Resisting T206--has anyone here done it successfully? [Archive]

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06-13-2005, 07:18 PM

Posted By: Todd SchultzDon't know if this is a confession, but I have been able to resist collecting T206 for my many years on the planet, acquiring less than a dozen. Don't really know why, as the set seems to have everything I want. Just thought it would always be there when I came into some serious money (which I now realize may just not ever happen), as the supply seems so strong. I have turned my attention to type collecting first, a couple of pre-war sets, and a bunch of other stuff. Anyway, I was wondering how many here chase that particular set, and how far along you all are. Reading here about every nuance, every variation, etc is fascinating, and led me to believe that everyone here has a set and is just looking for back or factory variations to occupy their time. Then it occurred to me how tough it would be to finish the "Monster", even without the Big 3 (or 4), and so maybe there aren't as many T206 collectors here as I thought. It also occurred to me that I'm a fool for not having jumped into this wonderful, probably unsurpassed set, and that maybe I should start now. SOOOOOOOO, should I start? How' you doin on it, for how long and, if you don't mind my asking, with what kind of budget? I'm thinking of the set in VG-Ex terms, with nothing below VG and nothing above EX+ unless it's a steal. I would want at least one HOFer with each back save the Ty Cobb brand. How do-able?

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06-13-2005, 07:57 PM

Posted By: Brian LindholmeSo far, I have also been able to resist the T206's. I have had as many as 30 cards towards the set and traded most of them off. (They do make excellent trade bait, as noted that there are many collectors out there) I have partial sets of York Caramels, E95, E96, T205, Fan Craze, 1936 Goudey, Diamond stars, a moderate type card set and a "playing years" card of every HOFer post-1900. I just never warmed up to the T206 although they certainly do have their own unique charm. I always liked the T205 set better...I like the stats on back, the bio, some variations,some rarities, some different backs, unique design for AL, NL and Minor Lgs...just a lot to like about them. OBAKS are another option. If you like the design of the T206, you will love the OBAKS. There is a greater difficulty finding nice condition cards but they are quite beautiful cards. Usually cheaper too <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> I guess it's all about personal preference, but count me as a resistor if you are keeping score! Brian L.

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06-13-2005, 08:03 PM

Posted By: Jay MillerI have never collected T206s, nor do I have any desire to. In the past I have only collected cards with photos but recently I have expanded into T210s and E90-1s. Please don't ask for an explanation; I have none to offer other than possible brain lesions resulting from taking certain chemicals in the 70s.

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06-13-2005, 09:30 PM

Posted By: Dan KotelesI have come within 100 maybe 7 times for completion....just couldn't do it. my desires and always will be ,high grade hof portraits, just love em and have many. At one time I did have 44 red Cobbs ,17 Tinkers ,13 Jennings, 17 green Cobbs, 7 red Chance and 9 M.Browns, now I have 20 red's, 7 Tinkers, 1 Jennings,0 greens...cannot believe I offed every single Green Cobb. 4 red Chance and 5 M.Browns. It was fun lining them all up...had to graduate to others items. Only offing 70 Cobbs in the past year seems to bother me a little , it took a long time. good evening -Dan

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06-13-2005, 09:48 PM

Posted By: robert aLike Dan, I've been back and forth with Hall of Fame players and portraits for the last six years or so, but I've managed to keep at least one or two of each player. Now I'm going to finish out the commons. The set has been more than rewarding for me so far and the journey has been truly fun. When newer people to the site ask how to get started with vintage cards, I believe the 206s are the answer. It's a inexpensive way to learn about the difference between untrimmed and trimmed cards (eventually you'll accidently stumble upon a few), a little of the printing/color process, errors, etc. And, with the amount of variations and different fronts/backs, it's very possible to obtain uncommon combinations at semi-reasonable prices. It's just plain, vintage fun. Good Evening Everyone! robert a

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06-13-2005, 10:03 PM

Posted By: barry arnoldI dabbled a wee bit in 205's and 210's, and even 203's, but finally got captured by the 206's completely about 3 years ago. I have around 200,all slabbed/graded by SGC,GAI,PSA,and am patiently spending my money on mainly G to EX so I can still buy books:) I have around 30 HOF's with a variety of grades---Dancing Jennings EX; Wheat VG; Bresnahan batting VG; W. Johnson pitching G-VG; Huggins portrait G-VG; all the way down to Cobb red portrait Fair. Although i slab them all, I must say that i buy based on feeling and aesthetics,e.g. my Matty white cap is the most beautiful of all of my cards even though it only received a 2 because of some back damage (the front is NM period!) It's taking me a bit longer to get the backs i'm after, but once again, I'm being patient. I do have quite a few tolstoi's,a few EPDG's and Beauty's,loads of the common ones---but no Uzit,Drum, Broadleaf. . . I'm one of those fellas who sits with cards on the weekends and relishes their existence like treasures, as i look at each one again and again, until the honeydo list comes. God, I love baseball. Vintage,that is. Thanks for asking. all the best Barry Arnold

