From a purely aesthetic point of view, what cards just take your breath away?
 

Without considering a card's rarity, value or historical significance, what cards, when you look at them, just grab your attention? Show me some cards, everybody, either from your collections, or cards you'd love to own....that you could just stare at.

When I first started collecting pre-war cards, I was immediately struck by how beautiful many of them were. They really are little works of art. I love the T206 portrait cards best of all, and out of that subset, there are a few that just blow me away every time I see them. Then, there are some that are just very interesting to me, compositionally.

These three are mine. My favorite card, still, is the T206 Walter Johnson portrait. It's absolutely perfect. A great picture with a well-centered subject, and the black collar, the off-gray of the Washington "W", the old fashioned uniform establish a wide range of dark and light. Johnson looks like baseball royalty, and I love the background color. It's one of those cards where a picture on a web page simply does not do it justice.

Another favorite is the Dutch Revelle. I've really loved this card since the first time I saw it. Revelle's card is haunting in a way. I also love the background color, as it transitions from green to blue.

The last of my three below is the Admiral Schlei. Though not a portrait, it's an interesting composition, with Schlei holding his hands apart, wearing a huge catching glove on one, waiting for the ball. The detail is astonishing, and it's contrasted with this beautiful background. Just a hint of trees appear as if they were watercolored in.

http://imageshack.com/a/img901/6690/Qy6MNA.jpghttp://imageshack.com/a/img905/333/eoW8nL.jpghttp://imageshack.com/a/img909/3880/h2BWpf.jpg

There are a lot of other cards that really grab me; the E102 Christy Mathewson, any of the T3 Turkey Red cards, the N142 Duke Cabinets, and of course, the T205 cards are spectacular. But I don't own any of these yet, so I'll wait to see who feels like sharing them.

Show me some of your favorites.

I always thought this card could be hanging in a museum somewhere. Perfect likeness of Joe Tinker, squeezing the bat like he is trying to make sawdust, cool looking uniform with his glove in his back pocket. Work of art.

This one isn't from my collection so I copied the picture from ebay. I couldn't figure out how to just get the front. I've always loved the way this one looks and hope to add one some day. Personally I think it's one of the best looking cards in the hobby. They sure don't make 'em like they used to.

I'm also a huge fan of the 53 Bowman Reese and although this one isn't mine I own a lower grade copy.

53 Topps
 

Good thread!

While there are lots of nice t206's, Ive always been captivated by the 53 Topps set, particularly the Paige....smiling, great colors. Im happy to have this one in my collection.

Royce,

Completely agree! Even though mine is SGC 10, it's still a beaut!

Always love the '14 CJ Jackson, to me this card has to be up there. My example below was of course low end, but this is one I wish I still had. Sold to a board member 5-6 years ago.

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/v...cjjacksonf.jpg

Personally, I think the '53 Paige is the most attractive card ever produced, but a few others have always stuck in my mind as well. A few are in my personal collection (below), and a few are still on the list -- in particular the T227 Cobb, T3 Mathewson, E90-1 Cy Young.

Of the cards listed below, I love the snarl on the T206 Cobb -- just says everything you need to know about the man, in my opinion.

A good hobby friend now owns this one...

http://luckeycards.com/pt205cobby80sgc.jpg

4 on my list and I have 2 with 2 to go.

1953 bowman Reese - what I would have to say is the best ever.
1953 Topps Paige

And what I still need but are on the hot list -

The Goodwin Champions Anson shown earlier, the best card in an amazing set.
1933 Delong Gehrig. What will likely become of my tax return and one of the reasons I am currently building that beautiful set.

I'm very partial to black and white sets. For me personally most D381's and T3's would fit the bill. Lot of these aren't in finest condition but I love the images....

