Auction Watch: Hunt Auctions, October 2014
Hunt Auctions' October Internet/Phone Auction ends at 10 PM, Wednesday October 8th. In total the event boasts 128 Phillies-related lots - including the usual autograph, game-used selections spanning several decades. In particular I felt the offerings related to the 1980s were especially strong.. and, have focused attention on some of the best from this era to review:
Ozzie Virgil, 1985 Away Uniform
Powder blue... Zippered front... This jersey screams mid-1980s! Ozzie Virgil played several years with the Phillies and represented the team in the 1985 All Star Game. The jersey comes with Virgil's autograph and a "Game Used" inscription - which may or may not add value. Bidding sits at a conservative $103.
Update (10/9): Final bid - $246.
I saw the jersey still sitting around $175 early last night and almost thought about throwing a bid in. I still think the final bid amount was a good price for a 1985 gamer worn by an All Star. (Seems like jersey bids have been down the last couple months...)
1983 Phillies, Team Signed Ball
This ball signed by 24 members of the 1983 National League Champions is attractive for any team ball collector. The ball itself is a Chub Feeney, NL Ball - which would be period appropriate. And, though it lists signatures ranging in strength from 6 to 9, the visible "key" signatures of Schmidt, Carlton and Perez look pretty solid. Pluses include autographs from Bo Diaz (deceased) and Willie Hernandez (elusive), while the omission of Pete Rose, Joe Morgan and manager Paul Owens are obvious negatives.
Update (10/9): Final bid - $103
Despite the omitted key signatures I noted in the original review (above), $103 is a great price for this "starter ball." It should be easy enough for the winner to add both Rose and Morgan and significantly increase the value of their investment.
1980 Phillies Autographed Poster
This display of 1980 Phillies autographs is one of the marquee lots in this month's auction. With just over 24 hours left to bid, it has attracted bids totaling $321 though I expect it to crest the pre-auction estimate of $400 by this time tomorrow night. The poster has been signed by 32 members of the World Champions - including, Tug McGraw. I have seen many of these "in progress" at shows over the years and have to admit they look pretty sweet in this, completed form.
Update (10/9): Final bid - $388
Interesting to see this one not break the $400 bid mark last night. With Mike Schmidt alone asking $125+ for autographs at his upcoming area show, and the inclusion of deceased team members like Tug McGraw, it would be near impossible to build this project for less than $400 yourself today.