Best (financially achievable) Pre-War set to collect?
 

Keeping in mind, financially achievable means, not the t206 with Wagner and Doyle

As well as a set, that will likely continue to accrue in value over time

Curious to your guys thoughts!

Thx!

A Candy set maybe??

E95
 

Take a look @ E95. A limited number of cards (25), a slew of big name HOFers and the cards are readily available in a range of most collector grades.
Not sure about the investment standpoint as caramels have already had a run up.

How about putting together a T201 set? 50 cards, lots of HOFers, way more affordable to complete than other tobacco issues.

I would hope that over a decent chunk of time most complete pre-war sets would increase in value. I am going after the complete E91 series. It is affordable, and while some people I know feel they aren't the best looking cards, I happen to really like them.

Rob

E95 and E96 together--great looking combined set...they go hand and hand, but would be very expensive at higher grades...

T205--cheaper than T206 and reasonably priced in Vg. It's on helluva set with good subject representation.

T202--a great and undervalued set. I'd say one of the best sets to get a feel for the game from the period. Downside is that it will always have a limited collector base due to the odd card size--what other T-set offer Vg or better Matty's at $100-$200.

My best recommendation--a T206 HOFer set minus Wags and Plank, or a T206 SLer set. With the HOFer set you could strive to get the different brands of T206 as well. These cards are always available, and have great long term potential.

how about taking a bigger set like Cracker Jacks or T3's and just doing the HOFer's?

I completed my 1933 Tattoo Orbit set (have since sold, but once was #2 on SGC Registry) for $5,000. A complete 1936 Goudey issue can be had for around $1,000. The 1933 Delong issue is attainable at $4-6K.

James

T200

jboosted92 - there is a sliding scale of feature players/aesthetics and price. Issues that are lacking some of the major stars of the day, or aren't the most attractive are generally more affordable. If you don't want to sacrifice on players and aesthetics, then, like a few above, I'd also suggest E95/E96. If you want to sacrifice some on aesthetics, you could go after one of the ~1920 strip card issues.

Much depends upon your definition of "financially achievable."

For a '30s set, I think Diamond Stars is worth a look. If you like the designs (I do, but some don't), it is a really cool set with great players. Whenever I see sale prices on these, I often think they are undervalued.

Cheers,
Blair

RE:
 

I agree on the Diamond Stars

How about M116?

Rob - that's a wonderful suggestion - if he's got the patience, M116s certainly have room to grow value wise.

My vote is for the 1935 Goudey 4 in 1 set. Only 36 cards, you get a Ruth for your troubles, and many of the cards feature a Hall of Famer. It's a set of cards that look awkward if you only have one or two; but put the set together and they look fantastic when browsing the old binder (raw, in nine-pocket sheets.....the way the great Civil War General Abner Doubleday meant it to be).

Lovely Day...

I agree with Paul (page 1). The T201 set is very easy to collect. It's easy on the pocket book and it's easy due to the lack of any scarce cards. There are 50 cards but you can find them everyday on ebay. This is a set where you can bide your time and wait for the right card at the right price.

Whatabout York Caramels?
 

I think the Yorks are a nice card set to collect ( especially since I am finished and won't be bidding against you;) It is only 60 base cards with a huge percentage of HOFers...has a certain level of scarcity and some great comments on the back.
Where else can you find Bob O'Farrel listed as the Most Valuable Player in the National League, or Ray Schalk as the best catcher of all time?

http://www.sgccardregistry.com/set.a...4&userset=4077

I second the T200 Fatima Team Cards. Limited number, neat cards and tons of stars, including Joe Jackson and Jim Thorpe.

I would go with:

1) T200 Team Cards.. Could be completed in a month or two

2) M116.. Would probably take at least a year to compete and would get expensive due to the amount of cards

3) T201.. The easiest and cheapest of all Tobacco sets

4) E95.. Small set with tons of HOFs

5) T206 Southern League Set

6) T202.. Odd size but awesome set and center action poses

next set
 

I really like the design of the Diamond Stars set it looks great when you have alot of them together for display, easy to find - prices not bad at all.

Diamond Stars
 

I agree about Diamond Stars. I think they're a nice looking card and fairly reasonable to purchase.

I think the knock on the Diamond Stars is no Ruth or Gehrig. Otherwise, they certainly an affordable and interesting pre-war issue.

'35G 4-in-1
 

I agree with iggyman - the 1935 Goudey 4-in-1 may be a good choice. If you ignore the different puzzle backs, it's only 36 cards. I just recently got into pre-war collecting and I'm about 50 percent of the way through the '35G set. There's no Gehrig, but it does have Ruth, Foxx, Dean, Frisch, Ott, Greenberg and lots of other great HOFers. In low grade condition, the cards are very reasonable.