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06-13-2005, 11:09 PM

Posted By: JulieI mean--that's what you collect, right? Then I had to sell almost my whole collection (about 1989)--and all my square-cornered t206s were snapped up. I kept the Cobb, bat off and a Bender with Trees (Carolina Brights). And then a funny thing happened. I discovered that I didn't really miss the t206s I had to sell very much. I preferred Cracker Jacks, T204s. E107s, old photos, Colgans' Chips, Zeenuts, and finally, 19th century stuff. I bought a low-grade Cobb greenbackground, a Eddie Collins, and thought I bought a Cobb redbackground, and discovered it was trimmed on ALL FOUR SIDES...I didn't try again. And then, in one of our "What are your fabvorite cards?" threads John Wonkaticket posterd the horizontal Pattee, and a gorgeous Herzog (Boston)--I didn't even know what set they were from! he called them "Number 1" and "number 2". I had to have them. <img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/jphotos/17.jpg"> <img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/jphotos/33.jpg"> I just got the Pattee; I'm still looking for the Herzog. So I guess my answer is, yes, I can't resist SOME T206s. But--not all of them.

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06-13-2005, 11:20 PM

Posted By: JimBT206s were my introduction to vintage (pre-WWII) cards back in 1981 or so when I bought my first couple of T206s (Cobb/red, and Lajoie/batting). About six months ago (24 years later) I completed the set (minus Doyle NY Natl) with at least one example of all sixteen brand backs. I would say patience is the key. At times I veered away into caramels and then came back to the T206s. I always looked at it as a 20+ year project and just chipped away slowly. Sometimes I would buy a lot of 15 commons at a show. Sometimes it would be a couple of HOFs. Eventually I made it. I don't know if I will ever get the Doyle card and honestly, it is not a high priority. But it is a great set to pursue for those with enough patience and fortitude. JimB

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06-14-2005, 12:57 AM

Posted By: jay behrensTo a degree, I can resist them. The t206s I have any real desire to own are the ones depicting players that make their only card appearance in this set. Jay I like to sit outside drink beer and yell at people. If I did this at home I would be arrested, so I go to baseball games and fit right in.

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06-14-2005, 01:58 AM

Posted By: J LevineWell...the very first pre-war card I bought was a T-206 Bergen (when I was 17--late bloomer to pre-war). I still have that. I did not buy another T-206 for nearly 10 years and then traded and bought t-206s strictly for my phillies collection. T-206s have become a means to an end for me. I generally will buy them if the price is right in order to trade or sell them. At one time I owned a f-g Cobb red that I traded away for a few cards that eventually netted me a T-205 Joss, Speaker, and Wagner. So I miss that Cobb, nope...the T-205 Cobb is nicer and I am happy with that. T-206 is a good starter for pre-war collectors but in my opinion, just not as nice a set as T205 (and yes, I am biased). Joshua

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06-14-2005, 06:47 AM

Posted By: identify7Well I too thought that more persons collect t206 than has been shown on this thread, actually, I still think that. But Im not one of them. I do not collect any set. I asasemble vintage and modern cards by theme (such as top hitters, pitchers, specific accomplishments, etc.). I never wanted to "have" to buy a card which I really didn't want just to fill a set hole. Im not sure that I have avoided that completely, but I've probably minimized it.

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06-14-2005, 07:34 AM

Posted By: T206CollectorThe name says it all and it's all that I collect. Oh sure, I have a stray T205 and T3 at home, and a Mayo's Cut Plug lunch pail and a neat Chicago White Sox wood cutting from Leslie's Illustrated circa 1886. But I am within 10 of completing the monster, and I will not rest until I am there (minus Wagner, Plank and Doyle). Oh, and I get the nice ones graded by SGC. Every month or so, I send my upgraded T206s to SGC for slabbing. They generally come back in SGC 30-60 holders. Ideally, one day, they will all be SGC 40 or higher. But I am quite a ways from that ideal. I like buying lots on eBay, upgrading whichever ones are upgrades, and then selling off the lesser condition doubles. Doing this I have often been able to upgrade with little to no cost or even a profit, though the days of buying lots for under $10/card have subsided quite a bit in recent years. Still, once in awhile, you get a bargain. Because of this, collecting T206 has gotten a lot cheaper since I've gotten all the commons -- just about every purchase means a sale; I don't keep the doubles.

