Americana Up For Grabs — Or Not

Happy Fourth, Collectors.

Nothing says Americana quite like a classic father-son bond over sports.  And lately, it’s been front of mind for basketball fans.

The Lakers selected LeBron James’ eldest son, Bronny James, with the 55th overall pick in last week’s NBA Draft. Bronny’s signed Topps Now cards sold out immediately for $250 each, and odds are some father-son collectibles will hit the market eventually. 

Perhaps LeBron’s tutelage can set Bronny’s career apart from other second-round picks. But $250 is quite the investment in an unproven commodity. Will investors make that money back? Let us know what you think on Mantel.

Now, let’s light some sparklers and get into it.

Teddy Roosevelt’s Missing Watch Returns Home

In 1987, President Theodore Roosevelt’s favorite watch went missing. Fast forward nearly 40 years, and collector Edwin Bailey got his hands on it through an associate, who believed it was a fake. Bailey set out to prove the watch’s authenticity so he could sell it on behalf of his associate. Verification came when federal agents showed up at Bailey’s auction house, seized the watch, and returned it to Roosevelt’s family home on Long Island.

The Washington Post chronicled the watch’s epic odyssey.

Say Hey To Willie’s Collectibles

America’s pastime has been tipping its cap in honor of Willie Mays, who recently passed away at 93. Now, Goldin Auctions is giving collectors a chance to own some rare Mays collectibles. Notably, the glove Mays used over the last few seasons of his career will be under the hammer. “It's got his actual blood, sweat and tears in the glove,” Goldin CEO Ken Goldin said, “which just raises the demand and makes it more valuable.”

Fox Business has the full story.

You Can Step On These Blue Suede Shoes (For $150K)

Elvis Presley’s iconic blue suede shoes, worn on-stage during his most popular performances, have sold for $150,000 through Henry Aldridge & Son. Presley gave the pair to close friend Alan Fortas before leaving for military service in 1958. The sale encapsulates Presley’s status as an American icon: "When you think of Elvis, you probably think of upturned collars, Las Vegas, and blue suede shoes,” auctioneer Andrew Aldrige said.

CBS News has more.

Jimmy Carter Items Raise Millions – Along With Stevie Nicks & MLK Memorabilia

On Tuesday, the Carter Center raised over $2.8M in a high-profile auction. President Carter’s artist tools netted $1M, while guitar autographed by Stevie Nicks and a signed Martin Luther King, Jr. photograph and plaque sold for over $200,000 each. All proceeds went directly to charity.

Check out the full list of sold items.

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