1954 Topps. So many great cards in that set. Mays and Snider stand out.
1955 Topps Ted Williams. Can't think of a better composition on a card. Like Teddy Ballgame's swing it is perfectly balanced.
1952 Bowman Mantle and 1953 Bowman Mantle. The 52 is beautiful and the 53 is a classic image of the kid Mickey.
1974 Topps Hank Aaron, Tom Seaver and Steve Garvey. My favorite classic 'innocent' design on the Aaron. Seaver and Garvey are perfect action cards.
1997 Topps Derek Jeter autographed insert. I pulled one from a pack and have never wanted to own any other Jeter card.
1984 Donruss Ryan Sandberg. Hell that whole set is spectacular.
T218 Jack Johnson side view. IMO the nicest T card.

Pre-War: T206 Walter Johnson portrait
Post-War: 1953 Bowman Mantle

Have owned both, wish I still had them. The best of the best!

Great cards, Erick. FYI, your Headin' Home card came about from a clandestine deal done late at night, in a Kroger parking lot in Coppell Texas, with an 81 yr old ex-card dealer. He had 1-2 of the other Headin Homes in my previous collection and 4? E92 Red backed croft candy cards, as I recall..

Burke Postcard
 

http://imagehost.vendio.com/a/204295.../GREENBERG.jpg


...whenever I'm looking through my " 1929-1939 B/W big stuff " collection , it seems I always linger a bit longer over this one...

..great thread ; probably going to cause some bemused head-scratching and angst among the members.....especially that "Lefty Grove" guy...

...but I think everybody has " that one "...


...

Thanks Leon, I'm happy to give it a good home. Those cards are so tough!

Art is funny. I have no reason why, but these are mine. I'd include the t205 Cobb but it's already shown.

http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/z...pstdzcq8qs.jpg

http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/z...psbiefjcu8.jpg
http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/z...psw6dmuxmy.jpg
http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/z...psqf73a3yq.jpg
http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/z...psgpxofipk.jpg

Love my T207 cards

Probably my favorite card image ever. Love the black border and team name color contrast, horizontal action shot and the trophy. Doesn't hurt that it is a good ballplayer too.

The lithography on these cards make them appear almost three dimensional

Everybody loves the T206 set (so do I) but I am actually some what partial to the T205 set, especially the American League cards.

http://i1281.photobucket.com/albums/...psbgc04bqw.jpg

Two personal favorites from the t206 set
http://i1281.photobucket.com/albums/...pss4vjusjr.jpg

http://i1281.photobucket.com/albums/...psmi3xvipu.jpg

I think every card in the T3 set is stunning!

http://i1281.photobucket.com/albums/...psqqq6jfo7.jpg

As many have already mentioned the 1953 Bowman set is outstanding! Not my card but I hope to add one similar to my collection soon.

http://i1281.photobucket.com/albums/...psyzd8wmq5.jpg

From the 60s I have always loved the 1967 Topps Set.

http://i1281.photobucket.com/albums/...psu2fihecm.jpg

http://i1281.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2gelxlca.jpg

Most any of these Carl Horner portrait cabinet cards.

Show & Tell
 

My 50-card N162 set is my favorite...... the Anson and Kelly cards are examples of sportscards lithography at its best.

http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...ansonkelly.jpg




There many T206's that appeal to me. But, this one because of it's scarce AB 460 back excites me the most.

http://photos.imageevent.com/tedzan7...Cobbbat50x.jpghttp://photos.imageevent.com/tedzan7...obbbat50xb.jpg





The excitement of the 1947 World Series sparked my interest in BaseBall. In 1948, Satchell Paige was the man.
Us kids emulated his double loop wind-up when we played BB (or stick-ball). This very rare 1949 LEAF card of
him is a classic.
http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...zaz/paige2.jpg. .http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...zaz/paigeb.jpg




Last but not least....every time I look at this Mickey, I experience a flashback to 63 years ago this month,
when I opened a 5-cent waxpack with this Mantle included with the Hi # cards in this pack.

http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/d...mmantle52t.jpghttp://photos.imageevent.com/tedzan7...wrapper100.jpg


TED Z
.

With All This, I am breathless:
 

Attachment 208496

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Love the colors on this one

Just a few this could go on and on and on. That Cap Anson is amazing too, I've never seen that but would love to own it.

a couple...

All the cards shown are awesome. I'll add a little Latin flavor.

