Posted By:
brian pI agree with tbob that the best and most collector friendly organization of vintage cards would be to have them grouped by the type of card. In my ideal version of this set up, the ACC numbers would not be utilized to organize the sets, except for the main classifications--i.e. the Early Candy cards (E) could all be listed together, the 19th century cards (N), etc. I would then alphabetize the listings within each grouping, and provide the ACC number (when it exists) within the description. An alphabetical and chronological index in the back (such as is seen in the current guides) should also be included as an aid for those unsure of the type of card they are looking for.
I think the majority of the Pre-WW2 vintage collectors out there would appreciate this type of organization, because, as Bob mentioned, it gives you a clearer idea of the similiarity between the issues within a category. The current system of arranging the myriad of sets in strict alphabetical order is very disjointed and not collector friendly--flip through the pages and you have got a button next to a tobacco card next to a thirties gum card next to a felt issue...not too conducive for getting to know the range of the various types of issues. I also think the majority of collectors out there focus their collections upon one or more of these group of cards, and would benefit by such an arrangement.
Just what I would do if I were Mr. Big at Krause Publications...
Brian