T212 Obaks

[jchcollins]

So, I've decided I'm collecting these cards - starting with the 3rd issue from 1911. (Somewhat hasty decision, though I did sleep on it...I need some pre-war variety in my life). As I'm sure there are a ton and I just haven't found them, can you guys share any information - websites, old threads, other? on the T212's?

I know that 1909 are the rarer ones, and beyond that there is some debate about Northwestern League players being rarer, and different back types being rarer in the 1910 and 1911 sets. I saw where Bob Lemke's blog has a bunch of cool information both on these cards -and the obscure and now long-gone players who adorned them.

Thanks,
-John

[VoodooChild]

I decided to collect T212's a year or so ago as well. Most of the information I found easily by doing a google search which will also return results for older Net54 threads.

It seems like you are doing it correctly by having a focus as you stated you are starting with the 1911's. They are different in that they have a bio (albeit generic) on the back like T205's. You might want to narrow your focus with the 1911's a little by concentrating on a certain team or teams at first to make it more challenging.

While doing my research, I found that the PCL has a Hall of Fame. So, I decided to collect T212's from all three years of players that are in the PCL HOF - Walt McCredie, Pop Dillion, Hap Hogan, etc. Other than that, I'm trying to put together a 1910 back run. I think I need 7 or so more.

In my limited experience (and I am no expert), the 1909's are tough and the ones without the frame are even tougher. The 175 series 1910's are the most common but a few of the back slogans are very tough and the 150 series may even be more rare than the 1909's. The 1911's are my least favorite so I do not have much info on them.

Good Luck with your endeavor!

- Jason

[jchcollins]

Thanks Jason. I've never done a lot of pre-war in the past, so this should be interesting.

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

Originally Posted by jchcollins

So, I've decided I'm collecting these cards - starting with the 3rd issue from 1911. (Somewhat hasty decision, though I did sleep on it...I need some pre-war variety in my life). As I'm sure there are a ton and I just haven't found them, can you guys share any information - websites, old threads, other? on the T212's?

I know that 1909 are the rarer ones, and beyond that there is some debate about Northwestern League players being rarer, and different back types being rarer in the 1910 and 1911 sets. I saw where Bob Lemke's blog has a bunch of cool information both on these cards -and the obscure and now long-gone players who adorned them.

Thanks,
-John

John, our collecting sounds similar. I am also primarily a postwar guy but get the itch to at least dabble in prewar. A couple of times I have purchased a few T206s but then abandoned. But I can't say I don't like the 206s because I still do. The t212s, among other similar issues, is a direction I have looked at a little. The same with the 210s. Good luck!

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[Jobu]

I don't have many T212 but I think a lot of them are stunning cards. There are also some fun errors to be found.

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

In looking at Old Cardboard, the T212-2 with its 35 back variations/slogans might be fun to collect. Has anyone gotten deep into that? Unfortunately, in doing an ebay search, only Dean's and a seller called gasolinealleyantiques are about the only sellers offering them.

[Leon]

Many years ago I picked up an original collection from the west coast. It had hundreds of Obaks. In them were an almost complete back variations set of T212-2. It's a fun subset with a few sleepers which are quite tough. My only Obak as of now....

Originally Posted by vintagebaseballcardguy

In looking at Old Cardboard, the T212-2 with its 35 back variations/slogans might be fun to collect. Has anyone gotten deep into that? Unfortunately, in doing an ebay search, only Dean's and a seller called gasolinealleyantiques are about the only sellers offering them.

[jchcollins]

Originally Posted by Leon

Many years ago I picked up an original collection from the west coast. It had hundreds of Obaks. In them were an almost complete back variations set of T212-2. It's a fun subset with a few sleepers which are quite tough. My only Obak as of now....

Very cool!


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[jchcollins]

Originally Posted by Leon

Many years ago I picked up an original collection from the west coast. It had hundreds of Obaks. In them were an almost complete back variations set of T212-2. It's a fun subset with a few sleepers which are quite tough. My only Obak as of now....

I found an eBay seller less than a hundred miles away from me that had a few. My first - a 1911 Krueger - is on the way.


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[NC-Vintage]

I recently acquired a complete set of these with many different back variations, condition ranges from poor to Vg/Ex, many of the lower grade cards display very well but have some level of back damage. I am deciding between selling it as a complete set or breaking it up. If interested send me a PM. If this should have been posted in the BST and needs to be moved I apologize.

