The Brill Report

TOPPS CHROME VICK SP'S SELLING FOR $500

VOLUME 1, NUMBER 162

HOT*BUTTON*STORY

(BARRY ENDS LAST HOMESTAND, *** BALL TO HALL ***)

(The Beginning and the End.)

                                              

** TOPPS CHROME MICHAEL VICK CARDS SURFACE AT $500 PER

** TOPPS DEAL IS OFFICIAL WITH 53-PERCENT OF THE VOTE SAYING YES

** BARRY'S BALL GOES TO HALL BUT WITH AN (*)

** FALL EXPO IN CANADA BEGINNING TO BUILD

** IN THE GAME SAYS "OH CANADA!"

** UDA PUSHING CECIL'S KID BUT NOT CECIL

** STEINER SETTING DATES FOR 25 MORE PRIVATE SIGNINGS

** AN APOLOGY FROM MATTEL FOR CHINA RECALL

DETAILS ON THESE AND MORE IN TBR: THE BRILL REPORT

EDITORIAL COMMENT: TOPPS? YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME VICK?

                               ==================

(VICK CHARGED, PULLED CHROME CARDS SELLING FOR $500)

While the grand jury came down with less serious charges than expected on dog fighting financier Michael Vick, another unexpected development has hit the hobby. 2007 Topps Chrome cards of the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback were to be pulled from production but now it looks as if a few got out and are selling for serious dollars on eBay.

(Blue Refractor 2007 Topps Chrome Vick card.)

So far The Brill Report has tracked five of the cards including a Blue Refractor. Sale prices have been strong. They sold for $350, $365, $405, $500 and one currently up for auction is at $152 with two days left to bid. Topps said they had pulled all Vick cards from their assembly line after Donruss/Playoff started the trend and Upper Deck followed. As has been the case with previous "pulls" (such as Alex Gordon in 2006) some of these cards got out and are selling for very high dollars.

A call and an email request for comment from Topps have not been returned.

Of the five on eBay, none have been graded so there may be some in grading companies which have not been listed so it is very difficult to tell how many there are. So far of the five there are three regular Chrome cards, one regular refractor and one blue refractor. For some sellers keeping the card was not an option.

"I pulled it from a hobby pack a few weeks back," said C. Brown who goes by the seller name "Browntrio2002." "Him being a scumbag turned out to be a blessing for us cause the money we get from this is going to our xmas funds for our two boys."

C. Brown is a stay at home mother and her card is the only active auction on eBay at the moment.

"Money is tight right now with only one source of income so we do what we can to make a little cash on the side," she added. "I don't feel like the best person in the world for selling this but I would feel even worse keeping the card."

(Alex Gordon Cut Card "mistake card" 2006.)

Last year Topps was ordered to pull all Alex Gordon cards from it's baseball products because a mistake was made and he was not on the major league roster as required when the season opened. Topps "cut" the cards out of the sheets but not only did some get out, a large number got out as just the frame or border of the cards. These sold for astronomical numbers.

The winner of all four Vick closed auctions was a collector going by the name CPADennis who has been on eBay since 2002 but only has 171 feedback. This means he is likely an opportunistic investor/collector. As it turns out he is both and might just destroy the cards.

He says he was helping his sons complete their sets of 2007 Topps Chrome when he noticed they were both short no. 111, the Vick card. He learned the card had been pulled but after looking on line did find the card for sale on eBay.

"Being a collector of rare unusual items, I thought this could be the next Honus Wagner card but for all the wrong reasons," Dennis told TBR in an exclusive email interview. "I was definitely not going to give the cards to the kids as he is not a role model for our Family."

So what to do with them?

"So to put it in simple terms I have not decided whether to keep any of the cards, or just save one and destroy the others," he said. "Maybe I'll let our neighbor's dog eat them."

Those would be some pretty expensive dog treats but the Humane Society wouldn't mind seeing this happen. The other sellers include Adam Atkins of Atrain Sports Cards in Westminster, Colorado (eBay store name atrain2004). His sold for $365 and he too pulled it from a pack of cards.

"I was surprised being Topps Chrome was one of the later products released after Topps announced he was being pulled from 2007 products," said Atkins. "Honest I had no second thoughts into auctioning it off because I knew someone would need it for a set. I had no idea it would get the high price it did."

(Vick no. 111 Topps Chrome Card on eBay.)

Atkins compares it to Maurice Clarett's problems from last year when collectors were chasing his cards believing they had been pulled.

"The Playoff Contenders was selling for $800-$1000 but can now easily be purchased for $50," added Atkins. "Topps and the other card companies release these on purpose, just look at the Jeter card with Bush and Mantle on it, it's the same concept."

Atkins says he didn't receive any threats and the only comments he got from eBayers was they were shocked the price got so high.

Another collector was not so happy with the move by Topps if it was on purpose.

"Releasing the Alex Gordon card everyone figured they did that on purpose and that was okay," said one collector. "If they did the Vick thing on purpose, after all that went on, that just isn't right."

Vick meanwhile was charged with several counts by a local grand jury but was not charged with the more serious counts of cruelty to animals. It's believed state prosecutors did not want to charge him with the same things the Federal prosecutors did. Vick awaits trial scheduled for December.

                                    ================

(TOPPS CERTIFIES VOTE IN SALE TO EISNER)

Arthur Shorin and the executives at Topps needed only a simple majority of shareholder votes to sell the company to a group led by former Disney CEO Michael Eisner. They got 53.4-percent. In these days of close votes in national elections, 53.4 is a pretty strong number. Shares actually voted at the special meeting and which were present were 65-percent of 31 million or a 2-1 margin.

(Soon to be the new head of Topps, Michael Eisner.)

Dissident stock holders owned nearly 7-percent of the shares but it wasn't enough to sway shareholders not to vote for the deal. They still contend the price is too low and want to be paid fair market and have filed for this through appropriate legal channels.

More industry figures weighed in on the sale of Topps to Eisner in the past few days. One of them is long time hobbyist Rich Klein, formerly of Beckett Media, who said there are many questions which must be answered over time.

"Will this whole situation be the impetus for Donruss to return to baseball and will Topps look for other sports/entertainment venues to produce cards/memorabilia in and will they be able to expand the distribution thereof said new and old products?" He asked. "I'm sure there will be many other issues that develop after the situation has settled and we'll see how new ownership reacts to those."

Meanwhile after the deal was announced several stock watchers downgraded the company from a "Buy" to a "Hold."

                                ======================

(BONDS HOMER BALL TO HALL OF FAME, WITH AN ASTERISK*)

The ball Barry Bonds hit to break Hank Aaron's Homer Run record of 755 will be going to the Hall of Fame after all. But, says designer Mark Ecko, who bought the ball, it will go with an "asterisk." After paying $750.000 for the ball, he let fans vote on whether to send it to the moon or somewhere in outer space, destroy it or send it to the HOF with the notation. The fans had their input and the HOF gets a nice trinket.

(No. 756 before branding *)

Ten million people voted at his website, www.vote756.com, with 47-percent saying to brand it and give it to the HOF. Another 34-percent said bestow it on the Hall while 19-percent said banish it to another world.

Bonds had commented the guy was an idiot for what he was doing but maybe not so much now. At least the ball will be in the Hall and the asterisk will give it a little added weight; just like Barry.

Barry Bonds by the way played his last home game in his hometown park in San Francisco this week. The Giants are cutting him loose, officially.

                             ==========================

(FALL EXPO AUTOGRAPH LIST GROWING)

Net minders Felix Potvin and Curtis Joseph are locking into the 2007 Toronto Fall Expo set for November. The biggest hockey event for collectibles shows enters it's show no. 33 with an impressive list of signers and 100,000 square feet of showroom space. There will be 800 tables and 250 dealers.

"There is no doubt this show has made a name for itself as the best venue in North America when it comes to hockey collectibles," said Al Sinclair, President of the Expo. "The show continues to evolve, though, and there is a real nice selection of baseball, football and basketball cards and memorabilia."

Others scheduled to appear to sign include the line known as the French Connection; 1972 Sabres Gilbert Perrault, Rick Martin and Rene Robert. Show dates are November 9-11.

