Way Over My Head Im Stumped and Need Help



Guys and gals, about six to seven months ago, I ran across the most eccentric character that Ive ever met in card collecting. We go way back to either 1981 or 1982 when I set up at the Daly City, Ca. show selling baseball cards. This guy is the guy that you shake your head after you walk away from him. His stories are almost unbelievable but always entertaining. I informed him I only collect non sport cards and does he collect, too? He says Holy Moley cleaned up version, have I got something for you. Ive been working on this puzzle for a long time but I havent been able to solve it. Do you want to give it a go? I do enjoy a good challenge and said send it to me, so he does.

For the past five months, I havent figured it out and about three months ago I asked Dan C to help me with the significance of the 1930s cards shown and to be honest, I kind of forgot about it.

On December 6th, I set up at the San Jose Toy Show and who do I run into but my crazy friend and he asks me Well, have you solved it? I lie and answer no but I think Im close. He smiles and says something like This is a two part puzzle, and the first part is easy to medium but the second part is hard. This is the first clue he gave me, I asked him if I could share the puzzle with some of my friends and he gave one of his funny type smiles and says no at first and finally yes.

Two days ago,I did finally get the answer from my now so called friend and I realize I would never have solved it on my own.

Ive asked Dan to repost the cards on one of his web pages and he (and Roger) has been kind enough to do so.

So, bottom line, if you enjoy a puzzle here you go and Dan C does not know the answers (remember it is a two parter). Do me one favor, do not post until you have two guesses and the clincher, how you arrived at those guesses. Wait for Dan to post the puzzle.

Thanks,

Bill C

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE
If you haven't read the answer and still feel like solving this on your own, read the first eight postings only! After the eight, if you need a clue read Shawn's first post, and if you give up read the entire thread. Enjoy.

To create more interest and "stir the pot", I will offer
ten cards,
my choice of course, of whatever era you'd like (Ts, 30s-60s Rs).

This ONE prize will go to the first person to post the
correct/complete answer.
One caveat-four answers max from each collector.
.
.CARDS WILL BE POSTED LATER THIS EVENING

.

.
.

2 bells, 2 "tanks", 2 aviation, 2 mickeys, 2 indians,
2 shapes (elvis' heart and the shape of the shield) ?


2 "S" Santa and ships


oh, my gosh......2 hats


and more........just 2 weapons
and more........just 2 headlights

I'm puzzeled by this - exactly what is the question?

I hope you don't mind a Lurker Guessing
My Guess

all the numbers add up to 3973

The cards were issued earliest 1939 thru latest 1973

Or Guess 2

All numbers add up to 3973

And that is the date of issue of first 2 cards in Puzzle
The Mickey 1939 and The Elvis 1973

Anyway, Thats my 2 guesses

Question for Bill: Were the cards set up for you exactly as Dan has shown them or does the order not matter?

Chuck R

Thanks to those of you that took the time to post so far. Here are the answers to the questions asked.
Jerry H - the question, - there are 2 puzzles that are somehow depicted in the message above, what are they?
Jerry R - glad you joined in, I tried to add the #'s but didn't come up with 3973 and unfortunately that is wrong. Also, I think Mickey Mouse was issued in 1935 and Elvis in 1956 so that part of your answer in incorrect, too.
Chuck R - Dan posted the cards exactly as they were sent to me in my original email, in that order, too. He did not resize or move any around.
Dan C - The '2' theory is interesting.

I've looked at this again. I have no clue.

Okay,



I don't know anything about non-sports cards (see my previous posts...lol), but I do love a good puzzle. It seems to me that this is spelling MERRY CHRISTMAS based on the card type "M"ickey "E"lvis... (etc)... "M"ickey "A"merican "S"uperman.



Also, I think the shape of the card arrangements have some meaning. Notice how if you look at them you can see "letter" shapes. "SF" possibly.



I feel pretty good about the first part...so if someone else gets the rest...give me a split!!



Shawn

Since you are fairly good with puzzles,
should I drop my "2s" idea. ?

I can't sleep -- I keep thinking about 2s.

Even my Ebay/Esnipe Bids are $22 $222 $2,222

Still working on it...



The first group of cards total 1965 and the second group total 2008. That seems kind of odd. Furthermore the Mickey and Elvis make 12 and the second row makes 6+14+5 which is 25 and then the rest add up to 2008. I think you only use the card numbers themselves and not the extraneous bits (1900 & 28).



I think the whole thing just means "Merry Christmas 12/25/2008". This is my final answer.


I think any more numerology and I become a gypsy!



S

Edited for clarity.

The first part of the puzzle was very easy and requires you to not think too much into it. If the second part is solved in a similar but more complicated way as the first then nothing obvious is popping out when thinking how you might complete the first part if the two answers have a connection.

Shawn, I was hoping this would keep the board somewhat occupied for a few days, but no, you had to go and guess it right away. Good for you! Actually, it is just a simple way to say 'Merry Christmas 12 - 25 - 2008' from Dan and myself to all of the board members, visitors and friends. I thought the Merry Christmas part would be fairly easy but I didn't think you would guess the 'date' part so quickly. After you send Dan you address, please send me it too and I'll try to dig up something else to send. In case you are wondering, there is no mysterious friend we just needed a rouse to try to generate interest!

As for the rest of the gang, Merry Christmas 12 - 25 - 2008 spelled out, of course in cards.

Congratulations Shawn. Very well done.

And as for you guys with that clever Merry Christmas shenanigans...

Wonderful!
Thanks very much for the thought and the fun.

Wow, Shawn,I am impressed. Now, can you work on this whole economy thing? Bill, when you said the guy gave you the puzzle 6 or 7 months ago I had no idea it would have a Christmas theme. Fun puzzle.

Wow! This is great!

This was a killer puzzle. I've always been good at pattern recognition type things and was hoping I could solve this without knowing too much about non-sports cards (although I am trying to learn).

I am a numbers buff and am back in school working on an accounting / finance degree, so it will be a couple more years before I can fix the economy!!

This was a well crafted puzzle and it took a "Eureka" moment to figure it out. I walked away from it numerous times before something clicked.

Many thanks for giving me some fun today!

Best to you all,

Shawn

I will have to admit, I like that answer better than mine: Mickey sings "Tanks, Santa!" (while) plains indians see raiders and bells surround actor big-shots.



I wonder whether my attempt is so weak that I owe Dan 10 cards?

bump to give a few late comers a chance