Ep 18. Eric Clapton Replica Guitar/1952 Andy Pafko Baseball Card

In auction houses, anything can become valuable, and that includes replicas of instruments played by iconic musicians and baseball cards from the golden age of the sport. On season 3 episode 18 of Auction Kings, viewers are greeted with a guitar replica meticulously crafted after one famously played by Eric Clapton himself. In addition to that, the auctioneers also have a 1952 Andy Pafko baseball card on their hands. These items are sure to draw in bidders from all around, and it is up to the Auction Kings crew to ensure they get the best deals possible.

The episode kicks off with the preview of the Eric Clapton replica guitar, which has been created by a skilled luthier. It features an incredible attention to detail, with a foundation of mahogany and a flame maple top. The team shares the backstory behind the guitar, which was originally played by Eric Clapton before he gifted it to a Texas restaurant chain. The guitar is in mint condition, and even has Clapton's signature on the headstock. The auctioneers anticipate that it will be a great investment for any collector, and potentially bring in a lot of money.

Next up is the 1952 Andy Pafko baseball card, which the team found while raiding a barn. It originates from the golden age of baseball and is now highly valued among collectors. They explain that Andy Pafko was a talented outfielder who played for the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs during the 1940s and 1950s. In 1952, Topps made its first set of baseball cards, and Pafko's card was the 1st card in the series and the most valuable. The team is excited to be able to bring such a piece of history to the auction house and expects it to be a big draw for collectors.

The auction begins, and we are shown in detail the excitement of the bidders as they compete for these rare items. Although the original suggestion for the Clapton guitar was $15,000 as a starting point, the bidding quickly rises to $20,000, $25,000, and more. The collectors are drawn by the guitar's history, crafting, and Clapton's signature. The camera takes us on a tour of the auction house, showing the bidders' reactions and their battles for the guitar. It is clear that they all know the worth of such a unique piece, and the room is filled with tension as the price continues to climb.

Meanwhile, the Andy Pafko card auction is taking place simultaneously. This is the episode's second item of great value, and as history has shown, the market has a high demand for vintage baseball trading cards. The team had the card graded and authenticated before the auction, ensuring that it is in excellent condition and will appeal to collectors for its rarity. It is a 1952 Topps #1 Andy Pafko, graded by SGC at a 60 EX 5 level, which is remarkable. During the auction, the price also increases, with the highest bid reaching much higher than the initial estimate of $4000. The bidders, again, show their eagerness towards acquiring this priceless card.

The Auction Kings crew can breathe a sigh of relief as both auctions conclude with the highest prices they had expected. The bidding on both items has surpassed every expectation, leaving little doubt that the Eric Clapton guitar and Andy Pafko's baseball card have found their rightful owners. It's clear in the episode that these auctions can be intense and nail-biting, especially when there are highly coveted items on the block.

In conclusion, episode 18 of Auction Kings, season 3, was an incredibly intense and exciting installment of the show. The team's acquisition of the Eric Clapton replica guitar and 1952 Andy Pafko baseball card shows that anything can become valuable when approached with the right craftsmanship or history. The Auction Kings team should be proud of their success in finding these two prestigious items, and the bidding war displayed is proof of that.