Question about Mantle Glove

[weightslinger]

Hello, I've been digging around the net trying to find info about a glove I've had,since I was 11. I bought it at a flea market. It is a Mickey Mantle rawlings mm3. I have found information about a lot of the other models but this one in particular I am having a difficult time finding much info.. Thanks for the read.

[Mr. Mitt]

The MM3 was produced for two years, 1959-60. It's an autograph model, Rawlings' second most expensive Mantle glove behind the MM personal model. It replaced the MM4 autograph model, last made in 1958, and was discontinued for the MM2 autograph model in 1961.

[BretMan]

Rawlings issued the MM3 model gloves in 1959 and 1960. As was customary, they would issue several gloves each year endorsed by Mantle, in varying styles and degrees of quality and price. The MM3 was dubbed "The Autograph Model" and was a mid-priced glove, with a retail price right about in the middle of the Rawlings lineup.

Those same years, Rawlings also issued the MMP "Personal Model", the MM6 "Professional Model" or "The Comet" model and the MM9 "Triple Crown Winner" model.

These gloves had retail prices ranging from about $8 for the kid-sized MM9 up to $35 for the high-quality MMP. The MM3 sold for a little more than 1/2 the price of the top-line MMP (about $20) and the MM6 was right below that (at about $15).

As sought after collectibles, the MMP models are the most highly valued. They are higher quality gloves and fewer were produced and sold. The MM3, being made for only two years, doesn't seem to turn up as often as many of the other mid-priced Mantle gloves. Some of the less expensive models were sold in the millions and are quite easy to find.

Condition plays a big factor in the value of the glove today. An MM3 in average well-used condition has a book value of $50. In excellent condition, used but well-cared for, the price is $100. For a near-mint example, $150 and perhaps double that for a perfectly mint condition glove.

Of course, "book value" reflects an estimated retail value and the collectibles market is always in a state of flux. Mantle gloves do tend to stay fairly steady in value as there is always a strong demand for his endorsement.

Hope that helps!

(Information compiled from Joe Phillips excellent glove collecting reference, "The Vintage Baseball Glove Catalog Source Book")

[weightslinger]

Guys thanks a ton. That's more information,then I could dig up in quite a few months. The glove itself isn't in great condition. I may post pics on here and try to get rid of it tbh. Once again,thanks for the help!