What's a good "first" vintage set to collect?

[x2drich2000]

Whenever I see a post like this, I almost always point to the early caramel sets, particularly the e93 set. Being only 30 cards, the set is small enough that it can be easily put together on a budget. The set is also packed with HOFers (18 out of the 30) highlighted by Cobb, Wagner, Mathewson, Plank, and Young. In lower condition but still presentable, you should be able to complete it for under $5k without much trouble. Other similar sets would be E95 or E92 Dockman or E101.

DJ

[Topnotchsy]

Originally Posted by x2drich2000

Whenever I see a post like this, I almost always point to the early caramel sets, particularly the e93 set. Being only 30 cards, the set is small enough that it can be easily put together on a budget. The set is also packed with HOFers (18 out of the 30) highlighted by Cobb, Wagner, Mathewson, Plank, and Young. In lower condition but still presentable, you should be able to complete it for under $5k without much trouble. Other similar sets would be E95 or E92 Dockman or E101.

DJ

I took a look at the E93 and E95 sets and the Mathewson E92 Dockman is one of the nicest vintage cards I've ever seen. Those all look like they might be promising choices. It looks like the E92 so is a bit larger than other the other 2 if I'm understanding it right.

Other than condition concerns, is there anything to note about those sets?

Thanks!

[x2drich2000]

Originally Posted by Topnotchsy

I took a look at the E93 and E95 sets and the Mathewson E92 Dockman is one of the nicest vintage cards I've ever seen. Those all look like they might be promising choices. It looks like the E92 so is a bit larger than other the other 2 if I'm understanding it right.

Other than condition concerns, is there anything to note about those sets?

Thanks!

For the e92s, just stick to the Dockman backs. The Dockman set is 40 cards. The other backs add more cards. The drawback to just doing the Dockmans is that you lose a few HOFers particularly Cobb, 1 Bender, and Collins. Otherwise, it is pretty straight forward. If you start looking at the other backs (crofts candy, cocoa, nadja) it will get quite pricey and extremely challenging/nearly impossible.

The E93/E95 sets are pretty straight forward. Neither have any shortprints or anything odd. The E95 Plank is he same basic portrait as the the T206 so it is fairly popular.

DJ

[Topnotchsy]

Originally Posted by x2drich2000

For the e92s, just stick to the Dockman backs. The Dockman set is 40 cards. The other backs add more cards. The drawback to just doing the Dockmans is that you lose a few HOFers particularly Cobb, 1 Bender, and Collins. Otherwise, it is pretty straight forward. If you start looking at the other backs (crofts candy, cocoa, nadja) it will get quite pricey and extremely challenging/nearly impossible.

The E93/E95 sets are pretty straight forward. Neither have any shortprints or anything odd. The E95 Plank is he same basic portrait as the the T206 so it is fairly popular.

DJ

Great info, thanks!

[JustinD]

As for great photos and affordability I think a run at w517s would be fun and is on my list in the future.

It's a strip set, so the purists may avoid it, but I am a big fan as the photo quality is top notch compared to the cards of the era. The 2 Ruths and Gehrig are the only real intimidating ones and they are not that pricey if you watch auctions. Tons of HOF members in this one.

Here's the database entry if you are unfamiliar - http://www.tradingcarddb.com/ViewAllSet.cfm/sid/84235

[Topnotchsy]

Originally Posted by JustinD

As for great photos and affordability I think a run at w517s would be fun and is on my list in the future.

It's a strip set, so the purists may avoid it, but I am a big fan as the photo quality is top notch compared to the cards of the era. The 2 Ruths and Gehrig are the only real intimidating ones and they are not that pricey if you watch auctions. Tons of HOF members in this one.

Here's the database entry if you are unfamiliar - http://www.tradingcarddb.com/ViewAllSet.cfm/sid/84235

That's pretty cool. "Strip set" means that they were originally issued multiple cards attached and to get them to size they were cut by individuals?

[JustinD]

Originally Posted by Topnotchsy

That's pretty cool. "Strip set" means that they were originally issued multiple cards attached and to get them to size they were cut by individuals?

Basically.

Store owners would give them to customers from the candy counter as a premium. This find last year of some counter boxes will help explain:

http://www.robertedwardauctions.com/...-original-box/