                                  =====================

(IN THE GAME AND NEW SET; O CANADA)

What else should a Canadian-based company come up with but an All Canadian Hockey Series called "O Canada." The series from In The Game will feature 90 autographs, a 100-card base set and a number of players from World Juniors to young players and former stars.

(One of the new O Canada cards from ITG.)

The series is set to debut October 18 with players such as Patrick Roy and youngsters like Angelo Esposito.

                   =====================

(EBAYER TRIES TO SELL "RECENT" STARGELL AUTOGRAPH)

Sometimes you just have to look a little closer at what you are selling especially when you claim to sell something of very large importance. This comes from eBay Watchdog Chris Williams.

The seller was offering a recent NY Yankees Team Signed baseball. Included in the signatures were Alex Rodriguez, Robinson Cano and Gary Sheffield. The ball was reported to be a 2005 baseball. The seller said she couldn't make out all the autographs but certainly could make out one; Willie Stargell.

As Williams correctly points out Stargell never played for NY and he died in 2001, or five years before the ball was made. No matter there were lots of bids on the item anyway.

                                     ====================

(UPPER DECK JUMPS ON THE PRINCE)

It didn't take long for Upper Deck Authenticated to jump on the 50/50 cause of Prince and Cecil Fielder. They are the first father and son duo to hit 50 homers in a major league season. This is the pitch line to dealers from UDA as the company pushes it's autographs of the younger player.

(Prince swings like Dad but they are far apart.)

UDA is offering dealers photos at just under $50, baseballs at $59 and Jerseys at just $179.

The father and son have an estranged relationship so it's not highly likely there will be dual signings anytime soon. An experienced promoter, or a knowing psychologist might be able to strike a deal getting the two together to sign, but don't expect it soon.

                                =================

(STEINER SETS 25 SIGNINGS)

No one can say Steiner Sports isn't the biggest autograph company in the industry. Steiner announced they have 25 private signings lined up for the near future. Among them are Matt Snell, Joe Torre and Don Maynard as well as current stars Eli Manning and Jaromir Jagr.

                                        =================

(MATTEL APOLOGIZES TO CHINA FOR TOY RECALLS)

It was not something Americans expected and frankly not something most Americans wanted to see. Mattel however apologized to China for it's part in the toy recalls which have dominated the news recently. In a public apology Tom Debrowski, Mattel VP of world wide operations, said too much blame had been placed on China where Mattel was actually at fault.

"Mattel takes full responsibility for these recalls and apologizes personally to you, the Chinese people, and all our customers who received the toys," said Debrowski. The apology was directed to China's head of quality control.

(Barbie accessories not so much a target anymore.)

As it turns out while there were incidents of lead in paint which needed to be recalled, more than the lead were design flaws by Mattel. For Mattel there were 17.4 million items recalled, but only 2.2 had to do with lead in paint. The bigger issue has been magnets with faulty designs and these were developed by Mattel.

All this came after the CEO of Mattel apologized to Congress for the problems created for consumers by his company and China.

(Latest RC2 Recalls for Thomas Trains.)

Meanwhile, RC2 Corporation, which was the first of the recall companies is going for it again. Another 269,000 Thomas the Train toys are being recalled for lead in paint. Among them are the All Black Cargo Car and the Sodor Cargo Box. Previously 1.5 million RC2 toys were recalled. Also involved in the latest recall are the Britain's Knights of the Sword Series toys.

                                     ================

(NEOPETS AND JAKKS STRIKE GOLD)

A new deal with JAKKS Pacific in the lead as Neopets will soon be landing on more store shelves rather than just in on-line gaming. JAKKS, Nickelodean and Viacom Consumer Products announced a deal to allow JAKKS to create a new toy line based on the fastest growing Internet property there is for kids and tweens.

(Neopets items are hot worldwide.)

"This is a very exciting deal for us," said JAKKS President Stephen Berman. "Neopets is a remarkable property for kids and tweens and we know how members love collecting Neopets and other virtual items, and now they can collect Neopets products."

The JAKKS line will focus on the plush Neopets toys and characters with toys and accessories. It's a huge boost for the virtual world to marry the real world.

"Our toy line with JAKKS will create new ways for kids to play and interact with the site in the months ahead," said Liegh Ann Brodsky, President of Nickelodean Products Division. "Consumer products based on the Neopets brand will continue to expand to mass retail in 2008 in categories including toys, electronics, apparel, accessories, books and videogames."

Expect the toys to hit store shelves in early 2008.

                                    ================

SALE OF TOPPS TO EISNER? THUMBS UP!

VOLUME 1, NUMBER 161

BULLETIN REPORT! UPDATE WITH REACTION OJ MAKES BAIL

(BAZOOKA JOE NOW IN THE HANDS OF EISNER)

(EISNER DEAL GETS THUMBS UP SAYS TOPPS' SHORIN)

(ADDING REACTION)

After more than a year of waiting, haggling, hoping and probably even praying, Arthur Shorin has his wish. The Topps CEO announced today after a special meeting there were enough votes to approve the sale of the company to a Michael Eisner led group for $9.75 a share, or $385 million. Details of the vote won't be released for about 10 days but Shorin announced the deal would go through.

"Topps shareholders have approved a $385.4 million private equity takeover of the baseball card and Ring Pop candy maker," the company said.

Reaction to the vote was swift.

"We are delighted that the Topps shareholders approved the sale to the Eisner Group," said Judy Heeter, Director of Group Licensing for the Major League Baseball Players Association in an email to The Brill Report. "We look forward to continuing the dynamic growth, creative product development, and marketing focus on kids that we have seen from Topps in recent years."

Eisner himself issued a statement through his Tornante Group.

"I look forward to working with my new associates at Topps to find new and and exciting ways to improve the company," he said "Topps is a wonderful company with a portfolio of strong brands."

The vote on the Eisner deal was delayed for several hours today because Topps officials said they did not have enough votes to approve the deal, but many votes had not been cast. Delaware law (Topps is a Delaware Corporation) require more than a 50-percent vote to approve such a deal. Board member Tim Brog charged Topps was just using the extra time to try and persuade some of those who had not voted yet, to vote for the deal.

Topps meanwhile responded to Brog's comment Topps was trying hijack democracy by saying it was ridiculous. Furthermore it wanted to give voters more time. Eisner went on the record last week saying the price of $9.75 a share or $385 million was his best and final offer, despite the fact UD had offered $10.75 before it pulled out.

Brog and Crescendo Partners filed immediately for Appraisal Rights Status which basically is a right of shareholders caught up in a merger to demand fair price for their shares as determined independently. This has still not been determined.

While the vote looked shaky at times and many were predicting the deal would not go through, one player may have turned the tide in the last week. Mario Gabelli, a fund manager who owns seven percent of Topps, urged the deal onward backing Topps management in the sale. Gabelli increased his stake in Topps by purchasing another 1.4 percent taking a position with nearly 8.5-percent of the stock.

Three of the four proxy consultant firms suggested a "no" vote saying there were a number of problems and the price was too low. Meanwhile dissident board members were still pushing voters to kill the package. They want to replace Topps board of directors with a new group, and buy back stocks through a sort of Dutch Auction at just around $10 per share. The stock is trading between $9 and $10 over the last few days.

It was just a couple weeks ago Upper Deck pulled out charging Topps was dragging it's feet and wasn't giving UD the information it needed to make the sale. Topps continued to say UD wasn't really serious and just wanted to get all the inside information it could on contracts, league deals and Topps distribution network. Each company threatened to sue the other.

"It was great news actually, anybody BUT Upper Deck," said Bob Cosner previously of Bob's Sportscards. "I just wasn't ready to hear 'Get your 2008 Topps Sets made by Upper Deck.'"

He added it would have certainly eliminated his customers who normally buy them around the holidays for gifts. One consumer/collector we spoke with felt the same way, adding it would have been bad for both Topps and consumers.

"I believe UD would have bitten off more than it could chew with the acquisition of Topps and the Topps brands would have suffered as a result," said Paul Miller of Ventura, CA. "There is no doubt Upper Deck would have raided the Topps Vault and used most of the material for the UD brand."

