New to vintage...Where do I start?

[cubsfan-budman]

Hi gang,

Been lurking for a bit, reading as much as I can, scanning the B/S/T forums and eBay as well. The price of getting into vintage is daunting, but not nearly as intimidating as the sheer scope of data regarding vintage. I'd like to reach out for some guidance from the community here.

I've been collecting modern for years. My PC is largely made up of stuff from 1983 to 2012 (I collect Ryne Sandberg) and a nice set of Topps 58/59 cards that I got from my dad. I'm getting pretty fed up with modern lately. When trying to gather more Ryne Sandberg cards, I realized that there were more Sandbergs made since he retired than were ever made while he played. Something about this bothered me. Anyhow, I started researching vintage.

I have narrowed my interest down to 5 sets. My criteria are based on a few things:

1. Subjects. I am interested in HOF 2nd basemen in particular (Frisch, Lajoie, Gehringer, Hornsby, Doerr) so I tried to find sets that included these players. I realize that I have players from 2 eras here and that no one set will have them all.

2. Aesthetics. Wanted something cool to look at.

3. Price. Especially at first, I didn't want to dive in head first with something super expensive. I am far more of a collector than an investor. I can never bring myself to let go of something cool.

So, with that in mind I have been considering:

1911 T201 Meccas
1921 Exhibits
1934-36 Diamond Stars
1939 Goudey
1941 Play Ball

I *think* that bang for the buck the ~WW1 T201 set is going to be the most affordable Lajoie around, but any guidance here would be appreciated.

As far as the Exhibits, that's somewhat of an intermediate era set. Not sure if it's essential, but I love the look.

And the 30's to 40's era stuff...are there any huge obstacles for these sets? Any reason that I should choose one over the others? The 39 Goudey is a decent looking set, but I love the backs. Pretty short on subjects too.

Anyhow, thanks for taking the time to read. All suggestions are welcome.

Regards,

Christian

[Matthew H]

Hi Christian,

Another option would be to just collect HOF 2nd basemen cards. You already have been collecting a single player in Sandberg, so I think you already know what to expect. Plus, it's easier to afford the special cards, without buying all the commons and other HOF that you might not be that interested in.

Thats the way I collected until I stumbled into a couple of issued that hooked me. So if you pick up a card you really like, you might just end up buying a bunch of them.

Good Luck!
-Matt

[cubsfan-budman]

I have considered that! And I may start that way.

I have this ludicrous compulsion to put thing in order...I've always been a set collector.

Anyhow, thanks for the advice!

[poorlydrawncat]

All the ones you mentioned are great places to start. I personally love the double folders and the diamond stars (both are relatively cheap, too). If you're constrained a bit by your budget, you might want to check out strip cards (W551, W514, W516, etc). They're definitely an acquired taste, but I love the way they look and they have a great selection of star players at reasonable prices.

[tiger8mush]

Originally Posted by cubsfan-budman

I am interested in HOF 2nd basemen in particular (Frisch, Lajoie, Gehringer, Hornsby, Cobb)

If you replace Cobb (an outfielder) with Eddie Collins I think u're lookin good!

You mentioned five sets and five players. To start, maybe pick up one player from each set?
It'll give you five vintage cards (each from a different set and of different players) to look at and consider how you want to proceed from there.

There are a million ways to collect, and there is no wrong way, so welcome and good luck!
Rob


edited to add: what I suggested may not be possible, as only Gehringer appears to be available of those you mentioned in the last two sets:
1911 T201 Meccas (#2 Collins/Baker, #28 Lajoie/Falkenberg)
1921 Exhibits (#8 Eddie Collins, #28 Hornsby)
1934-36 Diamond Stars (#17 Frisch, #77 Gehringer)
1939 Goudey (#16 Gehringer)
1941 Play Ball (#19 Gehring)

So if you get Lajoie Mecca, Collins or Hornsby Exhibit, Frisch Diamond Star, Gehringer from either Goudey or Playball, then you can get your 5th card (Collins or Hornsby) from a different 5th set.

[cubsfan-budman]

Funny, I meant Doerr anyhow

Been reading too many checklists.

