Our members are as diverse as the collections they build. The Close-Up is published every 4-8
weeks and takes a look at one member's collection as well as the person and stories behind it.
Charles Kapner
What got you collecting as a kid? What was the hot thing to collect then?
A friend collected cards and he got me started. The hobby resonated with me right away. I started out collecting Seattle popcorn cards, 1963 Post Cereal cards, the 1963 Fleers set (with a cookie in each pack!) and 1964 Topps were the first cards I bought that had bubble gum with them.
What’s the most destructive thing you’ve ever done with/to a collectible?
In the late 1960’s Coke/Tab/Fresca had baseball players on the bottom of bottle caps. If you collected a set, they could be redeemed for various prizes. I spent all summer putting together multiple sets. I redeemed one set for some beautiful Dexter Press All-Star postcards. I redeemed several sets to get a baseball, which
promptly got destroyed at the local playfield. I should have kept the bottle caps instead!
What’s the one thing you sold or gave away that you regret and wish you could get back?
I usually keep what I’ve collected so this hasn’t been an issue.
What got you collecting as a kid? What was the hot thing to collect then?
A friend collected cards and he got me started. The hobby resonated with me right away. I started out collecting Seattle popcorn cards, 1963 Post Cereal cards, the 1963 Fleers set (with a cookie in each pack!) and 1964 Topps were the first cards I bought that had bubble gum with them.
What’s the most destructive thing you’ve ever done with/to a collectible?
In the late 1960’s Coke/Tab/Fresca had baseball players on the bottom of bottle caps. If you collected a set, they could be redeemed for various prizes. I spent all summer putting together multiple sets. I redeemed one set for some beautiful Dexter Press All-Star postcards. I redeemed several sets to get a baseball, which
promptly got destroyed at the local playfield. I should have kept the bottle caps instead!
What’s the one thing you sold or gave away that you regret and wish you could get back?
I usually keep what I’ve collected so this hasn’t been an issue.
What’s the one thing you own now that you wouldn’t sell for all the money in the
world and what’s the story behind it?
The picture of me shaking hands with Mickey Mantle. When I was 12, he came out to Seattle Center
during the winter to encourage people to vote for the Domed Stadium issue. I was able to meet him, have my picture taken with him and get a couple of items signed. It was a day I’ll never forget.
What’s your favorite recent pickup and why?
I’ve had a few enjoyable additions recently, such as 1947 and 1949 Old Woody cards, a Seattle Pilots player equipment bag and a 1947 Seattle Rainiers Christmas card. These were all items on my want list.
world and what’s the story behind it?
The picture of me shaking hands with Mickey Mantle. When I was 12, he came out to Seattle Center
during the winter to encourage people to vote for the Domed Stadium issue. I was able to meet him, have my picture taken with him and get a couple of items signed. It was a day I’ll never forget.
What’s your favorite recent pickup and why?
I’ve had a few enjoyable additions recently, such as 1947 and 1949 Old Woody cards, a Seattle Pilots player equipment bag and a 1947 Seattle Rainiers Christmas card. These were all items on my want list.
What do you have the hardest time with as far as your collection goes?
Finding the things that are on my want list. Also, having enough room for additions to the collection.
Finding the things that are on my want list. Also, having enough room for additions to the collection.
Do you have any short or long term collecting goals or do you just buy what you like with no real rhyme or reason?
I can’t always predict what will catch my interest although I try to stay within certain parameters. Many years ago I expanded my minor league collecting to all Pacific Coast League teams, something that I originally hadn’t planned on.In a perfect world, I’d love to have my collection on public display for others to enjoy. I’ve probably done over 50 different displays in Washington, California and Arizona.
What is/are your "White Whale(s)"?
I’d like to complete the Seattle popcorn card series. I’m close but not there yet. I have lots of duplicates to trade! I’m also hoping to finish up my Seattle Rainiers Hygrade and Milwaukee Sausage sets.
What is your favorite sports moment you have witnessed?
I’m taking liberties with this question, but my favorite sports-connected moment may have been sitting on a Seattle Pilots baseball panel with Jim Bouton, Tommy Davis and the late Greg Goossen in the Burbank public library. We had a crowd ofabout 200 people and those players were just hysterical. It was my best ForrestGump moment.
I’m taking liberties with this question, but my favorite sports-connected moment may have been sitting on a Seattle Pilots baseball panel with Jim Bouton, Tommy Davis and the late Greg Goossen in the Burbank public library. We had a crowd ofabout 200 people and those players were just hysterical. It was my best ForrestGump moment.
Through the years, how have your views on your collection and collecting in general changed?
I continue to avidly collect today, trying to focus on historical local memorabilia such as the Seattle Indians, Seattle Rainiers, Seattle Angels, Seattle Pilots, Seattle Super Sonics and Seattle Totems. I stopped collecting the new cards each year back in 1990. There were just too many sets. I don’t think the kids today have the same feeling for the hobby and I find that sad. It should be more about collecting something because you enjoy it and not because it may or may not be valuable later.
Close-Up Archives
Les Bretthauer
Bill Cohon
Mark Clatterbuck
Michael Dodd
Ray Cardwell
I continue to avidly collect today, trying to focus on historical local memorabilia such as the Seattle Indians, Seattle Rainiers, Seattle Angels, Seattle Pilots, Seattle Super Sonics and Seattle Totems. I stopped collecting the new cards each year back in 1990. There were just too many sets. I don’t think the kids today have the same feeling for the hobby and I find that sad. It should be more about collecting something because you enjoy it and not because it may or may not be valuable later.
Close-Up Archives
Les Bretthauer
Bill Cohon
Mark Clatterbuck
Michael Dodd
Ray Cardwell