What card or set has kept your excitement for collecting going strong?

[Vintagecatcher]

I'm sure we all have hot and cold periods of collecting. Sometimes it seems that there is nothing left to collect, and other times items seem to show up all at once.

There is a fine line between staying focused on your collecting interests, and not drifting off and purchasing items that really don't fit your collection. Patience is certainly required.

Whenever I feel like I have reached the end, one particular item gives me hope, namely the colored S74 silks of Chief Meyers.

Not only were they issued in so many colors, and they were printed in several color inks, but they can be found with Old Mill and Turkey Red Ads. The end result is that it will provide a fun collectible for me to chase for years to come. Unfortunately, I'm able to only add about one new silk per year.

So what card or set serves as a catalyst to keep your passion for collecting going strong?

Patrick

[bobbvc]

W600 Pittsburg players

[bobbvc]

And the never ending search for a Hans Lobert W600!

[RGold]

I've really enjoyed working on non-sport sets when things get slow on my baseball card collection. I have completed 1934 Skybirds and am working on a 1933 Goudey Indian Gum set. I have even completed an 1888 Duke's Great Americans set.

I like the history and the artwork, and the sets even have variations.:D:D:D

http://photos.imageevent.com/rgold/rgoldcollection1934skybirds/nb19.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/rgold/rgoldcollection1934skybirds/earh.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/rgold/rgoldcollection1934skybirds/sd11.jpg

[Centauri]

I have loved the T205 for decades. I collected a type set of coins which I finished a couple years ago, so I decided to sell that and start in on the T205. It led me here which has been an invaluable source to understand the set, and actually add a couple.

I am at 41 of 200, so moving right along. They have not disappointed.

[rainier2004]

I would have to say Cracker Jacks...I am about to redesign the man cave so they get their own wall/cabinet.

[atx840]

When Johnny finds a new scrap or error. Lots of hidden gems still out there.

[TheBig6]

I've been picking up a few Turkey reds as of late, I enjoy collecting them
http://photos.imageevent.com/ruckers/t201t202/websize/T3per20Bender.jpghttp://photos.imageevent.com/ruckers/t201t202/websize/waddell1_1.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/ruckers/t201t202/websize/clarke2.jpghttp://photos.imageevent.com/ruckers/t201t202/websize/leach.jpg

[Sean1125]

I really like the T206 set. I think backs have yet to take off. You can compare some of the rarer backs to 'total' population before they distinguished backs... Something like 5-10% of the pop per back... The numbers are really amazing.

[mattsey9]

T201s for me. I fell in love with them as a kid 35 years ago and bought my first one last year.

[cdn_collector]

George Gibson cards for me. I like that there are different issues to kinda suit different moods, and even variations (mostly backs, but a few fronts) within those issues when I'm feeling OCD ;)

As you noted, we all (probably?) have hot and cold periods. I find whenever I'm doing less collecting I do more baseball reading. No matter what I'm reading, it always eventually turns into reading about prewar baseball, and that gets me thinking about what prewar cards I have. Inevitably, that gets me looking at my collection, followed by poking around eBay, checking out this site, etc. That alone explains why I'm back posting after a pretty quiet past few months.

Cheers,

Richard.

[Bocabirdman]

I will give both answers to the question that I was asked quite often back in the Seventies and Eighties, when I was traipsing around the country chasing the Dead. The question was, "Which is your favorite show?". Depending on a mental toss of the coin, I would reply either, "the last one" or "the next one".:D;):)

[markf31]

I suffer from the fact that there is too much to collect, as opposed to there being nothing left to collect.

For me its been M101-4, M101-5 and T209 b&w. Those sets have kept me going pretty strong over the past year and a half. When nothing comes up from any of those that captures my interest, my attention quickly turns to either HOF autographs or any number of my other interests that pop up, I like to refer to these as my "Interest du jour".

And my Interest du jour(s?) are usually influenced by posts on the board here or a current auction, it might be someone posting in the pickup thread (or any thread for that matter) where I get the raised eye brow "ohhh that's cool!" sensation. Then I'm off doing searches to learn more about a particular set/issue/player/team/etc... and inevitably I begin to pursue the new interest in earnest.

One of these days I'll come to the conclusion I'm really a type collector and not a set collector...