Miller said he's been more impressed with Topps products the last year and less and less unimpressed with Upper Deck.

A former Topps spokesman and man with a sense of history, Marty Appel added it seemed like the right idea.

"This always felt like the way the deal should come out," the head of Marty Appel PR. "Michael Eisner is someone who could really instill an exciting new energy to the hobby."

Eisner's plan is to add the brand and the icons including Bazooka Joe to his multi-media Internet company. Upper Deck wanted to fire the management team and meld the Topps brands, Topps Vault and the icons into it's own company. Not much was said about the candy company portion of Topps by UD but it was assumed UD would have spun it off.

While we contacted several other manufacturers only one would agree to comment. Dr. Brian Price of In The Game was looking forward to the new blood in the industry.

"Good luck Michael and welcome to the industry."

The deal should close in October.

                                       ==================

(SIMPSON FACES KIDNAPPING CHARGES, RAISES BAIL $125,000)

Things are not getting any better for former NFL star O.J. Simpson in Las Vegas. He's staying in Vegas as it sits now in addition to everything else he is facing kidnapping charges in his case of a self proposed "sting" operation to get back his own memorabilia. The sting went wrong and someone pulled a gun and now he's charged with 10 illegalities which could put him behind bars for a long, long time.

(OJ in Cuffs getting the OK to post bail.)

Simpson's did not make a plea at his first hearing but his attorney says he will plead not guilty. 13 years ago in his murder trial he plead "Absolutely 100-percent not guilty," according to court transcripts. Court watchers will be curious to see how he proclaims himself in this case.

"Mr. Simpson do you understand the charges against you?" Asked Justice Joe Bonaventura, Jr., in the Nevada courtroom.

"Yes sir," Simpson replied.

Simpson was set free on bail and was allowed to return to his Miami home but he must not have any contact with anyone associated with the case.

"Not through email, not through telephone, not eve carrier pigeon," added the judge. "Do you understand the terms of this agreement, Mr. Simpson?"

"Yes your honor," was the reply.

In addition he had to surrender his passport to his attorney and was allowed to travel within the continental United States. There are few places Simpson can go as the media is on him 24/7 so it is unlikely he is a risk to flee.

Meanwhile in a strange twist of the ever evolving memorabilia deal gone array, Alfred Beardsley was arrested in Las Vegas. Not for anything he did in this case but for violating parole in California. Circumstances around this incident are unclear.

Meanwhile, much of the memorabilia confiscated by Simpson in the alleged crime has been turned over to the court. Included are signed a signed Joe Montana lithograph, a Game Used ball by Simpson and baseballs signed by Pete Rose and Duke Snider. In all it's believed the merchandise is worth $100,000, all of which the Goldman family wants. The Goldman's, whose son wall murdered alongside Nicole Simpson, won a #38 million civil judgment against O.J., and has been keeping the pressure on him to collect it.

Tom Riccio, who set up the meeting between Simpson and the dealers who had the merchandise, admits to a criminal record himself. Receiving stolen property and grand larceny are among the crimes he's paid for in the past.

The key to the case happens to be the use of a gun, which everyone admits Simpson did not have, but someone else in his party did. There is testimony one of the group claimed to be a police officer and even frisked the dealers for weapons. Simpson claims he was only trying to get his own memorabilia back, which he says was stolen from him.

                                            ===================

O-J'S MEMORABILIA STING

VOLUME 1, NUMBER 160

HOT*BUTTON*STORY

(JUICE IS NO LONGER LOOSE OR HE WHO HAPPENS IN VEGAS STAYS IN VEGAS)

** O-J SIMPSON ARRESTED IN LAS VEGAS

** TOPPS AND THE REST OF THE HOBBY SUFFER IN ODEN DEAL

** BONDS NO.756 BRINGS MORE THAN EXPECTED

** FATE OF TOPPS EXPECTED WEDNESDAY

DETAILS ON THESE AND OTHER STORIES IN TODAY'S TBR: THE BRILL REPORT

EDITORIAL COMMENT: THE JUICE SQUEEZED

                                        ====================

(O-J SIMPSON PULLS "STING" TO GET BACK MEMORABILIA)

Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse or weirder for O-J Simpson the former NFL running back and murder defendant pulls off what Las Vegas police are trying to classify as armed robbery. On Sunday "The Juice" was arrested and charged with several counts including conspiracy to commit armed robbery when it came to a memorabilia deal. Believe it or don't, the Juice is getting squeezed again.

"He was very cooperative, there were no issues," said Capt. James Dillion of the Las Vegas Police after Simpson was hauled off to the Clark County Detention Center.

After appearing in a tuxedo most of the weekend, Simpson was taken into custody in jeans and a golf shirt. From Brisbane to Vancouver, newspapers and electronic media heralded the weekend craziness in Sin City, Nevada. Celebrity web site TMZ first broke the news of Simpson's "suspect" classification. CNN broke the news of the arrest. KNX Newsradio in Los Angeles told of Simpson's background in the memorabilia field and some of his former business partners early on Friday. It was a wild ride for the man who was the first to break 2000 yards rushing.

(Site of the "sting" operation set up by Simpson.)

The craziness began when according to Simpson he set up a sting operation to get his stolen memorabilia back from dealer Alfred Beardsley. Simpson brought several people with him as he posed as a buyer in a deal set up by auction site owner Tom Riccio. When Simpson entered the room Beardsley evidently realized something was up as Simpson demanded the return of his "stolen stuff." The stuff included personal photo albums from his childhood and what was proclaimed to be the suit he wore on the day he was acquitted in the murder of his wife, Nicole.

Bruce Fromong, another collector was in the room at the time and initially said things went haywire.

(Simpson in happier days.)

"Him and some of his guys come busting through the door," he told TMZ. "They came in with guns hollering and screaming."

Simpson denied the gun charge but on Saturday police arrested Walter Alexander, a member of the Simpson party on weapons charges. By the end of the weekend Simpson was in custody as well. He is charged initially with two counts of robbery with a deadly weapon, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, and conspiracy to commit a crime and a burglary with a weapon. The DA in Clark County expects he will eventually be charged with seven felonies and could face up to 30 years in prison per charge.

"He's facing a lot of time," said DA David Roger.

Legal eagles contacted by TBR say the law does not allow an individual to try to use force to take back stolen items. The police are the conduit for such a move and what OJ Simpson did, if he did it as described, was illegal. Police are not saying Simpson carried a gun personally.

"We don't have any information to lead us to believe he was armed, even based on those charges," said police Lt. Clint Nichols.

(Back when Simpson was an NFL favorite.)

At one point in an AP interview Simpson said he believed the items were stolen by Mike Gilbert. Gilbert and Simpson were business partners as long as 20 years ago in a company called "Locker 32." Gilbert handled all of Simpson's signings and memorabilia deals for a while. Gilbert has not surfaced in this particular case as of yet.

Gilbert had taken memorabilia from Simpson previously including at least one item which eventually found it's way to the family of slain Nicole Simpson friend Ron Goldman. The Goldman's won a civil trial against the former NFL star and got a $38 million-plus judgment. Gilbert claimed he took the memorabilia as payment for money owed.

Alexander was released without bail, Simpson is being held without bail and police are still looking for the others; Clarence Stewart, Michael McClinton, and Tom Scotto. For his part however, Beardsley, the victim wants the case dropped.

"I'm on OJ's side," he said. "It's like a bad dream."

(Very rare item of OJ Simpson memorabilia.)

He said he wanted to move on and he didn't want to fight case which will cost a lot of money to defend, let alone prosecute. Simpson's lawyer says he will fight right away.

"We believe this is an extremely defensible case based on conflicting witness statements, flip flopping by witnesses and witnesses making deals with the government to flip," said attorney Yale Galanter.

Beardsley wants to see Riccio charged in the case saying he lied to Simpson and got him all pumped up. Meanwhile the Goldman family is laying claim to any memorabilia taken in the operation if it belongs to Simpson.

