Mastro Auctions Classic Collector Sale of Sports and Americana Tops $1.2 Million. Before Mastro Auctions’ February Classic Collector sale closed, consignments for the June Classic Collector sale were nearly complete. According to Doug Allen, president and COO of Mastro Auctions this is an amazing testimony to the growing popularity of the company’s Classic Collector events. “The first Classic Collector of 2008 was a bit tough,†admits Allen. “Getting things to happen during the holiday season, which is when consignments for the February 2008 sale were being taken, is always a challenge.†But Allen says that shortly after the first of the year, the “doors blew off the place†and Mastro Auctions was knee deep in consignments for their June 2008 sale. “I don’t think anyone will be disappointed with what we’ll be delivering this summer,†says Allen. “The June Classic Collector sale looks like it may be unprecedented.â€
Allen also expresses excitement about Mastro Auctions’ other upcoming sales including the Premier and Connoisseur auctions in April and the event the company has planned for the National Convention. Also important says Allen is the Premier Collectibles Conference & Exhibition (PCCE), the first event of its kind directed at serious collectors, taking place in Chicago on April 17-20 (for more information go to www.PCCE2008.com). “There will be considerable excitement in the collecting industry this year,†says Allen. “We are thrilled to be a part of it and look forward to bringing the very best of what is available to the collecting public.â€
The February Mastro Auctions Classic Collector event, conducted entirely over the internet, included over 1,300 lots of Sports and Americana collectibles. Bidding concluded on February 28. Highlights include:
TOP LOTS –SPORTS
* 2005 Chicago White Sox World Champions team signed balls (72 balls, each with 26 sigs.) – a complete case of six dozen official W.S. balls sold for $19,200.
* A 1961 New York Yankees World Champions team signed ball (26 signatures) including Mantle and Maris sold for $14,400.
* A 1911-1976 Hall of Famers and Stars collection (51 different) went for $7,200.
* Tris Speaker single signed and inscribed ball – dated 1955 realized a final price of $6,600.
* A 1909-11 E90-1 American Caramel collection (36 different) including Cobb and Mathewson went for $6,000.
* A 1961-2003 Masters Badges Collection (39) sold for $6,000.
* A 1967-2007 Super Bowl I through XL tickets complete run (41) – all PSA-holdered went for $5,700.
* A 1957-1979 Topps collection (3,250+) sold for $5,400.¼br /> * A Babe Ruth single signed ball commanded $5,400.
* A 1980-2000s Perez-Steele Hall of Fame “Art Postcards” collection (259 different) featuring 99 signed cards including Mantle, Campanella, DiMaggio and Williams sold for $5,400.
* A 1961-1963 Post Cereal complete set run (3) went for $5,400.
TOP LOTS –AMERICANA
* 19th century U.S. Presidents signed official documents collection (10 items) including James Madison and John Quincy Adams sold for $5,100.
* “The Art of Animation” 1958 signed first edition hardcover (22 signatures) including Walt Disney and his foremost animators went for $4,200.
* An assorted U.S. and foreign gold coins lot (14) commanded $3,600.
* A 1953 Topps “Fighting Marines” complete set (96) sold for $3,600.
* An Abraham Lincoln 1850s signed legal pleading went for $3,000.
* An 1862-1943 graded vintage coins collection (9) went for $3,000.
MORE SPORTS
Additional highlights for numerous sports lots are provided in the following arranged by auction category.
