Poor Man’s E103 Journey

[Cooper1927]

There have been several journey’s documented in regards to set building, so I thought I would begin to set mine down. I started the E103 Williams set without realizing I was doing so when I bought my first one (Davy Jones, before he was in the Monkees) several years ago from another board member. I picked another common up later and then one of the big three for the set (Christy Mathewson, cause I named my second born after him). After that, I guess I got hooked and have been picking them up here and there from auctions, eBay, and board members. I appreciate those who have contributed and look forward to keeping this string going til I hit number 30.

Feel free to post any insights or thoughts about the set.

Without further ado, here are my first 8, and when my next two arrive I shall post them as well!

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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180617/cf2a1f6ab98c379ef00092164b30f570.jpg

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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180617/453241ab8c27c4779686ec65ed0e408d.jpg


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[Leon]

Nice start to the set, David. Those look like nice, fairly consistent cards for the set you are building. What could be fun is to upgrade when you can but only on looks, not on grade :). As I always say, the hunt is a lot of the fun. Good luck with the rest of the set.

And thanks for having my back, some time ago, when Roger N got all huffy and said I was stealing you as a customer at a show. He acted like a maroon that day. :)

[Cooper1927]

Not a problem! I appreciate your indulgence in my journey.

I received these two in the mail today.

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[Cooper1927]

Number 11 - Thanks to a fellow board member!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180629/f7832b424ba9bfc0741b2a3c6024dc50.jpg


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[tiger8mush]

Great start to a neat set, thanks for sharing!

[Bpm0014]

Great looking set! Thanks for sharing. But don't you think that they would look so much better in a binder? ;)

[timn1]

I was thinking about this set just the other night - I always assumed they are rare but look at all the ones on ebay right now - two separate lots each containing more than half the set, plus a bunch of singles (all at v. high prices, of course). Last I checked there were 5 copies of the elusive Bob Wood card for sale!

Is this just a fluke or has some kind of sell-off taken place?

[commishbob]

Wonderful cards, David. Owning the Bender (in any condition) is one of my elusive hobby goals.

[Cooper1927]

Never really been a binder guy, though that thread is fun!

There’s a lot on eBay at prices I don’t want to pay!

Thanks all for the comments! It’s a fun set.


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[rjackson44]

Nice David good luck ,

[Cooper1927]

Number 12 and a HOF

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[CobbSpikedMe]

David, congrats on the Brown man. Nice pickup. Best of luck on the rest of the set!

AndyH

[T206Collector]

Love this set, and also named my second born after Christy Mathewson! I thought I was unique in the respect!

[LincolnVT]

I put this together about 5 years ago! Get Tenney and Wood...the rest will trickle in!

[Cooper1927]

I appreciate the comments!

I’ve been keeping an eye out for those two in a range I’m comfortable paying. I’m not concerned with grade on them, wrinkling is fine but no missing paper or major tears.

My other two kiddos are named after HOF ballplayers too!


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[Cooper1927]

Lucky 13 in the mail today. Thanks to eBay $25 off deal.

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[Leon]

You are upping your game on the last few, David. Nice cards. And you know how tough these are in any decent, visually appealing grade. (that doesn't cost 2 arms and a leg)

Number 12 and a HOF

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[Edward]

Caramel might as well be gold. I'm itching for an E102 Cobb. Not happening yet.

[Cooper1927]

Thanks Leon!

I did some number crunching too on graded populations. I know that this also would have resubmissions that were never removed and the like, but I think it’s a good overall picture. Some notes to make are:

Hall of Famers average 35.18 in population.

Commons average 24.21 in population.

I think the questions that comes to mind would be are the higher numbers for HOF because of resubmission, the higher profile of the player, the fact that HOF would be more likely to have been saved over commons, or a combination?

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[Cooper1927]

Almost to the halfway point with #14!

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[bwbc917]

Look at Ira Thomas. Was he the inspiration for the Count on Sesame Street??

[Cooper1927]

I think if “The Count” and Scott Bakula had a kiddo, that would be old Ira...


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[Cooper1927]

It’s been a few weeks but I hit the halfway point today with the assistance of Scott Brockleman. Thanks for meeting me to handoff the card!

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[CobbSpikedMe]

Nice David. It's been fun watching this journey on the board. Thanks for sharing it with everyone.

