Sometimes you go to a dollar bin and see the same cards you already have in your collection 10 times over (Mark Recchi 90-91 UD Rookies) and sometimes you find something that makes you go...."Hey!". I had such moment finding these:
89-90 OPC Brian Bradley Auto Rookie
This is not a buyback rookie but likely an autograph that someone got in person. Not having any comparables or anything like that I bought this card on blind faith. Seriously, who'd forge Brian Bradley's signature.
Here is a legit one I found online as a comparison
Apart from a sloppy thick sharpie on my signature is all seems legit. Brian wore 19 during his prime years so I am guessing that is why he signed this one with a 19 instead of 10. Also dates my autograph in the post 1993 range.
Brian Bradley was a fun pick up because I remember him as Mr. Expansion draft and he had a monster year with the Lightning scoring over 40 goals in a season.
90-91 Bowman Wendell Young Auto Rookie
Here is another fun auto for a dollar. In fact, I got two of him. There was also an OPC rookie as well which I grabbed but only bothered scanning the one card. I didn't doubt this one for a second because Wendell was from Halifax and this autograph could have been easily obtained by a collector in my province who bumped into Wendell Young. Neat fact I learned while researching this post is Wendell Young is the only person who has rings from the following championships: CHL, AHL, IHL and NHL. Certainly a very fun trivia question to ask someone!
Anyway, two fun players who both had some successes and at a cost that was totally worth the risk. I don't believe I could even buy two stamps and get these via TTM for that price. Have you ever taken a chance on an autograph that wasn't certified? Anyway, thanks again for stopping by and happy collecting!
Autos for a buck? That's always a good deal.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tony I agree! I would probably grab an auto of just about any player from any sport for a dollar.
DeleteLOVE that Brian Bradley Dave, nice picking!!!
ReplyDeleteHaha, I thought you might. That 89-90 is truly your sweetheart. Have you ever seen the uncut sheets of that set? I think your collection would benefit from one or two of those.
DeletePicked up a Willie Mays ball for $8 at the flea market. Was pretty nervous, but my buddy looked at it and said it looked good. Eventually got it PSA authenticated. Also took chances on a Mike Eruzione puck, a George R.R. Martin signature, and a Mr. Fuji signed photo... which passed too. On the flipside, I had a pair of fails too. Bought a Jerry Rice mini helmet and a Charlton Heston photo at the flea market. Both failed. Oh well... win some, lose some.
ReplyDeleteWow, on the Mays!! I hear what you're saying but I am guessing a few hits would erase numerous losses in the long run. I am guessing the more we educate ourselves the better we get at spotting them. I sometimes like to use Cardboard Connection as they will feature players and their signatures from time to time as good exemplars. Congrats on the fantastic flea market finds, you seem to have the touch there!
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