Collectors- last week we hit the 1 Year Anniversary since launching our community and somehow I spaced on mentioning it here. Many weekly readers have been with us since before we even launched- we’ve published 63 Above the Mantel newsletters, starting in late 2023! Thank you all for being with us on this journey- it really means so much to our team.

(And if you read this newsletter but haven’t signed up for Mantel yet, do it before we sunset our Day One badge, permanent proof you’ve been with us since the very beginning).

HA.com: Kevin Von Erich Isn’t Wrestling With History

Kevin Von Erich, the last surviving son of the legendary wrestling family, is auctioning off memorabilia from his career, including trunks, jackets, and Hall of Fame plaques. If you’ve seen the film The Iron Claw, you’re familiar with the incredible and tragic story of the Von Erichs, and with this Heritage Auctions sale, Kevin is perhaps shedding some of that baggage. Per Intelligent Collector, the former pro wrestler hopes the auction will connect fans to the Von Erich legacy, offering a richer perspective beyond the tragedy-focused portrayal seen in the film.

Rally: Own the First Public Printing of the US Constitution

Alt asset fractional investment platform, Rally, is IPOing an original printing of the US Constitution tomorrow, with the market cap set at $995,000. The document, one of 30 original copies known to exist and one of only 10 in private collections, has had just two stewards over the last 230 years. This specific document was printed in September 1787, just two days after the final draft of the U.S. Constitution was completed, and then distributed for review and ratification.

The Athletic: Seven Men Charged for Alleged Roles in Robberies Targeting Athletes’ Homes

Federal prosecutors charged seven men for robbing homes of professional athletes, including Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Bobby Portis Jr. Valuables including watches, jewelry, memorabilia and more worth over $2 million were stolen, often taken when the athletes were away playing games. The group, linked to a South American theft network, faces conspiracy charges, each carrying up to 10 years in prison. The FBI is now leading a nationwide effort to investigate thefts targeting athletes.

MDJOnline: Man Accused of Stealing Over $20K Worth of Trading Cards

Another week, another sports card theft. Stephen Adams (not the similarly named NBA player), a former employee of CardsHQ in Georgia, was accused of stealing $20,736.87 worth of trading cards between December 2024 and January 2025. Police allege Adams concealed cards in a bag during live-streamed auctions and falsified records to cover his actions. Adams was arrested on February 12, after surveillance footage captured him stashing boxes. CardsHQ said no customers were impacted by the crime.

NYT: Jane Fonda, Sneakerhead

Legendary actress Jane Fonda, at 87, has become an unexpected face of sneaker culture through a new Golden Goose campaign. Known for her activism and environmental commitment (including a pledge to stop buying new clothes), Fonda embraced the campaign in part due to her own love for sparkly sneakers. As a longtime collector, Fonda still cherishes her vintage Reebok high-tops but now prefers sneakers for comfort and flair, showcasing her timeless adaptability.