T206 set question/survey [Archive] - Net54baseball.com Forums

rfurnish

11-22-2009, 01:31 PM

Hello everyone,

I'm new to the site and am wondering how many completed T206 sets are out there. I know that some of us use the PSA registry, some the SGC registry, and others collect raw cards. I would love to be able to see your T206 set! How far along are you and where can we see your set?

With only 10% of the set done, I'm way back at #79 on the PSA registry under "Ron's T206 ATC"

Thanks,
Ron

E93

11-22-2009, 02:45 PM

I suppose the answer depends on how you define "complete" for T206. Most consider themselves done without the big 4 (Wagner, Plank, Doyle, and Magie). Some do not consider the Doyle and Magie error cards necessary for a basic set, just like modern set collectors don't consider a '79 Topps Bump Will error necessary for a complete basic set. Others give themselves a little more breathing room and also don't pursue the O'Hara and Demmit. I think that is a little strange since they are not THAT hard or expensive to someone who has already bought 70 T206 HOFs.

My guess is that there are probably more than 50 (maybe even 100) T206 sets or near sets with 500+ different fronts.

cfc1909

11-22-2009, 03:10 PM

Jim is right about what some collectors consider complete. That being said, there are very few complete sets where all cards on the checklist are in hand. Probably no more than 5, being there are only 7 known Doyle's. I think there are 7 known Doyle's.

There are probably closer to 100 collectors that are above 500 different cards and some collectors, but again very few, that have several (2 or more) that are above 500 cards.

There are several collectors that have 3000 plus t206s in their collections.

This is my collecting experience since about 1990. There is much more that I don't know-this has been going on for 100 years. There was a large amout of collecting going on the 60s and 70s and there was an explosion in the hobby in the 80s. I missed 95% of that.

T206Collector

11-22-2009, 05:06 PM

...once upon a time. My sense of it is that there are WAYYYY more than 100 collectors with 500-520 T206 cards in their collection. I'd say closer to 500 people have that many. Perhaps even more.

Seriously, there are so many T206 cards out there -- I mean, just check ebay and compare the number of listings with any other baseball card set in history. Most of them are just so common.

I think a lot of people get into T206, as I did, because the cards are 100 years old and they are also somewhat plentiful and affordable.

I still really love T206, but having immersed myself in autographed pre-war cards, it's hard to spend any real money on an unautographed Larry Doyle card when none will ever surpass this one:

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RT_TTyZolRxucQJw0nlwdQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCNHhgMuiptWNc g&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Ys7fw31kTDs/RzJyvHBXd8I/AAAAAAAACIo/OnkzvKucno0/s800/Doyle%20With%20Bat%20Auto%20SGC%2060.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pmifsud3d/AutographedT206?authkey=Gv1sRgCNHhgMuiptWNcg&feat=embedwebsite">Autographed T206</a></td></tr></table>

teetwoohsix

11-22-2009, 05:52 PM

T206Collector-I am always in awe of the T206 cards you display/acquire-truly amazing!!!!Much Respect,Clayton

tedzan

11-22-2009, 06:45 PM

I personally know of 28 - T206 collectors that have sets consisting of 500 to 524 cards. I would guess that my anecdotal knowledge
probably represents less than 5% of the worldwide population of "near complete" T206 sets. Therefore, by simple extrapolation, I say
that there are no less than 500 sets.....and, as many as 1000 sets.

Scot Reader's "Inside T206" estimates (based on very good analysis) that approx. 1.6 Million T206's are currently in circulation. I tend
to agree with Scot's analysis. Therefore, my projection of about 1000 sets is not too far-fetched. For it reflects approx. 1/3 rd of the
T206 population is in set collector's hands.

TED Z

T206Collector

11-22-2009, 08:07 PM

T206Collector-I am always in awe of the T206 cards you display/acquire-truly amazing!!!!Much Respect,Clayton

Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate it.

Here's another one of my latest favs -- hard to collect a regular un-signed Snodgrass after you get this one with so much personality!

