So whats there to know about the 1904/06 Fan Craze set?
 

The cards look cool and I get the basics as far as yr, total cards, checklist but are there any super rare items in the set? I see typically nice conditioned cards that go for a fraction of the e107s. Is this set a realsitic long-term goal? I have the pics in the slocum book but no write up in there nor lipsets encyclopedia. Thanks for any help in the matter.

I don't believe there are any rarities because I think these were issued as complete game sets. So no short prints or variations as far as I know.

These cards do come up at auction. I think it would be quite possible to do a set. The low demand for these cards has kept them within reason (especially relative to E107, which shares the same images). No doubt more Fan Craze cards exist than E107s...and the Fan Craze cards can be found in much higher grades. But they are not nearly as common as some people might think. My opinion is that they are way undervalued.

Cheers,
Blair

Agree with Blair, very possible to put together a set in nce grade without breaking the bank.

They also have exquisite photography. In that respect, hard to find a nicer looking set. Plus they were issued in an era when very few other sets were being produced, so you get an interesting mix of players. And because they are not as popular as T or E cards, prices are usually pretty reasonable. They are less widely collected but I always liked them.

The 1904 date that was carried for years is incorrect, they are both 1906 issues. A search of older posts should yield the discussion on that.
-Rhett

Blair, I thought the E107 Wagner was a different portrait, I thought the Fan Craze was the famous Horner portrait?

You are correct, Greg.

I believe all the Fan Craze cards are Horners, e107 uses a mix of photographers. That's why there's no Matty.

Thanks for the correction, guys...I was thinking of my Cy Young, which is one of the cards that shares the image with E107 (but you guys are right that not all are the same). I believe all 9 of the Boston AL from Fan Craze are the same pics as E107:

Jimmy Collins is different. E107 uses his Chickering photo, Fan Craze his Horner photo.

Right you are - the Fan Craze and W600 Jimmy Collins is the same image.

Cheers,
Blair