Ok, gentlemen, let's see two cards that have recently tickled your fancy

[the 'stache]

Ok, boys (and ladies, too). The weekend is here. Work, for the most part, can wait until Monday morning. So, let's have a little fun.

I want you all to show me two cards that have just recently caught your attention. For some of you more experienced gents who have seen pretty much all the cards from the pre-war period, show me two cards that you've not yet acquired, but have recently decided to pursue for your own collection. They don't have to be the most expensive cards out there. Baseball cards speak to each of us in different ways. We find things aesthetically pleasing, we spot cards that grab us when we least expect it. It might be a brilliant color, or perhaps an action shot that's caused you to give a card another once over.

For some of us newer collectors, the pre-war niche is a little like the Americas being explored by Columbus, or Amerigo Vespucci, if you prefer. We've heard of set names, we may have even seen a card or three. But there are still treasures, and future purchases, to be uncovered. Speaking for myself, my focus since joining Net 54 has been the tobacco cards for the most part, at least where the pre-war cards are concerned. Oh, sure, I've dabbled some in the Goudey gum cards, and I will explore them more fully in the near future. But those little tobacco cards were the first ones to really resonate inside. But now I find I am exploring the candy cards, too. There are some real beauties in the Caramel cards.

So, I'll start off with two I have my eye on for sometime next year, and then throughout the weekend, I'll check back in to see what cards are putting an extra skip in everybody's step.

Pictures are, of course, encouraged and appreciated. After all, I will no doubt be seeing some cards I will own in the future for the first time today. ;)

My first selection is the 1909-11 E90-1 American Caramel Willie Keeler portrait. I first saw this card about two months ago when I began looking into the Cy Young that Leon used on one of our recent forum tees. I saw this card, and just fell in love with it right away. It is a simple portrait with a clean, pink background. I like everything about it, including how the picture is cropped, leaving the top third of the card itself completely devoid of content. I like the typography, and I like the photo selected. It is a dignified portrait of a truly marvelous batsman.

The other card I've selected is the Rube Waddell T206 portrait. The rich, blue background is soothing, and, again, I love the photograph employed. I love the T206 portraits, and this one has become one of my favorite subjects in the set. Fortunately, it's not a terribly expensive card. I will be able to get a really nice example without needing to harvest an internal organ to pay for it!

http://imageshack.com/a/img537/8463/IBCLso.pnghttp://imageshack.com/a/img673/152/Qt0jyT.png

Ok, everybody, let's see your selections!

[z28jd]

I'll play along. I just saw this card on ebay. I already have two Collins cards, one is Newark too, but I like the cool pose/tough team combo

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1887-N172-Old-Judge-Collins-Bill-Newark-SGC-Authentic-510748-/381049901419?pt=US_Baseball&hash=item58b858116b

The other card I recently saw, which I'll probably get sometime is an E120 Maranville. Would like to get something from him on the Pirates. This card would work. Scan is just from google images. Whenever I want a card like this, I'll save a scan until I get it.

[Luke]

These two are on my list of cards I'd like to get someday. My OCD set collecting habits always prevent me from picking up cards like these that don't fit into any set or group I'm collecting.

I love the purple e94s and have always really liked the image on this Duffy Mayo's Cut Plug.

[4815162342]

E105 Wags PSA A

http://www.kevinsavagecards.com/1910-e105-mello-mint--honus-wagner-(batting-pose)--lot261708.aspx#

I just found this (already ended) auction in a random Google search last night. I had never even heard of Kevin Savage Cards. Why doesn't every auction house that sells prewar advertise with Net54? :D

[Seiklis]

Well the one dream card above all others for me would be T207 Adams Red Cross but for 2 cards I'm currently going for I'll go with these two:

1924 Diaz Cigarettes - Guy Morton
T213-2 Chick Gandil - Cleveland

http://www.vintagecardprices.com/pics/54/49960.jpghttp://www.net54baseball.com/picture.php?albumid=321&pictureid=16672

[LKeeler]

Wow, Daryl, that would have been a great addition for you. I remember buying from Kevin in the past, but had no clue that he was running auctions. Bill, that Keeler is a beauty. The pink variety is the last one of the E90-1 Keeler variations that I am needing. I like that Duffy too, Luke. I made a couple bids on a similar one in the Heritage auction, Thought whomever won it got a decent buy on it.

[Jantz]

Hi Bill

At the moment, the only card that is on my wantlist other than a T206 is this card.

Can't really explain why other than I like the image.

Jantz

[x2drich2000]

E105 Wags PSA A

http://www.kevinsavagecards.com/1910-e105-mello-mint--honus-wagner-(batting-pose)--lot261708.aspx#

I just found this (already ended) auction in a random Google search last night. I had never even heard of Kevin Savage Cards. Why doesn't every auction house that sells prewar advertise with Net54? :D

Oh man, Daryl, I can't believe I missed the Wagner. Stop looking at their auctions for 2 weeks and that's what happens. I've bought a bunch of stuff from Kevin Savage over the years both through their auctions and at the Philly Show. Actually it was Kevin Savage cards where the group of mello-mints originated about a year and a half ago before they were resold on ebay.

DJ

[4815162342]

Oh man, Daryl, I can't believe I missed the Wagner. Stop looking at their auctions for 2 weeks and that's what happens. I've bought a bunch of stuff from Kevin Savage over the years both through their auctions and at the Philly Show. Actually it was Kevin Savage cards where the group of mello-mints originated about a year and a half ago before they were resold on ebay.



