Auction Watch: Wheatland Auction Services, June 2015
Wheatland Auction Services' current online auction ends this weekend (Sunday, June 14th). As we have come to expect from their events, this month's auction offers graded vintage cards and sets, and autographed items. Below are a few low-bid lots in my watch list that you should be watching, too...
2009 Phillies Team Signed Baseball
The ball contains 15 signatures of the 2009 NL Champions, including key members Charlie Manuel, Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels and Raul Ibanez. All autographs are in black ink. While I don't think it has a chance to achieve the pre-auction estimate ($400-800), it definitely deserves to close at more than the current $40 high bid. See the lot
UPDATE (6/15): The ball received 12-bids, with a final bid amount of $120. With the names included, it easily could have gone for more than that in a larger auction. This is a great example of the types of deals that can be enjoyed in smaller, more local auctions. Take note for next time...
Cliff Lee/Tug McGraw Signed Photo Lot
I am primarily interested in the signed Tug McGraw photo included in this lot. It depicts "Tugger" celebrating the final out of the 1980 World Series. A framed, white circle reads "1980 Phillies, World Champions" - and has been autographed in blue pen. I've never seen the photo before - but, it may be from a magazine or book. Framed and matted, the photo sits with a $15 high bid. Buy it, and have other members of the team sign, too... See the lot
UPDATE (6/15): Only $10 more was bid on this autographed photo lot - ending at a final price of $25. I am really irritated at myself for not jumping in on this early. I had imagined using the McGraw photo as a(nother) 1980 Phillies, TTM project...
1980 Phillies Reunion Poster
There are several Phillies posters in this month's auction worth taking a look at - including this partially signed one from the 1980 Phillies Reunion. If you've been to a signing event for a 1980 Phillies player you know this is a very popular project for collectors. Although it doesn't have any of the big-hitters (i.e., Schmidt, Rose or Carlton), the poster does come with seven autographs including Bake McBride and Bob Boone. The "starter" autographs alone would save you $100 at signings... See the lot.
UPDATE (6/15): Another great deal for collectors, the poster garnered 10-bids, with a final price of $55. While it did not have autographs from the biggest of names, looking for partially-signed posters like this are a cost-effective way to build out an awesome team project!