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06-14-2005, 09:51 AM

Posted By: Lee BehrensI have all the T206s except the BIG 5 and Doyle (not sure if he counts). But I find my self continuing to buy T206s. I currently and half heartly trying to get all the cards in Cycle 460 that are available and one of these days I am going to purchase a DRUM back and maybe the Demmitt and O'Hara. There seems to be so many different ways you can collect the set that it is never ending. I personally like the T205 set better but made a decision a couple of years ago to sell most of them off to continue my pursuit of the T206 set. I am admitting that I have an addiction, hopefully this is the first sign to recovery but I doubt it. Lee

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06-14-2005, 10:02 AM

Posted By: JimBWasn't somebody on this site tallying up the number of T206 sets and near sets of board members a few months ago? Did those totals ever get reported? JimB

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06-14-2005, 10:34 AM

Posted By: Lee BehrensI have at 17 sets that needed at least the BIG 5. If there is any one else out there that I have not heard from with a T206 set let me know either in this thread or via email. Lee

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06-14-2005, 10:55 AM

Posted By: Mike Tucci (18colt on eBay)I have been seriously collecting the set in "collector" grade condition (i.e., fair-poor and less) since the late 90s. I need between 60-65 to complete the set. I need Wagner, Plank, Magie, Doyle (if it's real), and O'Hara (I have Demmitt). I've collected the backs, except Ty Cobb (again, if you think it's real and not a promotional item) and a red Hindu (if it's not just an ink issue). I really do love these little cards. A lot of great poses, great players, and varying degrees of difficulty and pricing to make it challenging. There's a reason it's called "The Monster". The name fits. BTW -- I also am currently working on E96 (over 1/3 done), T3 (20% done), and T-205 (12% done). So, by all means, if you like the set, go for it. It's an affordable and obtainable introduction to pre-war cards. A lot of us who collect occasionally get duplicates and are willing to trade, so this makes it even easier and more fun to collect this set. Good luck.

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06-14-2005, 11:16 AM

Posted By: Chad JohnsonI really like collecting the T206's. I fell for them when I was 14 and I got the Tinker-Evers-Chance infield for 40 bucks. The dealer even threw in the Steinfeldt card. They're just sharp looking cards. That said, they've taken a backseat for now as I try to collect latin sets and Negro League players who never made the majors, but when I see an affordable lot, I go for it. The cards showing detailed images of the gloves and other tools of the trade are my favorites. --Chad

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06-14-2005, 11:22 AM

Posted By: pete ullmanI TOO was lured into vintage cards by t cards. Despite selling off most of my collection in high school to replace the car I wrecked, I still have my white cap matty which I bought for $2 as a kid. Later I got into collecting the backs and I had them all except uzit and cobb. I still have about 150 t206's including lots of rare backs and various cards that appeal to me. These days, I don't buy t-206's unless I see a deal...which isn't often. Although that ohara that tobeecat sold a few weeks back was a steal of sorts!! I sold mine for $350 at the 95' national. pete in mn

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06-14-2005, 11:50 AM

Posted By: T206CollectorSometimes you take a risk, get burned and spend the next few years mulling over small claims court jurisdictional and procedural issues. That time, I got lucky, but I never would have purchased it if (1) the people on this board didn't back up Tobeecat; and (2) the seller wasn't in the Bronx and (relatively) easily suable (for me, working in Manhattan) in Bronx small claims court. That is why I am not biting on the T206 Magie that is on ebay right now and the subject of another post.

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06-14-2005, 01:12 PM

Posted By: pete ullmanHow about scanning all of your cobb red backs front and back for the world to behold!!!!!! That'd be a sight. I just want 1!!!!!!! Do you want to trade me 1? pete in mn

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06-14-2005, 01:14 PM

Posted By: warshawlawI have no desire to spend thousands amassing hundreds of common cards knowing that I cannot ever hope to finish the set because of the top 3-5 cards in it. I do collect the T206 HOFers and popular players because they are very attractive, as do many people.

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06-14-2005, 01:34 PM

Posted By: T206Collector....is sort of the beauty of it. Knowing that Wagner and Plank are out there (and to an error extent Magie and Doyle), makes the chase continue. Just about eternally, really...

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06-14-2005, 01:45 PM

Posted By: Chad JohnsonI know I'll never come close to completing the T206's or even the 50-51 Toleteros, but it's fun trying anyway. I do hedge and work on sets I know I can finish. The 51 Redbacks were my first complete set and now I'm working on the 49 Remar oakland Oaks. I'm weak, I admit it. --Chad

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06-14-2005, 03:20 PM

Posted By: warshawlawwithout selling the house, wife and kid. I recently finished several non-sports (1965 Bond, Good Guys and Bad Guys, 1976 Topps Star Trek, Kung Fu), 1969-70 basketball (except for a few upgrades) and am working on 1971 Topps baseball and most exhibit sets.

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06-14-2005, 03:38 PM

Posted By: BcDanielssniped parks out of? ( on e-bay Julie-shhhhessssh! you sniped Parks out of your card! )?? Here is one on my wall- <img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1118784568.JPG">

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06-14-2005, 03:44 PM

Posted By: Darren J. DuetIt is useless to resist it.

