Help with T207 - Newbie collector - enter at your own risk!

[caramelcard]

I started collecting T207 by accident about 10 years ago. I bought a small lot of t206 cards that had 3 or 4 t207 in there. As time went by I started to appreciate the poses more and more. Hard to describe, but for me the set really represents the roughness of the time period and the brown backgrounds with small hints of color are actually really ornate when you handle the cards in person. The fact that so many of the cards are tough to find has allowed me to enjoy the set even more. Most of the hall of fame players are plentiful, but lots of folks probably tossed some of the really common players not to mention the broadleaf class of cards which were less plentiful even during the period. I'm down to two cards to complete it and would love to upgrade a few as well.

There seems to be a lot less of them for sale lately. I'm guessing that's due to the economy, but I would imagine as more tobacco collectors begin this set the demand for the tougher cards will increase even more.

Rob

[tbob]

I think the best judges of which T207 cards are extremely tough and hard to find are the T207 set collectors who have struggled patiently to put the set together. Marc did a really good job (above) of detailing some of the highlights and answering the questions, I'd just add that some of the toughest "commons" (Recruit, Napoleon and Anon. backs) include Block, Ellis, Graham, and the variation cards which include wrong backs, only a few of which have ever been documented but several "couplings" exist.
It's a great set and even though several stars of the day were left out, it is a classic, full of mystery and "what ifs."

[Bridwell]

I'm another fan of T207. I had collected T206 and 1909-11 cards for over 20 years before getting hooked on T207. It's interesting that most of the T207 players were not on a T206 card, even though T207's were issued in 1912. Collecting the 200 different cards in the basic set is really a challenge. Some poses will show up in auctions 20 times in a year while other poses you get maybe one shot a year at.

[ullmandds]

The T207 set is quite interesting for many of the reasons already stated...the unusual array of players...many of whom don't appear in other sets of the era...the rarities...of which there are many compared to t205/t206. And while the brown backgrounds are kinda drab...many of the images are quite beautiful and striking...combined with back variations...this is quite an interesting set...which in the past has not enjoyed the popularity of other T sets...but someday...maybe it will.

This is one of my favorite cards from the set!

[ghooper33]

I know it is probably anecdotal, but during my small timeframe of collecting these cards I have been able to pick up 1-2 a week. I am collecting the T205 set with a buddy of mine, and we expect to complete this in a couple of years but I hope this set will keep me busy for the next ten years. I have four friends now who are all in our mid-30s who have began to collect pre-war cards – I wonder how many new collectors it takes to influence the market for a set like the T207’s?

Thanks again for all of the information / comments. Since I am new I am taking in information as if it was coming out of a fire hose. To be honest we are all a little intimidated by the knowledge on this board, so I really appreciate the warm comments and help. It is communities like this that help usher in the new generation of collectors.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by ghooper33

I know it is probably anecdotal, but during my small timeframe of collecting these cards I have been able to pick up 1-2 a week. I am collecting the T205 set with a buddy of mine, and we expect to complete this in a couple of years but I hope this set will keep me busy for the next ten years. I have four friends now who are all in our mid-30s who have began to collect pre-war cards – I wonder how many new collectors it takes to influence the market for a set like the T207’s?

Thanks again for all of the information / comments. Since I am new I am taking in information as if it was coming out of a fire hose. To be honest we are all a little intimidated by the knowledge on this board, so I really appreciate the warm comments and help. It is communities like this that help usher in the new generation of collectors.

Hi Greg
First of all I too would like to extend a warm welcome to you. We all understand the "drinking from a fire hose" analogy. When I first started, around 15 yrs ago, I couldn't believe every one I met knew all of the ACC#'s and players to each set. It was absolutely overwhelming. Think of it a little bit like starting a new job (only more fun). When you first start you get really tired at first as there is information overload. Then as time goes by, and you learn more about what you are doing, it becomes second nature. The fun thing about this hobby is that you don't ever have to stop learning if you don't want to. There is an infinite amount of things to learn and ways to collect. As you have more time in, you will meet some really awesome people too. I would safely say that over 99% of collectors are good people. I am sure you aren't naive though and any time there is considerable money involved there will be bad people too. This board has a way of ferreting out a lot of them. Lastly, and I think you have already mentioned it, this is a marathon race and not a sprint. Take your time and try to be patient. Good luck, glad to have you here and happy collecting!!

[Bosox Blair]

Originally Posted by caramelcard

I started collecting T207 by accident about 10 years ago. I bought a small lot of t206 cards that had 3 or 4 t207 in there. As time went by I started to appreciate the poses more and more. Hard to describe, but for me the set really represents the roughness of the time period and the brown backgrounds with small hints of color are actually really ornate when you handle the cards in person. The fact that so many of the cards are tough to find has allowed me to enjoy the set even more. Most of the hall of fame players are plentiful, but lots of folks probably tossed some of the really common players not to mention the broadleaf class of cards which were less plentiful even during the period. I'm down to two cards to complete it and would love to upgrade a few as well.

Rob

Hi Rob,

Of course everything you say is true .

Just wanted to point out to the OP in terms of HOFers that the Speaker and the Hooper are tougher cards, and pretty expensive when they pop up.

Cheers,
Blair

[caramelcard]

Good call Blair.

Hooper, Speaker, and Wallace are harder to find in that recruit hof class.

Speaker is easier then the other two in my opinion, but is well sought after because people like the Red Sox for some reason.

Rob

[frohme]

Welcome to Net54, Greg!

I think the other hard-core T207 collectors (you all know who you are ) have covered things pretty well. Learn as much as you can from all the sources you can find - Tim (and Bob's) VCBC articles and previous Net54 threads are great resources. Leon's description to your "drinking from a firehose" analogy is sound advice - take your time and enjoy the learning... but it sounds like you're already doing that.

Its one of those sets that someone - I think it was tbob - described as a "labor of love" trying to assemble. There are a good number of folks on the board that have completed it - some multiple times, I believe. I suspect each has his/her own story of the joy(?) of getting there, and can tell you precisely which cards tormented them to the end... many/most(?) have been mentioned in the thread already. If it wasn't obvious already, T207 remains my favorite set - my avatar was my tormentor. I believe it took me about 5 years to complete.

As for your question about how many new collectors it takes to influence the market, it really depends. One or two is sufficient in most cases, but for some specific cards, none... the need is still great among existing collectors. You'll come to know which cards those are over time...

Looking forward to hearing of your progress.
--
Mike

[William Todd]

Greg, My best to you in your quest. I am a T207 addict and am trying to recover as it can totally encompass you. It is a great set, and having almost completed the t206 set and then moved on, I have trouble leaving T207. I have most of the Broadleaf class variations and was lucky to get many of Lionel Carters cards to improve my set that I feel that may be somewhat unique. When you find cards in good condition in this set it is truly rare. Good luck as they are probably out there.

[Bosox Blair]

Originally Posted by caramelcard

people like the Red Sox for some reason.

Rob