                               ====================

(GREG ODEN INJURY WILL HURT HOBBY, LIKELY TOPPS AS WELL)

Dealers around the country say the loss of no. 1 NBA pick Greg Oden for the season is a devastating blow to the hobby. It won't help Topps either which signed the rookie to an exclusive autograph contract for trading cards. Oden was the biggest thing, literally for the hobby, since Lebron James and a knee injury will not only kill his season but may linger longer than that. It's not good news for hobby dealers who are coming off a lackluster 2006-07 NBA trading card season.

(Loss of Oden for the year hurts hobby everywhere.)

"We anticipated that this year's class (NBA Rookies) would immediately stop the downward trend and bring it (NBA) back to what it was in 2003," said Eric Beckerman, president of NAXCOM. "We still believe it will be better than the last few years, however, because of Oden's season ending injury the basketball business will not get anywhere near the levels it was four years ago."

Every other dealer we contacted had the basic same view of Oden's injury and it's effect on the hobby. Most believe it's now up to Kevin Durant to carry the super rookie load and he signed exclusively with  Upper Deck when it comes to autographs.

"Initially it will hurt sales because everyone was waiting for the big guy to play," said Dave Rodriguez of Signatures.com and who consults at several card shops. "It will put more pressure on (Kevin) Durant to come through to spur some sales and hopefully some of the other rookies will step up to boost sales."

Topps may be hurt by this as well since it did sign Oden to an exclusive autograph contract for cards. A call to Topps for a comment was not returned. Beckerman says his company will be careful in the Topps product lines.

"The Topps Chrome product was going to be the focal point of new items added to ThePit.com," said the NAXCOM chief. "The class is very talented, however, we will be cutting back the amount of product by 35-percent from what we were initially going to buy to IPO on ThePit.com."

Most dealers feel there will be sufficient excitement to make this NBA trading card season strong enough to carry through and certainly stronger than last years crop. Topps products will take the biggest hit however. Oden was a sure fire winner and after the disaster of having Adam Morrison as their "out front" guy on packs and boxes, Topps couldn't afford another loser.

                                     =================

(BONDS BASEBALL DOES BETTER THAN EXPECTED)

The ball Barry Bonds hit to break Hank Aaron's home run record brought a record of it's own at auction. Expected to bring only half a million dollars, the baseball known as no. 756 actually fetched $752,000. SCP Auctions closed the auction over the weekend with 31 bids.

(No. 756 brought more than most thought it would.)

This is much more than the original sale price of the ball Aaron hit to break Babe Ruth's record back in the 1970's. It was also about $200,000 more than most in the hobby predicted it would reach.

The other baseball SCP had up for auction, no. 755, fetched only $186,000.

The man who sold the higher priced ball was on his way to Australia when on a whim decided due to a layover in San Francisco, he should go to the game. It was the best decision he's ever made in his life probably.

                                       =======================

(TOPPS VOTE SET FOR WEDNESDAY)

Counting down the days the board members for The Topps Company are feeling the pressure. Wednesday a vote will be taken to decide the fate of the company and likely the fate of many key executives at Topps. After Upper Deck pulled out of it's possible deal, Topps continued to push it's sale/merger to a company owned by Michael Eisner. Tornante wants to add Topps to a growing multi-media company and would keep the key players at Topps.

(Bazooka Joe will likely have a new boss in waiting later this week.)

Meanwhile the upper echelon at Topps would likely be out of a job of dissident stockholders have their way. They want to kill the Eisner deal and replace the board of directors.

They also want to replace current key management. This could all lead to a sale of the company eventually to Upper Deck which backed out because Topps wouldn't totally open up the books.

Many believe the latter was just a smokescreen by UD to get a chance to look at the competitors key area's of distribution and sales.

                                                                ==============

(CAPT. AMERICA FONDA SELLING OFF EASY RIDER MEMORABILIA)

While his signature Capt. America helmet may not go on the auction block, the American flag he wore on his jacket will be up for sale. So says Peter Fonda who is auctioning off some items from the cult classic "Easy Rider."

(Classic film making paying off at auction.)

The auction, handled by Heritage in Texas is October 6 and includes Fonda's gold record soundtrack and several movie posters as well as the flag from the jacket. It's valued at $50,000.

"He just decided it was time to share some of treasures with collectors and fans," said Doug Norwine of Heritage.

The film was released in 1969 and made stars out of Fonda, Dennis Hopper, Jack Nicholson and had an opening scene appearance by Phil Spector who is currently awaiting a jury to decided whether or not he shot and killed actress Lana Clarkson.

                                   =================

                                       

PROXY FIRMS ON TOPPS TO EISNER, 1 YEA, 3 NAY

VOLUME 2, NUMBER 159

HOT*BUTTON*STORY

(TOY RECALLS HAVE MATTEL WISHING FOR THE GOOD OLD DAYS!!!)

** PROXY FIRMS LINE UP AGAINST TOPPS

** NEW MEMORABILIA INNOVATION LOOKS GOOD

** MATTEL CEO TESTIFIES BEFORE CONGRESS

** ANOTHER FRAUD SUIT AGAINST EBAY

** ETOPPS SIGNS REGGIE BUSH

** NEW LICENSING GETS CHAOTIC 4KIDS

** SIRIUS RADIO GETS SERIOUS ABOUT COLLECTING

DETAILS ON THESE STORIES AND MORE IN TODAY'S TBR: THE BRILL REPORT...

EDITORIAL COMMENT: RECALLS COULD RUIN CHRISTMAS

                                              ==================

(TWO MORE FIRMS OPINION TOPPS/EISNER DEAL; ONE FOR & ONE AGAINST)

One proxy firm is standing by it's former stance while another is coming down on the side of Topps management in the deal to sell the baseball card maker to a group led by Michael Eisner. Egan-Jones Proxy Service says the deal to sell to Eisner is a good one and is the lone proxy consultant company to back the sale with three others saying to vote no.

"The merger consideration is all cash which provides certainty of value to stockholders," Egan-Jones stated in it's release. "The $9.75 per share cash offer is 13.1 times Topps EBITDA for fiscal 2007 which is good value for stockholders ... and it is the only real offer received as a result of an extensive and thorough value-maximization process that started two years ago."

(Less than seven days for stockholders to decide the fate of the grand daddy of all card makers.)

The deal is the only one on the table now that Upper Deck backed out after feeling rebuffed at $10.75 per share. Topps failed to provide the information UD wanted saying UD was not serious and just wanted to gather all the inside information on contracts and distribution it could before bailing out anyway.

Dissident stockholders are pushing hard to kill the deal and three proxy consulting firms say they are right. Glass, Lewis Proxy and Proxy Governance joined Institutional Shareholders Services in saying the deal is not good enough to vote for. Then this week ISS re-affirmed it's stance on the deal.

"We note Topps currently is trading approximately at the midpoint of its trading range for the past five years," said ISS. "While recognizing the challenges the company faces, we believe the Tornante offer does not offer compelling value in light of the past and potential improvement in the company's operations."

Topps was obviously disappointed in the re-affirmation by ISS.

"It is unfortunate that ISS, having witnessed the withdraw of the tender offers by Upper Deck, did not take this opportunity to make the right recommendation to it's clients that the $9.75 per share cash offer represents certain and good value for all Topps stockholders," Topps shot back. "Combined with the perplexing withdraw of Upper Deck and current credit market turmoil, Topps shareholders should not expect a higher offer in the near term."

Meanwhile another fund operator spoke about the issue on TheStreet. Thomas Kirchner is portfolio manager of the Pennsylvania Avenue Event Driven Fund. He was on The Street TV talking about mergers and the recent changes in the market when asked about Topps and the proxy fight.

"Management knows that if Eisner buys them they will keep their jobs but if Upper Deck bought them they would lose their jobs," said Kirchner. "I hope management will lose and the company remains public because I believe in the end the overall value of the company will be more than what they will get in the merger."

The vote to decide the issue is less than a week away with stockholders to cast votes September 19. A vote to kill the deal will also likely be a vote to replace the old Topps board with new dissident members, and this would very likely lead to key executives losing their jobs as well.

