight and more.

Bronze pieces will include a selection of erotic Vienna bronze statues by Franz Bergmann, a dore bronze clock with an ornate stand, and bronze creations by Louis Oury, Carl Kauba and Moreau. A large collection of Kittinger furniture will feature eight dining room chairs, a side board, side tables, a bedroom set, tall bookcases, sofas, love seats and more.

Decorative accessories will include a collection of Moser glass, Meissen figures, early Capodimionti statues, a Picasso pottery vase, signed Pairpoint lamps, Lladro figures, Royal Doulton Toby jugs, Hummel figurines, art pottery, art glass, paperweights, ivory statues, a bronze alabaster gargoyle and eagle chandelier, and a pair of architectural terra cotta griffins.

Rounding out just some of the expected top lots from the Thursday session are an Art & Crafts Stickley Brothers bookcase with the original paper label, a gold gilt gargoyle library table with marble top, an architectural carved and painted griffin shelf, an unbelievable and ornately carved music cabinet with beautifully carved mythical creatures, and some nice Oriental rugs.

For more information about this auction, call 516.594.0731, e-mail to phil [at] weissauctions [dot] com or visit the Philip Weiss Auctions web site.

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A group of a dozen original Star Wars figures, all mint on the card, will be sold Saturday, Mar. 5 at Philip Weiss Auctions.

OCEANSIDE, N.Y. – Vintage toys and trains, dolls, toy soldiers, comics, comic art, animation, Disney, sports memorabilia and estate merchandise can be found among a rainbow of categories up for sale at Philip Weiss Auctions on March 4-6.

Among the featured items is memorabilia pertaining to former heavyweight boxing legend Jack Johnson, including an 18kt-gold and black opal pendant presented to Johnson in honor of his successful title fight against Tommy Burns in Australia on Dec. 26, 1908 and a walking stick presented to Johnson in London in 1911. An accompanying video shows Johnson with the stick.

Other sports items to be sold will include an archive of around 500 T206 baseball cards (not including Honus Wagner), a collection of 1911 T3 Turkey Red baseball cards, a Roger Maris game-used bat and a Yogi Berra All-Star Game-used bat, a rare Lladro FIFA World Cup, a Babe Ruth single-signed baseball, photos, uniforms, cards, many important autographs and more.

This 18kt gold and black opal pendant presented to boxing great Jack Johnson in Australia in 1908.

Comic art will feature a rare find: a recently discovered diary/sketchbook from counterculture cartoonist Robert Crumb. Also sold will be numerous vintage comics, to include Marvel, DC, an original-owner Golden Age comic collection, Silver Age comics, Disney items (porcelains, original paintings, limited-editions), and estate animation.

Toy train enthusiasts will not be disappointed on Saturday. Bidders will be treated to rare examples by Lionel, Marklin, Ives, American Flyer and more, to include an original “O” Scale Pennsylvania GG-1 4800 locomotive built by Edwin P. Alexander (circa 1930s), one of only six known to exist and not a machined kit; plus Part 3 of the Kozsey “HO” Brass Train Collection.

The Saturday session will also feature a group of a dozen original Star Wars figures, mint on the card; die-casts, to include Matchbox, early Hess trucks (including the very first Hess truck, in the original box), a nice collection of cast-iron still banks and toys (including Arcade, Hubley, Kenton and more), a large single-owner collection of Steiff animals, high-end porcelain dolls, and many toy soldiers, to include Britains, Durbar, Elastolins, dime-store figures and more.

The Friday session will be a general estate sale, featuring an eclectic mix of merchandise from prominent estates and collections. Of particular note will be the fine selection of original art, to include oil paintings, watercolors and pastels from the estate of the artist and renowned New York City musician Lester Schultz, known for his work in the band the El Street Café.

An archive of about 500 T206 baseball cards (not including Honus Wagner) will be sold Mar. 6.

Other artists of note will include Louis Lozonvick, Kathan Brown, Marion Greenwood, Kyoshi Saito, Paolo Boni, Nicola Simbari, Jacques Potin, Lawrence Beall Smith, Joseph Floch, Raphael Soyer, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Masuo Ikeda, Lili Rethi, Georges Schreiber, Richard Florsheim, Jean Miotte, Alfred Montague, and other known, listed and highly collectible artists.

Decorative accessories will feature a 19th century French tea set by Alexandre-Auguste Turquet (active in Paris, 1855-1888), pieces by silversmiths Gorham and S. Kirk & Son, other sterling silver, a Toby collection, porcelains, pottery, Tiffany pieces, Boehm birds, lithographs, etchings, Art Glass vases (to include Herman Kahler, Loetz, Legras and others), a scarce set of 12 tin folding decoys, a Handel etched glass shade, and a Louis XVI marble and bronze desk.