BASEBALL CARDS
Graded Single Cards, Partial Sets and Sets
A 1960 Topps PSA-graded partial set (255/572) sold for $4,800; a 1965 Topps #145 Luis Tiant rookie card – PSA GEM MT 10 “1 of 2!” commanded $4,800; a 1953-1968 Mickey Mantle PSA-graded collection (10 different) went for $4,500; a 1955 Topps PSA MINT 9 and PSA NM-MT 8 collection (12 different) including Kaline and Spahn sold for $3,900; a 1933 R319 Goudey PSA-graded collection (10 different) including six Hall of Famers sold for $3,600; a 1933 Goudey #144 Babe Ruth – PSA EX 5 went for $3,300; a 1954 Wilson Franks Enos Slaughter – PSA NM 7 sold for $3,000; a 1934 R313A Gold Medal Flour SGC-encapsulated complete set (12) plus original mailer sold for $3,000; a 1960s Topps Hall of Famers rookie c sards PSA-graded collection (15) sold for $2,880; a 1933 Goudey #144 Babe Ruth – PSA VG-EX 4 commanded $2,880; a 1917-20 M101-6 Sporting News/Felix Mendelsohn Babe Ruth, Yankees – SGC 30 GD 2 went for $2,880; a 1933 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth – SGC 40 VG 3 went for $2,760; a 1990s-2000s Hall of Famers and Superstars rookie collection (26 different) – all graded mint or gem mint sold for $2,520; a 1954 Wilson Franks PSA EX-MT 6 pair (2 different) including Slaughter realized a final price of $2,400; a 1933 Goudey #144 Babe Ruth – SGC 50 VG/EX 4 went for $2,280; and a 1909-11 T206 White Border PSA-graded collection (5 different) including Evers and Tinker sold for $2,040.
Ungraded or Partially Graded Single Cards, Partial Sets and Sets
A 1880s-1910s “N” and “T” sports and non-sports collection (286) went for $4,500; a 1933 and 1934 Goudey collection (50 different) sold for $4,500; a 1953-1968 Mickey Mantle PSA-graded collection (10 different) went for $4,500; a 1954 Topps complete set (250) sold for $4,500; a 1952-1969 Topps and Fleer baseball card collection (2,250+) realized a final price of $4,200; a 1910 E92 John Dockman & Sons partial set (25/40) sold for $4,200; a 1910 E98 “Anonymous” collection (21) including many Hall of Famers went for $4,200; a 1956 Topps complete set (340) plus three team variations sold for $4,200; a 1950s-1980s Topps, Kellogg’s and miscellaneous collection (2,500+) went for $3,900; a 1933-1936 Goudey and National Chicle collection (111) including two Lou Gehrig Cards went for $3,900; a 1955 Topps complete set (206) including #210 Duke Snider signed card commanded $3,900; a 1956 Topps complete set (340) plus two checklists sold for $3,900; a 1910 E101 “Set of 50” collection (7 different) including Cobb and Mathewson sold for $3,300; a 1916 D350-1 Standard Biscuit #87 Joe Jackson – GAI GD 2 went for $3,300; a 1929 R316 Kashin Publications near set (96/101) realized a final price of $3,300; a 1956 Topps complete set (340) plus two checklists went for $3,300; a 1955 Bowman complete Master Set (326) sold for $3,300; a 1952-1956 Topps and Bowman collection (1,600+) went for $3,000; a 1957 Topps complete set (407) sold for $3,000; a 1933 DeLong collection (18 different) including Lou Gehrig realized a final price of $2,760; a 1961 Topps complete set (587) went for $2,760; a 1962 Topps complete set (598) sold for $2,640; a 1963 Topps complete set (576) went for $2,640; a 1958 Topps complete set (494) realized a final price of $2,640; a 1956 Topps complete set (340) plus two checklists realized a final price of $2,640; a 1964 Topps complete set (587) sold for $2,640; a 1909-1963 grab-bag collection (388) including many Hall of Famers went for $2,640; a 1954 Bowman complete set (224) sold for $2,520; a 1964 Topps Giants mini-hoard (1,200+) went for $2,160; a 1967 Topps near set (608/609) realized a final price of $2,040; and a 1960 Topps complete set (572) sold for $2,040.
Unopened Wax and Vending
A 1979 Topps Baseball hoard of unopened cello boxes (10) and unopened cello packs (116) sold for $3,000; a 1947-66 Exhibit Baseball Arcade cards unopened cello packs collection (5) sold for $1,320; a 1979 Topps Baseball (4) and 1980 Topps Baseball (2) unopened vending boxes – all GAI-graded realized a final price of $840; and a 1980-1984 Topps and Donruss baseball collection of unopened boxes (10) and cello packs (17) went for $840.