[deadballera]

there are several Obak collectors on this board. This is a fun group with some nice looking cards. I have almost the 1910 set complete and over half of the 1911 set. Good luck

few key cards from the 1911 set - Buck Weaver and Ten Million. I don't have the Weaver yet.

[T206Collector]

One of my favorite cards in my collection...

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

These are attractive cards. What about availability and supply? I ask because in searching for some on ebay, it is the same tired sellers with their overpriced BINs card after card...

[irishdenny]

Originally Posted by Jobu

I don't have many T212 but I think a lot of them are stunning cards. There are also some fun errors to be found.

You Bet Bryan!
A few Years ago I was deciding oN a Set ta Collect...
At Heart I am a "Type Card" Collector!
Well, my chose came down to T212's ,T200's & E90-1's!?
In the end I decided ta go wit the E90-1's...
And THuS Sell THiS Brilliant Ghost to help my Beginins to my E90-1 efforts...

Good Luck in Your T212 Efforts John..."Truly"!!!

[Leon]

They are around, especially the 1910s and 1911s. The 1909s are more scarce and take more time. This seems to be a big issue concerning pre-war vs post war. If it were a post war card/set you could probably find 5 of each on the bay right now. Not so much on the pre-war. Pre-war is a marathon, not a sprint. Obak sets are doable.....Auction houses are where most are found, I would say. Our BST has some many times too.

Originally Posted by vintagebaseballcardguy

These are attractive cards. What about availability and supply? I ask because in searching for some on ebay, it is the same tired sellers with their overpriced BINs card after card...

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

Originally Posted by Leon

They are around, especially the 1910s and 1911s. The 1909s are more scarce and take more time. This seems to be a big issue concerning pre-war vs post war. If it were a post war card/set you could probably find 5 of each on the bay right now. Not so much on the pre-war. Pre-war is a marathon, not a sprint. Obak sets are doable.....Auction houses are where most are found, I would say. Our BST has some many times too.

Thanks for the info, Leon. I have been doing some reading on the 212s (including old threads from this site). I had been thinking of going after the T206 SLs, but I am starting to think the Obaks might be more interesting to me personally. And you are correct on the difference between post war and pre war collecting. If I am going to really give it a go, I will have to adjust and change some habits.

[KMayUSA6060]

How many players in the T212 Obak set made it to the Majors?

[clydepepper]

Sometimes given too much credit for 'discovering' Walter Johnson, Cliff Blankenship WAS, in fact, the first player born in my hometown of Columbus, GA to make it to the Majors.

blankenskip a.jpg

blankenship b.jpg

[Jobu]

Nice former card Denny! There are a few Obaks out there with black layer back ghosts on them that I think are really cool (if you happen to have one please send me a PM!).

I agree with Leon's comments and will add that you should look beyond eBay and the BST and make sure that you check the smaller auction houses if you are looking to pick up singles, they show up pretty frequently.

[Kawika]

Originally Posted by KMayUSA6060

How many players in the T212 Obak set made it to the Majors?

There used to be a website that listed the Obak players who played in the majors. I can't find the link. According to this Net54 thread from 2002 there is an article in VCBC that lists them. I think it might be issue 12. I will check my copy later and report back.

[Kawika]

If it weren't for Obaks British Columbia baseball would get virtually no love (unless you want to include Vancouver Popcorn cards). To that end here are the 1910 & 1911 Vancouver Beavers and the 1911 Victoria Bees. LINK

[Michael Peich]

David--Isn't that an original photo for a Victoria player?! Great image.

Cheers,
Mike

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

Originally Posted by Kawika

If it weren't for Obaks British Columbia baseball would get virtually no love (unless you want to include Vancouver Popcorn cards). To that end here are the 1910 & 1911 Vancouver Beavers and the 1911 Victoria Bees. LINK

Great looking cards. Thanks for sharing.

[brianp-beme]

Originally Posted by KMayUSA6060

How many players in the T212 Obak set made it to the Majors?

The short form answer is that around 40% of the players depicted in the Obak sets appeared in the majors. Of course the long form answer involves a list of names, which maybe somebody can provide or offer the link.