                                       ======================

(MEMOTHENTICS MOST RECENT NEW COLLECTIBLE WITH A FLAIR)

Kelly Johns and his pals have come up with a truly unique collectible with a twist. Memothentic features memorabilia and photos of a specific moment in sports history. Not unusual by any means but the twist is also framed with the items is a personal letter from the player detailing the sports moment with their own thoughts.

(Memothentic Joe Montana signed item.)

"We tried to create something with some real memories in it, that told a story, sort of like having NFL Films on your wall," Johns, CEO of Memothentics, told The Brill Report in an exclusive interview. "We sent Joe Montana a bunch of pictures of the moment, he picks the one he wants and writes what he was thinking about at the time."

There are signed and unsigned versions of the "memo's" which range in price from about $150 to $350 on a retail level. A signed Joe Montana version for instance retails for $347 while the unsigned version is $147. Among the players already signed to participate are Montana, Barry Sanders and Jerry Rice to name a few.

(Jerry Rice is a popular seller as well.)

The company hopes to get a large number of these in larger chain stores such as Wal-Mart and Target as well as hobby stores. Johns has sent his crew to Costco Stores around the country as sort of a road show to sell the Memothentics and reception has been good.

"Consumers loved it and they like the fact it is all in one piece, everything is together but the biggest thing is they love the written story; to read what Jerry or Joe were thinking at the time really sets it off," said Johns. "We didn't just go after the marquee names either, we went after other players who had great moments such as Rod Martin with three touchdowns in the Super Bowl."

Johns said an item such as this appeals to Raider fans and while they won't find Martin in most collections they are happy to get him in this type of collectible.

The company has signed nearly 25 athletes with more on the way. It is to the point where athletes are approaching the company to be in the series because they like the product so much. Johns secured a license from USC and will release items based on Trojan greats, including a Heisman Series. He's working with other schools as well. Johns hopes to have a complete college series for the holidays.

The items are limited to 1825 in the larger versions and much less in other series. For dealers the time is short to get in on the 50-percent off pricing.

"That will likely change soon as we are getting ready to make some big deals for the mass market and we are taking it to the next level because dealer response has been 'wait and see,'" said Johns. "One thing we don't allow is for sellers to put the items on eBay at below Suggested Retail Price because we are already giving them something at a great price, there is no need to undercut the SRP."

He said aside from doing something which has never been done before he wants to keep it affordable and the current price structure is just that.

                                 ==================

(MATTEL TELLS CONGRESS IT WILL BETTER POLICE CHINESE PRODUCTS)

The CEO of Mattel told congressional leaders his company is taking steps to protect American consumers from Chinese toy makers who put elements in toys which made them dangerous to children. Robert Eckert told a congressional panel looking into the massive recalls of toys made in China, the company is doing several things to ensure child safety.

(Mattel saw Barbie accessories at the heart of one recall.)

He said it appears contractors and sub-contractors "deliberately avoided doing what they knew they were required to do," and an investigation continues into these contractors. Mattel already cut ties with several of them.

Among the changes going into effect; suppliers must now have a dedicated area to store approved paints, and sub-contractors can no longer sub out work to other sub-contractors from now on. Lead in paint has been the main culprit in the recall.

An official at Toys R Us said he would not be surprised to see more recalls of toys from China in the not too distant future.

                                           ===================

(MORE SUITS FILED AGAINST EBAY IN EUROPE)

L'Oreal, the fragrance firm is suing eBay in five European countries over counterfeit fragrances sold on the auction web site. L'Oreal joins Louis Vuitton, Dion Couture and others in taking legal action against eBay for counterfeit goods.

"L'Oreal has been facing an increasing volume of illicit trade in fake fragrances and fake cosmetic products on some on-line auction sites," said L'Oreal in a statement.

(Over 2000 items currently list on eBay under the L'Oreal brand name but few perfumes.)

The company cited an increasing number of fragrances sold by unauthorized dealers and the suits take place in Germany, France, Belgium, Britain and Spain. Ebay  was not happy about the deal since the two sides had been talking.

"We are truly disappointed," said an eBay spokesperson.

Hobby dealers have been after eBay for a long time to stop the sale of counterfeit goods on the web site. Rather than slowing down the activity has been increasing according to eBay watchdog Christopher Williams who has a web site dedicated to stopping illegal activity on eBay and other sites.

He's also seen an increase in the number of non-sports autographs and sent emails like this one to eBay's fraud department.

"Okay this is the third autographed guitar which has failed Quick Opinion (eBay's own security system offered to those questioning the authenticity of an item) in the last 72 hours. I do believe by now I have proven that he is selling forgeries. Please remove all of this seller's autographed entertainment items. Thank you."

The FBI notes the entertainment field is more rampant with bad signatures than the sports field. Williams says threats against him have also been increasing.

                               =======================

(ETOPPS REGGIE BUSH AUTOGRAPHS $129)

Reggie Bush is the latest to ink a contract to sign 100 of his eTopps cards. Collectors who have Bush in their on-line portfolio can have Bush sign the cards for $129. There will be only 100 offered.

(Reggie Bush eTopps card.)

As always the card must be in your portfolio already and the race begins Wednesday, September 19. Meanwhile hot rookie Adrian Peterson is being offered by eTopps this week.

                          =========================

(4KIDS LICENSES CHAOTIC TO JETIX)

The game, Chaotic from 4KIDS Entertainment is doing very well in the marketplace and should really pick up now the company signed a TV licensing deal with Jetix. Already on the Fox network in the 4KIDS Block the new cable deal means more exposure.

"We are extremely delighted to forge this important relationship with Jetix that will ensure significant added broadcast coverage in the United States for the Chaotic animated series," said Brian Lacey, executive VP for the international division of 4KIDS. "We are confident the series will develop a strong and loyal kid audience with Jetix in the States as well as Latin America."

(4KIDS betting on bigger things from Chaotic.)

Chaotic will continue to air on Fox as well as internationally. It already appears in English language in Canada with a French language version expected soon. The Jetix version airs starting in October.

        =================

(SIRIUS RADIO ADDS TWO COLLECTIBLES SHOWS TO ALL SPORTS PROGRAMMING)

Brandon Steiner will host a sports collectibles show every Monday from 1-3 p.m. eastern time on the new Sirius all sports satellite radio network. The show will have a heavy emphasis on memorabilia. Steiner is the head of Steiner Sports collectibles.

The other show on channel 123 will be the Collector Speaks on Saturday mornings from 8-9 a.m.

                                   =================

(SPIDERMAN AND RITZ A PERFECT PAIR, TIMES THREE)

Collectors who are into Spiderman cards are all over the latest Ritz Bitz crackers selling for about $4 at the local grocery store. The lenticular or magic motion style cards feature one of three scenes involving the web slinger.

The cards are selling for a few dollars on eBay but can be purchased at the store with the crackers still inside the box. The box features the card tucked inside but visible so it's easy to get all three cards.

                     =================

(THE BRILL REPORT JOINS THE DOCTOR)

The past week TBR and Doctor Wax Battle of the BackStop in Tom's River, NJ, decided to join forces to present The Brill Report on Doctor Wax Battle's "Live" show each Wednesday. Bob Brill, publisher of TBR, will join the Doc and his crew shortly after 7 p.m. Eastern Time for a preview of what's coming up in the Thursday edition of The Brill Report.

Join Bob, the Doc, Jersey John, Fast Eddie and the rest of the Jersey crew down at the shore. There is a link on the left hand side of the page or click on www.thebackstop.net.

                                        ==================

"THE" WAGNER CARD RE-SOLD AGAIN, UP TO $2.8 MILLION

VOLUME 2, NUMBER 158

HOT*BUTTON*STORY

(NOT SO DEAD PLAYER TURNS UP IN TEXAS AT AGE 79!!!)