Previews for the Mar. 4-6 auction will be held on Wednesday, Mar. 2, from noon to 5 p.m.; on Thursday, Mar. 3, from noon to 8 p.m.; and on Friday, the first day of sale, Mar. 4, from noon to 8 p.m. The action will kick off Friday afternoon, Mar. 4, at 4 p.m., with a general estate sale featuring fine art, period furniture, decorative accessories and more. The Saturday session, on Mar. 5, starting at 10 a.m., will be dedicated to toys, trains and dolls. But Philip Weiss Auctions will save the best for last when the gavel comes down on Sunday, Mar. 6, beginning at 10 a.m.

For more information about this auction, call 516.594.0731, e-mail or phil [at] prwauctions [dot] com or visit the Philip Weiss Auctions Web site.

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Eddie Gaedel, the first (and only) midget to play Major League Baseball.

Making general statements when it comes to collecting and investing in vintage sports memorabilia can be a little tricky at times. However, an almost sure-fire way to make sure you’re buying top-notch collectibles that will command about as much investment potential as an ounce of gold has, at least in recent years, is an item representing a “first” of pretty much any significant event in the sporting world.

Whether it’s a star player’s first game ticket, a rookie jersey or even a scorecard from a unique game, such as when famed baseball “Little Man” Eddie Gaedel took the field for the St. Louis Browns, “firsts” definitely rank near the top of the list in hobby categories. To help demonstrate this theory, Heritage Auction Galleries took a look through its Auction Archives database and searched for the key word: “first,” which turned up some intriguing results, including the following:

1947 Jackie Robinson’s First Major League Game Ticket Stub

• 1947 Jackie Robinson’s First Major League Game Ticket Stub: Arguably the most significant ticket stub in the entire baseball collectibles hobby, this historic voucher realized $11,352 in Heritage’s 2009 October Signature Auction. Most of these cardboard treasures were tossed away by attendees of the game, but fortunately for the winning bidder, this example remained unharmed after all these years and displays splendidly.

1929 Green Bay Packers Team Signed Panoramic Photograph from Team’s First Championship Season

• 1929 Green Bay Packers Team Signed Panoramic Photograph from Team’s First Championship Season: The first championship of the Green Bay Packers’ storied history is represented on this team-signed panoramic image from the 1929 season. Without question, the highest quality of its kind, this crystal clear photo was signed by multiple Hall of Famers, including Curly Lambeau, Cal Hubbard and Mike Michalske. This Canton-caliber piece set a record for the highest-selling signed football photo ever at a staggering $15,535 in Heritage’s 2010 April Signature Auction.

1924-25 Boston Bruins Game Worn Sweater from First NHL Season

• 1924-25 Boston Bruins Game Worn Sweater from First NHL Season: This jersey was purchased by an extremely alert game-used hockey guru using Heritage’s “Post-Auction Buy” feature for $27,000. There’s no question that the Boston Bruins are one of the NHL’s most historic franchises, and a sweater from the league’s first season is without question one of the most important auction offerings ever to hit the block.

1934 First Masters Tournament Official Program

• 1934 First Masters Tournament Official Program: While golf’s most prestigious “Major” tournament has a very devoted collector base, even the most serious Master’s enthusiasts have probably never even seen a program from the 1934 inaugural event. This stunning specimen sold for a little more than $5,000 in Heritage’s 2009 October Signature Auction.

1979 Wayne Gretzky’s First NHL Game Used Puck

• 1979 Wayne Gretzky’s First NHL Game Used Puck: This piece originated from the Mush March Collection, and while utilizing that rock-solid provenance, we were able to determine that this puck was used in Wayne Gretzky’s first ever NHL contest. Selling at $2,390 in Heritage’s October 2009 Signature Auction, this piece possesses loads of investment potential and would fit nicely in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

The above list is just a small sampling of “First” pieces that are so coveted in the sports memorabilia hobby. So it’s probably a safe bet to keep your ticket stubs and programs. You never know when you’ll have a “first” in your possession.

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From The Associated Press:
Sports memorabilia market heats up in cold economy

You just never know. In a bad economy, you’d figure collectors would be rushing to get ready cash by selling their memorabilia. But according to the president of Leland’s Auction House, that hasn’t been the case. In fact, there is not enough supply for the demand.

From The Vancouver Sun:
Aboriginal buckskin shirt could fetch $300,000 at auction

You have to figure the 19th-century Ottawa tribesman killed the deer himself and then spent time turning it into a decorated shirt at the monetary cost of zero. That shirt is going up for auction next week at Bonham’s in San Francisco, but be ready to write a bunch of zeros if you want to own it, maybe like five following a three.

From The Associated Press via Auction Central News:
1860 Pony Express envelope sells for $460K in NY

It was only in existence for a mere 19 months, but that was long enough for the Pony Express to sear itself into American lore. A envelope stamped on the first day the Pony Express began, April 3, 1860, sold at auction this week for $460,000. It originally cost $2.