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nuynjwmreNQYWf_ZqNph9A?authkey=Gv1sRgCNHhgMuiptWNc g&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Ys7fw31kTDs/SqBnH9p4W4I/AAAAAAAAHQk/rblEOqd4vRQ/s800/SnodgrassBattingCatcherCommentary.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pmifsud3d/AutographedT206?authkey=Gv1sRgCNHhgMuiptWNcg&feat=embedwebsite">Autographed T206</a></td></tr></table>

toppcat

11-23-2009, 07:50 AM

I think a "set" of T206 can be anything from 518 cards and up for purposes of this discussion, or really almost any discussion about these cards. If you have an estimated 1000 sets in collections, which seems about right, then based upon the population estimates of the big 6, not all of those sets can have all of those half dozen scarcities and rarities and good luck with finding a Doyle, no matter how much cash you have to spend.

I plan to accumulate a set of 518 and maybe 520, depending how I feel about O'Hara and Demmitt down the road. To me T206 is something I'm putting together between now and retirement (say 10 years or so) and frankly those two will depend upon our family's financial position at that stage in life and whether or not I consider the cards an asset to fund retirement or merely collectibles I wish to keep.

I will consider mine complete at 518 and anything after that is "icing on the cake".

drdduet

11-23-2009, 09:13 AM

I have one complete set (minus the big 4) and about 1000 different T206's (front/back combos).

Jim VB

11-23-2009, 10:03 AM

I have a "complete" set (520/524). It is in Poor-Fair condition. Maybe 15-20 of my cards are graded. The rest are raw.

I think Ted's estimate is as accurate as you're going to get. Putting together a complete set isn't very difficult at all. Virtually every single one of the cards is readily available, if you have the money to spend.

tedzan

11-23-2009, 10:46 AM

Jim VB

I really appreciate this comment of yours......
"I think Ted's estimate is as accurate as you're going to get."

My guesstimate of a range of 500 - 1000 near complete T206 sets was not just a "wild stab" at it.
You and I (and other members of this forum), that have been collecting vintage and post-WWII BB
cards since the 1970's, could probably account for approx. 100 near complete T206 sets.

And, this population total would only amount to the visible portion of a "T206 iceberg".

Regards,
TED Z

tbob

11-23-2009, 10:46 AM

Jim VB

11-23-2009, 10:57 AM

I have a T206 set (less the Big 4) in vgex condition. One thing to consider in tallying up how many sets are out there is to remember that many of the sets are not slabbed, either for financial or aesthetic or other reasons. I enjoy having this set (and the T205 and T207 sets) displayed in sheets by teams where I can easily view them instead of stacked slabs like all my caramel sets.

I've considered getting my set graded and decided not to. It's not high quality and the thought of finding a storage solution for 500+ cards stops the process. I also keep mine in a binder.

When I decide to sell, I'll reconsider, as it would probably be worth it, even in low condition.

ethicsprof

11-23-2009, 12:20 PM

I tamed the Monster(-4) and have them all slabbed for both protection and perpetuity. I do think that there are large numbers of folks with over 500, as Ted ably maintains. I think the number of folks minus the big 4 is much fewer
based on my feel for things over the last decade or so. I'm speaking now of folks who actually still have the set in their position.
best,
barry

rfurnish

11-23-2009, 01:12 PM

OK....so not including the big four.

PSA currently has 16 sets listed
SGC currently has 9 sets listed
tedzan personally knows of 28 sets
drdduet, ethicsprof, jimVB, & tbob account for four more

That's a total of 57 known, completed sets, assuming no overlap (ex: drdduet is not on one of the registrys or included in tedzan's group)

So there would still have to be 943 additional sets out there somewhere to hit the 1,000 mark. Man, that seems like a lot of sets. Assuming that Scot's surviving card estimates are fairly accurate, the logic for that total is sound...it just seems like a lot. Are there 1,000 copies of Demmitt, O'Hara and the lower printed southern leaguers floating around (and gathered together as a group)? I guess it's possible, but then again......