[shernan30]

Every time I get a new OJ it becomes my new favorite. I really like to 19th century photo cards and plan to keep adding them to my collection. I have to thank Jay (oldjudge) for this problem/addiction I have. He sold me my first OJ, a Mays Columbus card. Here are 3 of my most recent purchases. There are still in transit, but they are all my new favorites.

[Leon]

I suffer from the fact that there is too much to collect, as opposed to there being nothing left to collect.

.......


One of these days I'll come to the conclusion I'm really a type collector and not a set collector...


It's ok..... "My name is (insert first name) and I am a type collector"

For me, finding something I really like the look of , and is rare, keeps me interested.

[Bicem]

I've been picking up a few Turkey reds as of late, I enjoy collecting them



Never get tired of looking at T3's.

[tschock]

I will give both answers to the question that I was asked quite often back in the Seventies and Eighties, when I was traipsing around the country chasing the Dead. The question was, "Which is your favorite show?". Depending on a mental toss of the coin, I would reply either, "the last one" or "the next one".:D;):)

Mike,

I "smile smile smiled" on that one. I was going to say something along the lines of old favorites but also the discovery of "new" favorites as well. But I will defer as I think you summed it up perfectly! :)

[ZachS]

I started with T206s (still love that set). Then one day I decided that I really liked the look of the '53 Topps set so I started collecting that. Then I somehow ended up with some '54 and '55 Topps so I started those sets as well.

I'm from Louisiana so I decided why not start picking up LA issues too. I've always loved the look of the '33 Goudey Paul Richards card so I figured why not start collecting those too.

Also, along the lines of what Leon said... if I see something that I just happen to like the look of I'll go after something seemingly random that doesn't really fit into my collection at all (like postcards, photos, type cards, etc).

This is why I'll never lose interest. The only thing holding me back is $$$.

[smtjoy]

I started collecting Exhibit Cards over 10 years ago and still going strong, so many things I enjoy about them-

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n182/smtjoy/Exhibit%20Collection/1921/21exjohnson50.jpg (http://s112.photobucket.com/user/smtjoy/media/Exhibit%20Collection/1921/21exjohnson50.jpg.html)http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n182/smtjoy/Exhibit%20Collection/1926-29%20PC/2629exRuthPose20.jpg (http://s112.photobucket.com/user/smtjoy/media/Exhibit%20Collection/1926-29%20PC/2629exRuthPose20.jpg.html)

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n182/smtjoy/Exhibit%20Collection/1929-30/2930exnyalkoenig40bo.jpg (http://s112.photobucket.com/user/smtjoy/media/Exhibit%20Collection/1929-30/2930exnyalkoenig40bo.jpg.html)http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n182/smtjoy/Exhibit%20Collection/1939-46/1939-46SalutationExhibit-Grove-60.jpg (http://s112.photobucket.com/user/smtjoy/media/Exhibit%20Collection/1939-46/1939-46SalutationExhibit-Grove-60.jpg.html)

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n182/smtjoy/Exhibit%20Collection/1947-66/47exmantleportraitcardonly.jpg (http://s112.photobucket.com/user/smtjoy/media/Exhibit%20Collection/1947-66/47exmantleportraitcardonly.jpg.html)http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n182/smtjoy/Exhibit%20Collection/1953%20Canadian/53excdimaggio6mc.jpg (http://s112.photobucket.com/user/smtjoy/media/Exhibit%20Collection/1953%20Canadian/53excdimaggio6mc.jpg.html)

[the-illini]

M101-6 for me. I never get tired of looking at these. Here are 6 of them from my collection...

[T206Collector]

But it sure is getting harder and harder to find 'em...

