PARKIE PROJECT - Pulled The Trigger

My Parkie Project has been slow...as expected. But I feel as though the past couple of years might have slowed me down too much.

Card prices have gone up...especially the vintage variety, and I was always hoping to build this collection on a budget.

Still, for an iconic set, there really is no downside to what these cards can bring.

The last time I added to my PC, it was a trip to BC late last year. I decided that the opportunity was there to snag a couple items and even though the price was a little higher than I had hoped, it was a good time to buy.

Same holds true for my most recent purchase.

1951/52 Parkhurst

#36 Clare "Rags" Raglan

Once again, this is his rookie card (most of the cards from this set are) and has a nice action shot of Raglan in his Chicago uni.  Take a moment to enjoy those gloves...skates...straight stick...empty boards...sweater.

Clare Raglan played just 100 games in the National Hockey League over 3 seasons (two with Chicago and one with Detroit). He was a depth defenceman and earned the nickname "Rags" when he found himself monitoring the same blueline as another teammate named Clarence. I guess it was a more common name back then. He also is the father of NHLer Herb Raglan (who played in the late-80s/early-90s).

The first thing you might notice (I know I did) was the off-centering that this card has. This set build isn't a high-ender...but I want aesthetically pleasing cards. Rounded corners...no problem. Clean backs are a must (no rips, tears or pen marks). Creases at a minimum (would prefer none). And a nicely centred card.

Eek.

So why did I snag this one?

I don't see these cards at shows or stores as often as I used to. The store I bought this from is one that I trust and want to support.

But honestly...I just wanted to buy a card.  Ha ha.

Maybe if I had purchased a few cards recently, or picked up a couple other Parkies in the past few months, I would have passed. But the excitement and enthusiasm for adding to the PC was strong.

So do I regret the pickup?

No...not a chance. These are hard cards to find and at the rate I'm going, I may never finish this set. To put me one closer to completion is always a good thing. Would I have liked to have picked up the card for slightly less (this is one of the top 3 most expensive cards in my Parkie collection to date)? Absolutely...who wouldn't. But again, to support my LCS made it worth it. If this card was on a table at a show...I'd have likely passed on it.

This card now proudly sits in my collection...and has story. Nothing wrong with that.

Current Collection - 26 cards

WALLET CARD - Oddball Concert

Continuing my "cardboard cleanup" this weekend by showcasing some really fun 'Wallet Card' pickups.

I've had my eye one these for years and finally decided they needed to be a part of my collection.

For those who don't know, my Oscar Gamble collection is without a doubt my most fun PC. It's inexpensive (in relation to my other endeavours), the cards are right in that perfect balance of vintage vs. current, there's tough chases and always enjoyable photography. What's not to like.

These items fire on all cylinders.

1999 Phish Concert Backstage Passes x3

I mean, c'mon...these are absolutely must-haves in any Oscar Gamble collection...no?

Slightly oversized, these are printed on cloth and appear unused (that said, I don't know my backstage passes that well).

I've had them on my ebay watchlist for years...the seller has hundreds of backstage passes for sale (I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing). But the time was now to strike.

1999 Phish Backstage Pass

#NN Green

I don't know what more to say...other than "look at it".  Ha ha.

Obviously, the iconic 1976 Topps Traded baseball card makes an ideal backstage pass image. I love that they didn't take too many liberties with the design (really, just the wording on the newspaper headline).

These look to be in perfect condition. No heavy use or creases.

And for them to be unpeeled is an added bonus. Actually, it was a must-have in my eyes. I don't think I would have snagged them if they were "used".

1999 Phish Backstage Pass

#NN Orange

I'm not sure why the three colours. Maybe they were thinking "Hey, I bet there's a guy who loves our band and would like to collect these passes". Close...I like the baseball player.

But to have the three of these, all from the same seller and having like identifiers, that's appealing to me.

How do you say....oddly satisfying.

1999 Phish Backstage Pass

#NN Blue

Now I mentioned that I have had these on my radar for years. While I didn't always have them in my ebay watchlist, I knew they existed. When I finally decided that now was the time, I could have sworn that I had seen a red copy at one time. I couldn't find a copy of one when scouring the internets - so now I'm unsure.

But that will have me keeping a lookout...maybe it's a shortprint. :)

Regardless, I love the fact that I have added some quality items to the 'Wallet Card' collection...once again.

Never a dull moment.

LINDEN CARD(s) OF THE WEEK - Select Emerald... and a Gift

Greetings! It's been a busy couple of months but I have finally landed an actual weekend off (two full days with no work on the plate). I wanted to ease into my Saturday so I decided to sort through some cards...always relaxing and fun.

While my pickups this year have been few and far between, I'm still very active in hunting and collecting information on my various PCs. I've learned of some exciting new autograph Linden cards in SP Authentic and have some exciting new additions to my 'Wallet Card' collection - so stay tuned.

Today, I'll share a pair of Trevor Linden cards from a fellow Linden collector. 

I've seen him post a few Trev's on ebay over the years...most of them I already have, and I've also reached out to him previously to ask about any opportunities. He's always been top-notch in helping me out. A couple times I've held off on buying a card...deciding to reach out to him to ask about a bundle, only to have the card get snagged by an opportunistic collector.

I've learned my lesson...ha ha.

So when this card showed up, I didn't hesitate. I hit the Buy It Now.

2013/14 Panini Select

#178 Emerald  /25

This is an exciting card to land. Make no mistake, the photo does not do this piece justice. It's a card that has eluded me for almost a decade. Cards numbered to 25 from back then don't pop up often.

This is an item that finishes off the Select rainbow from that year (minus the 1/1...though I know where it lives). I really pay attention to card from 7-12 years ago that I do not yet have. They are rare birds in my eyes and I find that they have a lot more desirability in the current landscape of the hobby - especially shiny, coloured cards.

After I pulled the trigger, I e-mailed him, excited about what I had purchased, but also to see if he had any other items that I could add to my shipment. He asked for an updated wantlist and shared his with me. I always enjoy getting some knowledge on what others are seeking. Makes me go eagle-eye when I go to card shows.

He let me know that there was another card he had that I needed and tossed it (gently...and with protection) into the bubble envelope with the Emerald.

2020/21 Upper Deck Black Diamond

#SB-TL Silver On Black Signatures  /100

This is a sah-weet looking card. I love the way Black Diamond cards just provide so much in aesthetics, yet present a clean, polished look.

I've had a couple copies of this one on my radar, but the price wasn't quite right. To have this as a gift in addition to my purchase was just very much appreciated.

Thanks very much, Elliot for your kind gesture and continued friendship in this hobby. It's people like you that make hockey card collecting fun and an enjoyable passion for me.

Cheers!