I always loved the 1948 Leaf Ted Williams. T206-wise I love the Ed Walsh portrait and the Bill Donovan throwing pose. Donovan looks almost 3D and the sunset background is great.

While these don't fit the definition of cards for some, I still find these the most attractive items I've had the pleasure to own.

http://i1368.photobucket.com/albums/...ps71eb6174.jpg

http://i1368.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1f0a8405.jpg

http://i1368.photobucket.com/albums/...ps393a3c64.jpg

I like almost any T3. I'd love to own an example and a t204.

This Mantle! Love this card.....

My favorite card is 1957 Topps Mantle. After that, in no particular order:

1954 Topps Mays
1954 Topps Aaron
1957 Yankees' Power Hitters (Mantle and Berra)
1958 Topps Mantle

I'll confess to being biased toward cards I first discovered as a kid, including all the '58 Topps All-Star cards, as they bring back fond memories.

Great thread. I think we all have different ideas of what is stunning as I consider many of these cards ordinary. But the ones shown that stood out to me and made me stop scrolling are:

* T206 Johnson - love the yellow background and red hair contrast
* E90-1 Buck Jordan - great background
* N162 Kelly - great background
* 1923-24 Ohm card - look at that youthful face except for the eyes which appear 50 years older. It's like he is a carefree individual who has seen more than most of us can comprehend, yet carries on. I may need to google him.

My contribution. N197.........of a gladiator. How cool is that? Plus my image which is an N462 Buffalo Bill.

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...hley/N197F.jpg

'48 Bowman Hall of Famer
 

Pack fresh beauties that I got back recently from PSA! :eek:

Attachment 208527

Attachment 208529

A T206 Mathewson white cap does it for me.

In no particular order:

Most 1953 and 1957 Topps cards
Allen & Ginters (the originals not the Topps series)
The 1933 Goudey set
Anything postwar with members of the Boston Braves. I have a soft spot for that team. Don't know why.
The 1949 Bowman Bobby Doerr. It was the first vintage card I ever bought.

A few of my favorites...

All great cards, but Scott those fans stand out. Thanks for sharing.

One of the things that just grabs me when I look through all these cards---the color!!! God, these things are just gorgeous. The two Cobb T206s, bat on shoulder, and the bat off. With one, you have Cobb at his most intimidating. A look that would strike fear in a pitcher. The other, a pensive Cobb with his weapon of choice. Both have these wonderful backgrounds, and on the bat off shoulder, some great shadows.

That T3 Bresnahan is friggin' phenomenal. The Goudey Gehringer, too. And then there's Stan the Man, and Campy. If a gun were held to my head, and I had to pick a favorite between the T206 and the '53 Bowman sets, I don't know if I could. Certainly the T206 set is much larger. Both contain a plethora of all-time greats. But, how can you go wrong with the best photography that's ever appeared in a baseball card set? The fronts are completely unadulterated--just the men that played in the game's golden era, in those old flannel wool uniforms. And the backdrops, the great stadiums. Ebbets Field. Fenway Park. Yankee Stadium, Wrigley Field and the Polo Grounds. The Bowman sets are all great, but in my humble opinion, the '53 set was their pinnacle, and they created a set that hasn't been matched since.

Then you have the black & white beauties, or cards/postcards in monotone. That Burke postcard of Hank Greenberg is a classic. I certainly hope we'll see more examples like this. We haven't seen any of the Sporting News M101-2s. Technically, they are supplements. But, we'll make an exception. Whatever moves ya!

I didn't see Jerry's post until after I'd submitted mine. Those beauties just jump off the page. That Hubbell, the Double X are wonderful examples. A good portion of my favorite Goudeys are represented in this thread already, that '34 Gehrig, and probably my favorite Ruth, the '33 bat on shoulder.

And then there's the E92 Matty, and the '52 Topps Mantle. I want all of these. I better live a really long time, because it's going to take me forever.

