Archive for the ‘-Klector (cab cards)’ Category

Klector

Sunday, March 23rd, 2008


Collector score: ** (2  Stars)

Prices reflect value in Near Mint condition

thorpekelector

All Klector cards are rare, since only 400 of each was printed and released. Because a complete list does not exist, we must deal in generalities. Also, because no list exists, this set gets only 2 stars.

Bernard Kleckner of New York created these cards by colorizing old black & white photos using colored chalk. He typed the backs on a typewriter. This gives them a crude “home made” appearance. They are, however, well-written and researched. The cards were printed on glossy card stock at Solomon Printing.

A Klector in nearly mint or mint condition should sell in a retail shop for $10 and up. Superstars (Pete Rose, Mickey Mantle, Rickey Henderson, Babe Ruth, Johnny Unitas, etc.) usually go for $25 and up.

Klector cards with Bernie Kleckner’s NYC Taxi Medallion number (2M25) are worth at least $25 each, as they were created during his tenure as a cab driver (1981-94) and are nearly impossible to find.  Kleckner usually gave a free card to his passengers in order to encourage repeat business, thus they are also called “cab cards”.