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/w9R1wCYwqw1aLwOMlDDnNDiJm_Z5QsNdec5_I7WHZRE?feat=e mbedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lU_hH5HeBT8/TZaKVGZSjKI/AAAAAAAAI8s/McwzG7OEjRE/s800/Blackburne_Auto_SGC50.JPG" height="633" width="800" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iVe3cS1fBYYtk0omcVuDh4RT3dysq2WPtX5u9gk-z0Y?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DbgjlV2jsgI/UQl2Q9HsnPI/AAAAAAAAQ3o/CftcjH1_frw/s800/T205BlackburneFTnBK.jpg" height="642" width="800" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/l21KbszBvm-atvUKl8_sLHY2VLgy2RG_a1rPg51wK6M?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VTXVNE7BQqw/RxQJrHtTkAI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/ENFTUHKJm_U/s800/Wheat%2520T201%2520Auto%2520SGC%252050.jpg" height="800" width="445" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/w31Teaam2V-7B4zsoOEkHYRT3dysq2WPtX5u9gk-z0Y?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9npvIlVMv7E/UrzXmaedxaI/AAAAAAAAYMw/4-NAfBdhAqs/s800/IMG_0002.jpg" height="800" width="649" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ppbOnXGxFkAXk4VfX3VkPIRT3dysq2WPtX5u9gk-z0Y?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--7bBBwpQrwQ/R8m_zJ4rsfI/AAAAAAAADc8/7j-zsHSCnXI/s800/E95%2520Doyle%2520PSA%2520DNA%25203.jpg" height="789" width="470" /></a>

[Runscott]

All of them, really - the variety of shapes, sizes, designs, players, of pre-war, really sets those cards apart from the giant standardized sets that started when Topps squashed Bowman in the 1950's.

But if I had to pick a few, it would be E95/E96 and T206. Every time I get rid of all my T206's, completely worn out with the set, I just wait for a year or so and I get very excited about the set all over again. The E95/E96 set is just so well-done that I never get tired of them - just wish there was a Wajo.

[CharleyBrown]

1947 Bond Bread Jackie Robinson cards... it's kind of a love-hate relationship (hate because the tough ones are so damn hard to find), but it's been a lot of fun tracking them down and helping other collectors do so as well.

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/charleybrown/jackie-robinson-bond-bread-set-of-13/17202/running-to-catch-ball

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/charleybrown/jackie-robinson-bond-bread-set-of-13/17200/portrait-glove-in-air

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/charleybrown/jackie-robinson-bond-bread-set-of-13/17199/leaping-scoreboard-in-back

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/charleybrown/jackie-robinson-bond-bread-set-of-13/17198/leaping-no-scoreboard

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/charleybrown/jackie-robinson-bond-bread-set-of-13/17197/fielding-no-ball-in-glove

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/charleybrown/jackie-robinson-bond-bread-set-of-13/17196/fielding-ball-in-glove

http://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/charleybrown/jackie-robinson-bond-bread-set-of-13/17194/batting-no-sleeves

http://www.collectorfocus.com/collection/charleybrown/jackie-robinson-bond-bread-set-of-13

[rsst206]

I would have to say S74 colored. So many different colors to go after.
1350 different and counting. Just added a nice group from Rob's latest auction.

[cdn_collector]

I would have to say S74 colored. So many different colors to go after.
1350 different and counting. Just added a nice group from Rob's latest auction.

1350?! Holy crap that's impressive.

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

The next one.

[tedzan]

Patrick....pardon me for modifying your title, as there are several that keep my excitement going.


1888 Goodwin Champions......I've put together 3.5 sets

http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/dd339/tz1234zaz/abn162ansonkelly.jpg


T206 sets......and, especially player sub-sets

http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/dd339/tz1234zaz/aabblcychaseblue.jpg..http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/dd339/tz1234zaz/babblcychaseblue.jpg
1949 LEAF BB
http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt113/zanted86/paige2.jpg.http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt113/zanted86/baberuth49.jpg

1949 BOWMAN

http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt113/zanted86/1949bowmanmusuial.jpg.http://photos.imageevent.com/tedzan77/images/49Bsgc40gradedSnider25x.jpg

http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt113/zanted86/ashburn1949b.jpghttp://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/hh622/tedzan77/49BowmanJRobbyPSA5_zpsf428a9b6.jpg



TED Z

[KCRfan1]

I used to buy 52 Topps, and slowly got burned out on them. Thanks to Net54, I branched on to prewar and look for good examples of t207's. The set I am actively working on is a 73 Topps set. It takes me back to when I was a kid.

[Vintagecatcher]

Thanks for sharing your great Chief Meyers S74 collection. It's nice to see that other colors exist that I have yet to see.