Great thread! This one always gets to me

The Cubs could really use Kiki right now. :mad:

I'll play. It's no wonder we love this hobby. So many little gems.

http://photos.imageevent.com/kawika_...ck%20Ewing.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/kawika_...110%20Cobb.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/kawika_...hite%20Cap.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/kawika_...ZN%20Halla.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/kawika_...93%20Leach.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/kawika_...Home%20Run.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/kawika_...tle%20pc_1.jpg

That Cobb knocks my socks off, David. There is nothing nearly that nice coming out today, which is a real shame. With all the advances in technology since the pre-war era, it seems we've lost some much of the artistry that made baseball cards such a joy to collect. I'm seriously debating selling my modern cards (again) to pick up some of these beauties.

And the Matty cap T206s are among my favorites cards in the set, and the entire era. Thank you for sharing.

BTW, Leon, I was remiss in not commenting on the T205 Cobb you posted. That's a set I could really enjoy collecting. I'm just having to pick and choose my battles right now. That's a real beauty!

Sorry for the non-sports
 

but these are just the best looking cards ever produced...

Great thread so far!

I'll add another...Not a "card" per say but I think 1937 & 1938 Dixie Lid Premiums are stunning!

http://i1281.photobucket.com/albums/...psikyu54pl.jpg

I know I've posted this same card in similar threads in the past, but what the heck. I have a soft spot for colored mount cabinets. Combines my favorite image format (sepia photograph) with a little color (in this case gold & black). Bruce has a sweet Chickering cabinet of Duffy that delivers the same allure and then some (imperial sized cabinet).

That Luis Alvarado card is sweet! Thought it was a "Bad News Bears" outtake at first.

I'll curve from the norm. I know they aren't universally popular here, but shiny things are pretty too. :)

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5651/...f976965dde.jpghttps://farm1.staticflickr.com/732/2...e39ea17d3b.jpghttps://farm1.staticflickr.com/723/2...5e67f8e957.jpg

Great cards everyone, keep sharing. It is so great to see so many beautiful cards.

Any T3 or T227

.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10...f8f24cb000.jpg

...NOT!!!!

Another classic

Although I am Biased...
 

"It Seems to me...
THaT JuST ABoUT AnY Christy Mathewson Card Has Its Charm!"
(Even iN His Undergarments...)

By Your Leave... "MoST Excellent Thread Bill !"

My four favorites. T213-2 Ty Cobb with the lacquer coating is like the T206 on steroids. Great action shot of Bobby Jones against the sky blue background. Slightly nerdy looking Stan Musial with redbirds matching blood red background. Gehrig batting. :D:D:D

Attachment 208627

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http://photos.imageevent.com/rgold/ebay/gehrig33.jpg

As others suggest T3's, and there's 100 to choose from.
Here's a few I always liked from my set I had awhile ago

http://www.qualitycards.com/pictures/12158162.jpg

http://www.qualitycards.com/pictures/30808955.jpg

http://www.qualitycards.com/pictures/12262461.jpg

http://www.qualitycards.com/pictures/12389376.jpg

http://www.qualitycards.com/pictures/12305881.jpg

http://www.qualitycards.com/pictures/31381268.jpg

I like these two in particular!

'54 Aaron RC
http://toddjenkins.wikispaces.com/fi...Aaron%20RC.jpg

'55 Killebrew RC
http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/nmYAAO...j4/s-l1600.jpg

And on the postwar side of things......
 

http://imagehost.vendio.com/a/204295...BOWMAN_NEW.JPG


...any of these...

..

Couple more cards that always catch my eye. The 1958 Topps Roberto Clemente is probably my favorite from him. I love the simplicity. When this card has a clean surface, it really pops. The yellow background, with Clemente batting in the foreground, is highly effective, if you ask me. Next up, the 1950 Bowman Ted Williams. The format that would work so effectively in the '53 set got a start here. No team name. No player name. Just a great picture of an all-time great hitter. The last two cards are from the 1980 Topps set. The classic Rickey Henderson rookie card. The best leadoff hitter of the modern era. And finally, my favorite card as a kid growing up, the 1980 Topps Robin Yount. The kid on the cusp of super stardom. I spent many an afternoon at Milwaukee County Stadium watching the Hall of Famers, Yount and Molitor, right next to each other. Those were great times. There was so much history in that stadium.

http://imageshack.com/a/img905/4029/7BZOmB.jpghttp://imageshack.com/a/img910/358/rKvJVh.jpghttp://imageshack.com/a/img907/4171/otOHUL.jpghttp://imageshack.com/a/img911/5434/MP0CT5.jpg

More great picks, Bill.