From The Washington Post:
1787 Washington letter sells for $3.2 million

George Washington made it very, very clear in a letter he wrote in 1787 that he liked what he saw in the new U.S. Constitution. Some 200 hundred years later, bidders showed they really, really liked what they saw in the letter. It had a presale estimate of $2.5 million and hammered down at $2.8 million. (The auction fee pushed the price up to $3.2 million.) Way to go, George.

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Reporter Barry Bernson visits the Louisville Slugger Museum and finds a collection of baseballs signed by U.S. Presidents. Who was the first president to sign a baseball? You’ll find out in Barry’s report.

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When thinking about the greatest shrines devoted to baseball, and the greatest collections of baseball memorabilia, one first thinks of Cooperstown and the Baseball Hall of Fame. There is another museum, near the Ohio River in Kentucky, though—one with a specific focus—that baseball fans and collectors should not miss.

It’s not hard to find the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, which still crafts the official bat of Major League Baseball. Just look for the big bat, or more precisely, the 120-foot, 68,000-pound replica of Babe Ruth’s preferred bat, a 34-inch Louisville Slugger.

The Louisville Slugger Museum is collector friendly, and the staff there recognizes and encourages interaction with collectors.

“We have found that working with the private collectors has made us a better museum,” said Anne Jewell of the Louisville Slugger Museum. “Collectors have been so generous loaning us artifacts and their expertise, because some of them know more about our bats—the very fine, fine points of our bats—than we even do. We rely on collectors as a resource, and they rely on us, as well. It’s been a really good partnership and one that we hope will continue for many years.”

Jewell said the connection with collectors first started when the museum decided to host its own auction on site some four years ago. When the news of that auction got around, baseball memorabilia collectors from all over the world flocked to Northern Kentucky. Among the items put up for bid was one of the two Ty Cobb bats the museum owned. The winning bid for the Cobb bat was the princely sum of $125,000.

Early Louisville Sluggers now command tens of thousands of dollars from collectors. A Shoeless Joe Jackson Black Betsy model was sold a few years ago for well more than a half-million dollars.

The inner sanctum of the museum—the place any baseball fan would love to get into—is the temperature- and humidity-controlled vault, where hundreds of original bats are kept to preserve the bat’s weight and shape. Resting on racks that span from floor to ceiling are the prototypes, made to each player’s specifications, to be used when making their individual supply of bats.

“This is the model that when Babe Ruth played, this is what we used to turn his bats,” said Danny Luckett, holding the original Ruth 34-incher. Luckett has been working in the factory 39 years, hand turning white ash and maple into the clubs Major Leaguers wield when they step into the batter’s box. “When Ruth ordered them, this is what he sent us to start with, and this is what we made his bats off of for the rest of his career.”

The Louisville Slugger Museum offers more than bats, though. The museum includes a wall composed of the signatures of the thousands of players who signed contracts with Louisville Slugger over the years. These are the signatures that were branded into the barrel of the bat. Then it’s on to the company’s private collection of memorabilia, including experimental bats, as well as interactive exhibits and the history of baseball and Louisville Slugger going back to the day in 1884 when it all started.

Bud Hillerich, a 17-year-old who worked in his father’s woodworking shop, slipped away one afternoon to watch Louisville’s major league team, the Louisville Eclipse. Pete Browning, the team’s top player, was slumping badly at the plate, and to make matters worse, he broke his bat. After the game, Hillerich invited Browning over to his father’s shop to make him a new bat. Under Browning’s direction, Hillerich turned a piece of ash into a new bat.

The next day, Browning broke his slump with a three-hit game. Delighted with the results, Browning told his teammates about Hillerich, and soon a surge of pro ballplayers descended upon the little woodworking shop. It wasn’t long before the shop was making nothing but bats.

Presidential John Hancocks on baseballs

Another exhibit of note is a collection of baseballs signed by chief executives of the United States, including the only baseball ever signed by Theodore Roosevelt.

“No president before Roosevelt had signed a baseball,” says Dan Cohen, curator of the Louisville Slugger Museum. “William Howard Taft, he threw out the first presidential first pitch to start a season in 1910. Old Abe Lincoln was an avid baseball player. Apparently, he played while president. He would go out and play some games. Teddy Roosevelt, on the other hand, did not like baseball. And then you get people like Dwight Eisenhower, who grew up idolizing Honus Wagner.”

So, Mr. & Ms. Baseball Fan, if you are in the Louisville area, you definitely should take some time to check out the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. Walk through the exhibits, tour the factory, watch Sluggers being made right there in front of you. Maybe even take home a personalized 34-inch ash bat with your name on it. Then take it out to the local ballpark, step into the batter’s box and . . .

Can’t get to museum soon? Take a tour of it in this Louisville Slugger Museum video. Learn more about the bat itself by watching Louisville Slugger—Great Bats & Great Collectibles.

