The
T206 Monster mysteriously has a way of affecting you. This phenomena is best captured by these classic lyrics in the song....
Hotel California .....
"
You can check-out any time you like. But, you can never leave "
The following expierences exemplify those lyrics.....and, keep this in mind as you read them.....I am not a rich dude (perhaps, just a smart or lucky dude).
I started collecting T206's in the late '70s. I completed a 521-card set (included Magie) by the mid '90s. In 1997, I sold this set to one of my best friends
in the hobby (member of this forum). I needed $$$$$ in order to acquire cards of other vintage sets (N162, E90-1, GOUDEY's, etc.) that I was working on.
And with that transaction, I was done with T206's ...... been there, done that ......
so, I thought
In 2005, an opportunity presented itself to acquire a T206 collection of 555 cards. These cards were graded VgEx > ExMt, so I could not pass up this deal.
I purchased these cards and completed a 2nd set of T206's (520 cards)......my T206 obsession was back.
Then in 2006, I decided to break-up this set and embark on completing an all-PIEDMONT set. This adventure turned out to be a lot of fun. Dave Czuba was
working on his T206 set. At the Fort Washington Show, Dave gave me his PIEDMONT cards and I traded him their counterparts with other backs. November
of 2006, I had put together a 518-card all-PIEDMONT set.
Furthermore, having won a collection of 262 - SOVEREIGN cards in Barry Sloate's Nov 2006 auction, (plus having 52 SOVEREIGN cards) started me on com-
pleting an all-SOVEREIGN set. At first, this project seemed easy. No "Big 6" and no tough Southern Leaguer's needed. Nevertheless, it was quite a challenge
to determine the 68 additional subjects that were NOT PRINTED with SOVEREIGN backs. A complete SOVEREIGN set comprises of 402 different T206's. Also,
I acquired the 6 "Super-Prints" with their tougher SOVEREIGN 460 backs. Since then, I have gradually been adding cards in order to complete a master set.
Sept 2008, I completed my 5th set (missing only Wagner & Plank). It comprises of 467 different SWEET CAPORAL (Factory #30) cards. I chose this T-brand
as these cards are very available. The Demmitt & O'Hara (St Louis variations), Joe Doyle (error), Kleinow (Boston), Lundgren (Cubs), Magie, Smith (Chicago
& Boston), and the 48 - Southern League cards need not apply.
Hey guys, I recommend trying for this SWEET CAP set, as you'll find it relatively easy to complete and quite affordable (when compared to other T206 sets).
That's my story....yes, I'm an obsessive T206 collector....but, the real reward of collecting all these little tobacco cards is all the great friends that I've made
in this process over these past 33 years.
TED Z
A.K.A. ........ T-Rex TED