I've always liked the image on the E90-1/T216/etc. Tris Speaker. Almost any E107 is breathtaking, but the portraits with the players in their best street clothes have always captivated me (W600s would be equally captivating, maybe even moreso with their size. Still, the charm of the smaller E107 is tought to beat). Note: the E107s posted here are not mine! :)

Chuck, the Breisch Williams set is fantastic. I remember first reading about the set in my Encyclopedia of Baseball Cards. I went to go find out what they sold for, and the sticker shock was a tad overwhelming. I think I'll have to admire them from a distance. Still, it's a real nice change of pace to see these immortals in their Sunday best, isn't it?

The E-107 American Caramel set has become one of my favorite candy sets, and that's one of my three favorite cards from the Grey Eagle (the others being the T3 Turkey Red, and his T206). But if I were to pick a favorite card from that set, it would have to be the Willie Keeler (the pink back variety). It's actually on my short list of cards to buy once I begin collecting here again in the next month or two.

http://imageshack.com/a/img911/7388/tlg5QV.jpg

Another barrage of personal favorites. The '33 Goudey set has some stunning cards in it, and the surreal multi-colored backgrounds have always held my attention.

Then again, you just never know what'll catch your eye.
Which is what makes collecting like one giant all-you-can-eat buffet.

And I'm always headed back for seconds... :D

The 1915 Matty Cracker Jack is my all-time favorite card. He looks so regal and dignified on that card.

A couple of my favorites from my collection. I really would like to add an m110 at some point. The Cobb is fantastic as are all the others from the set.

http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/...ja%20oakes.jpg
http://www.net54baseball.com/picture...pictureid=7461
http://www.net54baseball.com/picture...ictureid=16511http://www.net54baseball.com/picture...ictureid=14717

DJ

I think they call him Wee Willie because his head is 5 sizes too small for his body. :D

Some of my favorites have already been shown in earlier threads, so I am mixing it up with some of my favorites from my collection. Purely aesthetic. Full disclosure, the Western Playground is on my wish list, not in my collection (anyone want to work a deal?)

I always like the Davis sliding card.....great cards in the thread all the way around...

I don't have the card with me, I'm in DFW. Topps made a card of Ansel Adams in the 70's that I find quite aesthetically pleasing. If anyone could post a picture that would be awesome.

and I am guessing I will see you in a little while if I can swim to the show.....over 18 inches of rain in the last 24-36 hours in Corsicana (just south of Dallas). I am watching a long train, on the news, that is completely on its side, every car off the tracks from the flooding.

http://www.diyphotography.net/wordpr...ms-300x208.png

Sure will :) I was dumb and decided to take the scenic route from Austin yesterday. I got stuck in a detour in Corsicana for two hours. I got to watch the water rise literal inches. Yikes! Everyone be safe around DFW today.

Thanks Rick. I love that card. Only thing that would have made it cooler: replace the baseball with a camera.

Since I joined the forum, this has been my all-time favorite thread. (Thank you, Bill) I don't want it to leave the first page. Love looking at so many beautiful cards and seeing hobbyists with similar "collecting DNA." In my case, I share similar tastes with Josh, Raymond, Ronald, Scott, and Jason. Many of my favorites are here, but adding one I love because of the bold blue background and interesting framing.

Some OUTSTANDING baseball images in this thread. Every one of them is arresting.

These two come to mind. The former for the colors and the almost ethereal aura of his uniform. The latter for the way the artistry captures that impishness in the eyes so perfectly.

http://photos.imageevent.com/mattyc/...iMaggio372.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/mattyc/...bbSGC10359.jpg

I forgot to include this dude in my earlier post here.


http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/...0xMattySGC.jpg



TED Z
.

How did it take 7 pages for the '41 PB DiMaggio to pop up? Beautiful card. Outstanding 2.5 too.