** "THE" CARD SELLS AGAIN, $2.8 MILLION

** DREAMS TAKES OVER CHICAGO SUN TIMES SHOWS

** BASEBALL EXPANDS SCOUTING PROGRAM

** THE PIT ADDS FIRST COVER S-I'S TO LINE-UP

** A-P RETRACTS DEAD PLAYER STORY

** SOUTH CAROLINA HOBBY STORE FOR SALE

** MICHAEL VICK NOTES SURPASS $10K ON EBAY

** TOPPS ISSUES FINEST NUMBERS ON ODEN & OTHERS **

DETAILS ON THESE STORIES AND MORE IN TBR: THE BRILL REPORT

EDITORIAL COMMENT: BASEBALL DOING WELL WITH SCOUTS, NEXT ADULTS

                                   =================

(KOHLER GROUP RE-SELLS "THE" WAGNER CARD FOR $2.8 MILLION)

It did not take SCP Auctions and the David Kohler group long to re-sell the most famous baseball card in the history of the world. Purchased earlier this year for $2.3 million, the card was resold again last week to a private collector for $2.8 million.

(Nearly pristine version of Wagner card sold for $2.8 million.)

"The T206 Honus Wagner card is an icon, not only in the field of baseball card collecting, but in the larger field of Americana," said Kohler, president and CEO of SCP Auctions. "We are privileged to have been involved in the sale of this card not once, but twice."

The card, originally purchased for big bucks when Bruce McNall and Wayne Gretzky paid the then enormous sum of approximately $500,000 for it. It has been described as the "Holy Grail" of card collecting but more recently has come under scrutiny.

There are less than 75 known Wagner T206 cards in existence. They were ordered pulled from the market soon after release for one of several reasons. The most commonly believed is Wagner didn't want kids to purchase tobacco to get his card. Others say it was because the company refused to pay Wagner his asking price for using his likeness.

(New book lays out history of The Wagner Card.)

The card in question was the subject of a new book called "The Card" in which many of those who have had this card in its history state the cardboard icon was not only cut from a promotional sheet, but was trimmed to get it to the condition it is in. It is a PSA 8, which is unheard of for a card this old. The fact the card probably never did hit a soft tobacco pouch, or cigarette pouch, and therefore has no creases, only lends to the downside of the story.

Still, it is the finest example of the card in existence and will continue to go up in price. It now is valued at just about six times what the McNall/Gretzky duo paid for it -- and at that time it was outrageous.

                                             =================

(DREAMS ACQUIRES CHICAGO SUN TIMES SHOW)

Dreams Incorporated has taken control of the long running Chicago Sun-Times Show. A financial consideration was not announced but the two have had a long running relationship because Dreams subsidiary, Mounted Memories, provided autographs guests for the show exclusively. The show was actually taken over from George Johnson and his and his Sportssnews Productions.

"George has been a driving force for these shows and has done an amazing job making it the best show in the country," said Mitch Adelstein, President of Mounted Memories. "Our company has been instrumental in building the show up to where it is today and we look forward to taking it to the next level."

(Dreams Inc., with another strategic acquisition.)

Johnson will stay on as a consultant for the shows for five years. The shows run in both March and November.

"The purchase of the Chicago Sun-Times Show was a natural progression for our company," said Ross Tannenbaum, CEO of Dreams. "We are continuing to diversify and unify this fragmented marketplace through strategic acquisitions and we look forward to leveraging our considerable Chicago based assets to increase the shows attendance and profitability."

Dreams had previously acquired Schwartz Sports, the memorabilia company, which also worked with the CST show. Brian Schwartz was instrumental in putting the show package together according to Adelstein.

                                            =================

(BASEBALL EXPANDS SCOUTING PROGRAM FOR HOBBY)

The Major League Baseball Players Association is making another push for it's Scouting Program. MLBPA provides hobby stores with special kits for scout troops who come into the store for a lesson on the card collecting hobby. The kits are free to hobby stores which offer the program. It worked well last year and MLBPA is going to expand it this year.

"In the past year more than 20,000 scouts attended a Baseball Card Clubhouse workshop at a registered hobby location and our regular ad campaign in Boys Life and Scout Magazines is scheduled to reach homes shortly," said Josh Orenstein, licensing coordinator for MLBPA. "We have greatly expanded the ad campaign this year and we are expecting another strong response from the Scouts."

(Some scouting divisions can earn Merit Badges for collecting.)

Basically store owners provide about an hours worth of time when scout masters schedule their troop into the store for the seminar. Store owners are encouraged to give the kids a lesson on the history of card collecting, play some games such as card flipping or pack wars and to make it a party atmosphere

Some stores have incorporated coin collecting into the mix as well as gaming. All of which seem to generate extra excitement. MLBPA provides each scout with a binder, loose relic cards and several packs to take home with them.

Stores and scoutmasters who are interested can contact Orenstein at joshO@mlbpa.org.

                                           =================

(THE PIT ADDS S-I FIRST DAY COVERS TO LINE-UP)

The Pit.com is going to be adding a new item, Sports Illustrated First Covers. The First Covers will be offered beginning this week, September 12. The Pit, owned by NAXCOM, is putting up a number of first covers including the first SI covers of Alex Rodriguez, Tiger Woods, Lebron James, Ken Griffey Jr., and several more.

(First Day Cover found on eBay but with mailing label. The Pit issues will be newsstand mint.)

"These special collector issues are the very first issues that these Superstars appeared on and all the SI First Covers are in Mint Newsstand condition with no mailing label," said NAXCOM spokesman Bill Elder. "The Pit will also be giving away Free a Kevin Durant SI First Cover for those that purchase $35 or more of any SI First Covers between September 12 and 16."

Details of the first cover program can be found at www.thepit.com.

                                           ==================

(DEAD SALESMAN WAS POSING FOR MAJOR LEAGUE PITCHER)

Imagine being former major league pitcher Bill Henry, waking up to read your morning newspaper, only to see you just died. This is basically what happened to the former San Francisco Giant's All-Star (1960) hurler last week when he read an Associated Press story about the passing of Bill Henry in Florida.

The problem was the Bill Henry pitcher named in the story was not the real Bill Henry. The man from Lakeland, Florida had for years posed as the journeyman major leaguer who pitched in the 1961 World Series. He had told his golfing buddies and even his pastor, he was the same guy and even looked similar to the man on the baseball card with the same name.

(The real Bill Henry is alive and well and approaching 80 years old in Texas.)

He told wonderful stories about being in the big leagues but they weren't true. Embellishing his resume quite a bit, unfortunately it didn't catch up to him until he was dead. The real Bill Henry is breathing a lot easier these days and he lives in Texas, adding he's in good health. He will be 80 years old next month.

It brings to mind the story of Chet Kehn, former Dodger hurler and coach who passed away a quarter century ago. The Brill Report several years ago debunked a Santa Barbara, California man who was passing himself off as Chet Kehn who appeared with the Brooklyn Dodgers in the early 1940's. He even signed autographs "Chet Kehn."

                                          ==================

(SOUTH CAROLINA STORE FOR SALE)

Wanna buy a baseball card store? There is another one for sale according to BizQuest.com. The store is located in upstate South Carolina and the owner says he is selling due to "retirement."

The asking price is $149,000 and this includes $110,000 worth of inventory. It has been run by one full time and one part time employee and the owner says he'll stay on to help train the buyer.

For details you can contact broker Cecil Martin of Sunbelt Business Advisors through the website listed above.

                                         ==================

(VICK NOTES PASS $10K ON EBAY)

The actual notes used by former Atlanta Falcon's QB Michael Vick to make the apology statement regarding dog fighting are over $10,000 on eBay. The hand scribbled notes, talking points, were left on the floor at the podium and picked up by an employee of the Humane Society.

(Vick notes on hotel stationary)

The paper was taken by the Humane Society of the United States and is now on eBay. Proceeds will go to the furtherment of animal rights.

This comes on the heels of the woman who paid $7400 for a lot of Vick cards which were chewed up by the sellers dog, Monte. The seller said some of the money was going to a local animal rights group.

Vick pleased guilty to charges of being involved in setting up a dog fighting and betting ring at his home. This after several of his friends turned on him and named him as the key fancier of the project in which dogs were executed for not performing in the fighting ring.

He has since been suspended by the NFL and awaits sentencing by a federal judge in December.