Gregory Watkins is WorthPoint’s newsletter editor

WorthPoint—Get the Most from Your Antiques & Collectibles

- Colt 45 Bobble Heads- Not too long ago, I wrote a post talking about some of the most valuable bobble heads to come out of the world of sports collectibles. Topping the list was the Colt 45 set of bobble head dolls. Before they became known as the Astros, the Houston baseball team was the Colt 45s. Since the name “Colt 45s” was used for only a few years, any collectibles bearing this name are highly desirable and very rare. Some colt 45 bobble heads have sold for nearly $10,000. And you thought bobble heads were silly toys!

- 1968 All Star Game Pennant- in 1965, the Houston Astros became the first major league team to play inside a domed stadium. The Astrodome took the sports world by storm. People came from all over to see this “eight wonder of the world.” Not surprisingly, Houston was awarded the host city of the 1968 MLB All Star Game. This amazing experience spawned many collectibles. One of the most valuable of them is the 1968 All Star Game Pennant. In good condition, these pennants can fetch up to a few hundred bucks at an auction. They represent a historical time for the city of Houston and Major League Baseball, and I think it belongs on this list of top Houston Astros team collectibles.

- Playoff Series Programs- Although the Astros have yet to win a World Series, the team has experienced some success in the playoffs. One popular collectible for teams who make the playoffs is the program issued to fans and members of the media. The most rare and valuable Houston Astros playoff program is the 1981 Division Playoff Series program. Copies of this program are scarce, and a mint conditioned copy could earn someone an amount n the low hundreds.

- Bagwell and Biggio Dolls- For Houston baseball fans, the names “Bagwell” and “Biggio” are synonymous with the Houston Astros. These two athletes are legends in Houston. They guided this team throughout the years into the playoffs and into the team’s first World Series appearance (okay Bagwell didn’t play much that year, but he was still a team leader.) It’s only fitting that the Astros are issuing interlocking dolls of the two during games this year. Fans that want the dolls have to attend two separate games to get them since they are released on different days. While these dolls may not be worth much now, the great moments in Houston sport’s history they represent makes them top Houston collectibles.

- Nolan Ryan Jersey- If you’ve read more any of my blog posts, you probably know how much of a Nolan Ryan fan I am. I grew up watching this amazing pitcher, and he simply must be included in this list of Houston sports collectibles. Frankly, any Nolan Ryan Astros collectible could fit on this list, but my favorite is the signed 80s Astros uniform. The rainbow jersey evokes a flood of memories of games I watched as a child. A signed Nolan Ryan 80s Astros jersey could easily sell for $500 today.

Montana was best known for his ability to stay cool under pressure. As the quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, Joe Montana started in four Super Bowl games. The 49ers won all four of those championships. In short, the guy just knew how to win. He always seemed to find a way.

Montana was selected to eight Pro Bowls, he led the NFC in passer rating five times, he was a three time Super Bowl MVP, and a two time AP NFL MVP. This doesn’t even begin to cover all of Montana’s amazing career achievements.

Joe Montana is probably best remembered for his playoff performance against the Dallas Cowboys in 1982. During the NFC Championship Game, Montana completed one of the greatest comeback drives in league history. With over 4 minutes left to play, the 49ers were losing 27-21. Montana led his team steadily down the field into Dallas territory. With about a minute left on the clock, San Francisco faced a third down from the Dallas six yard line. Montana made an off-balanced pass to Dwight Clark who made a leaping catch in the end zone to win the game. It was truly a defining moment in Montana’s Hall of Fame career.

So, which Joe Montana collectibles should you keep your eyes open for?

- 49ers Autographed Helmet- Although Montana played his final seasons as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, he’s best known for his 14 year stint in San Francisco. Guiding the 49ers through their most successful era in franchise history, Montana established himself as one of the greatest players to ever step onto a football field. Autographed Joe Montana 49ers helmets can be found for around $500. I think they make a great addition to any sports memorabilia collection.

- Joe Montana Signed Football- Montana’s ability to toss the football might never again be matched. When I think of Joe Montana, I remember all the times he brought his team back from what seemed to be sure losses. He always knew how to win. A signed Joe Montana football is worth around $400. You should store it in a glass case, and keep it in a dry place away from excessive sunlight.

- “The Catch” Autographed Picture- As I mentioned earlier, the defining moment in Montana’s Hall of Fame career was the pass he threw to Dwight Clark. This is known in the sports world simply as “The Catch.” Since this is such an important moment in football history, I think an autographed picture of the moment is a must have for any football memorabilia collector. With the signatures of both Montana and Clark, this 16×20 collectible is valued at close to $600.

But things weren’t always like this. Back in the day, most players flew under the radar and always said the right things.

Then, along came Joe Namath. In my mind, Namath is the first NFL media star. The guy had the presence of any rock and roll star. He knew how to command attention wherever he went.