T206Collector

11-23-2009, 01:21 PM

My latest passion is for signed T206 cards. After an initial burst of 25 or so a couple of years ago, getting additional ones has been in serious drips and drops. I added just 1 new player/pose during the entire 2008 calendar year, and this year I have added just 2 new player/poses.

And yet I am certain there are many out there that I have never seen, that are frankly just buried in collections and will never see the light of day. I have a theory that is similar to my friend's old cockroach theory -- if you see one on the floor, that means there are a 1,000 behind the wall. There are so many T206 cards available on ebay at this moment, that the number of T206 cards extant has just got to be huge. Which means to me that there must be a ton of massive collections out there as well -- many of which were completed in the 1960s, 70s and 80s that are just sitting there in binders or boxes.

tedzan

11-23-2009, 01:27 PM

There are many, many 500+ card T206 sets out there in the hinterland that are un-graded. There are only 9 near complete
SGC graded sets in their Registry; and, 16 such sets in the PSA Registry
Anyhow, a great majority (24) of the 28 near complete T206 sets that I can account for are in 15-pocket plastic sheets in
albums. And, this is certainly true for the 5 sets that I have put together. The 3 sets I currently have are......

519 cards (all PIEDMONT)...no Doyle, Plank, Wagner......overall average grade is Ex.

407 cards COMPLETE (all SOVEREIGN)......overall average grade is Vg-Ex.

467 cards (all SWEET CAPORAL, factory 30)...no Plank, Wagner......overall average grade is Vg to VgEx.

There is a lot to be said for having 500+ cards in an album (instead of having them stacked away in rectangular plastics).
Bob M anf Frank W prefer to have their T206's arranged by teams in their albums. Most collectors have their T206 sets in
alphabetical order in albums.
I have arranged my sets in their albums with respect to the 5 Series in the T206 set. And, I'll admit that some (about 60
across the 3 sets) are in graded plastics. This is only temporary, until I replace them with their ungraded counterparts.

Tell us more about your T206 sets ?

TED Z

RayBShotz

11-23-2009, 01:41 PM

I got to about 65% and decided to abandon my attempt at the Monster because the ease at which I could accumulate examples far out weighed my ability to make funds available. The funding part hasn't changed much in fact I'm probably worse off today.
As a byproduct of disbanding I decided to stay in the game by attempting a back specific set much like what Ted Z has done (amazing Ted!) on a handful of back designs.
My favorite back and thus my choice for this project was EPDG. Currently I have approx. 105 different examples and I am always interested in acquiring more.
So although this is a set effort it will be restrained by availablility (cards I need coming to sale or auction), confirmed sitings (whether or not the card is really obtainable), and available funds (Low grade examples with decent eye appeal are my preferred targets).

Good Luck on your personal quest.
I believe T206 gets in your blood and never leaves. The friendliest parasite you'll ever host! :)
I love the set.
RayB

Potomac Yank

11-23-2009, 01:49 PM

Barry, every time I see you make that statement, I have to chuckle.

The Monster has tamed you into lying to yourself.

It's tamed you into believing that you have mentally erased four names from the known check list. ... They don't exist, therefore your set is complete. :)

Barry, you did a hell of a job with the challenge, what's the crime in saying, "My set is incomplete, but who knows?"

I have two sets.

My better set is missing 1 card from the known check list ... it's incomplete, but who knows?

My beater set is missing 8 cards from the known check list ... it's incomplete, but who knows?

They're incomplete, we've given it our best shot ... But Who Knows? :)

Scott L.

11-23-2009, 01:53 PM

I currently have 515 graded T206's. Still need Dutch Jordan, Bay and Breitenstein to get to 518 if anyone wants to help me out :D

ethicsprof

11-23-2009, 02:04 PM

Potomac Yank

11-23-2009, 02:08 PM

Potomac Yank

11-23-2009, 02:20 PM

I'm glad that I can bring you a chuckle as we kindly disagree.
What else should old dinosaurs (one not far from 60 and the other looking
at 70 as a young friend) do for one another.
Happy Thanksgiving, ole boy.

best,

barry

*

I prefer not to kid myself ... it's not my style.