Patrick

[Runscott]

These are hard to beat:

[Luke]

Beautiful e95 set Scott

For me it has been a combination of set collecting and variety. I started out just working on the T206 set. After a little while I got bored with just the one set. Since then, I've started an e95, e96, and e120 set. I'm also slowly working on a "Top 25" of cards that are not in any of the sets I'm working on. There have also been a few stretches where I've been more into selling than buying. I have to agree with Scott that the e95 and e96 sets are my favorite. I don't think I'll ever want to part with them. At the moment, I'm not sure I can say the same for my t206s.

[Runscott]

Beautiful e95 set Scott

For me it has been a combination of set collecting and variety. I started out just working on the T206 set. After a little while I got bored with just the one set. Since then, I've started an e95, e96, and e120 set. I'm also slowly working on a "Top 25" of cards that are not in any of the sets I'm working on. There have also been a few stretches where I've been more into selling than buying. I have to agree with Scott that the e95 and e96 sets are my favorite. I don't think I'll ever want to part with them. At the moment, I'm not sure I can say the same for my t206s.

Thanks, Luke. I built the E95 and E95 sets 12 years ago - took about a year, but seemed forever. It was great thinking back on how I acquired each card - Frank (FKW) supplied several, including some cut-outs from notebook covers. I picked up a bunch from Mike Wheat - he was great about working with me. I remember how board members kept dis'ing him about his prices, but he was my go-to guy for a lot of card issues. It was fun. Since then, regardless of what I buy and sell, I always grab E95/E96's anytime I find a decent deal. If I could have a 'dream set', it would be a set of these, all autographed by the players.

[Luke]

Since we're on the subject, (and since the board is dead after 9pm on the west coast) here are a couple e95/96 I picked up from Scott a few weeks back. Mail days like this one are what keep me excited. Finding the cards you're looking for in the exact condition you want at a great price is a nice feeling.

[philliesphan]

for me, it has been Zeenuts.

What a fascinating issue. I almost think that there is less known about some of its nuances than other Super Sets like the N172 Old Judges

I'm particularly keen on the tabbed variety, as I specifically wanted to choose something to keep my interest for a decade or more. But the more examples I obtain, the more interested I am in learning more about the entire series:

Here's a few on my mind at the moment:

1924, with its full photographic images:

http://photos.imageevent.com/ltsgallery/memberfoldersko/mikeschmidt/phillies/websize/1924Jacobs.jpg

The dentist, "Doc" Farrell:
http://photos.imageevent.com/ltsgallery/memberfoldersko/mikeschmidt/phillies/websize/1931EddieFarrellSGC20.jpg

The one-legged catcher, Gilly Campbell: (just bad cropping!)
http://photos.imageevent.com/ltsgallery/memberfoldersko/mikeschmidt/phillies/websize/1932GillyCampbellSGC30.jpg

The gorgeousness of the 1915's -- simple aesthetic beauty!
http://photos.imageevent.com/ltsgallery/memberfoldersko/mikeschmidt/phillies/websize/1915LouisLitschiSGC50.jpeg

The not so famous son of HOF'er Ed Walsh:
http://photos.imageevent.com/ltsgallery/memberfoldersko/mikeschmidt/phillies/websize/1930EdWalshJr.jpg

And, of course, one of the most famous of PCL HOF'ers:
http://photos.imageevent.com/ltsgallery/memberfoldersko/mikeschmidt/phillies/websize/1930BuzzArlett.jpg

And since we're talking about HOF'ers, here's the predecessor to Bo Jackson, a Pro Football HOF'er!

http://photos.imageevent.com/ltsgallery/memberfoldersko/mikeschmidt/phillies/websize/1930ErnieNevers.jpg

[JLange]

I mostly collect Cleveland Indians from all years and all sets that I can find (and afford) but I am especially thrilled to find a good example of Bob Feller. Sort of fills all my wantlists (player-team-type) all at once when I pick one up!

[Vintagecatcher]

Not the best photo but here is a shot of my colored and white S74s of Chief Meyers.


Patrick

[cdn_collector]

Wow, I had no idea there were so many colour variations of S74s.
Thank you Patrick and thank you rsst206 for sharing those.

Cheers,

Richard.

[EvilKing00]

Great topic!

As for the card that has kept my excitement, that would be ruth. I love buying different ruth cards, hoping to have one if each one day lol

As for a set, it would be the T205's, beautiful cards, short prints, minor league cards, hof, back variations, and freaks got to love it! Hoping to compleat it one day, about 90 in so far.

