*** DON'T FORGET- OUR LATEST SPORTS MEMORABILIA AUCTION ENDS IN A FEW WEEKS- FRIDAY JUNE 29, 2007. WE WILL BE SENDING OUT REMINDER FLYERS AND EMAILS THIS WEEK TO EVERYONE ON OUR MAILING LIST. YOU CAN VIEW THE ENTIRE AUCTION BY CLICKING THE "AUCTION" BUTTON ON THE TOP OF THIS PAGE.

RANT: Okay, this is a little off the topic, but did you happen to catch the last episode of The Sopranos. What a disappointment? I followed this show religiously for 8 years and the ending left me no closure. As a matter of fact, when the ending was a blank black screen, I thought my T.V. broke just as Tony was going to get "popped". I'm mad- and if they decide to bring back the show or make a movie, I'm not watching.

Well- maybe I'll watch- okay I will watch- but under protest. God, I miss those guys already.

Today's Topic: We are going to delve into knock-off pieces. We are only going to discuss knock-off's of the works of L.L. Rittgers (see Blog entry), but we know that other great artists have been copied including Fred Kail and the Carter-Hoffman company. Somehow, these knock-offs never compare in quality to the originals.

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RITTGERS KNOCK-OFFS

If you read our Blog entry about the works of L.L. Rittgers, you know that we believe they are some of the best figural sport and non-sport figurines in the hobby. Because of their popularity back when they were made, they spawned numerous knock-off or copycat pieces throughout the years. The companies making these pieces did nothing to disguise their imitations and some of the themes are almost exact copies. All that being said, these pieces are still highly desirable and terrific looking.

The most copied theme of Rittgers is that of his 3-piece baseball set. The set consisted of two arguing baseball players and a very indignant umpire. We have seen ceramic statue sets and even salt and pepper shakers with virtually the same theme and positioning.

Probably the most obvious copycat pieces of Rittgers are a series of black(African) figurines that copy Rittgers to a "tee". We have seen these statues as baseball players, football players, basketball players, boxers, golfers and even bowlers. They do have a cross-over collectible effect as collectors of both sports figurines and "black" memorabilia seem to gravitate to them.

Although prices for knock-offs tend to be slightly lower than the original Rittgers, some can go for hefty prices. They are a wonderful addition to any collection.