Er, make that looking at 80. :)

Enjoy the Big Bird Day.
Joe

T206Collector

11-23-2009, 02:55 PM

T206Collector,
Back in 1990, you would have loved the store called Fantasia.
It was run by a guy named Danny Dubchak. AKA Dr. Koos.
He had a case loaded with T206's ... many of them were autographed. :)

I know... I know.... so you keep reminding me!

Fortunately -- for my own peace of mind, if nothing else -- nearly all of my collection is traceable to 2 large collections of post-1950s signed T206 cards. In fact, many of my cards come directly from Jeff Morey, whom I have had the privilege of knowing these past couple of years. And most of the balance came from what I refer to as the "2007 Pittsburgh Find," where a well-known area collector's autograph collection was basically dumped into the hands of a couple of Pennsylvania dealers and flipped quickly on ebay or directly to me. I do the best I can on provenance and authenticity before purchasing examples outside of these realms. But I won't be adding any Addie Joss signed T206 cards to my collection anytime soon!

Potomac Yank

11-23-2009, 03:24 PM

I'm glad thay you're being careful.

I also collected auto's, baseball/football.
Unless you get them yourself, you have to be super careful in that area.
Never got into collecting tobacco auto's, but I can see where it could be a good feeling to get them.

Happy Hunting. :)

Joe

rfurnish

11-23-2009, 03:32 PM

Thanks for sharing the information about your sets. Is anyone else out there working on/close to finishing the t206 set?

Thanks,
Ron

yoyot1

11-23-2009, 08:01 PM

Just hit 499 this week. Mostly poor-good range, most picked up from ebay over the past ~8 years or so. Maybe a half dozen graded. I'm much less concerned about the quality than picking up an example as cheap as possible. Once I'm finished I may look at upgrading some of my lesser quality cards.

It's a fun collection, definitely important to pace yourself if collecting on a budget, the first 3-400 are super easy to get and can add up quickly.

teetwoohsix

11-23-2009, 08:14 PM

But yes,I am also working on this Monster-mine are all graded v/g to v/g-ex,and mine are not all graded by one company.Either SGC,PSA,or BVG,,I only have around 45-46 at the moment,with a few more on the way.I do have a good 9 or 10 HOF'ers so far,and thats what I'm focusing on lately.I will consider it "done" without the big 4,and figure this project will take me at least another 10 years,unless I hit the Megabucks out here in Vegas(yeah right).Good luck on your journey,Regards,Clayton :cool:

ChiefBenderForever

11-23-2009, 08:33 PM

About six years ago I started putting together the monster and after I got over 100 hit a brick wall and just stopped. I thought I would eventually get back to it but instead sold 95% of it and doubt I will attempt it ever again. However, I do like to get different backs of cards that I think look cool and would like to someday get most or all of the HOF players, starting with the Cobb bat off !

teetwoohsix

11-23-2009, 08:42 PM

Johnny-why'd you give up?You had such a good start on it!!!

ChiefBenderForever

11-23-2009, 09:12 PM

Johnny-why'd you give up?You had such a good start on it!!!

I don't know, maybe staring at 400 more was just to much to handle. I had a nice group of Souther Leaguers and different backs but no major HOF so that didn't help. I thought about getting back on track and then decided to focus on Chief Bender. I will say that T206 is like a gateway drug, it gets you addicted but then some move on to the harder stuff, some go cold turkey and quit, and others just keep getting their fix card after card after card...........

teetwoohsix

11-23-2009, 09:21 PM

I saw that latest Bender card you picked up,and I must say-that is quite a beauty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ChiefBenderForever

11-23-2009, 09:34 PM

I saw that latest Bender card you picked up,and I must say-that is quite a beauty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks I really love it. I had no idea there was such a big world of cards outside of T206 and T205. I always saw them in the guides over the years but until you hold one in your hand they don't seem real. Anyways good luck with your journey who knows where you will end up, this site will really open up your eyes to what is out there !