But to say “Broadway Joe” was just a publicity hound is to sell his career short. Make no mistake about it, Namath loved to talk, but he also loved to play the game of football. And he was pretty darn good at it. Enough so be selected to 5 Pro Bowls, win a Super Bowl, win 2 MVP awards, have his Jets number retired, and be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.

As a result of both his huge personality and his on-field success, Joe Namath collectibles are always in steady demand.

Here are a few of the more commonly sought after collectibles.

- New York Jets Signed Helmet- Joe Namath played all but his final season with the New York Jets. He’s certainly the most well known player in the history of the team. For this reason, fans love to collect Jets helmets autographed by the outspoken quarterback. Namath autographed helmets are sold regularly for $600.

- 1969 Team Signed Photograph- One of Namath’s most renowned moments was when he guaranteed his team would win Super Bowl III. Fans and media got in a frenzy over the prediction, and Namath lived up to his word capturing the title. A team signed picture of this momentous occasion makes for a great collectible. It also makes for an expensive on as they regularly sell for close to $1000.

- Joe Namath Signed Super Bowl III Program- If you’ve followed this blog at all, you know how much I love programs. They are flimsy documents that fans can get their hands on, but I think they make for great collectibles. They document important moments in the history of sports. Unfortunately, they are rarely preserved properly. A signed Joe Namath Super Bowl III program is a unique collectible that would stand out in any collection. It’s value is just over $300 making it an affordable piece for most collectors.

You see, Sanders really was like something out of a video game. His ability to stop on a dime and to turn what should’ve been a loss into a 50 yard gain was absolutely magical. His career accomplishments are noting short of amazing. A few of them include Heisman Trophy winner, 10x Pro Bowl selection, Rookie of the Year, NFL MVP, and 2x Offensive Player of the Year.

In July 1999, Barry Sanders stunned the sports world by announcing his retirement at the age of 31. He was just one season away from breaking the all time record for yards rushed. Had he played a full career, he certainly would have put that record in a place that would never be broken again.

Here are a few of my favorite collectibles from this electric running back.

- Autographed Heisman Trophy Helmet- In 1988, Sanders was a junior at Oklahoma State. Many people regard this season as the greatest college football year in history. That season, Sanders led all running backs by averaging almost 8 yards per carry. He also averaged over 200 yards rushing per game. Sanders set several records during the 1988 college football season, and he was awarded the Heisman Trophy. This autographed helmet commemorates his Heisman Trophy season. It’s valued at just over $500.

- Barry Sanders Signed Lions Jersey- During his 10 seasons with the Detroit Lions, Barry Sanders earned a reputation as one of the greatest running backs of all time. His Hall of Fame career is full of highlights no other player could achieve. Autographed jerseys always make for great collectibles as they help bring the game to life. A signed Barry Sanders Detroit Lions jersey can be purchased for around $400.

- Signed Barry Sanders Photos- Look around online and you can find all different types of Barry Sanders autographed photos. Most of these pictures capture the dynamic running back making a move to brush off several defenders at once. It’s these type of moves that caused Sanders to be a fan favorite and a Hall of Famer. You can find autographed picture collectibles of Barry Sanders for $150-$200.

The further we get from this historic accomplishment, the likelier it seems their record will hold up. It just seems too difficult to completely run the table in today’s NFL season. It’s a long, grueling season, and any team can win on a given Sunday.

Of course, any time a historic moment occurs in sports, there are many collectibles produced to document it.

Here are a few of my favorite collectibles from the 1972 Miami Dolphins perfect season.

- 1972 Dolphins Team Signed Helmet- This collectible contains the signatures of 8 vital members of the 72’ perfect team. Some of the more notable names on this helmet include Don Shula, bob Griese, and Jim Langer. To me, this autographed helmet is a collector’s dream. No other team has accomplished what these guys have. This collectible is valued at just over $800.

- Don Shula Autographed Orange Bowl Seat 17-0- I’m a sucker for unique collectibles. Any NFL collection is brimming with signed helmets, footballs, and cards, but few can boast an autographed Orange Bowl seat from legendary Dolphins coach Don Shula. The Orange Bowl was the venue for the 1972 perfect season. This collectible is a seat from the stadium with an autograph from Don Shula and the inscription “17-0.” For all discerning collectors, this piece can be purchased for around $300.

- Super Bowl Program- At Super Bowl VII, the 72 Dolphins completed their run toward football history. They did what no other team before or after them has done. They completed the perfect NFL season. Since I always talk about how much I love programs from great sporting events, it’s only logical that I’d include a Super Bowl program from the perfect season on this list. If you can find one preserved in good condition, I highly recommend picking it up. You’ll be holding a piece of football history in your hands!