[Cooper1927]

I appreciate that! I hope to move over the halfway mark Monday!

The auctions seem to be drying up as of late on these.


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[Cooper1927]

Mr. Bender is a bit rough, but he’s a HOF and #16!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180821/fbba23106dd240691e1b8d190da4391a.jpg


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[Leon]

Thanks for the updates, David. Not a bad Bender. :) I agree with whomever said, It's been fun to watch. The E103s aren't in almost every auction as many other Ts and Es are, so it's not a walk in the park. As long as they meet your specs, that is all that matters (of course). We all have our own perspective of what we will, and won't, accept. It helps keep it fun. Good luck with the rest!!

[Cooper1927]

Appreciate it! It’s starting to become a little more difficult to hit the sweet spot of:

1. One’s I still need
2. Low grade
3. Price point

But that’s the game!

Thanks all for the encouragement!


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[Lorewalker]

Nice job! Fantastic set in its simplicity. Can never go wrong with a classic portrait. Had not paid much attention to the issue until this thread. Seems like a set that can be completed without too many road blocks too. Thanks for sharing.

[Cooper1927]

It’s been a bit, but here is #17 and a HOF...

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180918/cc2dc8dc41aef78de0ded05310340e06.jpg


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[LincolnVT]

Wood and Tenny are key...1k cards in any grade. Great set!

[Leon]

Besides the trim it is a nice looking card. Keep the momentum :).

It’s been a bit, but here is #17 and a HOF...

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180918/cc2dc8dc41aef78de0ded05310340e06.jpg


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[Cooper1927]

#18 and a low pop HOF

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[Leon]

Keep up the journey. Frank only has a few scrapes and looks good for being over 109 yrs old. Just the right ones, considering price, condition and otherwise, are often difficult to find.

#18 and a low pop HOF

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[Cooper1927]

That is very true. I’ve had some good luck with auctions - especially when there are multiple desirable cards in the price range I’m looking at.


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[Cooper1927]

#19 and one of the two tough commons thanks to a board member!

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[Cooper1927]

It’s been a long time to update this post. I got discouraged when several of my cards were stolen, including a Wood from this set. But...I am now posting some updates!

Card #20 - While not as nice as the one stolen, still a toughie!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201128/4da623d77805c818da9def3482d40314.jpg





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[Cooper1927]

Card #21

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[Cooper1927]

...

[Cooper1927]

Card #22

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[Cooper1927]

Card #23 - it was also a tough one for me.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201128/52d35c04a77df44d14bc966facf2c7d2.jpg


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[CobbSpikedMe]

Nice David, glad you're getting some back in your collection. Sorry to hear you had some cards stolen.

[Casey2296]

Nice thread. I especially love the look on Crawford & Gibson faces. It's like they're looking back at you thinking "Man, why you creasing by baseball card!?!"

[notfast]

LOVE this set. Great job

[Tao_Moko]

This is such an awesome set. I always thought they'd look good in the 20 count sheets in a binder(a little fragile for me to comfortably insert and extract). Congratulations.

[Cooper1927]

Thanks for the encouragement! Hoping to make some progress in the next year!


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[Cooper1927]

Number 24 - Laughing Larry Doyle...
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[Cooper1927]

Card #25 - Everyone keeps talking about picking up a Jordan so...

Thanks to MaxJacks for reaching out to let me know what he had. I appreciate it!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210224/8b2925cd28bb91a7790e6189e55eceac.jpg


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[Cooper1927]

Card #26 McLean...he’s rough looking but was the right price...
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[Cooper1927]

...and #27, Donovan...

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210406/421e973c33fea9f97a3c59df54badc52.jpg


3 left to go, unfortunately three of the biggies...


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[sportscardpete]

Tough set.. good luck with the final 3? The silver lining is at least they pop up from time to time (one being in REA as we speak).

[Cooper1927]

Thank you! I had a line on a Wagner but it didn’t pan out. Hoping some low grade HOF’s roll around.


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[Cooper1927]

Card #28 - first Nap I’ve owned...

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[Leon]

Nice Nap. Way to keep it going, David
We don't see too many collector-grade long journeys.

Card #28 - first Nap I’ve owned...

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210503/6f22da6b7bd43f0b19d5923cf2432406.jpg


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[Cooper1927]

It’s been a haul! I think it’ll be a bit before the finale with Honus and Ty being the last two.

