Archive for January, 2010

Here is what I picked up today at the card show in Methuen, MA. Notes about the show after the images.

I haven’t been to a decent size show in a long while. This one was 40 tables and Scott Zolak was signing autographs (Umm). Most of the dealers had newer stuff with lots of jersey and autos. I was only looking for hockey and found one guy who didn’t have anyone around his table. He had tons of vintage Bruins stuff from the 50s and 60s. I bought the Orr, Cheevers, and Esposito from him. I wanted to buy more, but the wallet wouldn’t allow it. I went in with a limit and ended up going over by a hair.

Notes:

- I thought the Esposito was an OPC and didn’t notice my mistake until I got into the car. My bad, but it’s still a nice card.

- Speaking of which, I like how on the Topps Esposito it says, “Watch NHL Hockey on CBS Network” while the OPC says, “Watch NHL Hockey on TV Network.” I’ve never noticed that before with this year.

- This is Sanderson’s last card and he looks absolutely horrible. By this point, he was essentially washed up. Drugs and partying didn’t help his cause any.

- The guy with all the vintage Bruins…something didn’t feel right about a lot of his cards. I’m not 100%, but my gut says some were trimmed. It’s so hard to say for certain but all of his stuff was razor sharp. Maybe I just haven’t seen that many mint vintage cards before in one spot. I’m fairly certain the ones I picked up have not been trimmed.

- This show is twice a month and I might make it my mission to go once a month.

Got these eBay purchases in the mail yesterday. I think I’ve finally settled on doing this set of the 1980 US Hockey Team over the 04-05 Upper Deck Legendary Signatures set for a couple reasons:

1. The UD set is missing Verchota and O’Callahan.

2. Ramsey, Craig, and Broten are super duper short prints that cost hundreds of dollars.

3.  The Signature set is much cheaper to build and includes Craig Patrick and Herb Brooks.

Granted, the UD set looks nicer, but the Signature set isn’t terrible looking. It certainly lacks the prestige of the UD set, but is a good, cheaper, and more complete option. The Brooks will probably go for a tidy sum (I’ve yet to see one on eBay) but I think you can get any of the other players for $20 or less. If anyone wants the UD Miracle Men I have, let me know.

Today I picked up a ticket to a Bruins Alumni game in my area. $20 for a VIP ticket (great seats and meet-and-great). I’m hoping Brickley will be there as he is one of my favourite hockey people ever. Bourque would be a nice surprise, but I doubt he will make it. O’Reilly would be fantastic, though.

Going to a card show tomorrow in Salem, NH. Hoping to score some vintage stuff. Check back tomorrow or Monday for my show purchases.