What are the rarest backs (not just T206 or T Cards)

[Rhotchkiss]

I just picked up a T215 Pirate back, which goes well with my T206 Brown Old Mill and Brown Lenox. I am very well versed in T206 and the scarcity of T206 backs, but less familiar with other T and E card backs. Wanted to get your take on what are say the 5-10 rarest backs of pre-war cards? To clarify, I am not interested in the front/back combo, and I am talking straight up baseball card back/advertisements(not post cards, cabinets, etc.)? And of course, links to previous threads are helpful and expected (I doubt this is a novel question). Thanks

[Leon]

I have always liked the backs a lot and have collected them for years....Lots of rare ones out there. The W575 (E121 type) card series has quite a few. (or are you only talking Ts and Es?)

[Rhotchkiss]

Originally Posted by Leon

I have always liked the backs a lot and have collected them for years....Lots of rare ones out there. The W575 (E121 type) card series has quite a few. (or are you only talking Ts and Es?)

Good question. I like the backs because of the advertisements -- its Americana and living history, in addition to sports memorabilia; an antique so to speak. To that end, I think those 1920's cards (which frankly I don't know much about) are very relevant and worth considering/ranking. However, I am most interested in the "T206-ish" cards -- like 1903-1915 -- the T's & E's....

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Rhotchkiss

Good question. I like the backs because of the advertisements -- its Americana and living history, in addition to sports memorabilia; an antique so to speak. To that end, I think those 1920's cards (which frankly I don't know much about) are very relevant and worth considering/ranking. However, I am most interested in the "T206-ish" cards -- like 1903-1915 -- the T's & E's....

No worries. Then this T216 VE will suffice. Though they are seen occasionally now it took me around 4-5 yrs to get my first one. And HOF'ers are really tough.

[Mdmtx]

I am unsure how difficult these are, or even you have any interest in subject matter beyond baseball. I just bought these on eBay. 1 is an n101 dukes tobacco card. The other shares the same front with an added line of advertisement on the front and an advertisement for a piano company on the back. The card stock for the piano company one is much lighter. Anyway, I thought they were cool.


Mark

[darwinbulldog]

It depends on whether you count stamped ads or just printed ads, but
here are some that I believe there are fewer than 5 surviving examples of.

D310: Aldon Candy
E121: Service Candy, Shotwell, Kings, Henry Johnson (green)
R316: Douglas Park, Morton, Rialto, Community Theatre
1925-31 Exhibits: Marguerite's
W461: Playland
W514: Robinson Peanuts
W516-1-1: Sandow
W517: Piercy's
W554: Lucky Yo-Yo, Lukcy Deal, 40 Winners
1929 Exhibits Stars: Dixie Theater
W573: Cafe du Monde, Cream Nut, Kings


Here's the more extensive answer:

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthr...192333&page=11

[x2drich2000]

Big surprise coming from me, but without counting the overprints or error backs, I think the red crofts may be one of the most difficult. I've been able to account for only 16 examples in total though there are likely more still hidden away in collections. Here are mine and, yes, I know i have a problem



DJ