The wonder is in the journey though!


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[Cooper1927]

Card #29 - Ty Cobb…
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221206/fb7e697a16409a2c566d44a689f5c29e.jpg

Was going to wait to have this in hand from REA before posting, but pretty happy to pick up my first addition in 18 months.

Honus is my last obstacle…


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[x2drich2000]

I was watching this card late into last night. I don't think you're going to find a better example for the price. Congrats!

[Cooper1927]

Thank you! I thought it was a good price as well, I was thinking it would hit $3k or more.


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[Casey2296]

Congrats on the pick up and good luck closing out the set.

[Cooper1927]

Crossing my fingers there’s a low grade Wagner at the Arlington TX show this weekend…


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[Yoda]

The thin brittle stock and regional distributions make the set nearly impossible to complete in any kind of decent grade. The Wagner and Cobb in REA's auction in less than stellar condition did well.
I hold a PSA5 Bender, purchased years ago and currently guarded by a rabid watchdog.

[etsmith]

Interesting that the Pastorious card only features his last name, while all the other ones have a first initial or full name.

[CobbSpikedMe]

Hey David,

Nice to see this old thread bumped with a new addition to your set. I enjoyed watching your journey when you started and often wondered what ever happened to your quest. Thanks for the update. Oh, and nice pickup to boot.




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[LincolnVT]

My favorite set!

[BobC]

Interesting that the Pastorious card only features his last name, while all the other ones have a first initial or full name.

That's easy. His is the longest last name of anyone in the set. Mathewson and Bresnahan's last names are both a letter shorter than Pastorious. Those E-cards are only so wide. LOL

[t213]

This is a great thread. I hope you find the Wagner soon! I'm committed to your E103 pursuit in the same way my wife can't turn off a Hallmark movie.

Andy

[Cooper1927]

The quest continues…

The price points of these last few have been a hindrance. However, I agree that the Cobb was probably underpriced. I am wondering if it got hampered by so many T206 Cobb offerings. Hoping a Wagner will be “hampered” soon.


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[BobC]

The quest continues…

The price points of these last few have been a hindrance. However, I agree that the Cobb was probably underpriced. I am wondering if it got hampered by so many T206 Cobb offerings. Hoping a Wagner will be “hampered” soon.


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Not sure that is happening. Did you see the "A" graded E103 Wagner that just went in this last REA auction?

https://bid.robertedwardauctions.com/bids/bidplace?itemid=125873

That hammer price looked pretty darn strong to me for a card in that condition.

Been passively working on a low budget E103 set, like you, as well over the years. And also like you, found the "Big 3" in that set (Cobb, Mathewson, and Wagner) can be very pricey and a bit intimidating, especially since the pandemic run-up in prices. Luckily, I had gotten a Cobb and Mathewson before the pandemic hit, just not so lucky in finding that reasonably priced Wagner before then. One positive thing about working on that set is that you don't really ever come across E103 Williams Caramel cards in somewhat decent/nice shape. They are usually all in lesser, worn condition, at best. It makes it a lot easier to buy and justify low grade cards of the bigger name players in that set as their condition won't stick out like a sore thumb against nicer condition cards of the common players that are generally much more affordable to pick up in better shape. LOL

Have loved watching along as you have worked and have progressed on this set. Keep saving your pennies and wait for that just right Wagner to pop up somewhere. They still do show up, occasionally, for sale, like in this last REA auction. For your sake, if we do start to see a bit of a downturn in card prices going forward due to the economy, etc., hopefully it won't dry up the availability of these E103 Wagners as people then may start to just hold onto them and wait for the next uptick in prices before putting any back out there for sale. Good luck on finishing off the set, am pulling for you. Oh, and that is a fantastic looking Cobb you picked up for this set. I've got an SGC10 Cobb I'd be really tempted to trade you for your "A". LOL

Again, great story and journey to follow along with, and good luck in finishing off the set!!!

[BobC]

Silly additional question for you, was there any particular E103 Williams Caramel card(s) you found more difficult to come across/find for sale? I'm not talking difficult in terms of they were too pricey to afford, I'm talking, you never really came across any for sale at any price, period! I haven't really paid that much attention to their availability as I have been on a much slower, more passive path, in collecting the set over the years. I know the set overall is very rare, and as other have pointed out, the fragility of them has definitely affected the condition and survival rate of those that are still around today. Just wondering if in your journey you've picked up on there being any more difficult than normal to find E103's, commons or otherwise. Thanks!

