Pull of a Lifetime: Lucky Collector Unearths Historic “Four Horsemen” Booklet Card
Admittedly, Boston-area collector Dave Damphousse was only stopping by Batter Up Sports Cards in Tewksbury, Mass., on Saturday afternoon to pick up a display case for the foul-tip souvenir his son nabbed at a Red Sox game a few weeks back.
“But I saw the box of 2011 National Treasures Football sitting there and couldn’t resist,” Damphousse wrote in an email to Panini America yesterday. “The owner of the store was just closing up so I opened the box in the parking lot. I could not believe my eyes.”
What Damphousse saw was nothing less than one of the most history-soaked football cards ever made, and arguably the most desirable single card produced for 2011 National Treasures Football: The vaunted “Four Horsemen” booklet card 1/1.
The unique collectible — not so much a card as it is the headlining piece of a museum exhibit — includes cut signatures from the fabled “Four Horsemen” of Notre Dame’s 1924 National Championship football team (Harry Stuhldreher, Don Miller, Jim Crowley and Elmer Layden) and a sizable piece of fur coat worn by their legendary coach, Knute Rockne.
Damphousse’s first word? “Unbelievable! I wasn’t exactly sure what I had until I went home and did more research online,” he said. “At that point I was just in amazement. This is the best pull I have ever come across in my 25 years of collecting.”
Damphousse escorted the card back to Batter Up on Sunday to show it off. Next up, he’ll have it “properly appraised” before making perhaps the toughest decision of his collecting career.
“I’m not sure if I will hold on to it as the best pull ever in my collection or auction it off,” he said.
Most collectors will agree that it’s hard to go wrong either way and that a huge “Congratulations!” is in order for Damphousse. But in the spirit of community, we ask readers of The Knight’s Lance: What would you do with such a card? Let us know by participating in the following poll. After you have, feast your eyes on the comprehensive gallery of showcasing the greatest pull of Damphousse’s career.
First, the poll . . .
Now, the gallery . . .
The Knight's Lance 
Amazing! Keep It!!!
Wow gret pull. I would so frame that
That’s so crazy! It’s awesome to see a local LCS with such a HUGE hit! Awesome stuff.
THAT…that card is SO fantastic I believe i just stuttered. What a magnificent pull, truly a once-in-a-lifetime kind of card. Congratulations, Mr. Damphousse 🙂
I would def keep it. Thats one sick card and one sick hit!
Truly epic pull, congrats!
I have no idea what it would fetch at auction but I think I’d have a hard time not selling it for the money it could bring. And this coming from the man that keeps everything and could never part with even my smallest autograph card. Oh well, as much as I’d love to have the problem of the decision, I’m glad it’s not me making it! Good Luck on whatever you choose to do.
I’d sell it in a heartbeat and buy tons of stuff for my pc. If a card doesn’t really speak to you, then there is no reason to keep it. Let someone that will truly appreciate it get their hands on it. That’s just my way of thinking though. Congratulations on the fantastic pull, Mr. Damphousse.
I’m an Usher at Notre Dame football games & as much as I could use the extra cash a card like that could bring, there is no way I could part with a piece of Irish History like that! I thought it was cool that I put together a collection of certified autographs from all 7 heisman winners. Congrats on this awesome pull!
Very cool indeed, Steve.
beyond awesome..congrats
Personally I would say keep it if you do not need the money. There may come a time later in life where you may need some fast cash. But if not you have a bona fide piece of history to bask in that is pretty much irreplaceable.
It would put that kid in the photo and probably another through college…
What an amazing pull. Personally, I would keep it. But the $$$ might be too enticing to pass up.
I can only hope that Mr. Damphousse will read this. I’ve been entering box break, after box break, after box break trying to find this card. If you wanna sell it, I’d def. like a chance to buy it from you. If the card means a lot to you and you wanna hang onto it…i dont blame ya. It’s an amazing card. But if you decide to sell it, there will be no better place for that card than my house. I grew up in Elkhart, IN and have loved Notre Dame since I was a kid. I would love a shot at this card. Please email me at InCristWeTrust@yahoo.com if you’d like. Thanks so much and congrats on an amazing pull.
Thank you everyone for your comments and votes. It is truely an amazing pull and a moment in time I will cherish for ever. I can honestly say that I do not need the money and would love to keep it but at the same time, I am not a Notre Dame fan or do not have ties to the history as many others out there would. Therefore, I am leaning to auction the card off once I have a fair value of it assessed to see that the card heads to a collector that will display it properly rather than me who currently has it in a hard plastic shell and in a safe deposit box at the bank. If I am allowed to, I will post a link to the auction once I decide to place it for all of you interested to have a chance at its purchase.
Kind Regards and Keep those collections going!!
Dave Damphousse
Just want to make those aware who are interested in this card that it will be placed on EBAY this week. Shooting for Tuesday, May 22nd at ~8-9pm EST.
Please take a look at the threads:
http://www.beckett.com/forums/thread-1498825-page-1.html
and
Bidding will open at 7K and asking for serious bidders only. Want to be sure that all and any ND fans have a chance at this historic piece!!!
Good Luck to All!