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06-14-2005, 04:22 PM

Posted By: Juliedon't I get to have one too?

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06-14-2005, 06:08 PM

Posted By: Dan Kotelesif I still had the 44, I would have them scanned , but 20 left is rather sad to what once was. I regret the selling of the other 24. Some of it led me to a couple of my Joe Jackson cracker jacks, but it lead to my departing of one of my Kotton Cobbs as well. thanks Dan

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06-14-2005, 08:56 PM

Posted By: Ray BI am also a T-206 collector. Really just a modest beginnings as PSA Registered "Dings, Divots, Creases & Stains". As you might imagine this is a PSA 1,2,3,4 set. I am really focusing on eye appeal with this set; trying to get nice examples in lower grades with reasonable centering, color and clarity. Sometimes you catch a gem for cheap if your willing to overlook certain flaws. I've got a dynamite PSA 1 Evers that presents like a PSA 5 except it has paper loss on the back. Seems corner rounding, light creases and border dings give these cards character. Seems as if that is the way they were meant to display. The high grade examples look "too good", almost unreal. Good thing for me of limited funds. Well anyway, I'm about 5% in or 25+ cards and hope to assemble a nice variety of backs too. I've thought about these cards and this set for years and years and finally this year could not resist. I am afraid I am hooked. Just picked up a nice PSA 3 Clarke with bat HOF'er this past week. I will say that buying these already authenticated allows me some piece of mind. Ray B

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06-14-2005, 10:42 PM

Posted By: mike mullinsI have about 200, all commons except a Cy Young. I enjoy having them and think they look fantastic. As a 27-year old with very little free funds, I have managed to, over about 5 years, put together quite a nice little group. They're easy to find and I suspect that I will get to 400 without much hardship. I realize I will likely never "complete" the set, but I really don't care. I like the cards. mm

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06-15-2005, 12:30 AM

Posted By: Lee BehrensRay, I have a list of T206s collectors minus the BIG 5, when you get there contact me. It might be interesting to know how many are at least half way there (260). Lee

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06-15-2005, 07:29 AM

Posted By: joe brennanAs some of you know, I just made the decision to start collecting the T206's. In this short week I have purchased 22 cards to go with the one I already owned. Geez, I didnt realize I had bought that many in a week. I would like to collect cards in the PSA 4-5 SGC 50-70 range, but I may have to lower my standards when it comes to the HOF's. I only wish I would have done this 15 yrs ago when I wasted boat loads of money on the garbage that was selling new in the early 90's. I also have started a collection of turn of the century baseball items and I will post some pics as soon as I purchase a few more. BTW, If my wife asks, its y'alls fault that I bought all this stuff this week. Out "I had the right to remain silent. I just didn't have the ability" Ron White

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06-15-2005, 08:43 AM

Posted By: dan mckeeI have been working on it for 37 years. I need the old mill brown back and the old mill with bar back to consider it complete. I am, and will always be missing the ty cobb back, the wagner, and the rarest card in the set - the doyle ny nat'l hands above head. Dan.

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06-15-2005, 09:35 AM

Posted By: Todd SchultzI really appreciate all the responses, including some that I received privately by e-mail. I think I'm going to jump in, or at least dip my toe in the water. These cards seem to at least hold value, so there apppears little downside if it turns into yet another abandoned mission. Also, the supply is such that I really shouldn't be hitting a snag for about 8 or 9 years, as I only expect to add about a handful of these a month. Thanks again.

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06-15-2005, 11:40 AM

Posted By: James FeaginPerhaps I'm the only one on earth who prefers 1933-1934 Goudey to their t206 counterparts?

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06-15-2005, 12:26 PM

Posted By: Todd SchultzThe Goudey sets have their fans, and rightfully so, but the era is different. It has always been my belief that there are 4 sets considered to be the most significant in card collecting: the 1887-89 OJs, the T206, the 1933 Goudey and the 1952 Topps. Not these are superior, just that their size and player content, as well as design, represent major points in the development of collecting. So I'm sure there are boatloads of Goudey collectors and fans out there, and that others prefer them to t206. I hope you'll share your collection and experiences about those sets, which are also drop dead gorgeous.

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06-15-2005, 01:10 PM

Posted By: JimCrandellAbout a year ago, I gave up on trying to do the set in psa 8 or better. At a minimum of $500 per card for commons, it was just too expensive. When I stopped I was at 157 psa 8s, 5 9s and a handful of 7s. Since then I am amazed at what buyers are willing to pay. Pop 1 psa 8 commons are fetching over $5,000 and pop 2s $3,500. My psa 9 Tinker got over $15,000. Selling these has been a good way to finance the completion of my 33 Goudey Sport Kings, 34 Goudey and 34 Diamond King sets as I cannot do them all in 8 or better. Dav