Finally- one I actually needed, E224-2
 

Most of the time I pick up cards that I don't need to fill a hole but are neat. How can an addict say no? Well, finally I picked up a card to fill a legitimate hole in my pre-war type card collection. Anyone else finally pick up a card (lately) to fill a hole? I know sometimes it can be a long time in between.....This one even has an autograph as a bonus!! (Texas Tommy type 2, for those that don't follow type cards)

http://luckeycards.com/pe224type2hooper.jpg

Outstanding, Leon.

I just filled three holes in my Henry Johnson Confectioners set thanks to an eBay seller who listed five of them (I had the other two). I'm up to 57 now, I believe.

-Al

Leon, I thought I might have been bidding against you on that one. The auto was a bit distracting to me, but it was a great (and tough) card!
-Rhett

Big fan of the Texas Tommy type 2's, much better looking than the type 1's and love the rarity. Congrats!

Took me 3 years...
 

....of negotiating and bidding to finally nab this one. I avoided bidding on it on ebay in October 2006, because the signature was hard to see and not authenticated. Then once it came back authentic in the hands of a fellow collector I tried in vain to wrest it from his grasp, til it wound up in Huggins and Scott's auction, where I again failed to win it. I finally had the trade bait to make this one mine a couple of weeks ago:

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/57kshxikPOts4ozRow9IpQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCNHhgMuiptWNc g&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Ys7fw31kTDs/SqcQ9l-7M3I/AAAAAAAAHS4/BaSWR2E3biY/s800/Rucker%20Portrait%20Auto.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pmifsud3d/AutographedT206?authkey=Gv1sRgCNHhgMuiptWNcg&feat= embedwebsite">Autographed T206</a></td></tr></table>

And speaking of signed cards
 

Leon,

Is that Hooper's signature in the upper left corner?!

yes
 

yes it is Harry's signature and has a PSA/DNA LOA.....As Rhett stated, and I agree with, I would just as soon it not be there.....but it doesn't bother me too much since it's light and doesn't touch Hooper at all...

I used to think that way. Before I purchased my first signed T206 card about 5 years ago, I debated whether the signature even added anything to the card or whether it just detracted from its appearance and value.

Now I can hardly imagine preferring an unsigned card to a signed one.

Oh, and here's another signed E224-2....

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/t8geHptqflmiNGfUWQ-_jQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCPWtlfPx-KPY3QE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Ys7fw31kTDs/Sq6x429BwoI/AAAAAAAAHTc/NBzh_kNw_AI/s800/1914TTE224RMarquard.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pmifsud3d/MiscPreWar?authkey=Gv1sRgCPWtlfPx-KPY3QE&feat=embedwebsite">Misc. Pre-War</a></td></tr></table>

I have always felt that a signature on an otherwise common card adds a lot to the piece, like your T206's. However, I think a signature on the front of a true rarity tends to reduce the # of potential buyers and is a bit distracting, like in the case of the E224-2--but it is still a great card that I would have loved to have won.
-Rhett

You raise two different points, both of which are well-taken. First is that the market for rarities is higher when they are not autographed. I am not sure I completely agree, but I think it is more contextual. Could you imagine the value of an autographed T206 of Honus Wagner or Eddie Plank? Through the roof, would be my guess. But again, I think it is contextual in terms of the rarity and the signature.

With respect to the "distraction" point, I think that's an important issue in autographed card (or photo) collecting. The color, size, clarity and placement of the signature can either add to or detract from the overall presentation and image of the piece. In the case of the Hooper, I think the signature is more distracting than, say, the Marquard above given overall aesthetics.

I agree that what I said does not apply in all cases. Obviously a T206 Plank signed by Plank would be great, because he passed away in 1926. However, Hooper and Marquard lived until 1974 and 1980 respectively--two totally different things.

Also, had the signature been in period fountain pen it would be different or had the signature been placed on the back of the card (which is blank).

It's the fact that the sigs are ballpoint pen that distracts me personally.

-Rhett

I've wanted this one for a while -
and I believe on more than one occasion I may have pestered the owner of the only other one that I know of (I am sure there are others / but I only knew of one other person to pester).

I collect Wagner.... so I guess this "filled a hole" - although I really don't look at it that way.

http://www.internetville.com/images/...16wagFront.jpg

congrats
 

Congrats Joe....one of my favorite all time poses of Wags......How can you not love that card?

Same for me. I was in the fight but bowed out as the autograph also distracted me somewhat. But a super tough card. I am strictly a card guy but I certainly understand the passion of autographed cards as it was just my personal choice. Nice pickup Leon.

This was a gaping hole in my HOF collection.

Congrats Paul - your collection is special.

Looks to be the rookie Hoop at Huntington Ave (1909 uni). Phenomenal card!

Very nice, Leon. I'm jealous. :) Is that Jake Stahl in the background?

Paul,

Congrats! I've needed Dreyfuss for a long time and have the other 24 cards in the set. I really tried to push to get his card before he made the hall of fame but couldn't locate a lower grade example.

One less person to compete with now. I'm glad you found him.

Rob

wow
 

congrats Leon et al.
top drawer acquisitions!!!

best,
barry

Wow...
 

Awesome card Leon! If the auto is a bit too distracting for you then feel free to send it my way, as I will give it a good home.;)