BASEBALL AUTOGRAPHS
A 1980-2000s Perez-Steele Hall of Fame “Art Postcards” collection (259 different) featuring 99 signed cards including Mantle, Campanella, DiMaggio and Williams sold for $5,100; a huge 1950s-2000s signed cards and souvenirs collection (4,000+) went for $4,200; a Mickey Mantle New York Yankees signed replica home jersey realized a final price of $3,600; a Sandy Koufax 8″ x 10″ color photos collection (25) went for $3,300; a Hall of Famers signed 1930s-1950s government postcards collection (5 different) including Bresnahan, Clarke, Duffy, Landis and Speaker sold for $3,300; a 1950s-2000s Hall of Famers and Superstars signed memorabilia collection (750+ items) realized a final price of $3,300; a 1953 All-Star multi signed program (20 signatures) including Mantle and Williams commanded $3,300; a 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers N.L. Champions team signed World Series program (35 signatures) sold for $3,000; a Mickey Mantle signed 20″ x 30″ photo went for $2,760; a 1985-1997 Perez-Steele “Great Moments” complete set (108) featuring 68 signed cards including “Willie, Mickey and the Duke” sold for $2,640; a 1950s-2000s New York Yankees memorabilia collection (21 items) including Mantle and DiMaggio single signed balls went for $2,640; a unique Lou Gehrig signed painter’s cap realized a final price of $2,520; and a 1950s-1980s signed cards collection (500+) including Mantle, Mays, Seaver and Murray sold for $2,520.   Â
BASEBALL BATS
A George Brett 1986-1989 Louisville Slugger signed game used bat sold for $1,140; an Eddie Murray 1986-1989 Louisville Slugger signed game used bat sold for $1,080; a Carl Yastrzemski 1977-1979 H&B signed game used bat went for $1,020; and a game used bats collection (12) including four signed examples realized a final price of $1,020.
SINGLE AND TEAM SIGNED BASEBALLS
A Babe Ruth single signed ball sold for $5,100; a Joe McCarthy 1929 single signed ball went for $4,800; a circa 1927 Babe Ruth and umpire Bill Dineen multi signed ball realized a final price of $3,900; an extraordinary multi signed vintage ball – including Ruth, Cobb, Williams and Young sold for $3,600; a Hall of Famers and Superstars single, multi and team signed balls collection (189) sold for $3,000; a Barack Obama single signed ball – PSA/DNA GEM MT 10 commanded $2,760; a 1935 New York Yankees team signed ball (24 signatures) including Ruth and Gehrig went for $2,760; a Hall of Famers and Superstars single signed balls collection (56) including DiMaggio and Mays went for $2,640; a Lefty Grove single signed ball sold for $2,640; a MLB Stars single signed balls collection (104) went for $2,520; a Hall of Famers and Superstars single signed and multi signed balls collection (57) including Mantle and “300 Wins Club” ball sold for $2,400; a 1938 New York Yankees World Champions team signed ball (31 signatures) including Lou Gehrig realized a final price of $1,920; a 1954 and 1955 Baltimore Orioles team signed balls collection (7) went for $1,800; a 1985 St. Louis Cardinals N.L. Champions team signed ball (38 signatures) went for $1,800; a Satchel Paige single signed ball sold for $1,440; and a 1953 Brooklyn Dodgers team signed ball (24 signatures) went for $1,320.
BASEBALL UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT
A Joe DiMaggio 1968 Oakland A’s game worn coach’s road jersey sold for $3,900; an Albert Pujols 2001 St. Louis Cardinals game worn rookie home jersey went for $2,400; a Rickey Henderson 1991 Oakland A’s game worn home jersey went for $1,920; a Mark McGwire 1998 St. Louis Cardinals signed game worn “Turn Back the Clock” jersey realized a final price of $1,800; a David Ortiz 2007 Boston Red Sox game worn home jersey sold for $1,440; a Dustin Pedroia 2007 Boston Red Sox game worn home jersey went for $1,320; a Manny Ramirez 2007 Boston Red Sox game worn home alternate jersey sold for $1,200; and an Eddie Mathews 1972 and 1973 Atlanta Braves signed game worn manager’s home jersey sold for $1,140.