Next set id like to start is the T3's

[EvilKing00]

Love the anson and kelly! 2 of my fav cards, i have neither yet :(

Patrick....pardon me for modifying your title, as there are several that keep my excitement going.


1888 Goodwin Champions......I've put together 3.5 sets

http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/dd339/tz1234zaz/abn162ansonkelly.jpg


T206 sets......and, especially player sub-sets

http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/dd339/tz1234zaz/aabblcychaseblue.jpg..http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/dd339/tz1234zaz/babblcychaseblue.jpg
1949 LEAF BB
http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt113/zanted86/paige2.jpg.http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt113/zanted86/baberuth49.jpg

1949 BOWMAN

http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt113/zanted86/1949bowmanmusuial.jpg.http://photos.imageevent.com/tedzan77/images/49Bsgc40gradedSnider25x.jpg

http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt113/zanted86/ashburn1949b.jpghttp://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/hh622/tedzan77/49BowmanJRobbyPSA5_zpsf428a9b6.jpg



TED Z

[h2oya311]

It's not a "set" per se, but I am addicted to wookiee cards.

Http://photos.imageevent.com/derekgranger/personal/websize/Wookie.jpg

Oops, I meant "rookie" cards, mostly of HOF players!

Anyway, the thrill of this "set" is that it is always evolving as new items become known. My checklist is always in a state if flux. As an example, when this 1892 Kreb's BBC Studio Cabinet was unearthed, my checklist had to be modified. This might be frustrating to some, but it's what keeps this hobby interesting to me. Half the fun for me is the research that goes into discovering earlier and earlier images of star players.

http://photos.imageevent.com/derekgranger/hofrookies1/websize/1892%20McGinnity.jpg

[GregMitch34]

As something of a fine arts lover, I have gotten hooked on early colorized cards (I've done this hand-painted style with some of my black and white photos in the past). Here are three samples:
http://www.net54baseball.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=143043&stc=1&d=1399039527http://www.net54baseball.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=143044&stc=1&d=1399039527http://www.net54baseball.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=143047&stc=1&d=1399039527

[danmckee]

1910 Washington Times

[Prince Hal]

All Yankee/Highlander cards but lately its been finding cards of players I had never heard of (can you say Bob Roth?) and pre-war caramel cards. I bought a Close Candy with a Blomes stamp so now i need all the other stamp variations. That should keep me busy!

[Jayworld]

Finding a new interest in the Gallaher UK Movie tobacco cards of the 1930s has proved both enjoyable and inexpensive, and the artwork on some of the cards is fantastic, and I am still slowly collecting 1951 and 1952 Bowman, as well as a few T206, T201, and 1940 Playball along the way….
Oh, and finally nearing the end of the 1975 Topps baseball set (although I realize that is not prewar) :)

[ullmandds]

This is the only set that will keep me interested!!!

I wish I were Justin Verlander!!!

[The Nasty Nati]

This is the only set that will keep me interested!!!

I wish I were Justin Verlander!!!

Is that from the 2014 Double-D Mecca collection?

[ullmandds]

I think it's from the DD Yum Yum set.

[Paul S]

Trimmed

[Bocabirdman]

This is the only set that will keep me interested!!!

I wish I were Justin Verlander!!!

I dare anybody to complain about this card being soaked!

[GregMitch34]

Definitely Altered. Not even Authentic.

[deucetwins]

Well done sir.

[gnaz01]

Definitely Altered. Not even Authentic.

Yeah, but a Gem Mint 10 too at the same time!! ;)

[Runscott]

Oops, I meant "rookie" cards, mostly of HOF players!

Anyway, the thrill of this "set" is that it is always evolving as new items become known. My checklist is always in a state if flux. As an example, when this 1892 Kreb's BBC Studio Cabinet was unearthed, my checklist had to be modified. This might be frustrating to some, but it's what keeps this hobby interesting to me. Half the fun for me is the research that goes into discovering earlier and earlier images of star players.

http://photos.imageevent.com/derekgranger/hofrookies1/websize/1892%20McGinnity.jpg

Derek, here's a cabinet of a KREBS player - wish it was the Iron Man