By Michael Moore, PWTorch collectibles specialist

For many of today’s wrestling fans, Frank Gotch and Lou Thesz are names they have only heard in passing on WWE DVDs or one of the many Pro Wrestling Torch audio shows.

But, for Rob England of Eureka, Calif., those names represent the centerpiece of his collection.

England has been a collector of high-end vintage wrestling cards since 1999. It was around that time that Topps began laying the foundation of modern wrestling cards with its first WCW sets, which included insert cards and autographs. England, a longtime wrestling fan and sports card collector, wanted something different.

“I think the older cards will hold their value or increase over time, but I cannot say the same about the current products that are produced today,” England said. “I prefer true rarity of an item and not cards that are artificially created to be rare.”




The first known wrestling cards were produced in 1887 as a part of the multi-sport Allen and Ginter set. Some of the most popular vintage wrestling cards can be found in the Parkhurst sets from 1954 and 1955, which included stars such as Lou Thesz, Whipper Billy Watson, Verne Gagne, and Bobo Brazil, among others. Those vintage sets are among the most prized wrestling collectibles ever made.




England has decided to focus his collection specifically on vintage wrestling cards that receive high grades from a professional grading service, ensuring that each card is in the best condition possible. A high grade can drastically increase the value of the card. For example, a Bronko Nagurski card from the 1955 Parkhurst set that received a PSA 8 (on a scale of 10) recently sold for a whopping $810.

“There is no doubt that his Hall of Fame football career brought out some of the bigger wallets of the football card collectors,” England explained. “Relatively speaking, I think this was a good value in comparison to the prices attained for baseball and football cards that come up for auction. A wrestling card that was graded by Beckett Grading Services of Hulk Hogan from the 1982 Wrestling All Stars that was gem mint condition recently sold for over $1,500 on eBay.”




Finding these vintage cards can be quite a task in and of itself; finding one that has been sent in for grading by another collector and withstood years of wear and tear to receive a high grade can be a very daunting challenge.

When these cards do show up for sale, a bidding war can be ignited among collectors of vintage wrestling cards. There aren’t as many of these collectors as there are in other sports, but those who do collect vintage cards are very passionate and willing to spend considerable amounts in order to fill holes in their collections.

“If there is an item on eBay, bidding can be fierce,” England said. “You might only see a card come available once or twice, so you need to be competitive when an item appears.”




England’s collection includes cards of some of the most recognizable names from wrestling’s past. His favorites, though, are items of the legendary Frank Gotch. According to England, only a handful of Gotch cards have been produced, and postcards featuring a picture of Gotch will pop up on eBay from time to time. Autographs are extremely rare.

“This was truly the beginning of wrestling in the United States on a worldwide level,” England said. “(Gotch) was the first world wrestling champion from the United States after he defeated George Hackenschmidt in Chicago in 1908. He also defeated Hackenschmidt in 1911 in the old Comiskey Park in front of 30,000 fans.

“I also enjoy the 19th century items,” England added. “It is mind-blowing to me that a card from the 1880s can still be in near-mint shape after all this time.”

England and his friend, Steve Thoemke, have created a comprehensive checklist of wrestling cards, which can be seen at http://www.x-titles.com/wc/.

Do you have a unique item or collection that you’d like to share with other wrestling fans? E-mail Michael Moore at michaelmoorewriter@gmail.com.

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