Posted By:
Chris Counts1. 19th Century — 1888 scraps — When I was kid in the 70s, I found a Sam Thompson and a Deacon White in an antique store. Now they're one of those things I wished I never traded away. Amazing, colorful images.
2. 1900-1920 — Turkey Reds — My choice for the most appealing set of all. The greatest players of the dead ball era, oversized, on thick cardboard, in action poses, in vivid color, with striking detail and bathed in a golden, otherworldy light. Honorable mention to the Obaks.
3. 1921-WW2 — ? — This is a tough call. 1933 Goudey, 1934 Diamond Stars and 1941 Play Ball are all classic sets. Personally, I like several of the Wheaties sets of the late 30s just as well as the others, especially the ones in color and the ones with the baseball tips.
4. Post WW2 — I know it's not vintage, but I can't resist — 1948 Signal Oil, 1950-53 Bowman, 1952-53 Mothers Cookies, 1956-57 Topps, 1959-61 Morrell Meats, 1958-62 Bell Brand and 1967 Topps.