Brian

[Leon]

I believe it s a type 1!! (nice pic David)

Originally Posted by Michael Peich

David--Isn't that an original photo for a Victoria player?! Great image.

Cheers,
Mike

[Kawika]

Originally Posted by KMayUSA6060

How many players in the T212 Obak set made it to the Majors?

Ask and ye shall receive. Following is an article from the Sept/Oct 1997 issue of the late and lamented Vintage & Classic Baseball Collector (VCBC).

Originally Posted by Michael Peich

David--Isn't that an original photo for a Victoria player?! Great image.

Cheers,
Mike

Original from the waist up. Cap and jersey by Ebbets Field Flannels. Pants from Salvation Armani, kung fu shoes from Fan Tan Alley.

[brianp-beme]

Thanks for posting the great Obak article by Jeff (who I haven't heard from or about in years). It was published during the time frame when I was finishing up the Obak sets and was a wonderful source of knowledge, and gives some nice write-ups of some of the prominent players. I had forgotten about this article...I am going to print it out right now.

Brian

[brianp-beme]

Jeff also wrote an article and then a follow-up article for VCBC concerning the 1910 slogans, listing what slogans could be found for each player in both the 150 and 175 series. The follow-up article added slogans from reader's input that were not listed in the original article. Another great couple of articles that should be a part of any Obak collector's arsenal.

Brian

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

Thank you for sharing. A lot of good info here.

[KMayUSA6060]

Thank you very much for sharing. Loads of information there. I'm not sure who I'm gonna target out of that list. Some interesting player-background!

[Leon]

Originally Posted by KMayUSA6060

Thank you very much for sharing. Loads of information there. I'm not sure who I'm gonna target out of that list. Some interesting player-background!

Half the fun is figuring out what to do. One possibility is the 1910 back slogan subset...I did this one and it was fun doing it but I no longer own it. There are a few tough backs.

[t213]

I completed a 1910 set with all 35 backs. There aren't any real rarities other than a couple of players who are hoarded by family members.

Andy

[Leon]

Originally Posted by t213

I completed a 1910 set with all 35 backs. There aren't any real rarities other than a couple of players who are hoarded by family members.

Andy

From the hundreds (maybe a thousand) 1910 obaks I have seen and gone through, my experience was the "Just Right" back was seen less often. There were a few sets of backs sold in the last several years which each had one, but my sampling was they were far more scarce. Your mileage may vary though .

[t213]

Leon is right on the backs. Most if not all players are found with multiple possible backs and there are a couple of backs only found on a few players, while other backs are found on 50-100 different players making them vastly easier to obtain. In terms of the fronts, there aren't any real rarities besides the family hoards.

Andy

[jchcollins]

Thanks all for the responses and wealth of information. Question - were Obaks the first minor league set of any prominence issued? Offhand I'm not aware of any other tobacco cards that feature minor leaguers exclusively.

[deadballera]

there was the Red Border - T210 that featured the Southern/Eastern leagues.

seems to run around the same time period.

[Kawika]

Walter Schmidt appeared on both a T210 and an Obak. There are probably others although I can't think of any off the top of my ancient head.

[Bliggity]

Originally Posted by jchcollins

Thanks all for the responses and wealth of information. Question - were Obaks the first minor league set of any prominence issued? Offhand I'm not aware of any other tobacco cards that feature minor leaguers exclusively.

Also T209, which only had minor leaguers from the southern leagues. I think production, at least the first series, began in 1909.

[Jobu]

T209 Contentnea as Dan mentioned. There is also T211 Red Sun, one of the coolest backs out there. Also Zeenuts.

Originally Posted by Bliggity

Also T209, which only had minor leaguers from the southern leagues. I think production, at least the first series, began in 1909.

[jchcollins]

Well, here she is - my first Obak, arrived today. Art Kruger (from my research they misspelled his name on the card...) played for the Portland Beavers in the PCL, but also the Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Naps, Boston Braves, and KC Packers in the majors. He died in 1949 in Hondo, California.

Part of what I think I'm going to love about these cards - nobody really is a star. I mean in their day and context certainly some were, but nobody was a household name, and virtually none are remembered today other than the two black Sox, Gandil and Weaver. Part of what I get sick of in trying to accumulate other things is my diversion by star power. Nice with this set just to enjoy the cards as miniature works of art and representative pieces of the times and leagues they came from.




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