[Cooper1927]

Really it wasn’t bad. I picked up Tenney and Wood about in the middle as they became available. Price points really have been the issue. All are available, but are you wanting to pay the price or wait for something reasonable.


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[BobC]

Really it wasn’t bad. I picked up Tenney and Wood about in the middle as they became available. Price points really have been the issue. All are available, but are you wanting to pay the price or wait for something reasonable.


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Yes, I'm waiting for more reasonable prices, which is why I'm only about half-way there. LOL

Good to know you haven't really seen any unreasonably rare cards from the set then. Thanks.

[Cooper1927]

…but now I’m impatient as I’m on the last one. So, this is proving to be tough…


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[Cooper1927]

So I was going to wait until in hand, but I’m pretty excited about the culmination of this journey. Honus has been a fish on the line a few times. I had him hooked once and he broke loose halfway through the struggle, and then a couple times I've had nibbles. This time it was a nibble, then a bit of a struggle, then he felt off the line. Finally with a last yank I caught my white whale.

#30 Honus Wagner

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[Casey2296]

Congrats on closing it out David, awesome accomplishment.

[Luke]

Congrats! Awesome set and a very fun thread

[sb1]

Congrats Dave, it's been a hunt for you, but paid off with a nice looking Wagner.

[KCRfan1]

Loved the thread and watching your journey and the cards!

Congrats on the set!

What's next for you?

[Georj]

Can we see them all together?

[MuncieNolePAZ]

Very well done. Congrats!

Chad

[jp1216]

Can we see them all together?

Ditto! Let's see a family picture!

[Cooper1927]

Loved the thread and watching your journey and the cards!

Congrats on the set!

What's next for you?


I have 9 of the 20 T210-3 orange borders. So that will be a long trek, and a 1948 bowman for when I can’t get the orange borders!

Thanks!


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[Cooper1927]

Can we see them all together?


Once I receive Honus in the mail I’ll put them all together!


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[Cooper1927]

Congrats Dave, it's been a hunt for you, but paid off with a nice looking Wagner.


…and there will now be an E103 Wagner in Texas. [emoji1787]


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[4815162342]

This is awesome. Congrats!


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[Cooper1927]

Here they are all together…

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231209/aa35de11550571d9af3efb420e006efc.jpg


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[Casey2296]

Looks great David, congrats!

[Yoda]

They really look terrific displayed as a set. Just a personal thought: If you switched the Wags over to SGC, then the whole set would be be slab identical and aid presentation.

[Cooper1927]

They really look terrific displayed as a set. Just a personal thought: If you switched the Wags over to SGC, then the whole set would be be slab identical and aid presentation.


I’m thinking about it, I’d done that with several already…thanks!


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[Cooper1927]

Here they are in their new display case.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231216/5ce2ee3733d68b495506c603a7fee36a.jpg


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[mordecaibrown1]

Speaking of e103's This card up for auction in a few days at Memory Lane

https://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/Mordecaibrown/my-collection/85401/e103mattyhttps://www.collectorfocus.com/images/show/Mordecaibrown/my-collection/85402/e103matty2

[Cooper1927]

Got to wondering, do any members have, or know of, a current complete set?

Love to see what people may have!


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[Brian B@rry]

Hi David - I just stumbled upon this thread and loved tracking your acquisitions.

I’m the type of guy who doesn’t necessarily stop acquiring cards in a set even after I have completed the set. I’ll upgrade, try to get the worst example in a set to be replaced by a card that is in the top 25% of the set, condition-wise.

Are you like that? Is your journey over or are forever shackled to that set, always looking to make it better?

Not judging either way. Sometimes I think I’m nuts. Just wondering if you are too and how many others out there are like me.

Again, great story and cool set! Thank you for sharing.

[Cooper1927]

I haven’t decided about upgrades. I’m currently just really happy to have completed, I think, a really tough set.


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[Leon]

+1. Very tough set to complete. Congrats!


I haven’t decided about upgrades. I’m currently just really happy to have completed, I think, a really tough set.


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