Thanks!

[tiger8mush]

Originally Posted by cubsfan-budman

Funny, I meant Doerr anyhow

Cool, Doerr is available in the 1941 PB, so replace Cobb/Collins with Doerr and this is a possibility for 5 cards (just a thought):

1911 T201 Meccas (#28 Lajoie/Falkenberg)
1921 Exhibits (#28 Hornsby)
1934-36 Diamond Stars (#17 Frisch)
1939 Goudey (#16 Gehringer)
1941 Play Ball (#19 Doerr)

Rob

[Northviewcats]

Hi Christian,

Welcome. It sounds like you've thought it through pretty well already. I especially like the idea of collecting just second basemen. So much depends on your budget and what condition of card is acceptable to you. If you can afford prewar cards of HOFers it is probably the best way to go, but it can get pretty pricey if creases, stains and card altering bother you. It may also be neat to focus on less famous second basemen and learn about their careers as you collect them.

Here are a few general pieces of advice. I hope they will be helpful.

1. Stay open to what you want to collect. There are so many possibilities in prewar. It's fairly easy to buy & sell prewar cards today, so you can always change course. Learning what you like is half the fun.
2. Don't be too upset when you make a bad buy. Most of the ungraded prewar cards on eBay have some flaw in them or they wouldn't be for sale. Buying cards is an emotional decision and we all make mistakes.
3. Keep learning about the cards. Knowledge = money in this hobby. The more that you know about the cards, the more cards you will be able to own.

Have fun. The last seven years since I started to collect have been the best of my life. The good news is there are a lot of great people on this board that will help you along the way.

Best of luck with your collection,

Joe

[smtjoy]

5 Great set choices, I like the idea of getting one card from each set, each time of a different player, that will let you see what you like and don't like from each set. Also the idea of just collecting HOF second basemen would be interesting and give you exposure to a lot of other cool type sets.

Good luck and have fun with your choice.

[cubsfan-budman]

Any opinion on whether my first purchases should be graded or unslabbed?

And what is the best place to look? EBay, other auctions or b/s/t here?

[Bocabirdman]

Originally Posted by cubsfan-budman

Any opinion on whether my first purchases should be graded or unslabbed?

And what is the best place to look? EBay, other auctions or b/s/t here?

The great slabbed/unslabbed debate shall now resume.....
I say unslabbed but that's just me.........

[t206hound]

Originally Posted by cubsfan-budman

Any opinion on whether my first purchases should be graded or unslabbed?

And what is the best place to look? EBay, other auctions or b/s/t here?

If it's an issue you've never handled, I'd try to get it on the BST raw. I think you should have a feel for the cards (literally), you can make the slabbed/raw decision based on your own preference and rationale.

[tiger8mush]

Originally Posted by cubsfan-budman

Any opinion on whether my first purchases should be graded or unslabbed?

And what is the best place to look? EBay, other auctions or b/s/t here?

If you are just getting your feet wet and plan to buy off ebay, buy a few slabbed (low grade) and then crack them out. It'll give you an idea of what to expect and something with which to compare future purchases.

If you buy off the b/s/t you can feel comfortable and feel free to ask the members questions!
Rob

[jefferyepayne]

Welcome Christian!

Although I also have a burning desire to complete sets, my first reaction was exactly what others have proposed. Start with an area that you are interested in (like HOF 2B'ers) and you will identify sets you like as you begin to accumulate those cards.

I would definitely recommend you start raw. If you are patient, vintage cards lots WILL pop up on ebay occasionally for a wide variety of sets. In fact, acquiring a larger lot for a particular set is often my impetus to decide to work to complete a set as set completion one card at a time just takes too long for me to stay interested in it. I also usually have a couple of sets going at once so that there is enough needed volume to keep me having fun and busy looking for what I need. When I get close to completing a set, I will usually add a new set to work on while patiently waiting for the right deals for those cards I still need in the near completed set. Invariably those cards are stars and take more time to find at the price point you like. While I often buy raw cards, I will look for good deals on graded star cards as well.

Good luck.

jeff

[HOF Auto Rookies]

Good luck! It's fun and frustrating