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On with the show, starting with an exceptional yard long style 1930's color football print by J.D. Whiting titled "Fumble" 42 ½" x 12 ½", lot number #210 . The print was in the booth of John and Judy Burke, and will be auctioned October 1st 2003 in their auction collectibleclassicsauctions.com . It's a classic vintage sports display piece, and quite rare. You don't see them offered often. I happen to have its mate titled "Touchdown?"

The prolific Terry Knouse of Tik & Tik from Wapwallopen, Pa., offered an incredibly rare and desirable Cy Young cigar tin, 5 ¼" tall, Price: $6,000.00 . This is the kind of material you expect at the National, and was one of the top pieces at the convention. The now defunct auction house Oliver's (1970-1992), famous for their antique advertising auctions, sold the same tin nearly fourteen years ago in November 1989 for $10, 450.00 and it was reported then to be one of only two known….and there it was, like a sitting duck in the Tic & Tic booth! Terry also had an impressive circa 1900, framed golf pillow cover, 22"x 22", Price: $3,500.00, never seen it before, excellent condition.

Circa 1919 presentation baseball bat 36", $4,000.00, offered by Corey Leiby
middle plate	click photos full length	end plate

Corey Leiby came with an exceptional circa 1919 silver trimmed black presentation baseball bat, 36", Price: $4,000.00 see above Interestingly it appeared much earlier. Had I not known the engraved date, I would have guessed it was from the 1880's. Next Leiby piece, a very rare 19th century metal sign for KNOCK-ABOUT shoes, Price: $1,500, depicting an early football player in a union suit. The sign was most unusual in that it appeared to have been printed on stainless steel. First example I'd seen. 

Next Leiby standout piece was an interesting, Circa 1884 boxed baseball card game, 5"x 6", Price: $2,500.00 . I couldn't find a maker on it, had never seen it before. Some advanced baseball board game collector will surely be very glad to find it, probably a very rare specimen, obviously wasn't priced for the novice. 

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Display cases in shared booth of  Bob McCann and Corey Leiby

Bob McCann from Gilbertsville, Pa. offered an exceptional circa 1900 flat top, hard ear football helmet, in excellent condition Price: $3,500.00 A classic early example. Next McCann standout was a very nice decorated trophy baseball (close in) from a Harvard vs. Princeton game on May 30th 1894 Price $1,500.00 . Nice shape, handsome gold lettering. Had the typical period nail in the top for hanging. Next McCann piece, a "Blue Ball" cigar box with a great Chromolitho label of a gal tennis player and guy golfer. Price: $500.00 . Next McCann, a Harris Woolens Advertising display box with great 30's graphics of a baseball game. 15 ½" x 27 ¼", Price: $500.00 . Good solid sports display material. Next McCann, an 1886 McLaughlin Brothers baseball board game, 17 ¼" x 9 ½", Price: $2,500.00 . One of the best things at the show. Actually a very great find, and priced right with room I think. McLaughlin sports games are getting tougher and tougher. When you say McLaughlin you're saying gold. King of the antique board game makers!

click photos     LEFT, 1886 McLoughlin Brothers Baseball board game, 17 1/4" X 9 1/2", $2,500.00  RIGHT c1920's Archatrons advertising display,  5 1/4" tall, $300.00 offered by Bob McCann

Next McCann, a circa 1920's advertising display for Archatrons, depicting boxing, football and baseball, 5 ¼" tall, Price: $300.00 . Just a nice little display piece, great graphics, very clean. Really not sure what Archatrons are, but cool piece anyway!

Next at bat, David Hunt's booth of Hunt Auctions from Exton, Pa. As already mentioned, David had one of the top booths for display material. Another hobby illuminati. Apparently they grow well in Pennsylvania. Up first from David's booth an exceptionally nice, 1920's advertising poster for Pinch Hit Tobacco, 45 ½" x 18 ¾" Price: $2,250.00 . Big sign, great blue background, striking. Don't recall ever seeing another. Great piece, nice condition. Next Hunt piece, now this was definitely one of the best pieces there…and extremely rare….an 1860's white metal statue of a baseball player (close in face) 10 ½" tall, . Being that antique sports sculpture is probably my biggest interest of all sports antiques, I was quite taken back by this piece, as I had never seen it before. I might venture to say seeing it made my trip. David told me he had seen another that was a lamp once. 

The average Joe would probably ask what's the fuss about. I wouldn't say it's a thing of beauty, as its art quality is not a refined as the Muller Striker and underhand Pitcher, which are similar and the same vintage. The piece almost has a folk art feeling. Nevertheless, a killer and very rare piece of American sports art. I'll be surprised if  I see another. All those people walking thru that booth, and probably barely glanced at it. It was an opportunity to see probably the very earliest baseball sculpture ever produced, right along side the Muller pieces…far as I'm concerned, priced right with room at $5,000.00.…where does David get this stuff? 

Next Hunt piece, a 1909 two handled silver plate baseball trophy cup, made by Derby, for the champions of New London City league, with a dramatic bronze overlay relief of a runner sliding into base with the baseman reaching for the catch, 10 ¾" tall x 10 ¼" wide, Price: $675.00 . Great piece, exceptional design, don't recall a bronze relief piece like it. Typical Derby quality, they made some of the best trophies.

John Ross of Harrisburg, Pa. came with an excellent condition, 19th century lemon peel baseball, Price: $1,000.00  A classic specimen.

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