Old Cardboard and VCBC?
 

Just curious how many have/get these and what they're like. Are they worth getting? I've been thinking of trying to get all the old issues and subscribing, but it can get costly to get them all. Any info would be helpful. Thanks.

A subscription to Old Cardboard is worth it for several reasons... not only it is a great resource with many interesting articles, it is also run by top notch guys who are doing it for the love of the hobby. I purchased all of the back editions and have enjoyed reading them. They do offer a discount on their website for buying them all at once.

VCBC may be good as well... I just don't have experience with it.

Brian

Well worth it- get them all, and Lew Lipset's Encyclopedia of Baseball Cards

VCBC is now defunct but worth getting old issues, especially the first 20 or so.
Old Cardboard is a pretty good magazine worth of subscribing too.

Both magazines are worth getting in their entirety, if you can find them.

VCBC focused more on memorabilia than Old Cardboard; OC, however, has many more in depth articles on vintage baseball card issues than its predecessor.

I suggest also picking up 1970s and '80s issues of hobby magazines, especially The Trader Speaks, when they're affordable. Even though I read these 30-some years ago when they first were issued, they're still educational now because they provide a glimpse as to the mindset of many collectors at that time.

As an example, in the late 1970s it was accepted within the hobby that 1954 Dan-Dee cards were a pretty scarce regional. Time has shown that Dan-Dees are more plentiful than what was once thought. I think it's good to have reminders that we're continually learning about this hobby and that "facts" can change.

In addition, even though a lot of the checklists you'll find in these publications have since been updated, it's interesting to track how and when new examples of an issue were discovered. Finally, it's enjoyable to browse through the old ads. If you were a collector then, you find yourself shaking your head about what could have been.

Thanks for all the tips guys. Looks like about a $250 investment to get almost the entire run of both. If you had to chose one to start with which run would you get first? VCBC or OC?

I have both and find myself reading and referencing OC far more than VCBC so if I had to pick one I'd take OC. However, VCBC back issues can be more difficult to come by so you may want to grab those while you have the opportunity (assuming it's a complete run) and add OC when funds permit.

would pick OC

Old Cardboard is head and shoulders above VCBC for learning about pre-war card sets.

Old Cardboard

Both are really good magazines, but you will get more interesting stories in the VCBC magazines in my opinion.

Joe

If you collect T207 cards, the two issues of VCBC are a must. :D
Mark Macrae's Obak, D310 and D311 articles in VCBC should also be a must buy for any PCL card collector.

both and more
 

get them both, Trader Speaks, Lipset's Volumes and read them everyday--all day--
try to never work again--and all will be bliss.

best,
barry

Both are great. Get them all. It is also great to support OC. Lyman and (his son) Brett Hardman who produce it are great people and making a real contribution to the hobby.
JimB

I'll second that
 

I'll second that, Bob! Issues #37 and #38 are indispensible.

--
Mike

Old Cardboard is a very valuable resource. I loved VCBC because Dennis Purdy liked to take on some controversial issues. I still refer to many of the articles, one of my favorites being Barry's article on vintage baseball books from around 1995. Get those back issues if you can.

Thank you Tom.

both are great resources !