Alex Kellner
All-Star Left-Handed Pitcher · Baseball - MLB
Philadelphia Athletics / Cincinnati Reds / St. Louis Cardinals
Era
Circa 1958-1959 (consistent with the 1958 Topps set era)
Item Type
Vintage Trading Card - 1958 Topps #123
Condition
Fair/Good (Grade 1.5-2.0). Notable corner wear, rounding, surface creases, and chipping on edges. The signature/facsimile is clear.
Rarity
Common. As a facsimile, it is found on every card of this number; as a live autograph, it would be moderately rare given Kellner's passing in 1996.
Overall Assessment
This is a 1958 Topps Alex Kellner trading card. While it bears a signature, buyers should reside in the high probability that it is the standard printed facsimile signature included on all cards in this series rather than a hand-signed autograph.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic, though potentially a facsimile signature. Note: 1958 Topps cards often featured printed facsimile signatures as part of the design.
Signature Style
Classic cursive featuring a looping 'A' and connected 'Kellner' with a sharp terminal stroke on the 'r'.
Signature Characteristics
Flowing cursive with high slanting 'k', uniform pressure, and characteristic mid-century penmanship loops.
Ink & Medium
Black ink appearing to be printed or signed with a vintage ballpoint pen; consistent with 1950s era markings.
Item Description
1958 Topps Alex Kellner #123 featuring him as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals. Card features the iconic 1958 color portrait and light pink background.
Estimated Value
$5 - $15 USD (Unauthenticated/Raw). The value is driven primarily by the vintage card set rather than a live autograph premium.
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches the standard facsimile signature used by Topps for Alex Kellner in the 1950s perfectly.
Authentication Tips
Check for 'haloing' of ink under a jeweler's loupe. Printed facsimile signatures will have a dot-matrix pattern or sit flat, whereas real ink sits on top of the card stock.
Certification Recommendation
PSA/DNA or Beckett (BAS) if the goal is to verify if the ink is 'live' versus the printed version.
Red Flags
Warning: 1958 Topps cards were manufactured with a printed signature. This is almost certainly a facsimile and not a hand-signed item.
Provenance Notes
Establish if the card was ever part of a 'through the mail' (TTM) collection from the 1950s or 1980s when Kellner was an active signer.
Historical Context
Alex Kellner was a 20-game winner in 1949 and a key pitcher for the Philadelphia Athletics during their final years in Philly.
Market Trends
Vintage 1950s Topps commons remain stable. High-grade specimens are increasing, but low-grade examples like this stay flat.
Investment Potential
Low. Unless authenticated as a rare 'live' autograph over the top of the facsimile, it remains a low-value common card.
Similar Autographs
Bobby Shantz, Gus Zernial, and Ferris Fain (other 1950s Athletics/Cardinals players).
Display & Preservation
Keep in a PVC-free top loader or semi-rigid Card Saver (as shown) to prevent further edge chipping or moisture damage.
Interesting Facts
Kellner was the first pitcher for the Kansas City Athletics to throw a pitch after the team moved from Philadelphia in 1955.