T3 Turkey Red Master Set - COMPLETE
 

Hi,

A year or two ago, I asked PSA to consider creating a T3 Turkey Red Master Set in their set registry that would include all the card front variations as well as the Second Series "Turkey Red" back variation that they had noted on slabs since they started grading T3s. I think the original number of cards was listed at 145 or so, but as difficult front/back combinations were located and were graded, the number grew to where it stands today at 152. While there are a few possible cards that may one day be added, I think 152 may stand for a while.

Today I added number 152 to my registry and by PSA standards, completed the first T3 Turkey Red Master Set!

The set itself includes some extremely scarce front/back combinations, including 5 cards with total graded populations (all grades) of 1, 4 more cards with a total graded population of 2 and 1 card with a total graded population of 3.

A true T3 Master Set would actually be comprised of 252 different front/back combinations, but since PSA didn't differentiate the three First Series backs (1-75, 1-76 and the 1-76 "No-Ad" variations), we'll need to go with 152 for now. I've asked them to consider identifying the "No-Ad" backs at some point as these are quite unique, but haven't heard back. As for my set in this regard, I have all the available 1-75 and 1-76 checklist cards and 42 out of 50 "No-Ad" backs. Thats a grand total of 244 of 252.

Thanks for allowing me to share. It is an amazing set, absolute pieces of art and quite addictive.

Happy Collecting,
Craig
www.t3turkeyred.com

Awesome accomplishment, Craig. I've recently done a ton of research into the set, often using your website, and I've learned what a tough challenge it is to complete a T3 master set.

Congratulations!

-Al

Congrats on a huge collecting accomplishment and a beautiful set!
JimB

T3's
 

Craig,

Congratulations...truly beautiful set and an awesome accomplishment! One of my favorites for sure.

most impressive craig! a complete t3 set is like 8 t206 sets due to their size.

t3>t206 !!!

I continue to be amazed at the sets and cards Net54 members have. Congrats on your new set!

Craig, Congrats!
You are the T3 King!

Craig, Great job, fantastic accomplishment.

I was wondering how many proofs you have in your set. As you know I have one.
Joe

Hi Joe,

I actually have 4 proofs - Bell, Covaleski, Jones, McBride. Stunning pieces.

I wish I had more, but they are one of a kind and I know (at least I knew at one point) where most of the others are.

Best,
Craig

craig
 

an amazing accomplishment!!!
congratulations again and again and again!
all the best, ole buddy
Barry

Great collection Craig.


Joe

Wow! Congrats on an amazing accomplishment. I just picked up my first T3 this week. I can't even imagine finishing this set.

Fantastic!!!

Exquisite!

Amazing! One of the most beautiful sets. My two T3's are prizes in my collection.

Congrats, that is an amazing looking set! I'm not a T3 collector myself, but can thank you for my lone T3 (Baker-Turkey Red back) purchased from you on the BST.

Well done Craig, a major accomplishment. Truly one of the most beautiful sets produced.

Words can't sum up this accomplishment. Just simply speachless

Craig...congratulations...amazing accomplishment...love to see your proofs?!!!!

awesome Craig!!

Bravo!!

Re: T3 Turkey Red Master Set - COMPLETE
 

Great stuff, Craig.

Good job, thanks for sharing!

That's awesome. Nice site as well.

It's a wonderful collecting achievement, congratulations!

Andy

Congrats. A great set and an amazing accomplishment.

Awesome!
 

Congrats, Craig! A very tough feat indeed! Very happy to add that I purchased my one and only T3 from you which turned out to be as appealing as you promised. Looking forward to seeing some pics soon :)

Just amazing Craig! Congrats!

Very nice Craig! Thanks for all your help in my quest as well

One of the best sets in the hobby. Nicely done -- congrats!

Congrats!

Craig - congrats. And thanks for answering my questions about T3's over the years.

T#
 

As a set collector I know that is quite an accomplishment! Congrats!

Congrats!!! Impressive accomplishment my friend.

Well Done, Craig. Can you post scans of all the back variations. Is there more than 4?

Lee

Amazing accomplishment, Craig!
 

do you have all the different Doolan / Doolin variations...?

Answers for Lee and Marc
 

Hi Lee,
I have scans and small write-ups on each back variation from both series on my website. Probably best to refer you there - www.t3turkeyred.com. In general, first series cards will have 3 backs available, second series cards will have two.


Hi Marc,
I have the Doolan w/checklist and Turkey Red back and the Doolin w/Turkey Red back. Previously, I'd been convinced that the Doolan would only exist with a checklist back, but then after years of looking, was shocked (and pleased) to find it with the Turkey Red back as well. The Doolin is an extremely rare card, but I'm confident that the Doolan w/Turkey Red back is actually much more rare.

As an aside, I also have a beautiful Doolin card with a blank back. I think there is good reason to believe it is a proof, but can't really be sure.

Best to you both,
Craig

very nice site Craig and thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. Always nice to learn more about vintage cards.

Its so cool when you find a card you thought did not exist, like the Doolan Ad back.

That happened a month or so ago when Doug showed us the Crandall Uzit t206.

This is why we collect. its nice when the old 54 shines through.

Congrats on establishing and completing the Master T3 set! It will be interesting to see if the list grows. Thanks for sharing your website and research. A T3 Tigers card is on my National wishlist this year and I really enjoyed looking through the images on the site.

Mike... so are you going with the Wild Bill Donovan or the Sam Crawford? :D

Man, those two are both beauties! Depends on the budget...that Jennings is a classic and I really like the horizontal Schmidt too! No bad choice with this set.

Nice job, probably the most gorgeous set ever made.

Are all the backs confirmed with the front? I know when I was buying them you rarely saw the checklist with nothing on the bottom, always wanted to win one but no luck (or not enough money), I guess the money went to T206 tough backs and that seemed to work out all right.

Great site, do you have a new challenge?

Lee

Answer for Lee
 

Hi Lee,

The "No-Ad" backs are the ones you are describing, and they are a real challenge. I can't confirm that they exist for all 50 of the first series cards, (NOTE: McIntyre-Brooklyn will only be found with 1-75 checklist, the McIntyre-Brooklyn/Chicago will be found with all three 1st series back variations) however I have 42 of the 50 of the "No-Ad"s and have no reason to believe the other 8 don't exist. My quest for these 8 continues.

In the second series, there is a chance of finding a Paskert-Cin with a Turkey Red back as well as a Rhoades with a Turkey Red back, but as the years go by, I find it doubtful.

All other front/back combinations have been confirmed.

In terms of my next collecting goal - not sure. I've been working on a few sets on and off (I've been a bit pre-occupied with this whole T3 thing), but nothing too exotic. I'll probably continue to buy T3s, build another set, upgrade my current set, etc. A nice mid-grade raw set appeals to me as they seem to lose just a tiny bit of something once entombed. It's cool to hold them and inspect them closely while raw - they smell cool too.

Hope that answers your questions and I would again refer you to my website where a bit more detail on the backs can be found.

Best,
Craig