BASEBALL MEMORABILIA
An extremely rare 1910 Schmelzer’s Sporting Goods pinback – Hank Gowdy, Boston – PSA NM-MT 8 went for $3,600; a George Foster 1977 and 1978 awards collection (2 items) sold or $2,760; a 1974 Hall of Fame induction bats collection (5) – Mantle induction year realized a final price of $2,520; a 1940s-1980s World Series, All-Star and Super Bowl press pins collection (29) plus Ripken tribute pin sold for $2,160; a 1940s-2000s World Series programs collection (80) sold for $1,920; a 1922 New York Giants vs. New York Yankees World Series program – Game 1 sold for $1,920; a 1930s-1960s World Series and All-Star Game ticket stubs, programs and passes collection (24 items) sold for $1,800; a 1960s-1970s trophies and awards collection (4) including Frank Frisch and Pete Rose went for $1,800; a 1936-1974 Hall of Fame induction bats collection (6 different) – including All “Keys” sold for $1,680; and Kelly Heath’s 1984 Columbus Clippers International League Champions player’s ring realized a final price of $1,680.
BASEBALL PHOTOGRAPHS
A Babe Ruth 1935 Boston Braves photographs archive (30) sold for $3,900; a Ban Johnson 8″ x 10″ Burke photograph sold for $2,520; a Tony Lazzeri 1927 News Service photograph realized a final price of $840; a Walter Johnson 1925 News Service photograph commanded $720; and a Branch Rickey in uniform circa 1906 News Service photograph sold for $720.
FOOTBALL FANTASIES
A 1967-2007 Super Bowl I through XL programs complete run (41) sold for $4,800; Tracy Gravely’s 1995 Baltimore Stallions Grey Cup championship ring realized a final price of $3,900; the very first football card – 1888 N162 Goodwin “Champions” Ed Beecher, Yale – PSA VG-EX 4 went for $3,600; an incredible Heisman Trophy winners signed football (59 signatures) including Earl Campbell, Barry Sanders and O.J. Simpson sold for $3,300; 1990 Salvino Joe Montana figurines (49) in original boxes went for $3,000; a 1962 New York Giants team signed football (40 signatures) – NFL Championship year sold for $2,400; a 1973 Topps unopened vending box – GAI Gem Mint 9.5 sold for $2,160; a Walter Payton Chicago Bears signed Hall of Fame helmet went for $1,920; a Walter Payton Chicago Bears signed replica helmet sold for $1,920; and a New England Patriots Super Bowl dynasty full ticket collection (10) – all PSA-graded went for $1,920.
HOOP DREAMS
A 1986/87 Fleer #57 Michael Jordan rookie cards PSA-graded trio (3) went for $2,520; a 1961/62 Fleer #33 Don Ohl – PSA MINT 9 sold for $2,400; a 1961/62 Fleer #8 Wilt Chamberlain rookie card – PSA NM-MT 8 realized a final price of $2,040; a 1961/62 Fleer #16 Hal Greer – PSA MINT 9 sold for $1,920; a Wilt Chamberlain signed official Spalding basketball sold for $1,920; a 1961/62 Fleer #41 Gene Shue – PSA MINT 9 realized a final price of $1,800; a 1961/62 Fleer #22 K.C. Jones – PSA MINT 9 sold for $1,800; a 1961/62 Fleer #34 Bob Pettit – PSA MINT 9 went for $1,680; a 1961/62 Fleer complete set (66) plus original wrapper went for $1,680; and a Hakeem Olajuwon 1990-91 NBA Blocked Shots Champion award sold for $1,680.
BOXING BEAUTIES
Muhammad Ali signed photos (2) sold for $1,320; another Muhammad Ali signed photos (2 different) went for $1,140; a rare 1910 T223 Dixie Queen SGC-graded quartet (4 different) sold for $1,140; an 1890s-1940s boxing and entertainment photos collection (201 items) – including Jim Corbett signed cabinet realized a final price of $1,020; and a Muhammad Ali signed baseball bat went for $1,020.
HOCKEY HIGHLIGHTS
A 1912/13 C57 Hockey Series graded partial set (31/50) went for $4,500; a 1930s-1940s New York Rangers player contracts collection (8 items) including seven signed by Frank Boucher sold for $2,880; a 1964/65 Topps complete set (110) realized a final price of $2,760; a 1970/71 through 1974/75 Topps complete sets collection (5) went for $2,040; a 1977-79 Sportcaster #77-10 Wayne Gretzky rookie card – PSA MINT 9 sold for $1,920; a 1920s-1960s Madison Square Garden/New York Rangers archive (150+ items) sold for $1,680; a 1952/53 Parkhurst #88 Gordie Howe – PSA NM 7 went for $1,440; a 1953/54 Parkhurst complete set (100) went for $1,320; a 1960/61 Parkhurst #20 Gordie Howe – PSA MINT 9 sold for $1,320; a 1974/75 Topps unopened wax box (24 packs) – GAI NM-MT+ 8.5 went for $1,320; and a 1984 Edmonton Oilers Wayne Gretzky Stanley Cup Champions ring salesman’s sample went for $1,320.