DJ


That's very interesting DJ - Mr. Savage is definitely on my "auctions to follow" list now.

[the 'stache]

Those are some nice cards, guys.

John, that's a nice OJ. In my admittedly limited experience researching them, it seems like there aren't a lot of horizontally-oriented cards. But I love this pose. And I can see it, too :)

I also have to admit that I didn't really like the E120s at first, but I am warming to them. When they're in nice shape like this Maranville, they look awesome.

Luke L., I do like the Mayo Cut Plugs. They are among my favorite pre-1900 sets. They will be among the short list of 19th Century sets I consider for my initial foray into pre-1900 period. I like the OJs, too, but too often the subjects are very hard to see. No such issue with that picture of Duffy, it is crystal clear. I'd love to own it.

Daryl, I'e heard of Kevin Savage cards. I did not know he did autions. I'm going to have to investigate. Thank you for the revelation.

Jack, do you have a nice picture of the Adams? I know I could look it up, but perhaps you have a picture that you are keeping as inspiration ;)

Luke K. why yes, it is a beauty. I hope you are able to pick one up soon. I'll have to watch the pickup threads to see if you add one. I won't be shopping for mine for a while, probably early springtime. So, you won't have any competition here :) By the way, that Ramly you have for your avatar is gorgeous. I'd never seen the T204 set until I became a member here, and they've become a personal favorite. I really love black and white photography, and the embellishments make for a really eye pleasing composition.

Jantz, that's quite alright. Actually, that's the kind of card I'm looking for from everybody. I think we all have a few cards that we'd love to own, yet we couldn't quite put a finger on just why it appeals to us. This card speaks to you the same way the Keeler I pictured above does. I think this T207 card you've selected is beautiful, and haunting at the same time.

Keep them coming, everybody. Lots more people have peeked behind the curtain. Don't be shy, speak up! Tell us what you like.

[kamikidEFFL]

Great topic here bill. It's very interesting to see what people want to have in their collection but don't for one or two reasons. I know some set collectors like myself stay with what we are building. The other reason may be money. Anyway here are 2 cards I want in my collection at some point.

First is a 1949 Leaf Babe Ruth. Yes this card I feel in love with years ago and just never pulled the trigger. The main reason I like this card is simple it's BABE RUTH! I love the look of the card and it doesn't get the respect that it deserves in my eye. Either way still great card I want.

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/kamikidEFFL/imagejpg1-3.jpg (http://s250.photobucket.com/user/kamikidEFFL/media/imagejpg1-3.jpg.html)

My second card I want is a T205 Walter Johnson. I sold this card along with my partial set years ago and I do want it back now. It was one of the first tobacco cards I ever bought. It's a great looking card. Who doesn't like the gold borders?

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg244/kamikidEFFL/imagejpg1-2.jpg (http://s250.photobucket.com/user/kamikidEFFL/media/imagejpg1-2.jpg.html)

These will someday be added back to my collection at some point. Not crazy money for either which is nice. I'll def be looking for lower grades but just to own the cards will be fine with me. Thanks for the thread bill

[Seiklis]

Jack, do you have a nice picture of the Adams? I know I could look it up, but perhaps you have a picture that you are keeping as inspiration ;)


Oh I know where Adams is but here he is

http://www.robertedwardauctions.com/auction/2011images/Item_18387_1.jpghttp://www.robertedwardauctions.com/auction/2011images/Item_18387_2.jpg

This and the T216 Virginia Extra of Harry Bemis would be my top two right now long term. No picture for Bemis as I've never even seen the sale, just have a SGC listing to go off of

[the 'stache]

Jesse, both those cards are really nice. I love pretty much any Walter Johnson card. The T205 is on my short list, but I'd want one with really clean gold borders, and that means big bucks. So it will be a little while. The Ruth is a really nice card, too. The only knock against it, in my eyes, is that it wasn't released while he was playing. In fact, it came out after he died. But, it's a widely collected card.

Jack, that is a cool card. Oh, how I wish there'd been a Shoeless Joe Jackson in that set. Maybe that's a custom I will do.

[Centauri]

I want to get that T202 Lord Catches His Man. That thread is one thing of my all time faves here.

[scooter729]

I've wanted to add a K-Zoo card, and thanks to our BST was able to add one this month!

Also, the whole Black Swamp E98 find intrigued me, and I was anxious to get something from the group, so here is my new add...

[the 'stache]

I want to get that T202 Lord Catches His Man. That thread is one thing of my all time faves here.

Ben, I looked for that thing for several months, and nary a one came up on eBay. Then, within like a five day period, three of them came up. I ended up winning one of them. Here's mine:

http://net54baseball.com/picture.php?albumid=636&pictureid=15435

We share that in common, then. That's one of my favorite two or three threads on Net 54, of the ones I've discovered thus far, at least. I have it permanently bookmarked. The way they went about locating the photographic evidence was pretty incredible to me.

Scott, very nice cards! The Black Swamp Find intrigued me, too. I still can't believe that box of cards was hidden in that house for so long. I thought it was really cool that the family choose to split the proceeds like that. The collector side of me might have just asked to pick a card or two to keep in lieu of the money. :p