                                  ======================

(NBA FINEST AUTOGRAPH REDEMPTIONS ANNOUNCED)

Those Finest Basketball Redemptions now have serial numbers so you can figure out which ones you have. Topps usually announces the names of the players but then you have to figure out who they are by matching card numbers. This time Topps is offering serial numbers for the players in question.

The most important of which for collectors is Greg Oden. Aside from the 1/1 Oden signed cards there are 99 of his signed cards in the autograph series. The serial numbers run 6250632-6250729. He also has 10 X-Fractors, 4 Printing Plates signed and one Super Refractor.

                               =================

LOCK OF WASHINGTON'S TOPPS HAIR OVER PRICED, EBAY KILLS AUCTION

VOLUME 2, NUMBER 158

HOT*BUTTON*STORY

(BONDS' BALLS MEET RESERVES !!!)

** TOPPS GEORGE WASHINGTON HAIR TOO COSTLY

** UPDATE; EBAY MISTAKE KILLS AUCTION

** UPDATE; EBAY CHIEF PICKS UP QUICK $15 MILLION

** UPDATE: EBAY GERMANY SLASHES LISTING FEES

** UPDATE MILLER LOSES APPEAL IN COLLECTORS UNIVERSE CASE

** UPDATE: JAMES SPENCE MOVES TO NEW JERSEY

** UPDATE; GSI EXTENDS AGREEMENT WITH MLB ON-LINE

** LAYOFFS AT UPPER DECK?

** BONDS HOMER BALLS; RESERVES MET

** UPDATE; ANOTHER CHINA TOY RECALL; MATTEL

** CHINA POLICING ITSELF IN RECALLS

** MORE EBAY SUITS LIKELY ** CRIME BLOTTER SAYS NOTHING LIKE YU-GI-OH **

** UPDATE; THEFT OF $200,000 SPORTS COLLECTIBLES IN GEORGIA, REWARD UP

THESE STORY'S AND MORE IN TODAY'S EDITION OF TBR: THE BRILL REPORT...

EDITORIAL COMMENT: GRADING KILLING HOBBY STORES

                                               ===============

UPDATE; 9/5

(EBAY MAKES MISTAKE, PULLS TOPPS WASHINGTON HAIR AUCTION)

In a strange mistake and what could turn out to be a costly one for seller Card_Galaxy on eBay, the powers that be pulled his legitimate auction for the Topps Allen & Ginter George Washington Hair card. The card was up to $8300 with just a couple days left when ebay abruptly took it down.

"Somebody in Trust & Safety pulled it because they said I could not list a George Washington item under the baseball cards heading," said owner Ken Simonis in an email. "They now understand it is a baseball card but too late so all they said I could do is relist."

It has been re-listed under baseball cards. The move could cost Simonis thousands of dollars. It is very important on an item such as this to get the early bids when the fever is at its pitch. With the auction already at $8300, now at $1750 there is a question as to whether the card will reach the heights it once did. (See story below).

The Brill Report has heard from at least one bidder who is having second thoughts about bidding again. The other danger is people who bid, or who were watching and waiting to bid, may wonder why the auction is gone. It is not unusual for bidders to back off an auction the web site administration killed, simply for fear there was something wrong -- despite the fact in this case it was a major mistake on the part of the site owners.

                                            ====================

UPDATE 9/5 

(GEORGE WASHINGTON PIECE OF THE HAIR OVERPRICED AT $8300 AND MORE)

Earlier in the week the Topps Allen & Ginter card containing a piece of George Washington's hair was at $8300 in an eBay auction. It likely would have closed at more than $10,000 as it had two days to go. Many of the hobby's top players were bidding on this item which Topps says is a 1/1 including Dr. Wax Battle of The Back Stop in Tom's River, NJ. However, is the card overpriced as it is?

Chances are the card is far overpriced considering another auction on eBay at the same time. An authentic piece of hair from the first American president is in a frame with more than a dozen pages of provenance for a Buy It Now price of $1750! It's being offered by a collector who has collected many locks of hair.

(Lock of Washington's Hair comes in this display.)

"Through the years I have enjoyed collecting locks of hair of famous people," said Louis Mushro who is seller, Historicalhair. "I have also owned quite a large number of signed letters, documents and photographs of great historical persons but always wanted something more personal."

(Louis Mushro is selling locks of Washington hair for much less than the winner of the auction for the card issued by Topps will get.)

Mushro goes on to say he is a member of the Manuscript Society and is a board member of the Daguerreian Society. The lock of hair, which has been cut into several locks for several items, was originally sold by Mrs. Charles L. Powell around 1845 and comes with copies of letters and other documents totaling 17 pages to back up the fact the hair is really from the head of the Father of our Country, George Washington. He added many of the items he has in the "hair field" were acquired from Sotheby's and other big name auction houses as well as "families and barbers."

(The famous 1/1 Topps A&G Washington hair card.)

The price of $1750 is certainly much better and features a much better presentation than a trading card offered by Topps as a 1/1. Still there are those who would rather have the card because it is a piece of the hobby and features a re-sell to a peculiar lot of people; sports card collectors. Others want it for promotional purposes.

"Who else should own this but the Doc?" Proclaimed Dr. Wax Battle during his live Internet show last week. He's been known to purchase crazy items as promotional tools for his show and store, which have created quite a stir.

Having a trading card which is a 1/1 or even more of one of these has been a hot item in recent years. The first George Washington cut signature card sold for tens of thousands of dollars as did Jefferson and a few other presidents. If collectors ever figure out or care to learn the same lock of hair, or same signature can be had for much less, will they turn off to the trading cards? It is doubtful, but prices may become more realistic.

                                              ===============

UPDATE 9/5

(THIRD TOY RECALL HITS HARD AT MATTEL)

For the third time in recent weeks Mattel is recalling toys; 844,000 of them. The culprit again is high levels of lead in the paint. This time the recall involves the company icon; Barbie. Fischer-Price toys are also part of the latest move.

(Barbie items targeted in latest Mattel recall.)

Of the toys named 522,000 are in the US while the remaining 322,000 are outside the country. There are eight pet and furniture sets under the Barbie brand and three Fisher-Price lines including two Geotrax toys and the "It's a Big Wonderful World" toy.

This brings to over 10 million the number of Mattel toys recalled in recent weeks. China meanwhile has said it is working on improving the system to monitor manufacturers so they do not sell tainted products. (See story below).

                                           ===================

UPDATE 9/5

(EBAY HEAD WHITMAN CASHES IN A QUICK $15 MILLION)

A famous book once proclaimed it's easy to make a million dollars. Meg Whitman just proved it's easier to make a quick $15 million. Just cash in a few shares of stock.

(eBay CEO Meg Whitman keeps getting richer.)

Whitman, CEO and President of eBay exercised options on 640,000 shares of stock this week at $10.02 per share. She sold them for an average of about $33.50 per share. The fast turn brought the popular CEO a fast $15 million.

Whitman, who has been talked about as moving everywhere from Disney to the US Senate hasn't declared how long she'll stay at eBay or where she will go next. Cashing in some stock options might lay the groundwork for a political campaign, or, maybe just a beach house in Aruba.

Last month by the way Whitman sold 1.28 million shares and brought back over $44 million. She still has aboaut 25 million shares left by the way.

                                      ===============

UPDATE 9/5

(EBAY GERMANY SLASHES FEES, UPGRADES SITE)

eBay Germany is one of the top eBay sites in the world outside the US but evidently it's not good enough. In an effort to increase listings on the German site the company has slashed listing fees by about half and has re-done the site to make it easier for the listing public to take advantage of eBay.

At any one time there are about eight million listings on eBay Germany. Videos can also be uploaded and the new emphasis will be on pictures rather than text.

                                    ==================

UPDATE 9/5

(MILLER LOSES CU CASE ON APPEAL)

William Miller took his case to the appellate court seeking to have a multiplier put into a lower court's decision in a case involving the number of COA's issued by PSA using his name, but the higher court rejected his appeal. Miller, who formerly worked with PSA in authentication and whose name is on many PSA COA's said he was entitled to $10.5 million in damages from PSA. The court disagreed.