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Since the early days of the game, legendary players from Ty Cobb to Babe Ruth to Hank Aaron to Derek Jeeter have earned their place in baseball history using a Louisville Slugger. The Louisville Slugger is the choice of 60 percent of all major league players. It’s a great bat and as Barry Bernson reports, the early Louisville Slugger bats are also great collectibles that command tens of thousands of dollars. Berson visits the Louisville Slugger Factory and interviews Rick Redman and Master Craftsman Danny Luckett, who has been making Louisville Sluggers for almost 40 years.

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In this video, Anne Jewell from the Louisville Slugger Museum talks about how partnering with collectors has made the museum stronger and better. Reporter Barry Bernson shows us the world’s largest bat and takes us inside this fascinating museum.

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In 1876, the Phillies were a charter member of the National League. In fact, they hosted the first game in National League history. Unfortunately, the franchise folded during the middle of the season. However, they came back in 1883, and they’ve been a crucial part of the National League ever since.

The Phillies first World Series visit was in 1915. They lost 4 games to 1 to the Boston Red Sox. The team would have to wait all the way until 1980 to win their first World Series. And you thought the Cubs’ fans suffered. Since their 1980 World Series win, the franchise has appeared in 2 World Series, 1983 and 1993, but they lost both times.

What follows is a list of some of the most unique and valuable Phillies collectibles. These document the rich history of one of baseball’s longest tenured franchises.

• 1915 League Champs Pennant- This pennant commemorates an important moment in Phillies history. 1915 was the first time the franchise made it to the World Series. They were the NL League champions. This pennant celebrates their league championship. Finding a baseball pennant this old usually means the collectible is in poor condition. Pennants are rarely preserved properly. However, a good condition 1915 Phillies League champions pennant is worth around $2000.

• 1915 World Series Press Pins- Press pins are some of the most exclusive antique baseball collectibles you’ll find. As the name implies, these are pins given solely to members of the press to wear on their lapels during the World Series. Finding a World Series press pin from the 1915 championship is a difficult task. Philadelphia press pins are priced between $6,000 and $11,000. A truly valuable collectible indeed.

• Mike Schmidt WS MVP Signed Ball- The 1980 World Series featured the Phillies against the Royals. The Phillies took the series in 6 games, putting an end to a nearly century long stint of no championship. Mike Schmidt was named the MVP of both the season and the World Series in 1980. He hit 2 home runs and drove in 7 runs over the course of the series. The Hall of Famer signed several baseballs with the inscription “1980 World Series MVP.” The balls are easy to find, but I think they still make for a great collectible. You can purchase them for well under $200.

Then, the 2008 seasons happened. Not only did the Rays end their losing ways, but they also won their division—a division with both the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. As I write this article, the Rays are in the ALCS up on the Boston Red Sox 3-to-1, one win away from going to the World Series.

From worst to first—how did the Rays do it? Young players have helped give the Rays a new winning image.
Here are collectibles from some of the rising youngsters on this Rays team.

• Evan Longoria—If you’re looking for collectibles to invest in, Evan Longoria memorabilia might be for you. Since making his debut earlier this season, the youngster hit .272 over 122 games with 27 home runs and 85 RBI. In his first two postseason at bats, Longoria hit two home runs, becoming just the second player in MLB history to accomplish this feat.

An array of Longoria is still available at very reasonable prices. For instance, an autographed Evan Longoria baseball can be found for less than $100. A signed bat can be purchased for close to $150. If Longoria’s career stays on its current path, these collectibles will skyrocket in value. Invest now, and it could pay off later.

• Carl Crawford—Even though Carl Crawford has been playing since 2002 and is the longest tenured member of the Rays, he’s still fairly young at 27 years old. Every season, Crawford has improved considerably, and he’s established himself as a true MLB All-Star. His future is bright, and he seems poised to keep improving.

Like Longoria, Crawford’s collectibles can still be found at affordable prices. If you’re looking to invest in Crawford memorabilia, you can buy autographed baseballs for around $80 each. His rookie cards are still very cheap, and they could make for great investments. As the Rays continue to have success, Carl Crawford’s talent will no longer be a secret. Think about investing in his collectibles soon.

• B.J. Upton—At 24 years old, this center fielder looks to be at the center of the Rays’ future success. In 2008, Upton hit .273 and stole 44 bases over the course of 145 games. However, the youngster still has a lot to learn. On two occasions, manager Joe Maddon disciplined the center fielder for a lack of hustle. I expect Upton to get past these growing pains and to have a successful future.

Since B.J. Upton is less proven than others on this list, his collectibles can be found at very low prices. Admittedly, he isn’t guaranteed to be successful. However, he seems to have all the talent necessary to have a great career. Pick up his rookie cards now while you can still get them for a few bucks at your local collectible shop.

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

The grading of sports cards has become a widely accepted method for verifying a card’s condition and authenticity. Grading was first introduced to the hobby in 1991 by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) of Newport Beach, Calif. PSA is a company spun off from Professional Coin Grading Service. It was first thought having an independent firm grading sports cards would do more damage to the hobby than help. However, by now, many have found it to be the basis for trading all sports cards of value.