Additional highlights for numerous Americana lots are provided in the following arranged by auction category.
PRESIDENTIAL AND POLITICAL PERFECTION
A November 3, 1948 Chicago Daily Tribune “Dewey Defeats Truman” full newspaper went for $2,400; a George Washington 1700s penmanship sample sold for $1,560; a George Washington 1790s engraved dinner invitation sold for $1,560; a “Four Presidents” signed 8″ x 10″ photo – Nixon, Ford, Carter and Reagan realized a final price of $1,440; a John F. Kennedy 1955 signed letter on U.S. Senate stationery went for $1,320; an 1860s-1880s Presidential campaign ballots collection (9 different) including Lincoln/Johnson and Garfield/Arthur went for $1,320 a John F. Kennedy 1960s signed “High Hopes” typescript went for $1,140; an Ulysses S. Grant 1871 signed pardon document sold for $1,140; and an 1861 Abraham Lincoln “Citizens’ Committee” reception silk sold for $1,080.
NON-SPORTS CARDS
A 1962 Topps “Civil War News” complete set (88) plus currency inserts complete set (17) went for $2,640; a 1933 Jolly Roger “Pirates” complete set (48) – #4 on the PSA Set Registry sold for $2,520; a 1937 Heinz “Famous Aviators Pictures” premiums (3) went for $2,520; a rare 1939 “Reg’lar Fellers” Ice Cream complete set (25) realized a final price of $2,160; a 1952 Topps “X-Ray Round Up” complete set (200) went for $2,040; a 1952 Topps “Look ‘n See” PSA-graded partial set (109/135) sold for $2,040; a 1952 Topps “Wings” complete set (200) sold for $1,800; a 1962 Topps “Mars Attacks” complete set (55) went for $1,680; a 1970 Topps “Brady Bunch” Test Issue near set (50/55) went $1,680; a 1953 R701-5 Bowman “Frontier Days” complete set (128) realized a final price of $1,560; a 1940s-1950s non-sports collection (650+) sold for $1,560; a 1950s-1970s Topps and Bowman non-sports sets collection (9) sold for $1,440; a scarce 1965 Topps “Battle” full uncut sheet (132 cards) including two complete sets sold for $1,320; a 1967 Topps “Who Am I?” complete set (44) plus wrapper sold for $1,200; and a 1940s R110 Holloway & Co. “Pirate Treasure” Type 1 complete set (48) sold for $1,200.
HISTORICAL ITEMS/AUTOGRAPHS
A Robert E. Lee signed display sold for $1,680; an “Enola Gay” and “Bockscar” crew signed “Dawn of the Nuclear Age” limited edition poster (9 signatures) went for $1,200; a Harry Houdini 1923 signed and personalized photograph realized a final price of $1,080; and a Leroy Nieman signed lithographs collection (10 different) went for $1,020.
ADVERTISING PIECES
1930s to 1950s Buck Rogers advertising pieces, premiums, books, toys and novelties (24 items) sold for $1,320; an early 1950s Marx “Official Rex Mars Planet Patrol Sparkling Space Tank” with original box went for $780; a 1950s-1960s space guns and friction vehicles assortment (14) – all in their original boxes or packages realized a final price of $780; and four 1935-1950 Buck Rogers metal space guns sold for $660.
HOLLYWOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT
A music stars signed photo collection including Buddy Guy and Trisha Yearwood went for $900; a 1966 “Batman†30†x 40†movie poster sold for $780; a Grace Kelly 8†x 10’ signed photo went for $720; a Hollywood stars 1940s-1970s “LOOK†Magazine high grade complete issues collection (89) with no mailing labels realized a final price of $600; a Ronald Reagan 1948 signed “Screen Actors Guild†document went for $540; and a Mae West 1940s-1970s personal archive went for $540.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To consign with Mastro Auctions and for information on the next Classic Collector auction, which will be held in June 2008, go to www.mastroauctions.com or call 630-472-1200.