Miller got a judgment of $750 for the use of his name but he claims under California law he is entitled to that same amount every time his name appears on a COA issued by PSA. With over 14,000 such COA's issued Miller wanted full payment for each, or $10.5 million.

The court said no, only one violation and therefore only a blanket one time payment of $750 is it's ruling. The higher court did state Miller can take the case to court again but cannot seek the multiple damages if he does. He has 30 days to decide.

The case came to light when Miller left PSA but the company continued to use his name on its COA's. Miller said he did not give them permission to do so and sued for damages. He eventually won but not as much as he wanted.

                                        ================

UPDATE 9/5

(JAMES SPENCE MOVING TO NEW JERSEY, ADDS AUTHENTICATOR)

Jimmy Spence is moving his operation out of Orwigsburg, PA and into the hotbed of the hobby, Parsippany, NJ. Spence does much of his business more in the direction of Parsippany than in eastern Pennsylvania. Costs of moving people around are high and in the central location of New Jersey his company can very likely save a lot of money and time for dealers as well.

"Parsippany New Jersey is the home of the third National Convention," said Spence. "And I'm happy to announce someone coming onto our crew who comes in as the fourth generation of autograph collectors in the Spence family."

This would be Jimmy's son, James III, a recent graduate of the University of Pittsburgh.

"I'm really excited about the hobby and am learning alot from one of the best mentors you could possibly get in the autograph industry," said the younger Spence.

The move officially takes place November 7 with a grand opening including autograph guests and dealer signings.

Spence broke away from PSA several years ago to set up JSA and has become the most respected of the autograph authenticators in the hobby.

                                    =================

UPDATE 9/5

(MLB AND GSI CONTINUE ON-LINE EXPERIENCE WITH 8.5 MILLION USERS)

MLB and GSI Commerce signed a new deal to extend their contract for the on-line Major League Baseball store through 2016. The company also manages MLB's catalog which goes to 8.5 million people. The agreement, which provides the technical support for the MLB Shop site, is just beginning to grow according to officials at MLB.

"We expect our 2007 sales to be nearly three times greater than our annual sales prior to partnering with GSI," said Noah Garden, an executive vice-president with MLBAM. "GSI's capabilities are unique and market leading in this industry and they offer MLB.com an opportunity to leverage their tremendous scale and expertise as we strive to provide our fans with a rewarding on-line shopping experience."

The two got together in July to redesign the site.

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(LAYOFFS AT UPPER DECK?)

Several sources tell The Brill Report three sales people were let go last week at Upper Deck in what is being called a "restructuring," and more layoffs are expected. Details on how many people are going to be out of work at the manufacturer and it's subsidiary; Fleer Collectibles, UDA and UDE, are not known at this time.

Every few years or so it seems UDC goes through a large turnover of personnel. The most famous of which found some of the key people in the founding of the company and it's subsequent progression in the early 1990's, lose their positions. At that point such hobby names as VP Tony Loiacono, Jay McCrackin, Bob Bove and Andy Abramson were released from sales and marketing.

TBR will pass along details of additional firings should they occur.

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(BONDS BASEBALLS UP TO $100K+ A WEEK LEFT)

Both Barry Bonds home run baseballs put up for auction by Sotheby's and SCP Auctions have reached reserve. Home Run no. 755 carried a reserve price of $60,000 and as of this writing was sitting at more than $72,000 while homer no. 756 is at $177,000 or $77,000 more than the opening required opening bid.

With nine days plus left in the bidding each has a chance to reach the predicted status. Early predictions were the lesser of the two baseballs, no. 755, which tied Hank Aaron's all-time home run record would likely sell for about $200,000.

Number 756, the ball which broke the record is expected to reach half a million dollars when the bidding ends. Some experts said this is optimistic based on the fact the record will likely fall within five years. This is based on Yankee slugger Alex Rodriguez saying healthy. He is considered the next best bet to surpass Bonds.

Bonds has given no indication he will retire at the end of the season. Not far from 3,000 hits and some other milestones there seems to be no rush for him to call it a career.

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(CHINA GOES INTO POLICING MODE ON RECALLS - GERMANY JOINS FREY)

With Germany joining in the call for stricter controls on Chinese toy and food imports it looks as if the Chinese government is beginning a crack down in earnest. The country put into effect it's own recall system set up by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine. It is based on a system to recall cars back in 2005.

Recently tainted toothpaste, millions of lead laced toys and other items have forced other nations to recall Chinese made goods. In China itself there has also been a scare. One resulted in the deaths of 12 babies who ingested fake milk powder. The banned cancer causing Sudan Red dye was also found in a product used to color egg yolks.

(Toys such as Thomas were at the center of one recall. Lead in the paint was the culprit.)

The administration is telling manufacturers to automatically recall goods which have been proven to have tainted or banned items used in their making, and it will force the recall if consumer demands are not heeded or if the goods are in the nature of food. A consumer alert will also be issued.

The good news is in toy realm. The toy recall system will require the manufacturer to recall the toys even if they are made conforming to Chinese law and standards. This is a big step especially when dealing with so many countries who buy Chinese toys, which make up 80-percent of the toys sold.

"This is a powerful legal weapon for protection of children's health and life safety," said the Administration.

The head of the European Union's food service division is scheduled to meet with Chinese counterparts later this week to discuss ways to avert such problems and how to track them once they occur.  In Germany the Economic Minister is urging a third party be involved in stricter controls on the import of toys.

A letter to the EU said Germany wants quality checks by a third party and for companies to divulge their production plans which would go a long way in assuring safe products. His letter not only targeted China but US toymaker Mattel which recalled millions of toys made in China for various reasons.

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(MORE EBAY SUITS LIKELY AS COUNTERFEIT GOODS CONTINUE TO ROLL)

A French consortium says it will sue eBay over the amount of counterfeit goods sold on the auction site if something isn't done to stop it. The Financial Times broke the story of the threat from PPR (Gucci, Bottega Veneta maker) to sue eBay.

"We have signaled to eBay that if their practices related to our products continues, we envisage taking legal action," Francois-Henri Pinault, PPR's Chairman and CEO told the Financial Times in an interview. "We are in the process of talking to them about what they should do to avoid this."

(Real Gucci versus fakes are often difficult to tell.)

Traditionally the courts in the US have sided with eBay in its stance it is nothing more than a facilitator but a seller of nothing. This despite eBay gets paid whether or not the sale is made. The Europeans say this should not be the case because eBay needs to be responsible.

"They can't let people trick others by selling counterfeits on eBay," added Pinnault.

This is the latest threat of a suit against eBay by makers of goods in foreign countries. Vuitton, Dior and several others are upset at the number of knock-offs sold on eBay for much less than the real merchandise made by these exclusive companies. Big name jeweler Tiffany also sued and went to court.

Tiffany won a major lawsuit against a counterfeiter last month but it's case with eBay is still pending. Tiffany sued a company called Starglam which produced fake Tiffany jewelry and sold it at several outlets including eBay. The eBay suit itself is expected to be decided next month.

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(CRIME BLOTTER IN OHIO)

Here is an interesting note on the "Crime Blotter" in the Akron Beacon Journal's Ohio.com section;

"A Tapper Road man reported August 26 that he found his binder of 1500 Yu-Gi-Oh cards at the Sports Nutz Shop in Wadsworth. He told police he received a tip the cards were there. A person sold the cards to the store for $400. He denied stealing them, but admitted selling them, police reported. The reporting party agreed not to prosecute if the man can get the cards back."

A store owner paid $400 for 1500 Yu-Gi-Oh cards?

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UPDATE 9/5

(GEORGIA THEFT; $200,000 INCLUDES AARON AUTOGRAPHED BASEBALLS)

Someone broke into a storage locker in Perry, Georgia and took over $200,000 worth of sports collectibles. The owner of the locker and collection said among his fine collections were "Hank Aaron autographed baseballs."

The owner is offering a $2000 reward for the arrest of those who took the stuff and the return of the merchandise. Perry police are handling the case which is centered around a commercial storage lot (Rainbow Storage) where several lockers were broken into.

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