To grade a card, you send it to a third-party company for authentication and state its condition. This company does not buy or sell cards as a business and is independent and credible.

Grading has many aspects. If any type of alteration to a card is evident, the card will be either rejected or placed in a holder without a number grade. In the second case, it will be noted that while authentic, there is “evidence of trimming,” that it has been “altered” or something similar. Unlike other hobbies, where cleaning or restoration of the collectible is widely accepted, in the sports card area, there is no allowance for any type of modification to a card. It must be exactly as issued to be graded.

The sports card industry has four accepted grading companies and in order of recognition, are usually ranked PSA first, then Sportscard Guaranty (SGC), Global Authentication Inc. (GAI) and Beckett. All are independent companies that strictly grade and authenticate sports cards, other types of cards and sports memorabilia. PSA is the oldest and most widely known. They are experts in all areas of the field, but it is SGC that is widely recognized for its special expertise in 19th-century cards and collectibles. This isn’t saying the other companies aren’t good, but SGC is considered by many to be the most knowledgeable in 19th-century material. Beckett is popular for grading newer (1980-present) sports cards, and GAI is very reputable in all areas.

These companies vary in their philosophy, history and approach. PSA was the first on the market. Many people collect just PSA cards, so the company has that edge. Beckett was the first to use true half-point grading ranging from 1-10 and is one of the last to enter the grading market. New card collectors seem to like the half-point grading. SGC uses a 1-100 scale that is equal to the half-point system, though I just feel it took people a while to get use to that system, thus giving Beckett the edge in new-card gradings. PSA, because of its longevity, and GAI have strong expertise in pre-1969 cards. To go one further, if choosing 19th-century cards, SGC would be first, PSA second, GAI third and Beckett fourth.

Grading a card can add great value to your collectible. At first, most people assume that one would grade just the star players, such as Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb and so on, but there is great potential for grading the common players in each set, too. Each of these companies have what they call a set registry. Collectors can register their sets and compete against others for top spots (highest-graded cards) in each year. Card sets have been produced since the late 1800s, so collecting everything would be extremely expensive. Some collectors pick a year and set out to get the best card in that set.

How does grading increase sports card value?

You may ask how can a card increase significantly if graded? Well, with all the online auctions, major auction houses and very strong prices of rare sports memorabilia and cards, third-party grading gives buyers confidence that they are getting what they are paying for. I notice a significant difference in prices realized when selling a graded card in comparison to a similar ungraded card. The reason, I think, for grading midgrade cards is that cards on a 1-10 scale will grade 3-6 because a buyer doesn’t have the card in front of him or her when bidding. But if the card is graded a 5 by a reputable company, the bidder would know what to expect condition wise and be confident there are no hidden faults with the card. In other words, peace of mind is usually why cards in these grades bring higher money at auction.

Meanwhile, for cards graded 7-9, especially 8s and 9s of cards pre-1969, the card grade adds value in that the buyers know they are not only getting a high-quality card, they are also buying cards that are considered investment grade and have potential to increase in value.

Cards graded 9 and 10 bring top prices because they are usually the best of the best and the population (another factor in prices) is very low. The population is the number of cards in a particular grade in comparison to all the cards being graded. One example is if there are 2,000 of a certain card graded, and there are 3 graded 9 and 2 graded 10 and the rest are 8.5 and lower. When a 9 goes up for auction, it is not only being sought after by investors, but by people seeking to get the highest graded for their set in that year.

Ultimately, though, it comes down to supply and demand. I have seen common players from 1955 (and many other years) that would have a value of $15 if not graded, sell for as high as $4,000 graded as a 9 or 10. It isn’t because the producer made fewer such cards, it is just because getting one in a high grade is very difficult.

The most popular example of this I can use is a 1952 Topps Andy Pafko, card #1. Usually cards #1 and the last card of a set are tough to find in good condition because they are damaged from being on the top or bottom of a pile, have rubber-band marks and so forth. This particular card is worth about $500 in midgrade condition, and if graded up to the equivalent of a 4.5 grade, would sell for about the same price of $500. It’s when you get into high-grade examples that the price soars. Recently, this particular card graded an 8 sold for $81,000. It is a tough card in high grade, and set collectors along with investors are aggressively after it.

There are many cards that sell for 20-100 times their value when graded and in high grade. I could list hundreds of cards, but the main factors in determining high values for cards of players that aren’t major stars is the population of the card in the grade desired, along with the number of people collecting that set or player. You can have a very low-population card in high grade that won’t necessarily get a very high price if the set the card is from is one that is not popular with collectors. In that case, even though there is a low supply, there is just as low, if not lower, demand for it.

Again, while many star players in high grade bring high prices, it isn’t just the major stars that are increased in value by grading. The same is true for many common player cards. As with all hobbies and investments, investing in sports cards should be thoroughly researched before jumping in with two feet. Pick the areas of collecting and having your cards graded that suit your needs and desires.

Grading has many variables

To sum it all up, grading has many variables—the card, population of the card once graded and credibility of the grading company. I am not saying any one company is better than any other. Still, overall results show that if you take a pre-1970 card in the same grade but in the four different holders, chances are the PSA would get the highest price, SGC second highest, GAI third and Beckett fourth. Meanwhile, on post-1970 cards, it would be a close call between PSA and Beckett for top prices, SGC would be next and GAI last. I think this is just a matter of grader preference.

I have included pictures of miscellaneous cards that have been graded by the top four grading companies so that you can see what they look like in the various holders. There are more than these four companies, but the value of other companies’ high grades in comparison to these vary greatly. These four are considered the most credible companies in the industry. So saving a couple bucks and getting cards graded elsewhere will reflect greatly on the prices you can realize.

I noted the ratings by era not to confuse people but to show the different types of collectors and their preferences. This is an arbitrary rating, but I feel most would agree with the order I placed them by era.

While grading your cards can greatly increase your collection value and give it much more appeal to a potential buyer, it can also be very costly if you don’t get the grades you expect. So as noted above, proceed with caution, and always consult a professional for assistance so you don’t end up spending money on grading and not get any benefit from the service.

In short, the name Manning is synonymous with great football. They are nothing short of football royalty.

As such, it’s no surprise that this football family has produced a laundry list of highly desirable collectibles.

Here are a few of the top collectibles bearing the Manning name.

• Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning Autographed Photo—Is there a better collectible to start off this list than an autographed 16-by-20-inch photo of football’s first family? It features a collage photo of each of the three Mannings in action. It’s a great collectibles for documenting the family tree of one of the NFL’s most influential and recognizable families. This signed photograph is valued at $600.

• Peyton Manning Autographed Super Bowl MVP—For years, fans questioned Peyton’s ability to win the big one. All throughout his career, he came up short during the most important games. It seemed as if he might never win a Super Bowl. Then, in Super Bowl XLI, Manning led his team to victory, and he earned the Super Bowl MVP in the process. This signed Manning Colts helmet has an inscription of Super Bowl XLI on it, making it a unique, valuable collectibles. It’s estimated worth is $800.

• Eli Manning Team Signed Super Bowl Jersey—Just one year after his brother, Peyton, made Super Bowl history, Eli followed it up with a win of his own. The Giants shocked the undefeated Patriots in one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history. This collectibles is an Eli Manning jersey signed by the entire 2007 Giants team. It’s a great testament to the power of being united as a team and never giving up. This rare collectible will set you back well more than $2,000.

More stories by Eric Brantner:

How to Start a Baseball Card Collection

Where to Find Baseball Cards

How to Store Your Baseball Cards

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

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Babe Ruth was one of these athletes. Even today, more than 70 years after he last set foot on the baseball diamond, everyone knows his name. And it’s not just sports fans who appreciate Babe Ruth—Americans from all walks of life recognize him as the legend he is.

Ruth is arguably the most dominant player in the history of baseball. He holds too many records for me to list here in this little blog. In short, Babe Ruth is a once-in-a-lifetime baseball player the likes of which may never be seen again.

As the result of his groundbreaking career, the market for Babe Ruth collectibles is at an all-time high. So with the last game having been played in Yankee Stadium, the House that Ruth Built, let’s look at a few of the most interesting (and valuable) Babe Ruth collectibles.

• Babe Ruth Game-Used Jersey—Authentic Babe Ruth memorabilia is valuable. Period. An authentic game-used jersey is even more valuable. Antique game-used jerseys like this are fairly rare because players were only issued a few jerseys per season. Recently, a 1933 Babe Ruth Yankees pinstripe jersey sold at auction for more than $650,000. The fabric of this jersey showed slight wear and tear, which I think actually enhanced the appeal of this collectible. What I wouldn’t do to have a Babe Ruth game-used jersey

• Babe Ruth Autographed Baseball—Autographed baseballs from Babe Ruth aren’t exactly the rarest collectibles. Babe was known as a generous guy who always signed autographs for his fans. That being said, it’s still an antique autographed-ball from the greatest baseball player of all time. So, it’s highly desirable and valuable. These pieces of memorabilia routinely fetch more than $20,000 at auctions throughout the country.

• Babe Ruth Signed Game-Used Bat—Just the other day, WorthPoint’s very own Howard Lau scored a rare piece of Babe Ruth memorabilia at an auction. The collectible was a Babe Ruth game-used bat that was signed for a Broadway star. To say this collectible is rare is an understatement, but Howard was very low key about his find. I guess that’s how it is when you own one of the premier sports memorabilia shops in Houston, but I know I’d be bouncing off the walls if I had landed that collectibles!

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